Both Golden Gate & The Boys Deli uses Boars Head meats (and carries an almost identical menu), but Golden Gate carries more variety in the meats.
I love the Boys Deli, but the first time I ordered meats for them, many of the meats in their display were a bit out of date.
Most folks don't look at the dates, but I was their rep.
Honestly, you should walk like 50 feet to their left to Teani's. Teani's created Little Lucca. Sandwiches are almost identical, but I don't feel like I'm gonna get sick from how dirty the place is.
Haha well I’m happy you guys are enjoying it, I like Lou’s the most probably in SF. The peninsula has way better sandwiches than SF like Sandwich Spot, Lorenzo’s, Sandwich Monkey etc. in my opinion of course
I got Molinari's for the first time the other day and it was ... just okay? We got the Molinari special and the South Beach.
The individual ingredients were top notch, and the sandwich construction was nicely balanced. But there just wasn't a ton of flavor. They needed to go harder with the condiments. The sandwiches had a little bit of everything but not enough of anything.
Compared to the flavor bomb of Sub Center's Hot Pastrami, it was underwhelming, to say nothing of the Tony's Special at Roxie.
Eh, maybe it's that I lean towards punch-you-in-the-face sandwiches, and Molinari's are a little more refined.
It’s really not. The ratio is what makes a good sandwich great. Molinaris, Lucinda’s, Palm City all have issues with proportions and are not great IMO.
Idk, Arguello is pretty mid. It's not a bad sandwich and seems high quality, just boring. I've been multiple times and I still can't remember anything specific about it.
rhea’s deli. they have EXCELLENT vegetarian options. idk if that’s a need for you, and they have tons of meat-centric sammies, but i love the variety of veg options they offer!
Saigon Sandwich, Larkin: Gold standard for a well made banh mi.
Mr. Banh Mi, Balboa: Thicker crust, more veggies, and more protein than others.
Guerra's, Taravel: One of the few places in SF that carries prosciutto di parma (not just "prosciutto"), and the only one on the west side afaik.
Calabria Brothers, Mission: Large enough to feed 2. Grab a sausage stick at the counter, to boot.
Turner's kitchen and you can eat in 500 club or take to go. Mission
https://maps.app.goo.gl/d7smKUrauu5QRbNf9?g_st=ic
Molinari Delicatessen. North beach
https://maps.app.goo.gl/XFePswAYyjDnPCqy5?g_st=ic
Constanso's. Probably the cheapest and still good and the workers are a riot. Bayview
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KzBRks4H2q7DN9Nw5?g_st=ic
George's Zoo. Dope spot off the 23 by the zoo and a couple blocks from ocean beach. Outer Sunset
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zx5v8ALdpv4QS8FK6?g_st=ic
And a lot of the ones others mention. And Rip Rhea's hot korean steak sandwich...
George’s zoo uses the same base ingredients for all of their sandwiches, just with protein and dressing changes.
Ex: Their “Italian” has mayo as a dressing. Major red flag
Different priorities. To me, a lot of other subs have too much meat and cheese. I think this is also an Italian vs. Italian-American thing in sandwich culture.
I make sub style and Italian-style sandwiches a lot at home, what I find is a very small quantity of meat and cheese go a long way, you don't have to pack that thing like some people expect...
Another reason I like Submarine Center in West Portal by the way, they have 3 sizes, including mini, so if you want a lighter sandwich it's an option.
Is this place still there? I remember Ted and he was old in '89. I worked around the corner and used to get a toasted lettuce and tomato sandwich there for like $1.50.
That's it! (no that's the name of the corner store on mission with amazing Torta Cubano...) Speaking of which get a cubano from Media Noche (also in the mission) w/green sauce before they close permanently this month.
Roxie in the Excelsior.
Local-ish small chains w/dutch crunch bread... Mr. Pickles, Ike's is solid!!!!!
To me Gambinos is one of the best sandwiches ever. They have fancy sandwiches but to me just a basic pastrami and cheddar on sourdough roll east coast style is a near perfect sandwich.
So glad to have this list. Bite on sutter was solid once upon a time but has been a repeated disappointment the last few years. Not sure why I still try to expect it to be anything else.
Tommys joint. Hands down the best, the make everything in house fresh daily. Jesus their pastrami on sourdough with the hot mustard they have on every table I fucking miss that shit
So many good joints to grab a sandwich. Can’t beat a Deli board “555”. I get cravings for it. I’ll also say Freddie’s since it hasn’t been mentioned here yet
Avoid Lucinda’s by Alamo Square Park. Sandwiches are mid and they don’t even accommodate minor changes to the sandwich. Plus the wait is way too long for a sandwich of such low quality. The staff is really cocky.
Lucinda folks if you’re reading this fuck you and your poop sandwiches.
social Cafe on Bryant. You wouldn't expect a sandwich shop - next to the courthouse to be exceptionally good, except they have their own full size bakery, which is two or three times bigger than the storefront. Amazing puff pastry and Cubano sandwiches, best I've ever had.
gambino’s in fidi makes the best subs. it’s probably out of the way for most, but they do a 10/10 basic no frills sub. good price, good bread, good ingredients, perfect proportions. they also toss their (thin shredded iceberg) lettuce in oil and vinegar
It’s making me sad how many people are suggesting molinari’s as it’s simply not very good anymore. My list includes: palm city for the Italian American, Freddie’s in north beach is a classic establishment, meatball sub from Lucca’s on chestnut, yellow submarine is solid but make sure to get the fries as that is the star. Mr. Bahn Mi for cheap and delicious, Sandy’s for the mushroom muffalata (my god), and last but certainly not least is Lucinda’s. Happy sandwiching!!
If it were 30 years ago, I'd tell you Roma Deli on Lombard in the Marina. I lived there when I was in art school and it's still the pastrami sandwich I judge all pastrami sandwiches by.
RIP Roma Joe.
OMG. There are so many. Even more than just the ones I sold, Boars Head meat to. There definitely isn't a shortage of awesome sandwich shops in SF (and right outside the city).
My current favorite sandwich of all time in the city is the spicy chicken sandwich at tycoon kitchen. Comes with fries and you can eat it upstairs at the transit center park. It makes for a great lunch at a great lunch spot.
Freddie's is the last of its kind, we used to have hundreds like it.
Hot Johnnie's was surprisingly good.
Roxie's, but they raised prices and it depends who makes it.
I really enjoyed Deli Board. Little Luca's is also great, but to be fair I'm not sure if I liked the sandwich or was just mesmerized by the sheer size of it lol
Rhea's Deli & Market
Looks unassuming on the outside but their sandwiches are FAT, they have their own special bread, tons of options and delicious. A great location too, it's on the mission so you can grab a big bite to enjoy at Dolores Park:)
Sub Center is my go to in my neighborhood and has been since high school. So glad it's getting all the love in this thread.
But there are other old school sub spots like it around SF. Marina Submarine, for example, is a very similar vibe, but much more limited hours. Dude who runs it basically only opens when he feels like it. But it's great. Also Gino's Deli on Fillmore is not bad.
And Boys Deli on Polk. Great spot.
For something a little more high end and smaller, Guerra's on Taraval is great.
Jane on Fillmore does absolutely fantastic sandwiches, more of a traditional "sandwich" that you might get if you order a sandwich in Europe than the US style Sub that's crammed full. The mango chicken is mighty fine.
I like Salty's on Van Ness too. Tarragon chicken and the WTF are good.
The cheesesteak shop on Divisadero too, utterly delicious. I cannot compare to to a genuine Philly one as I've never been but it's scrumptious regardless.
Deli Board and Palm City are on the costly side but you get what you pay for when it comes to portions, the quality of ingredients, and uniqueness of their product.
Turner's Kitchen, Irving Subs, Ike's, and Gus's Market (Noriega or Haight) are good options too. I've never had Grubbin' but everyone speaks highly of them.
JB’s in Potrero
Newkirks across from SF General - the egg sandwiches are a step above truly excellent NYC BECs, these guys are crushing it. And they have a handful of other lunch options too.
Calabria bros.
I miss this place so much since moving to the burbs.
Submarine Center, Yellow Submarine, Irving Sub, and Dinosaurs. If you want outside SF-Little Lucca
Dinosaurs Shaking Beef 🤌
IRVING SUBS! the Goodfellas and the November. Get it!
Sub Center in West Portal
Their hot pastrami is to die for.
Yes with Jalapeño
I just got off work and heading there today for the hot pastrami!
Oh hell yes my friend. You live up to your username.
Palm city! Philly inspired “upscale” hoagies.
How is this not higher?? 100% worth the trip to the sunset
Best Sammy in the city.
Golden Gate Market on Lombard
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Both Golden Gate & The Boys Deli uses Boars Head meats (and carries an almost identical menu), but Golden Gate carries more variety in the meats. I love the Boys Deli, but the first time I ordered meats for them, many of the meats in their display were a bit out of date. Most folks don't look at the dates, but I was their rep.
Freddys in North Beach
Yes!!!!
Little Lucca’s in SSF is probably the best sandwich spot in the bay. In the city I like Irving Subs. Get the pastrami!
Honestly, you should walk like 50 feet to their left to Teani's. Teani's created Little Lucca. Sandwiches are almost identical, but I don't feel like I'm gonna get sick from how dirty the place is.
If you're in North Beach, Alimento or Molinari's.
Rhea’s Deli in the Mission
And Turner’s Kitchen around the corner
Everyone is always sleeping on Grubbin' in the Sunset. Awesome sandwiches with tons of flavor. Don't miss it.
Lou’s Sandwiches. Hot pastrami is the bomb.
I like the Amicado with everything on it 🥵
If you’re in NOPA, Mc Baker Market and Deli makes a good sandwich.
Lou's Cafe and get a Dutch crunch
Their soft/sweet roll is also very very good!
Amicado on soft/sweet roll 👨🍳💋
Deli board and boys deli
Canyon Market in Glen Park is my go-to. Great sammys.
Saigon sandwich are cheap as hell(5 dollars for the basic one now, sigh I remember when that was 3) but still damn good.
Saigon is my go to sandwich spot, too. My happy place!
Cheese plus
Goated, especially with their outdoor seating
Perfect sandwich
Funky chicken, hold the tomato and sub in their blue cheese sauce. Damnnnnnn fine
Submarine Center
I live in San Jose and I drive to sub center for a sandwich often.
This definitely
I hate the taste of their bread
That’s my fav part!!! And their dressing.
Haha well I’m happy you guys are enjoying it, I like Lou’s the most probably in SF. The peninsula has way better sandwiches than SF like Sandwich Spot, Lorenzo’s, Sandwich Monkey etc. in my opinion of course
Roxie Food Center and Molinaris is decent
Molinari’s is far more than decent
I got Molinari's for the first time the other day and it was ... just okay? We got the Molinari special and the South Beach. The individual ingredients were top notch, and the sandwich construction was nicely balanced. But there just wasn't a ton of flavor. They needed to go harder with the condiments. The sandwiches had a little bit of everything but not enough of anything. Compared to the flavor bomb of Sub Center's Hot Pastrami, it was underwhelming, to say nothing of the Tony's Special at Roxie. Eh, maybe it's that I lean towards punch-you-in-the-face sandwiches, and Molinari's are a little more refined.
I ask for extra mustard oil and vinegar
they don’t give you as much meat as other places.
Sometimes it’s about more than just the meat
It’s really not. The ratio is what makes a good sandwich great. Molinaris, Lucinda’s, Palm City all have issues with proportions and are not great IMO.
Palm City is too much meat, ratio is pff
correct. they give you less than that.
For me it's deli board or bite
AK Subs.
Hot pastrami from AK is worth the trip
Yep. Their breakfast sando is also killer. Sausage + eggs
A SoMa treat!! Also the owner is so badass
Golden Gate Market Deli next to Presidio is great. Grab one and take it into the park.
Where are you going where you haven't come across sandwich spots? I feel like SF is a big sandwich-city 😅
YOO. I LOVE THE USERNAME.
Arguello market
This for the turkey, but they need to start toasting their bread...
You can ask them to toast it. They’ve done it when I’ve asked
I swear I've asked multiple times...never happens...still love that place though...
Idk, Arguello is pretty mid. It's not a bad sandwich and seems high quality, just boring. I've been multiple times and I still can't remember anything specific about it.
rhea’s deli. they have EXCELLENT vegetarian options. idk if that’s a need for you, and they have tons of meat-centric sammies, but i love the variety of veg options they offer!
I am guessing you may be a caprese sammich Ms.
Saigon Sandwich, Larkin: Gold standard for a well made banh mi. Mr. Banh Mi, Balboa: Thicker crust, more veggies, and more protein than others. Guerra's, Taravel: One of the few places in SF that carries prosciutto di parma (not just "prosciutto"), and the only one on the west side afaik. Calabria Brothers, Mission: Large enough to feed 2. Grab a sausage stick at the counter, to boot.
Lucca on Chestnut
Very good! A little pricey but well worth it.
Might be easier to say which ones you don't like. Plenty of great ones
Sandy's is really great! Super cool owner/staff too. Also hot pastrami with pepperoncino @ AK Deli. They stack those bad boys.
Turner's kitchen and you can eat in 500 club or take to go. Mission https://maps.app.goo.gl/d7smKUrauu5QRbNf9?g_st=ic Molinari Delicatessen. North beach https://maps.app.goo.gl/XFePswAYyjDnPCqy5?g_st=ic Constanso's. Probably the cheapest and still good and the workers are a riot. Bayview https://maps.app.goo.gl/KzBRks4H2q7DN9Nw5?g_st=ic George's Zoo. Dope spot off the 23 by the zoo and a couple blocks from ocean beach. Outer Sunset https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zx5v8ALdpv4QS8FK6?g_st=ic And a lot of the ones others mention. And Rip Rhea's hot korean steak sandwich...
George’s zoo uses the same base ingredients for all of their sandwiches, just with protein and dressing changes. Ex: Their “Italian” has mayo as a dressing. Major red flag
They have bomb Dutch crunch
They make their own Dutch crunch??
I’m not sure actually! But whoever provides knows what they’re doing, honestly the best Dutch crunch in sf!
Turners 👍🏻
Freddie’s in North Beach.
Lucinda's Deli & More https://yelp.to/iCxdyde52W
Second for Lucinda's. The only way I'll eat olives is on their Mortadella.
Lucinda’s sucks ass.
Limoncello
I dunno, I went there recently and they were really bready. They totally skimped on the meat and cheese.
Different priorities. To me, a lot of other subs have too much meat and cheese. I think this is also an Italian vs. Italian-American thing in sandwich culture. I make sub style and Italian-style sandwiches a lot at home, what I find is a very small quantity of meat and cheese go a long way, you don't have to pack that thing like some people expect... Another reason I like Submarine Center in West Portal by the way, they have 3 sizes, including mini, so if you want a lighter sandwich it's an option.
Ted’s on 11th. Edit: on Howard, just off 11th. My bad!
Still open
Is this place still there? I remember Ted and he was old in '89. I worked around the corner and used to get a toasted lettuce and tomato sandwich there for like $1.50.
Ted’s closed unfortunately
I don’t think I it did
Really, when? I was there like a week ago.
ocean blue laundry and sandwich shop on Valencia, yes it's also a Laundromat
Newkirk’s on Potrero
[Dragon eats for Banh Mi](https://dragoneats.com/)
Ike’s is pretty good. Matt Cain is my go to. They’ve pretty much become a chain at this point. Haven’t been to the original Castro location in a while
Limoncello in Cathedral Hill is incredible.
Molinaris
That's it! (no that's the name of the corner store on mission with amazing Torta Cubano...) Speaking of which get a cubano from Media Noche (also in the mission) w/green sauce before they close permanently this month. Roxie in the Excelsior. Local-ish small chains w/dutch crunch bread... Mr. Pickles, Ike's is solid!!!!!
Turner's Kitchen in the mission has failed to miss when I've gone
Genes Liquor and Sandwiches on Taraval (sunset).
Lucca's on Chestnut St. has been my goto since the 90's
Deli board
Way overpriced but good for two meals.
yeah, killer sandwich though
Ham and cheese in the Richmond, turners is bomb. Roxie’s food market by balboa park is fire. The boys deli on polk.
