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Amini's By The Bay
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 7 am - 7 pm
Sun 7 am - 6 pm
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
25 reviews for Amini's By The Bay
Review Highlights
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"all-in-all, a good place for lunch and snacks." In 2 reviews -
"...grab lunch and eat on their patio using their free wireless." In 3 reviews -
"...right next to the richmond marina and right down the street..." In 4 reviews
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25 reviews in English
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Review from Steve K.
4/13/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Amini's is a convenient spot for breakfast or lunch for those who live or work in the Richmond Marina area. They are more of a general store than a restaurant and have a little bit of everything. The outdoor patio is perfect on nice days and offers a decent view.
The sandwiches and clam chowder are very good here, but don't order anything unless you've COMPLETELY filled out the little ordering forms they use. Otherwise, the owner may get grumpy, and he's more fun when he's not grumpy
Prices for the sandwiches are slightly high, but you do get large portions with tons of meat for that money.
Credit cards are accepted, but they charge an extra 50 cents if your total is below $20 -
Review from Robert L.
Richmond, CA
4/22/2012
So i must say, you cannot get a better build-your-own hot or cold sandwich at a better location ANYWHERE in the bay save Sausalito. However, there are sore points here with me that consistently stand out each time:
1) The prices are a little high, i mean its extra for cheese, extra for avocado, etc. You are looking at a $9 sandwich. But it's damn good.
2) The lady at register has a loud, obnoxious and rude manner.
3) She literally punches into the register so fast and hard i think she may break it, therefore probably miscalculates sometimes (it's hard to know, no receipt) and she seems pissed off and its off putting (did i do something wrong here by ordering food and frequenting your business with plenty o cash because you don't take credit cards?)
4) Um, trust issues, every time i come, and by now i'm a regular, she assumes i won't return the food tray which i have never done, and begrudgingly let's me have one to take my food outside to enjoy the marina views in the sun. I can feel her stalking me from just inside the door. Are plastic trays a valuable commodity these days?
Overall, i do continue to come here on occasion but it is less and less enjoyable as my patience and tolerance wane! -
Review from John R.
Richmond, CA
4/16/2012
I'm still not completely sure, because they ring up the total so fast, but a friend swears that they charge you 50 cents for the small "free" orange. After she complained, it seems that they started to ask, "Is orange good for you?" before putting it in your bag, but I'm still not sure if I got charged for it. It did seem like the basic sandwich price was great, but the price out the door was more than I thought.
Good sandwiches, though. Decent snack items, good selection of bottled and canned sodas. Very nice to sit outside or in their enclosed sunroom.
The attitude about the sandwich slips is true. It's like they think they're the Soup Nazi, and it's SOOO good that you are happy to get barked at. They are actually friendly but maybe not all the time! -
Review from Wolf H.
Berkeley, CA
4/17/2012
I find this place decent with good deli sandwich and a very nice view of the bay.
I can't find a reason why this establishment is harassed by cheap, miserable people who complain about overprice items. And we are talking about a dollar of two difference for a very good sandwich.
I'm a fan of Amini now more than ever. -
Review from Kimberly D.
Richmond, CA
1/20/2012
I live near here and run over there weekly. *Best Deal* - Breakfast Sandwich by far! Pretty quick - homemade - like something you would make at home if you had fresh croissants. My favorite is eggs, ham and cheese. If you want your bacon extra-crispy - they will do it. It also has the most calming view around. Go for lunch and get some Vitamin D outside.
I do wish they had the breakfast sandwich all day though - I actually end up craving them weekly. -
Review from Marc F.
Richmond, CA
3/11/2012
Lower the price for sandwiches by a couple of dollars. The sandwiches are fine but I want to eat a hot roast beef sandwich for $5 not $7. So I don't go regularly to Amini's, just occasionally. If it were $5, I'd go once a week.
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Review from Dorothy R.
Alameda, CA
2/6/2012
Great little store/cafe in a fabulous spot. We always stop there on walks and bike rides along the Bay Trail. The staff are delightful and the past two times I was there, there was some soulful (Persian?) violin music playing. We love to enjoy our refreshments in their indoor, or protected outdoor, seating areas with views of the harbor. Low-key and friendly.
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Review from Louise S.
Oakland, CA
12/6/2011
They always have a little something special for my granddaughter. Friendly!
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Review from Linda T.
3/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
The view alone makes this place a prime spot for lunch. You can order a sandwich (any way you like) and take it out to the back of this local convenience store, where you find both an indoor and outdoor patio facing the docks, the Bay, and the SF skyline--freaken gorgeousssss!
The sandwich isn't *too* pricy at $7 bucks, but since I'm not a big fan of sandwiches in general, I probably won't order from here again. What I might try is getting a nice ice cream from their freezer to eat outside on a warm and wintery afternoon. :)
Also! While they take credit cards, they have a $20 minimum. Bummer. -
Review from Chang L.
4/21/2009
Here's the story of how an innocent girl unwillingly got her name changed from Chang to Pastrami Seafood, in her simple quest for a satisfying lunchtime sandwich.
