Café Madeleine South Park

"Breakfast at Café Madeleine is the move before plans at Balboa Park, when you should sit on their charming sidewalk patio as joggers dash by. This spot has a much better food selection than your average coffee shop, like lamb merguez sausage sandwiches and crepes smothered in nutella and fresh fruit. It’s also a great choice for a meal a little later in the day—go with the spinach or prosciutto crepe, which have a creamy bechamel sauce so smooth it could talk its way out of a speeding ticket. Everything goes down well with their refreshing, mint-spiked French lemonade." - Sabrina Medora

"Sit under the red umbrellas on Café Madeleine’s patio for a relaxed breakfast while joggers dash by headed to Balboa. This spot has a much better food selection than your average coffee shop, like lamb merguez sausage sandwiches and crepes smothered in nutella and fresh fruit. It’s also a solid move for a meal a little later in the day—go with the spinach or prosciutto crepe, which have a creamy bechamel sauce so smooth it could talk its way out of a speeding ticket. Everything goes down well with their refreshing, mint-spiked French lemonade. " - sabrina medora

"Named for the coffee-accompanying pastry ubiquitous in French cafes, this adorable South Park cafe sits just between Balboa Park and the main drag of the neighborhood. Breezy weekday breakfast and lunch are the best time to visit this popular spot if at all possible." - Jackie Bryant