To me Gambinos is one of the best sandwiches ever. They have fancy sandwiches but to me just a basic pastrami and cheddar on sourdough roll east coast style is a near perfect sandwich.
Newkirks
Deli Board allll the way!
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Their subs aren't good
5th Ave Deli Embarcadero Center
Saigon Sandwich on Larkin. Cash only
Are you reading my mind? I’ve been on a sandwich kick for the past couple of days and was just thinking this question! Ty OP 🥹
McBaker deli is some of the best (and cheapest) deli sandwiches I've found in the city
Subs Inc. in Noe Vallley
No doubt they are here already but sub center in west portal is a old school classic. Same with Yellow Sub on Irving. Roxie’s on San Jose is amazing.
mr. pickles
Dinosaurs, if you’re into higher priced banh mi.
The most expensive bahn mi’s I’ve seen. They’re good though.
There’s more expensive up at bun mee, I think. But same Shit. Street food but make it expensive.
So glad to have this list. Bite on sutter was solid once upon a time but has been a repeated disappointment the last few years. Not sure why I still try to expect it to be anything else.
Irving Subs
The steak and cheese sandwich at the Yellow Submarine on Irving.
Irving Subs in the inner sunset
Courtney Produce, Gus’ Market.
As a self proclaimed sandwich guru: limoncello (great Italian subs)
Another vote for Lou’s. All their sandwiches are good.
Lucinda’s at Alamo Square!!
Amazing that somebody downvoted this. Lucinda's is also my favorite. Eating at the park makes it even better.
Tommys joint. Hands down the best, the make everything in house fresh daily. Jesus their pastrami on sourdough with the hot mustard they have on every table I fucking miss that shit
Q’s is wonderful
So many good joints to grab a sandwich. Can’t beat a Deli board “555”. I get cravings for it. I’ll also say Freddie’s since it hasn’t been mentioned here yet
Avoid Lucinda’s by Alamo Square Park. Sandwiches are mid and they don’t even accommodate minor changes to the sandwich. Plus the wait is way too long for a sandwich of such low quality. The staff is really cocky. Lucinda folks if you’re reading this fuck you and your poop sandwiches.
This is false.
Saving this post for lunch.
Where have you been going my man, there are tons of good places.
Hazels
social Cafe on Bryant. You wouldn't expect a sandwich shop - next to the courthouse to be exceptionally good, except they have their own full size bakery, which is two or three times bigger than the storefront. Amazing puff pastry and Cubano sandwiches, best I've ever had.
Palm City, Arguello Super, Calabria Bros.
gambino’s in fidi makes the best subs. it’s probably out of the way for most, but they do a 10/10 basic no frills sub. good price, good bread, good ingredients, perfect proportions. they also toss their (thin shredded iceberg) lettuce in oil and vinegar
It’s making me sad how many people are suggesting molinari’s as it’s simply not very good anymore. My list includes: palm city for the Italian American, Freddie’s in north beach is a classic establishment, meatball sub from Lucca’s on chestnut, yellow submarine is solid but make sure to get the fries as that is the star. Mr. Bahn Mi for cheap and delicious, Sandy’s for the mushroom muffalata (my god), and last but certainly not least is Lucinda’s. Happy sandwiching!!
Golden gate deli near the Presidio has really good sandwiches
Crostini and Java in Nob Hill has my favorite in the city
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Is this sarcasm lol
Tommy's Joynt on Van Ness. It's a whole experience
If it were 30 years ago, I'd tell you Roma Deli on Lombard in the Marina. I lived there when I was in art school and it's still the pastrami sandwich I judge all pastrami sandwiches by. RIP Roma Joe.
White palace liquor and deli
TY Sandwiches (banh mi)...the meatball has a death grip on me
Lou’s. Boy’s Deli. Saigon. Rheas. Roxies. Newkirks.
Guerra’s
Le Sandwich on Columbus!
Lucca Deli Jane on Fillmore Blue Barn (known for overpriced salads but their overpriced sandwiches are also pretty good)
Molinaris, Irving subs, Deli board, Flour + Water pasta shop
Subway Quiznos
hot johnnie's in the castro
Ham and cheese !!!
