Emily Messer | 210SA The downtown café Sip serves a variety of coffee drinks and panini to satisfy all tastebuds.

The name suggests good coffee, but Sip has the best panini (plural) on the block. Made with a warm, grilled-to-order flat bread, there are 11 types of panini on Sip's menu. So any finicky eater can be satisfied.
The breakfast selection is also fresh and bountiful. If you're downtown in the morning, consider grabbing a 210SA while surrendering to your chocolate craving with a brownie square and cioccolato.

Oh, and we really should mention that Sip does have a decent beverage selection.

WHAT: Sip

WHERE: 160 E Houston St.; (210) 222-0149

HOURS: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays; 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays

TASTE SENSATION: Sure, espresso and some of the more exotic drinks, such as the Vietnamese coffee called shakerato, are fun to sip. But the lunch special is the most delightful treat. It's a panino (singular) served with a side salad or chips and iced tea. The peach brew offers a nice kick without being too sweet. Opt for the lunch box if you don't care for tea. It comes with a cookie. Both meals are only $7.25.
If your panino pick isn't perfect, the additional toppings of fire-roasted bell peppers and avocado are sure to make any sandwich tastier. The panino are grilled and served warm, so the gooey cheeses ooze throughout the bread.

TUMS-WORTHY: The space is not very large and the sparse tables don't accommodate for more than four. If you're going during the lunch rush, consider getting your meal to go. Visit Sip an hour after lunchtime if your stomach can manage the wait.

THE 210 TAKE: Located around the corner from many downtown tourist spots, Sip is a great alternative to some of the crowded chain restaurants. It also has more vegetarian options than most sandwich shops. Try the No. 9 panino. It comes with goat cheese, roasted peppers, eggplant spread, cucumber and romaine lettuce. If you're a meat-lover, chomp down on a No. 4. It's chock-full of delicious Boar's Head cappicola, sopressata and prosciutto.

Emily Messer | 210SA