Now Open: CafeZazo, Coffee and House-Made Potato Chips on 14th St.

J. Kauffman

​CafeZazo opened around the corner from Rainbow Grocery a little more than two weeks ago, in a converted apartment whose owners have done most of the construction work themselves. Manager Nick says the name comes from the Spanish slang for a great cup of coffee -- "quiero un cafezazo." The display case is filled with Sweet Constructions pastries, and the menu lists a couple of hot breakfast dishes and sandwiches -- burgers, cheese steaks, grilled chicken, and four vegetarian options.

The small, low-ceilinged cafe has poured-concrete floors, deep orange walls, and as much Mission sunlight as the windows can admit. Neighborhood workers have already discovered the place, as have a few Rainbow regulars who place takeout orders before they go shop.

Fresh chips.

​The cooks serve all the sandwiches with hand-cut French fries, a salad, or chips. The chips have become the cult item -- fried to order, dusted with seasoned salt, and served warm.

CafeZazo 64 14th St. (at Harrison), 626-5555; open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun.