Pagolac

This is my favorite restaurant in SF. Really good food, really pleasant atmosphere and staff.

The 7 Flavors of Beef is awesome, and lots of fun for a group. It does cost about twice as much as most things on the menu, but it's a nice splurge. If you've never had the 7 flavors, it's really filling but not as heavy as it might sound.

Their imperial rolls kick butt, including the vegetarian ones. You can bring your veggie friend here and they'll have at least a couple options.

The prices are pretty reasonable -- you can find places that are a little cheaper, but the ingredients here are really fresh, and you get what you pay for.

The family that runs the place is very welcoming. You'll usually have to wait for a table, because they don't try to rush anyone out the door. They've given my table a free dessert before when the wait has been especially long.

Be warned: it's cash only. There is an ATM in the liquor store across the street. Also, they're only open for dinner.

Lalita Distinctive Thai Rstrnt

The food is normally a bit on the pricey side, but the appetizers are good and cheap at happy hour (weekdays 3-7). I like the calamari.

They have a full bar and cool bartenders. I recommend the Twisted Thai Tea if you like thai iced tea, though that's not a happy hour special.

Pakwan Restaurant

The food is consistently really good, and it's cheap. One dish per person is plenty. Throw in some naan and rice, and you're looking at $10 a person.

I've never had to wait for a table -- I'm not sure I've ever seen it more than half full. Don't take that as a bad sign, I think most of their business is takeout.

They don't serve booze, but you can bring your own. It's the TL, so there's tons of liquor stores around.

Watch your head in the bathroom -- low ceiling, but it seemed really clean.