We had to get the special waffles ($6) with fresh peaches and maple-thyme syrup. No question. Then we settled on the eight-piece fried chicken box ($15), because three pieces was the next size down - definitely too small. We needed a salad to wash it down; the daily special was a BLT ($8) with huge chunks of avocado, thick-cut bacon and a creamy dressing.

Then there was the barbecue pulled pork po' boy ($9). We figured it would round out the order. When we got to the counter, a pile of brown sugar and black pepper biscuits ($1 each) beckoned.

"You get biscuits with your chicken dinner," the woman warned. But not those biscuits. We munched on one while waiting for our lunch.

When our name was called, we carried our packages to the loading dock across the alley that serves as the dining room. When we opened the boxes, we discovered that four large, buttery biscuits came with the chicken, and yet another with the salad. And the enormous po' boy comes with housemade chips and a fresh pickle.

Though all the food is strictly to-go, it's best eaten on the single bench, the loading dock or just standing up. You want to down that waffle at its crunchy best, and at least get a bite or two of that crispy, juicy chicken.

Vitals: 360 Ritch St. (off Townsend, between Third and Fourth streets), S.F. (415) 777-2777. www.littleskilletsf.com. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; occasionally at night. Cash only. Phone orders recommended.

- Tara Duggan, tduggan@sfchronicle.com

This article appeared on page F - 9 of the San Francisco Chronicle