 Café Claude has been a treasured local bistro for years. Now that owner Franck Leclerc has brought on ex-Chez Papa chef Philippe Chevalier, the authentic menu is a touch more refined and crafted, and the service also reflects this shift. The café's charming interior, from the zinc bar to the wooden chairs to the cozy booths, all come from a café in Paris called Le Barbizon. Café Claude's original owner bought Le Barbizon when it closed and had almost all of it shipped to San Francisco and reassembled. The outdoor alley is an ideal destination for lunch or an after-work cocktail. The lunch menu includes a variety of panini, croques and salads, like the savory betterave salad, made with tender pieces of beet, ribbons of snow peas, feta cheese and a touch of pistou. There is an outstanding selection of flavorful pâtés, and don't miss the rare treat of the silky Kobe-beef-style steak tartare that is ceremoniously prepared tableside. Nighttime brings additional classics, such as coq au vin with a perfectly reduced sauce, and pork tenderloin deglazed with honey and white wine balsamic vinegar. Desserts thrill, like the summertime cherry clafoutis or the warm chocolate cake.
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Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in your area. Also, check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.
