BECAUSE WE LOVE LUNCH! 

Especially when it’s close by – featuring our Top 5 favorite new-ish lunch spots in and around Union Square.

What We Ordered: The light starter, Prawn & Asparagus Salad (topped with a fava bean pesto accoutrement to-die-for), followed by the Maverick, a rich and stoutey kobe butter burger. Perfect for two. Per Chef’s Request: Emmanuel Eng recommends the Farro "Risotto" paired with the Lost Abbey Red Barn Saison (a San Marcos on-draft beer), or the ever-popular Maverick burger paired with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon – particularly the Terra Valentine Napa 2012. He also loves the Fried Green Tomatoes paired with their 49er Gold Rush cocktail, made with bonded bourbon, lemon, honey syrup, and an SF favorite, Fernet Branca. Perk: Beautiful in-house gastropub, delicious bourbon cocktails, three course prix-fixe business lunch. Fun & snazzy. 

Chef’s Request: A Northern Thai specialty, the Khao Soi Gai includes soft and crispy egg noodles with chicken in a super aromatic (and not-so-spicy) curry broth, topped with pickled mustard greens and spicy chili oil on the side (also available vegetarian w/ veggie broth & Hodo soy tofu). Drink their Pak Pow, aka the Thai Beach Kite: IPA, Appleton Reserve Rum, Allspice Dram, Palm Sugar, Lime, and Nutmeg. Perk: Rumor has it this may be the best new Thai restaurant in the city...

What We Ordered: The traditional, and might I add mouth-watering, Spaetzle had us craving for more, while the gourmet Chicken Salad sealed the deal. Chef’s Orders: "My favorite item for lunch here at Schroeder’s would have to be our bratwurst served with braised sauerkraut, whole grain mustard, bread & butter pickles on an acme soft roll. And nothing goes down better with a brat than a beer! Thanks to our ciceron, Rich Higgins, we have some delicious options in that category. The Maisel Weisse: lightly sweet, bready/malt, highly carbonated, or the Gaffel Kolsch: grassy, slightly bitter, crisp." Perk: Newly vamped menu and interior decor make for a vintage flair to your dining experience. Enjoy deliciously authentic German cuisine with a modern twist. 

We Ordered: Gourmet Chowder to start the meal made for a rich beginning, while the oh-my-gawd-good Oyster Po Boy served as a unique end. Next Time: One can never go wrong with an oyster sampler for a taste test of all the goods, especially when the raw bar is displayed so eloquently in the center of the room. Pair it with a glass of their proprietary white vino for the ultimate finish. Perk: Some of the best views of the waterfront with the freshest fish selection in town, right on SF's historical Embarcadero. Totally worth the wait.

Why: Because who can go wrong with fish tacos and a pitcher of sangria on a summer afternoon? If You Dare: Spice up your work day with a delectably dangerous Tongue Taco. Perk: Right off Market with tons of outdoor seating on a grand patio for some of the best people watching in town. Also, great vegetarian options from tacos to salads to plates full of colorful roasted veggies for our herbivore friends.

Everyone likes a good deal, especially when traveling. These top 5 spots that we love are within walking distance to your San Francisco Personality Hotel, and will leave you and your wallet happy:

1. Pearl's Deluxe Burgers

When the burger craving hits, head to Pearl's. It's hard to go wrong here and with some many meat options and add-ons, pretty much anyone will leave feeling full and happy. Not to mention they serve melt-in-your-mouth milkshakes, and several different types of french fries. Sweet potato fries? Yes, please! Good for lunch or dinner. 708 Post St.

2. Kare-Ken

Only open in the evenings, Kare-Ken serves up a classic Japanese katsu curry. This place is small, but dishes up hearty comfort food and friendly service. Their made-from-scratch curry can be served mild or hot and topped with extras like a boiled egg, corn, fried seasonal veggies, and tempura onion rings. You can always add more meat, sauce, or rice to up-size the portions. The late-night (after 10pm) menu flaunts a beef curry dog and a katsu curry sandwich. 552 Jones St.

3. Bio

A cozy gem tucked in the middle of Union Square, Bio caters to those who eat a gluten-free or vegan diet. You'll find gluten-free quiche and vegan vegetable soups and salads. But don't worry, bacon lovers will still be pleased here - the prosciutto, fig, and gruyere sandwich always hits the spot. With both savory and sweet options, and hot and cold beverages (they even make their own Kombucha) Bio is a one-stop-shop ideal for breakfast or lunch. 75 O'Farrell St.

4. Bite

Sandwich lovers should look no further. This order-at-the-counter deli never disappoints. Build your own sandwich or order a specialty, like the Gouda Good - a heavenly combination of their rotisserie chicken with Gouda cheese and special pepperhouse sauces on Dutch crunch bread. Order a salad, or a rotisserie chicken with a side dish for a bread-less, but still delicious, alternative. Open-late. 912 Sutter St.

5. Golden Coffee Shop

With plenty of breakfast options, this mom and pop diner will satisfy the most important meal of the day. Fuel for a day of sight-seeing or to cure last night's hangover, jump-start your day with classic scrambled eggs with corned beef, hash browns and toast, or a stack of fluffy pancakes. Oh, and they also serve Chinese food after 11am. We'll let you be the judge of that. Cash only. 901 Sutter St.