One sunny day, she strolls into a marketplace by the marina, where made-to-order deli sandwiches are being sold at the front counter. She spots a stack of paper and a plastic holder of chubby yellow pencils, much like the ones she used in elementary school. She peruses the form in hand, which consists of columns of meats, cheeses, breads and condiments choices. Oh lookie! There's even sides!
Since she is a hippie, she squeals with delight at the sight of sprouts listed among the choices. After much indecisiveness, she finally decides to order a hot pastrami and seafood salad on whole wheat with pepper jack cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, sprouts, Dijon mustard and a side of spicy curly fries.
She was very hungry that day.
When she handed the cashier her form, she was unexpectedly scolded for not writing her name on top of her paper. She was told that she would be referred to as "pastrami seafood" for her carelessness. Her inner bitch was tempted to write STFU on the form instead, but Chang is a lady in the streets, so she refrained.
After waiting a lengthy while for her presumably stellar sandwich, she was faced with disappointment. Instead of Dijon, her sandwich was smothered in awful yellow mustard, and her sprouts were no where to be found.
Worst of all, her curly fries were soggy and STRAIGHT.
Grumpy over her missing sprouts and the false advertising of her artery-clogging side dish, she moped over her yellow mustard-filled sandwich, until she sampled an onion ring from her best friend. DELICIOUS!
Feeling slightly better, Pastrami Seafood munched contently on her straight soggy fries while staring off into the marina, wondering what kind of man would want a woman with her peculiar new name. -
Review from Yan M.
San Francisco, CA
8/3/2007
We decided to grab some sandwiches here since it wasn't time to pick up our chartered boat. We walked along the trail from club Nautique which is a beautiful and breezy walk-way with beautifully landscaped park and playground.
We were told to come by here to pick up some snacks or sandwiches. We custom order our sandwiches based on the paper form indicating your condiments, sauce and choice of meat. I had the grilled chicken sandwich which was a lil on the dry side...not so tender after all. The chatty asian lady gave us a free orange each. Ample seating area both in and outdoors and they also carry many other grocery items and several racks and shelves of wine and beverages. Adequate lil grocery store amidst the residential area. -
Review from summer r.
San Francisco, CA
2/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
the closest and only thing to a grocery store at that side (the prettier side) of the Richmond train tracks, other than the CVS a 1/2mile away.
also got a cool deli for your sandwich needs. they've got themselves a good location though:: view of the water/yachts while eating your sandwich on their deck and a great little stopover after running the marina.
all-in-all, a good place for lunch and snacks. -
Review from MaryEllen O.
Honolulu, HI
8/5/2011
This is a great little deli and market with an incredible view.
I'd like to set the record straight on a few of these reviews by people who don't seem to know the difference between a convenience store and market/deli. This is neighborhood grocery and deli. It is not a convenience store. It is not a gas station. It is not a chain store. It is an independent little market with very friendly people.
I also question the people who write that "it can be pricey." I'd like to know where you buy sandwiches normally if you find this "pricey." It's no more than Subway or Quiznos and they are made to order, hot or cold, on the spot. There's homemade chowder and a full coffee menu like any cafe.
It is NOT pricey at all. A MacDonald's meal would cost you the same or more for crying out loud!
Any many delis charge extra for cheese. That's a common practice.
I tend to think those reviewers sure don't get out much!
Enjoy the view, the good food and the friendly local ambience! -
Review from Rob L.
San Francisco, CA
6/20/2010 17 Check-ins Here
This small shop near the Richmond harbor sells your basic cold drinks, junk food, and homemade sandwiches. This place can get somewhat pricey for the sandwiches, especially when adding cheese to your sandwich costs an extra 50 cents. You can also eat and drink your purchases on the site, compared to other liquor stores within Richmond.
The views from this place are incredible, especially during lunch when you're looking for an escape from workplace. I'll continue to be a patron of this place, as there's no other good sandwich shop within the waterfront. -
Review from Jack H.
Hayfork, CA
7/27/2008
Good food, last minute dinner ingredients and great service. I have always liked Amini's and they have always come through for me. They make a good burger via convection oven (I think anyway) and there sandwiches are tasty as well. They also have a fairly decent wine and booze selection for such a small store. But to top it off, it's a good place to grab some last minute bait while fishing on the bay. Not to mention, the views are awesome and so is the small (wind shielded) patio.
Bottom line: I have never left this place unhappy. -
Review from Tarah O.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2010
They can be pricey, but they have always been friendly to me and my daughter - who is always getting into everything there. The sandwiches are good and they have a great sangria for sale there that can be hard to find.
Also, it is always nice to grab lunch and eat on their patio using their free wireless! -
Review from brooke a.
Oakland, CA
2/21/2009
this seems like a ok place but there's no bicycle parking! i arrived one morning, couldn't find a spot to park my wheels and wasn't about to leave it outside unlocked. i brought my bicycle into the empty store and was told to take it out.
i happily went somewhere else and won't be back. -
Review from Mafia J.
Richmond, CA
3/22/2009
Like the others have said, pricey!
