Some lunch places that I recently went to:
Boxed Food Company (245 Kearny St, SF) A take-out soup-and-sandwich place, which gives you your food in generously sized boxes. Not only are their sandwiches pretty tasty, the include a pretty good salad (with good dressing, and large parmesan slices). Maybe a tad on the spendy side, but definitely worth it.
Out the Door (Ferry building) Slanted Door’s take-out counter, offering a good selection of Vietnamese/Chinese dishes. I’ve tried quite a few things here.. Vietnamese-style chicken sandwich, steamed buns, curry, and they have all been good. Take it out to the back of the Ferry building for a nice view while you eat.
Taylor’s (Ferry building) A burger joint right across from Out the Door. I just went for the first time today, and got their Patty Melt and onion rings. It was a little spendy ($11 total, $7 for the burger and $4 for the rings), but both items were very good, esp. the Patty Melt. I’m definitely going back.
Slow Club (2501 Mariposa St, SF) Wacky Racki took us to this place for Sunday brunch. A trendy looking bare-concrete wall interior, with a full bar in the back. Despite the upscale looks, the food was actually quite affordable (~$8/dish) and quite good. I got the French toast, and the turkey sausage hash that I had a bite of was good too. Also definitely going back there.
Saigon Sandwich (560 Larkin St, SF) A whole in the wall Vietnamese sandwich shop with no seating. The sandwhiches aren’t as good as Out the Door’s, but they’re pretty close, and they’re only $3! If you’re starving, its clearly a more economical choice.