Best Sandwiches/Delis in San Francisco

The Gallic influence on Vietnamese cooking dates back to its French colonial days, which explains why an Asian sandwich is served in a baguette with pate on it. Usually filled with five-spice chicken or roast pork and then embellished with fresh and pickled vegetables and herbs, there is an American twist to be found in the meatball sandwich that is like nothing so much as a jumped-up hoagie. The fillings are spicy and the chili garnish, which you can ask the efficient counter staff to leave out, can make the sandwiches positively incendiary, though that does not seem to deter the locals who crowd this shop all day. Only cash accepted.

Since 1896, this place has been supplying the best of the Italian kitchen to San Francisco. The tiny storefront is a charming delicatessen in North Beach always jammed with tourists as well as locals in search of something from the 'Old Country'. The shelves are filled with authentic Italian comestibles such as olive oil, mozzarella made in the style of Campania and enough sardines to feed a small army. The deli counter staff is filled with a garrulous group of guys that create huge sandwiches made-to-order. Make sure to check out one of their most popular, the Renzo Special, this behemoth made with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes and pesto can easily feed two. One other tip: Don't forget to take a number!

Deli Board is a sort of delightful amalgam of Midwestern and East Coast delis. Come in and order one of their sandwiches heaping with meats like pastrami and corned beef, along with all manner of other toppings, ranging from simple mayo and mustard to sport peppers, pickled red onion and their special "board sauce." They don't make anything until its ordered, so you be sure that your sandwich will be fresh out of the oven when you get it. In addition to the mind-blowing sandwiches, Deli Board also offers a selection of equally loaded salads and an option to create-your-own sandwich.

Sandwiches, for snacks and even full-fledged meals, are exceedingly popular in San Francisco. Adhering to the ever-increasing sandwich demands of Bay Area folks, Tortas Boos Voni took upon itself to serve delicious Mexican-style sandwiches. Everything on their menu is scrumptious and quite hearty, and signatures like the Cubano, pollo Milanese and torta de Milanesa come highly recommended. When it comes to some heavy-duty and filling sandwiches, it would be hard to find something that tops Tortas Boos Voni.

In a city that seems to specialize in food from faraway countries, a simple sandwich can seem somewhat elusive. But no more. Yellow Submarine serves submarine sandwiches Boston-style. You can create your own sandwich or choose one of the freshly prepared house specialties, such as the Italian sausage submarine. You will also find chips and soda to go with your sub, and a quick and friendly counter staff.

Rosamunde is loved by all. From bike messengers and bar flies, to hip-hoppers, construction workers, and neighborhood moms with babies in tow, the expertly assembled sausage sandwiches here are irresistible for all. Traditional favorites are well-represented with a range of platter from bratwurst to weisswurst. If your philosophy is "the spicier the better," try the merguez. Each sausage comes on a toasty-hot, freshly-baked bun, and with your choice of grilled or fresh onion, sauerkraut, chili, pickle relish, hot or sweet peppers, and an assortment of mustard and ketchup. Rosamunde's German-style potato salad puts other potato salads to shame, so grab a tub. Enjoy your meal at one of the counters facing the hustle and bustle of the Lower Haight, or bring it all next door to Toronado for a beer.