Falafel's Drive-In in San Jose is amazing. It's been on the Food Network and a bunch of other random shows. It's been around since the 50s and feels like it-- neon light-up signs, the full deal. The best $7.50 you can ever spend: large falafel sandwich and a banana shake, their famous special.
Also in San Jose/suburbs:
Straits (
http://www.straitsrestaurants.com/in...p?section=13): I usually go to the Santana Row location. I seriously think that you can order anything off of this menu and leave super happy.
Dio Deka (
http://www.diodeka.com): awesome Greek food in my home town.
In San Francisco, EVERYWHERE is good. But if you want some awesome Cuban food and a fantastic atmosphere, go to Cha Cha Cha. Their fried plantains are magic. But expect a RIDICULOUS wait at either location (even on any given weekday-- I was there tonight and the wait was an hour and a half for a table for two when we walked in at 8) so reservations are a must. So delicious.
http://www.cha3.com/