The Bay's Best Sandwich Spots
Written by Kim Reyes and Ben Ng
Sandwiches never go out of style. Whether you prefer to dress them up with overpriced avocado and fancy cheese, or dress them down with mustard and ham, the combinations are endless and delicious. Well, as long as they follow the simple rule of incorporating sliced bread, but that's up for debate.
San Francisco
(800 Valencia St // Mission)
If you're looking for the perfect place to stop for grub before a visit to Mission Dolores Park, this beloved Mission eatery is the place to go. Their menu is chock-full of speciality offerings — like the buffalo chicken and pesto-filled Judah St. or the Lucca Ravioli Co., featuring top-notch Italian meats — all packed with toppings to give you a filling bite.
(820 Ulloa St // West Portal)
Tucked away in the fog between Twin Peaks and the Sunset is the suburb of West Portal, famous for having a MUNI station. This micro-hood also houses the highly-revered local joint that serves up affordable, authentic submarines that don’t compromise quality.
(37 New Montgomery St // SoMa)
Some consider themselves lucky to work around the corner from this SoMa standout, but be prepared to spend some time in line. Approach the counter and survey their cold and hot sandwiches, as well as salads and daily lunch specials. Another note: they close early at 2:30pm so forget about hitting this place up for a late lunch!
This beloved chain offers up fully loaded sandwiches at locations all over the Bay Area. Stop by for one of their custom creations with "The Works," or construct your own.
(535 Scott St // Alamo Square)
The sandwiches here are truly spectacular: spicy tuna melts with pickled jalapeño, hearty roast beef with blue cheese mayo and crispy onions, sumptuous soppressata with artichoke cream cheese ... if you aren't drooling yet, you'll start when you get your sammy.
(560 Larkin St // Tenderloin)
This tiny Tenderloin spot is recognized nationwide for its delicious Vietnamese sandwiches. Its simple menu features some of the best bánh mì around, which you can order with chicken, pork, tofu, or pate.
(300 Francisco St // North Beach)
This inconspicuous deli has been a local's favorite since 1926. This hidden North Beach gem makes simple sandwiches that are simply delicious. Try their most popular sandwich, the Italian Combo, or a classic Club. Whatever you order, you can't go wrong at Freddie's.
(1058 Folsom St // SoMa)
Founded in 2009, Deli Board and its mouthwatering sandwiches are the stuff of local legend. Their high-quality meats are probably the secret to their success, but every sammy ingredient shines in its own way. Before you go, always check "The Board" for innovative daily specials!
East Bay
(5098 Telegraph Ave // Oakland)
This North Oakland spot may be more known for desserts, but the real ones know it is the home of the fried chicken sandwich. Long lines are bound to happen at this place, even with their simple, straightforward menu. Chow down on the prized buttermilk winner (also available as tofu!) and follow up with a sweet homemade treat.
(1407 Webster St // Alameda)
Italian cuisine finds its home base at this delicatessen established in 1982. They’ve got it all, from pasta to piroshki to delicious cannolis, but the real must-try of this spot is their array of sandwiches. Enjoy pre-set options like their classic Italian Combo sandwich or make your own.
Back in 1946, John Kinder opened a meat market in San Pablo, California and 70 years later, Kinder's Meats & Deli can be found all over the Bay Area. Be sure to try their ball tip sandwich; everybody's been raving about it since the 80s! Also, stock up on their sauces and marinades for those rainy days!
(2442 Durant Ave // Berkeley)
If you're getting sick of the books n' stuff, head across the street from the UC Berkeley campus and grab a classic college eat at awesome college town prices. Since 1987, this deli has been cranking out fresh sandwiches at a great value that no one can protest.
NORTH BAY
(3833 Sonoma Blvd // Vallejo)
Whether you are grubbing on grass, or simply grubbing, this spot is the way to go. You can Build-Your-Own or opt for one of their delicious specialty sandwiches. They also offer "picnic-tea" and fresh lemonade, the perfect complements for any sandwich!
Michael's Sourdough Sandwiches
(Novato + San Rafael)
Their sourdough bread is freshly made daily, using all-natural ingredients and they rely on recipes handed down from Michael's grandfather to roast and prepare their meats.
(1 Gate 6 Rd // Sausalito)
This hidden gem of a deli is tucked away in the "New Bait Shop Market" in the Richardson Bay Marina. They pride themselves in using fresh and local ingredients, even their condiments are made in-house! This delicious deli has everything from mango-chipotle coleslaw pulled pork sandwiches, to bahn mi style sandwiches, to vegan wraps.
This chain is one to keep close to your heart — and your stomach. With to-die-for sauces and specialty combinations, this Bay Area classic gives you your bang for your buck.
SOUTH BAY + PENINSULA
(1162 Saratoga Ave // San Jose)
Coined "The Best Cheese Steaks in the World" by its customers, Amato's has got to be doing something right. Their fresh-sliced meats and rich cheeses produce flavorful sandwiches, not to mention their HUGE portions! Don't be fooled by the name "Shorty," the 7" sandwich will leave you stuffed all day!
(152 N 3rd St #101 // San Jose)
Fresh bread, fresh toppings, and fresh service without breaking the bank? Sign us up. This cash-only spot in St. James Plaza is definitely one for the books.
Scattered across the Bay is this eatery with, you guessed it, sandwiches. However, the Redwood City blows the other locations out of the water because it's not only a sandwich shop, but a beer garden AND hookah lounge. Who knew eating sandwiches could be so social?
(1150 Murphy Ave // San Jose)
Freshly baked bread, hot pastrami — honestly, what more could you ask for? The warm smell of toasty sandwiches is sure to get your appetite going, so get your wallet and your stomach ready.
** This article was originally published by Do The Bay. CLICK HERE to view the full article.