Bourbon & Branch
Yes, the cocktails at this renowned speakeasy, with its complicated reservation policy and barely existent signage, are, in fact, that good. 501 Jones St., bourbonandbranch.com

Chutney
Two doors down from Bourbon & Branch is a dimly lit Pakistani and Indian restaurant. The curries—whether familiar, like chicken tikka masala, or esoteric, like the pickle-laden achaar gosht—are reliably delicious. 511 Jones St., 415-931-5541

Dottie’s True Blue Café
The egg scrambles, hotcakes, and griddled cornbread with pepper jelly are indeed worth the hour-long wait on weekends. But to preserve your sanity and get your belly filled more quickly, it’s best to hit Dottie’s during the week. 522 Jones St., 415-885-2767

Pakwan
As at its sister restaurant in the Mission, curry hounds order their roast-pepper curry and chicken saag at the counter. The dining experience is no-frills, but the satisfying food and reasonable prices more than make up for the restaurant’s rough edges. 501 O’Farrell St., 415-776-0160

Shalimar
Across the street from the speakeasy is one of the most celebrated tandoor joints in San Francisco—and the hype is warranted. Anything and everything that comes out of the kitchen’s clay oven is charred, moist, and flavorful. 532 Jones St., 415-928-0333