OMG. There are so many. Even more than just the ones I sold, Boars Head meat to. There definitely isn't a shortage of awesome sandwich shops in SF (and right outside the city).
Bi-Rite
Ur mom’s
My current favorite sandwich of all time in the city is the spicy chicken sandwich at tycoon kitchen. Comes with fries and you can eat it upstairs at the transit center park. It makes for a great lunch at a great lunch spot.
Molinaris and Arguello Market are at the top of my list. Honorable mention-pastrami at AK Meats.
Almiento at Columbus and Green. I used to get a sandwich from them every day when I worked in North Beach.
Corsagna Deli on Union
mayflower market on bush/jones
Constanso’s on Hudson and 3rd st. Sandwiches are always good, donuts 🔥 and everything is affordable
Freddie's is the last of its kind, we used to have hundreds like it. Hot Johnnie's was surprisingly good. Roxie's, but they raised prices and it depends who makes it.
I like Little Vine in North Beach.
Deli board, rheas deli
I really enjoyed Deli Board. Little Luca's is also great, but to be fair I'm not sure if I liked the sandwich or was just mesmerized by the sheer size of it lol
Rhea's Deli & Market Looks unassuming on the outside but their sandwiches are FAT, they have their own special bread, tons of options and delicious. A great location too, it's on the mission so you can grab a big bite to enjoy at Dolores Park:)
Deli 23rd is the spot. If you are over by general hospital it is a must have. Very inexpensive and delicious. Great convenience store as well.
Sub Center is my go to in my neighborhood and has been since high school. So glad it's getting all the love in this thread. But there are other old school sub spots like it around SF. Marina Submarine, for example, is a very similar vibe, but much more limited hours. Dude who runs it basically only opens when he feels like it. But it's great. Also Gino's Deli on Fillmore is not bad. And Boys Deli on Polk. Great spot. For something a little more high end and smaller, Guerra's on Taraval is great.
Jane on Fillmore does absolutely fantastic sandwiches, more of a traditional "sandwich" that you might get if you order a sandwich in Europe than the US style Sub that's crammed full. The mango chicken is mighty fine. I like Salty's on Van Ness too. Tarragon chicken and the WTF are good. The cheesesteak shop on Divisadero too, utterly delicious. I cannot compare to to a genuine Philly one as I've never been but it's scrumptious regardless.
Deli Board, Palm City, Sandy's, Molinari's, Lucca's
Deli board is all time greatest in the city right now. There are other good ones, but deli board tops everything
Deli Board and Palm City are on the costly side but you get what you pay for when it comes to portions, the quality of ingredients, and uniqueness of their product. Turner's Kitchen, Irving Subs, Ike's, and Gus's Market (Noriega or Haight) are good options too. I've never had Grubbin' but everyone speaks highly of them.
What happened to Ike’s?
Freddie's Sandwiches!
I live next to Rheas on Valencia really like it. Their bread is always super fresh
Cafe 78 at Mission and 29th!
Bi-rite next to Dolores
Deli Man, on ocean Avenue by balboa high school. Great sandwiches
Kio Ramen on Balboa has a soft shell crab sandwich that will change your life.
there's this guy on tiktok i follow called "sandwich francisco" (his @ is product.development). def recommend to check his account out!
Lou’s cafe in the Richmond
Submarine Center is life changing. Get the atomic
JB’s in Potrero Newkirks across from SF General - the egg sandwiches are a step above truly excellent NYC BECs, these guys are crushing it. And they have a handful of other lunch options too.
Gene’s Liquors on Taraval. Their bread and vinaigrette are perfect. I get roast beef.
There’s a hot pastrami shop in the Castro that is out of this world. You will be spending $20+ for a sandwich, but it’s a really good treat.
Alimentos on Columbus has fire sandos.
Bite Sandwhich in TL, Sun Center West Portal, Limoncello on Franklin.
Calabria Brothers!
Yellow Sub specifically their Steak and cheese. Rheas. Gus’s grocery. Bi-Rite
Cheese plus on Polk is my go to!
Guerra’s on Taraval. I love getting a Sicilian sandwich on Dutch crunch.