Best Sandwich Places in the Bay Area

Morty's Deli on Golden Gate by the Civic Center. I don't know why I am on this New York vibe lately but this is definitely the kind of place you could have found in the Big Apple. Everything from the name to look of the place just gives you that feel . Great for sandwiches (not so much for salads--its not that kind of a place). I recommend the roast beef either warm or cold. My mouth is literally watering just thinking about it. (Looks like it time for a midnight snack. If only Morty delivered across the bridge and out to the 'burbs!)

Thanks! I just found their website and it plays instrumental Billy JOel's New York State of Mind - so I can see why you say it has a NY feel. I also loved their website. They are open M-Th 8-8 and Fri 8-6 - closed on the weekends (bummer), but I can definitely foresee Morty's Deli in my future this week. :-)

http://www.mortysdeli.com/

I just found another place. The Sandwich Spot on Pierce (between Lombard and Chestnut) in the Marina. Pretty tasty.

I love that area of SF. I will have to check it out. What kind of stuff did they have? I love a hot sandwich.

@NightOwInOrinda - they had several (about 10) choices for hot sandwiches. All kinds of meats, 1 or 2 veggies.

Next time I'm in the city I am totally there.

I know this is nowhere near the *best*, but Safeway has a buy 5, get one free special. I was on sandwich duty at work today and after I was rung out they gave me a coupon for a free one. It's not necessarily gourmet or something to write home about, but I figured it was worth the mention at the very least.

It's always good to know about any deals.

Another good sandwich place I was reminded of is Molinari's on Columbus. Good and relatively cheap for North Beach. ($7-$8 for a sandwich being cheap for that area.)

@NightOwInOrinda - I love Molinari's sandwiches I just wish the bread were a bit softer. Sometimes biting into a sandwich and ripping off a bit feels like you're going to pull your teeth out. Agreed, delicious sandwiches.

Has the SF sourdough been mentioned yet? I can't justify eating it all the time, but that is one of the best parts of Fisherman's Wharf (sorry @Flowergirl). Not exactly a sandwich, but sandwich-related and a San Francisco classic.

@Tracypie: This sounds kinda gross but it totally does the job. You get it to go, leave in the bag for bit and it softens up--gets a little soggy--but is really wonderful. On the other hand, I have never been known for my fine taste in cuisine.

@StephSF: I suppose it is worth going to the Wharf for some sourdough. I am softening a bit on my strict anti-Wharf position. (Anything beats the 'burbs!)

You know another place that is great and really unique--there's this little place in Walnut Creek called Subway (it's got a real New York vibe to it)... just kidding.

Here's a place in the Haight: The Squat-n-Gobble. It's more of crepe place but I kind of like the sandwiches. I know the name of it doesn't sound appetizing but it is not a bad place. (Not a traditional deli sandwich but yummy). Also good for breakfast.

I know it's a bit out of the way (okay, really out of the way), but I've been spending a lot of time in Santa Cruz and wanted to give proper credentials to Garden Deli for their great breakfast and lunchtime sandwiches.

And @Tracypie, I'm slightly glad to hear that you are not quite as "anti-Wharf," given the great sourdough :-)

@Flowergirl, that place in the Haight actually sounds really good...

Here is one more--I haven't been there in a while, but La Boulange on Cole is really good--they used to have these Tartine sandwiches--open faced deals--that were pretty good, but what really got me addicted was their Club Sandwiches--I used to have about twice a week way back when.

@FlowerGirl re: the advice for the Molinari Deli sandwiches about leaving in the bag - great idea! Will definitely try that. Thanks!

I'm surprised no one has mentioned these spots -

Freddie's on Stockton and Francisco. Been there since the Depression
Marina Subs on Union and Steiner. Just watch how the guy behind the counter cuts an avocado and expertly lays it out on the bread.
Roxie's out on San Jose Avenue, across the street from Balboa Park.
Little Lucca's on El Camino Real is South City. Right by SSF High School. The best, imo, because of their garlic sauce spread and the immense size of their sandwiches.
None of these are your garden variety "healthy" subs with bean spouts - just quality meats, cheeses and garnishes like avocado slices and tomatoes. Best to experience a sub on one of the Dutch crunch rolls. All of them, but Marina use that type of bread.

@Bradgalt: That Little Lucca's sounds great--I will definitely have to check that place out next time I'm in South SF.