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Cam Huong Cafe
Category: Restaurants Vietnamese Vietnamese [Edit]
702 International BlvdOakland, CA 94606
Neighborhood: East Oakland
(510) 444-2500
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
188 reviews for Cam Huong Cafe
Review Highlights
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188 reviews in English
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Review from Priscirra R.
Oakland, CA
This is by far the best food joint in Little Saigon, and like many small asian shoppes it is cash only. but if you find yourself cashless they do have an ATM machine inside.
I can't really comment much on their hot foods, but let it be known that the star of this place is a precious gem known as the Bahn Mi.
Bahni Mis are vietname sandwiches, and if there were ever a place in the US that did them right, it's definitely this place. The baguettes have the crunchy crust on the outside and that necessary softness on the inside, Inside of these baguettes you will find pickled carrots & daikon,cucumber, cilantro, jalapeno, and your choice of meat or vegetarian options (my favorite meat choices are grilled pork, bbq pork, & bbq bacon.) The combination of these fresh and crisp veggies paired with delicious meat choices and served on one of man's best creations (baguette) is the perfect combination & they're only $2.75!
They also have a great selection of snacks like mochi, poki, shrimp chips, cassava waffles, etc.
This place is owned by a very nice man named Walter whom owns the frozen yogurt shoppe next door. He is half vietnamese and for the most part runs the yogurt shoppe while his vietnamese wife and the rest of their family run Cam Huong.
Also, they just had a remodel so the place looks fresh, -
Review from Tung T.
San Jose, CA
Check the name, now check this review out.
My mom and I have been going here for years. Most of the time it is right after i get my haircut from Jade's Salon. Even at this age..which i won't reveal. I still need my mom to go with me to get my haircut. Mostly because i do get intimidated by these Chinese women talking when they are giving me a haircut. LOL, but i digress.
It is actually becoming sort of a tradition and bonding time with my momma and I. We usually come on Mondays around 11ish and it can be very unpredictable. Sometimes there is no one there and other times it is packed to the door. But not to worry as they are super fast and they have a grandma going H.A.M. on making sandwiches.
I always stick to the regular, grilled chicken banh mi and my Vietnamese iced coffee. Their bread is crunchy yet chewy, their chicken is roasted legs, and fresh veggies comprising of pickled white and orange carrots, cilantro, jalapenos, and cucumbers! Super cheap and affordable. Warning though, their iced coffee is a bit on the strong side and not as sweet as many other places would have them. I happens to like it that way.
Never tried their pre-packaged to-go foods or their hot items. But I'm sure it beats the hell out of going to Mickey Ds for a quick lunch. -
Review from Megin O.
Irvine, CA
My bf and I stopped here on the way back to SoCal, and we're so glad we did. The grilled pork bahn mi were very good... there was a twinge of a flavor that I didn't quite like but nevertheless, I wish I had some right now! We also got a rice dessert of which I don't know the name (rice w/ red beans and coconut milk) but it was good. And of course we got the sweetened iced coffee. Strong and good. So, all that for $10.
While the parking situation in the area isn't ideal, I would happily go here again if I was nearby. -
Review from Jellyfish Z.
Oakland, CA
Banh mi, pad thai, and cassava waffles.... plus anything else you could ever want. Amazing, cheap, and quick.
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Review from Beverly T.
Emeryville, CA
Grilled pork banh mi $2.75. Very flavorful and tender. Meat wasn't the highest quality but the flavor was about the same as the grilled pork rice plates you get at Vietnamese restaurants. It could've used some green onions. That would've made it uh-may-zing.
Side note: This is the perfect post meal snack. Get some pho ga around the corner (Pho Ga Huong Que Cafe) then come here afterwards. Yeah, I eat a meal then go somewhere else to eat again. Don't judge me.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/12/2011
Big & cheap! Just how I like em.
All the sandwiches had warm, crispy bread that DIDN'T cut up the… Read more »
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12/12/2011
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Review from Jim D.
Oakland, CA
Best sandwich! Hope it does not turn into a honky hipster disneyland.
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Review from Tom N.
East Bay, CA
Now this is what a Vietnamese sandwich should be... crunchy bread, flavorful meat (in my case, it was the BBQ Chicken), and delicious veggies. I will ask for more veggies next time, but can't quibble over this as the sandwich was only $2.75. I got the spring rolls as well, with veggies, shrimp and noodles rolled up. Again, very fresh and delish!
The deli foods looked pretty good as well and saw many people getting it. Ample space to eat there.. or you can take it out. And the neighborhood is not quite as dicey as the other Vietnamese Sandwich place on International.
Definitely a must try if you're looking for a great Vietnamese sandwich! -
Review from meshell c.
Oakland, CA
Vietnamese sandwiches under $3.00
A variety of to-go lunch for $3.00
Sit-down cafe for Pho.
Yes, this place is definitely cheap, has a variety of food and it tastes great too! What more can you ask for? I'm glad to work so close by to such cheap eats!
Bottom line: that's a HELL YAH! -
Review from Amanda N.
Alameda, CA
I love their bun bo hue and bun mam! and for $6 a pop its not painful on the wallet either! Service is quick. You go up to the counter and order your food then they bring it out. Just like my mom's home cooking!
