Metroactive Dining

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Coffee & Dessert

Bombay Ice Creamery
$. The kulfi must be tried, but the house-made ice creams are the backbone, in such flavors as fig and rose. Mission, 552 Valencia, (415/431-1103). (P.A.)
Cafe Greco
$. This sidewalk cafe in the heart of North Beach is a bustling little nook, with a charming and energetic staff who, without fail, greet their guests with the friendly Italian greeting, "Bon Giorno!" High ceilings and open door-length windows lend this cafe a European flavor, as after-dinner strollers, visiting Europeans and local North Beach-dwellers occupy the marble-topped tables inside and the green umbrella tables outside. Best known for their rich, full-flavored coffee always complimented with a choice of cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom, Cafe Greco serves other delectable treats which include savory chocolate-covered biscotti, focaccia breads and other goodies. Columbus Street at Stockton and Green. Open Sun-Thu 7am-midnight, Fri-Sat 7pm-1am. (C.P.)
Daily Scoop
$. A '50s style ice-cream parlor, whose vintage jukebox helps provide a friendly, charming ambiance. Potrero Hill, 1401 18th St, (415/824-3975). (P.A.)
Greens Front Counter
$. While the restaurant proper at this gorgeous bayview location inside historic Fort Mason has become justly famous for serving cutting-edge vegetarian fare prepared by kung fu-trained monks (I could be wrong on that last part), most people walk right past the pastry and coffee counter up front to hustle to their seats, and that's too bad. With a great selection of baked goods, caffeinated beverages and the expected Odwalla juices, Greens' counter is the ideal place to fuel up before or Fort Mason events. And though sitting inside with your goodies isn't really an option, who needs to when surrounded by Fort Mason's spectacular vistas? Cradling a cup of coffee while watching a gigantic cargo ship slide past Alcatraz sounds like my idea of heaven. Fort Mason, Building A. Open until around 10pm. (Z.S.)
Latin Freeze Mission
$. Stop into tiny Latin Freeze for paletas (fresh-made frozen fruit on a stick) in a wide variety of flavors. Especially recommended: coconut and tamarind. 3338 24th Street (415/282-5033). (P.A.)
Mrs. Fields
$. Don't laugh. Unlike its characterless counterparts in the malls of America, this conveniently located outpost of the Mrs. Fields empire actually has a few indoor tables where one can easily dive in for a quick sugar 'n' caffeine rush and watch the shivering, bare-legged cable car riders roll past before sallying forth again. Moreover, the cappuccino is passable and the fudge brownies are absolutely first-rate. Corner of Powell and O'Farrell. Open till 10pm. (Z.S.)
Rory's Twisted Scoop
$$. The ice cream is made at the Fillmore store, in both typical and unusual flavors, and has an almost sticky consistency.The blueberry cabernet is a favorite. Noe Valley, 1300 Castro, (415/648-2837). Pacific Heights, 2015 Fillmore, (415/346-3692). (P.A.)
Seattle Street
$. Surprisingly enough, few places in the theater section of Geary Street specialize in coffee and desserts. Seattle Street is one of them, and offers a cozy place to get away from the outside street's frantic pace. Tasteful photographs are mounted on the walls and even beneath the transparent tabletops, and the counter offers a wide assortment of drinks and snacks, including some tempting fresh juices for those who don't wish to be bouncing off the walls at 3am. 351 Geary. Open until midnight. (Z.S.)
Sweet Inspirations
$$. A sometimes overwhelming array of pastries--with any one of which it's hard to go wrong--in a busy, social setting. Castro, 2239 Market (415/621-8664). Pacific Heights, 2123 Fillmore, (415/931-2815). (P.A.)
Torrefazione
$$. Torrefazione A bright, laid-back respite from the molasseslike lunch-time bustle of the Financial District, with pastries and a nice spectrum of coffees. And those cute little Pellegrini. Downtown, 200 California, (415/274-1634); 100 Mission, 415/543-1396; 100 Montgomery, (415/834-0368). (P.A.)

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