Wilder Snail

Pistachio walls and pale floorboards bring a breeziness to this corner jewel just one block in from skid row, thriving in a community of families and funksters who drop in for groceries, breakfast fixins and back-to-basics neighborliness. Besides a good chin wag, there's espresso drinks, tempting baked goods and winning paninis from nearby La Grotta Formaggia. Restaurateur-owner is ex-DJ "Seren" whose chill vibe encourages longer lingering under local artist Bradford Lambert's breathtaking custom-made shell sculpture.