Attention, francophiles! You don't have to battle touchy-feely TSA agents, a long flight, and jet lag to dine on the French classics you crave. The streets of San Francisco are filled with bistros and crepe stands that will take you on a journey to Paris without ever leaving home. Here are four ideas that will help you get your French fill all day long. Bon appétit!

  • Creperie Saint Germain (1 Sansome St., 415-217-7056) Street food has been en vogue recently, but crepe stands are nothing new in Paris. For a cheap, healthy, and satisfying lunch in SF, check out Creperie Saint Germain's to-go window. If you need help narrowing down the 22 savory crepe options, all made with buckwheat flour, opt for the traditional combo of cheese, ham, and egg.
  • The Butler and the Chef Bistro (155A South Park St., 415-896-2075) This South Park bistro open only from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. brings French flavor to a classic American pastime: brunch. As you sit at the crowded tables you’ll recognize from Parisian cafés, enjoy a croque monsieur, the dressed up version of a grilled cheese, or a hearty slice of the quiche du jour, made with fluffy puff pastry — you’ve never had one quite like it.
  • Le P'tit Laurent (699 Chenery St., 415-334-3235) Driving through the winding, narrow streets of Glen Park, you might think you’re on Paris’s famed Montmartre. When you arrive at this corner restaurant filled with French-accented waiters the illusion continues. For an affordable journey through Gaelic classics like soupe a l’oignon grantinée, boeuf Bourguignon, or profiteroles with vanilla ice cream and warm chocolate sauce, go Monday through Thursday and ask for the neighborhood menu — you’ll get three courses for $22. Just make sure you budget in a glass of Bordeaux.
  • Gamine (2223 Union St., 415-771-7771) Order an apertif like the Kir Royale (champagne and cassis cocktail) and start the night off on a mischievous note in this cozy restaurant. Choose from three versions of steamed mussels as an appetizer to share, or add frites and make it your main course paired with a glass of Alsatian white. For something light, according to French standards, try the warm frisée and smoked duck breast salad. And you can’t go wrong with a roquefort burger served on bread that puts the classic American hamburger bun to shame.

Source: Yelp and Le P'tit Laurent