San Francisco Fort Mason area -- cheap good lunch?

[bong]

Need a recommendation for a good cheap lunch place near Fort Mason...

Any ideas?

Bonus points if place is kid-friendly.

[Carolyn Tillie]

Really, the only thing within Fort Mason is Greens Vegetarian restaurant. Greens is a lovely restaurant but may not make the kids happy. I loved it, however. Driving distance within Fort Mason is the Embarcadero which is full of touristy places.

I'm sure people who reside within the city will have additional suggestions.

[nanuq]

Balboa Cafe on Fillmore is close-ish, they do have entrees (some at least) under $20, and as part of the Plumpjack group, great wine list at close to retail price.

[Gary Soup]

Ghirardelli Square is very close by. It's not exactly a gourmet mecca, though Ana Mandara and McCormick & Kuleto have some fans. By "kid friendly" I don't know if you mean will they tolerate infants, or are the kid(s) old enough to be into fun eating. Boudin's chowder in a sourdough round can be fun, at least the first time, and they have decent sandwiches. Of course there's the Ghirardelli ice cream place. Here's a link to Ghirardelli's eats lineup:

Ghirardelli Dining

[bong]

Thanks to all who've replied.

When I said cheap, I meant cheap I don't think Greens and Ana Mandara fall into the cheap category... but thanks anyway. They are both good, though.

[juniper_joyce]

What about something on Chestnut Street? I was at Fort Mason this weekend and walked to Chesnut (10 min walk to the shops area). I am not *super* familiar with the area there, but I think Pluto's would fit your criteria, and I am sure there are other restaurants as well.

If you have a car and it's a weekday, another option is Desiree in the Presidio ... excellent sandwiches, soups, salads, etc. They make a box lunch which would be perfect with kids -- grab a few box lunches and take em to Crissy Field. They are only open during the week though.

[mixmaster b]

When I said cheap, I meant cheap  I don't think Greens and Ana Mandara fall into the cheap category... but thanks anyway. They are both good, though.

I think Greens has a take-out counter that is less $.

You could get it to go and enjoy the view from a bench...

The food there sure is good; I just ate there for the first time last week.

[Chef Ptomaine]

Well, if price is the overwhelming factor, and kiddie preferences must be indulged, here are a few possibilities:

CHAINS

pizza

- Round Table Pizza [next to the Safeway (which has serviceable deli - should you decide to eat al fresco, rather than dine inside), across from Fort Mason]

- Pizzeria Uno [Lombard @ Steiner]

burgers

- Burger King [in the Presidio - with a phenomenal view of the Golden Gate]

- Johnny Rocket's [Chestnut @ Pierce]

- Mel's Drive-In [Lombard nr Steiner]

+ Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers [3344 Steiner St. nr Chestnut]

NON-CHAINS

Chestnut Street offers a number of possibilities that aren't too darn pricey, but they all vary in quality & in accommodations - while I'd be inclined to grab a burrito (@ Los Hermanos) or a sandwich (@ Lucca Deli) & head to Marina Green to eat on the bay, I realize it's a little tougher with li'l ones. These places would offer some choices AND have some room for families

- China Village [2263 Chestnut] used to be very reasonably priced, and had wide variety of menu items - even if there was little that was particularly distinctive - but I haven't been there in ages

- Bechelli's Coffee Shop [2346 Chestnut] is great for lunchtime breakfasts (yes, and burgers)

There's plenty more in the neighborhood - it all kind of depends on any other parameters you might have.

Buen provecho,

Richard

Berkeley/SF, CA

[Carole Anne]

Just to update Chef Ptomaine's post:

China Village has closed (soon to be replaced by the newest asian tapas venture from the owners of Isa).

Bechelli's is good for old time soda fountain-esque eggs and burgers, but the tab mount quickly.

Other thoughts:

Pluto's has flexible hours (open all afternoon) and good prices. Another option is Fresh Catch (near Chestnut and Filmore), they serve a good mix of grilled fish, salad and sandwiches with delicious sweet potato fries.

Lots of options as you walk down Chestnut, so stroll and pick your favorite.

Enjoy!

[bong]

Thank you all for the suggestions, keep them coming!