Among the silicon supported start-up restaurants that line Valencia Street in the Mission, La Cumbre bravely holds its ground. This cozy restaurant has all wooden tables and chairs, none of this metal and concrete techno coldness. The jack cheese they melt in their burritos is thick and real and tasty. You can smell the grilled meats before you walk in. Not only is this place authentic, it's a bargain. For $4.50 you can get a super (as-big-as-a brick) deluxe vegetarian burrito made with beans, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, fresh lettuce, and salsa instead of the typical three-day-old tomato and canned beans crap. This lively spot keeps the old shape, feel, and incredible taste of the Mission alive.

- Susi Levi-Sanchez