B44 (Belden Place) - The first time I visited B44, I had an interminable wait for a dried out, overcooked and remarkably unappetizing Paella. It took over two years to work up the enthusiasm to try it again. This time I ordered tapas-style with several small plates. The leg of lamb brochette was tender and spicy, and the deep fried squid with paprika allioli (Sevillanos) was just about perfect. This is also a great lunch destination when the weather is good, as you can sit outside in the sun with scores of other hungry people crowding Belden place. Recommended.
Bacar - Elegant modern space open to 1 a.m. with live jazz every night. Two hundred wines by the glass. Downstairs wine lounge. Wok-roasted mussels, Caesar salad and cheese plates are menu standouts. Recommended.
Bagdad Café - Down and out in the Castro. All-American diner food with Mexican twists available 24 hours per day. If you need something to eat at 4 a.m. this is much, much better than Denny's or a candy bar from Walgreens. (Since it isn't named "Baghdad Cafe" I wonder if somebody's father had a drinking problem, or if was named after this movie?) Recommended for what it is.
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