I past by this place everyday concidering I live in the neighborhood so I was always curious as to how the sandwich's were. Friday I got the chance to find out when my uninvited friend made his was over my place and asked if I felt like a sandwich. Sure why not
So we walk on over and you can see the menu from outside and the first thing I noticed is 6.45 for a sandwich and 50 cents extra for cheese, DAMN! this better be a hell of a sandwich.
We get in and the lady behind the counter basically yells at us about how to order a sandwich with the piece of paper you order from (but not yelling in a mean/rude way). Sandwich is made in about 4 or 5 minutes s they ring me up and I guess they charge tax because it came out to $7.51 for a turkey and provolone. The sandwich itself was good I'll give the, that but not for the price and it wasn't really very big.
So unless your in the area and really hungry I just say go to Quizno's and save a few bucks or go to Subway on Cutting if you're feeling extra cheap and brave. -
Review from Barry w.
San Francisco, CA
8/10/2008
Avoid like the plague. Everything here is extremely overpriced and they serve mediocre food at best. Sandwiches are nothing to write home about and at $6.75 each, you might as well drive a little further down and eat at the Artisan Kitchen.
The people making the sandwich was very very rude. I filled out the piece of paper for a pastrami sandwich and the guy threw the paper back at me, skipped my turn, and yelled at me for not writing my name down. He said "you want me to call you turkey, put your name down!" I was like, wtf, I was just about to crumple the paper up and throw it at him but many of my collegues were there so I didn't want to look bad.
Basically, you have no reason to go here. Unless you're starving or in desparate need of certain food items and can't make the drive to safeway, don't come here at all. -
Review from Da M.
Richmond, CA
7/19/2009
Okay, I have eaten here for years and simply have to comment on some of these reviews.
Hints:
-fill out sandwich order and include your name.
-address the owner by his *first* name which is Hamid (his store is derived from his surname)
-the asian lady is Carol, and her generous and vocal nature is good spirited: Just speak up and join in!!
1. ) The prices are not cheap at $5-7 for a fresh, large, deli sandwich. If that breaks your budget, go to MacDonalds. Or as one of the reviewers noted, your tastes may run more toward Subway, which is a comment in and of itself.
2.) The "asian lady" behind the counter is a riot, and a lot of fun with her mock stern attitude. Only a totally dense, insecure person would not get that. If you think she "yells at you" then perhaps you have led a sheltered life--timidity anyone?
3.) The signs clearly say fill out the paper to order a sandwich--don't be critical of others for your failure to read. Duh.
4.) Genius! The store is already crowded! Why in the hell would you even *think* of dragging in a bicycle? This ain't grade school--leave your toys outside.
5.) Chang L. was a little funny with her story, but truly, if one orders with a paper, identification is going to be mandatory.
6.) Hand-washing is for the food prep staff, not the cashier. Kindly keep your OCD to yourself.
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This is a fun place if you use your head, follow instructions, and want a large fresh sandwich. Be part of the atmosphere, not a whiner. -
Review from Not I.
Bay Area
10/27/2008
Yes this place is a bit over priced but since I live right across the street, I still go here when I just want to walk and get a sandwich or soda or whatever.
I would go more often if it wasn't over priced. The people who work here can be a bit strange but I'm used to it now.
I certainly won't make make any special trip to go here. -
Review from Kathleen W.
Richmond, CA
4/29/2010
As a patron for several years, I also thought I needed to give a review on Amini's. I've been coming here with my coworkers for 'happy hour' for quite some time, and we've grown to love Carol's (the Asian lady) energy and kookiness. I will say we usually don't go for the deli and just get drinks and chips. You can buy beer by the bottle and drink them on site which works well for a work-type happy hour and it is certainly cheaper than a bar. The view is incredible and the laid-back atmosphere is appreciated--hence why we choose this over Salute. My main criticism is that they don't have a good selection of salsa. I have also had deli sandwiches here before also and never had problems with my order.
I think Amini's is a great little place and is much needed in the Marina Bay community where dining and socializing options are slim. It would be great if they would offer soft serve for those warm days. They might do really well on the bike trail. -
Review from Sahra M.
Crockett, CA
1/21/2009
The people seem nice, the sandwiches are okay, and the beverage selection is phenomenal - but it's over priced and I'm not eating here again. I wouldn't trust anything out of the deli case. I had a side of potato salad last time I went, and it was carbonated. Fizzed in my mouth. I don't think it was supposed to do that. :oP
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Review from Claudia W.
Berkeley, CA
1/16/2011
This was a great place to stop at the 1/2 way mark of a long bike ride. I really appreciated that they made my hot cocoa to order, with milk, not instant mix. The owner(s) work really hard to please. They have a sign written in Farsi expressing gratitude for peace. Since I don't have a yacht! I felt very lucky to sit there and watch the little harbor. Even though I didn't order much, they made me feel welcome.
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Review from Jose C.
Richmond, CA
7/19/2009
i used to work down the street from here back in 1997 and me and a freind used to come here all the time to buy sandwhiches . i come here once in a while when i'm in richmond ca i usually buy a sandwhich . this place is a cool little store right next to the richmond marina and right down the street from the rosie the riviter memorial park check it out if your ever in the area .....
