Aliment
Partners Eric Rud and Matt Sullivan present comfort food with a twist in their 64-seat “anti-diner.” Offerings include seared diver scallops with crispy red quinoa, Thai green curry and pickled shallots, or main dishes of wild mushroom cappellini, braised short rib with turnip gratin and horseradish gremolata, or a daily market fish option. 786 Bush Street; alimentsf.com
Aliment’s Brussels sprouts
Sweet Woodruff
The casual eatery from chef-owner Teague Moriarty (Sons & Daughters) offers counter service for 20 and ever-changing dinner specials. Try the Southwestern quesadilla at brunch or the grilled cheese (with havarti and muenster) for lunch, with a Coke float. For dinner, opt for the house-made cavatelli. 798 Sutter Street; sweetwoodruffsf.com
Jones
Serving up stellar “San Frantastic” cocktails on its rooftop patio since 2011, this well designed contemporary hotspot is always full. Signature drinks include Mi Cielito, a tequila tipple finished with Angostura bitters, and the Drunken Pear, Plymouth gin over muddled pear and cucumber: perfect accompaniments to the sensational pizzas and pastas. 620 Jones Street; 620-jones.com
Jones’ plated ribs and slaw
Farm:Table
This socially-networked eatery changes its menu every day and updates its fans about the grub via its Twitter account. Be sure to read up: Recent favorites have ranged from a meatloaf sandwich on focaccia with spicy ketchup to a broccoli-and-chevre frittata. 754 Post Street; farmtablesf.com
Redford
A rustic American tavern from Hugo Gamboa, Adam Snyder and Justin Roja (the Brixton), Redford is a place where friends converge for no-fuss drinking and eating. A juicy make-your-own pastrami-sandwich board pairs nicely with the Redford Manhattan or the monthly Whiskey Plank tasting flight. 673 Geary Street; redfordsf.com
Redford’s interior