I've not yet tried their banh mi/sandwiches but heard rave reviews about them. this is my new favorite spot to grab a quick bite to eat. My fiance who's not Vietnamese is hooked on this place and always gets his bun bo hue =) -
Review from Joe M.
I needed some grub for a Halloween event yesterday so and I looked no further than my favorite Vietnamese sandwich shop for help. I used to go to Cam Huong's Chinatown location as a kid and loved pretty much everything there. With the manager's help, I picked out a few things that I thought everybody would love.
I ordered some BBQ chicken sandwiches, vegetarian sandwiches, chicken egg rolls, spring rolls, and these yummy pandan waffles. I think everybody totally digged them because all of the food went FAST! I've had several of the sandwiches here and they're all amazing, especially the BBQ chicken. Super tender and moist, this was some good eatin' on a beautiful day in Jack London Square.
This is probably the best place I've ever been to for Vietnamese sandwiches and believe it or not they're all less than $3! Actually, they're more like $2.50-2.75 and everywhere else I've been is closer to $4 for an inferior product. The fried egg rolls were seriously amazing and I can eat the waffles for days. Seriously, go get yourself some of this!
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Price: $
Atmosphere: 8/10 -
Review from Jimmy L.
San Francisco, CA
Cheap, Cheap, Delicious!
A great spot to get out of the office for lunch. -
Review from Sharee g.
This place runs circles around that other place(http://www.yelp.com/bi...) that everyone raves about. They're a few cents cheaper and the sandwiches are way BIGGER!
They even have a hot table with fried rice, noodles, tofu, chicken etc. They have dessert, snack and a variety of drinks to choose from. -
Review from Joce A.
Oakland, CA
Big-ass sandwiches for less than $3. YES.
I've tried the juices and they're yummy. The pho was alright, but considering how cheap it was, well, it wasn't that bad at all. I like getting anything from the long table of pre-made treats parallel to the counter to take home or eat on site. Plenty of tables to eat at. Not the most glamorous of eateries, but you come here for the cheap eats and the company you keep.
Great place to get banh mi and an ice cold drink on a hot Oakland day. -
Review from Trishtopher P.
Alameda, CA
I love Cam Huong cafe. I've been coming here for fourteen years, and I've loved it all the same ever since. Why?
BANH MI.
Fresh, wallet friendly, and just TASTY. Such a convenient meal, for just $2.00-$3.50 per sandwich. Growing up, my mom would always buy the #1 (combo cold cuts). Mm, delicious... but I'm not a fan of red meat, as too much of it will make me sick. I started coming here on my own and ordering the BBQ chicken. Oh, my gosh. Sooo good. Perfectly grilled chicken, Vietnamese style, tender, juicy, mmmm... I could eat one (maybe even two!) a day for the rest of my life. I love chicken. I always ask for extra mayo, too.
Sandwiches are my boyfriend's favorite food. He's very very picky with them... I took him here once and he loved it.
The people here are cool too! Always a little busy, but never forget their manners. Very polite and quick. I know their English is proficient, but I always order in Vietnamese anyway. It's a habit!
There's other stuff too. Asian snacks and drinks, Vietnamese dessert (che) and yogurt. Their milkshakes aren't bad either! I've had the pad thai a few times, but I come here for the banh mi. I prefer Cam Huong over Ba Le, but that's just me! -
Review from Lupe M.
Oakland, CA
BEST BANH MI. I recently had the best tasting BBQ chicken banh mi ever at Cam Huong! And to think, I only paid $2.75 this the savory perfection! Can't wait to try the BBQ pork banh mi next time.
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Review from Sandee L.
$2.75 for a huge sandwich with all the fixins? Hell yah!
I've been craving a V-sando for months on end, so it was at the top of my list when I came back for a visit to the Bay. My friend took me here when I said that I wanted to go to the one in Milpitas, and he replied, "no! I know of a better one"!
At his recommendation, I got the chicken sandwich. The chicken was flavorful, tons of pickled veggies all nestled into the crunchy, yet chewy bread. Mmmmmm! Heaven! And for $2.75, how can you go wrong? -
Review from Ha N.
We all know Cam Huong's sandwiches get their ass kicked hands down by Ba Le's sandwiches. So this review is for everything BUT the sandwiches.
They have a huge selection of drinks, che's, packaged foods, desserts and a bunch of Asian brand snacks. They also make a mean cup of Vietnamese coffee. I think the main ingredient in the coffee must be crack. After a few sips of the coffee you'll be wired for the whole day.
Warning: If you come early in the morning expect to see the Vietnamese brotha's with their slicked back greasy hair, toothpick in mouth, sitting with one leg up on the chair while sipping on their coffee, proudly flashing their mass produced Movado watches in the air while their baby mama cuts you in line with her too tight Seven jeans, blond high-lighted hair and almost knocks the wind out of you with her questionable LV bag. Yeahh... expect to see some of those people. -
Review from Kenny L.
I love Banh Mi. Cheap and tasty. I love Banh Mi even more with Sriracha, I put Sriracha on Banh MI I like a pour salsa on a burrito.
The first time I ever tired their Banh Mi, they ran out of the pickled daikon and carrots. It was good, especially after a liberal application of Sriracha. Subsequent times, I rarely reached for the bottle of rooster sauce. I don't know what it is, but with the pickled vegetables, it tastes better than other places. Bread is has a good crust, jalapeno provides the heat, cucumber provides a crunch and coolness and pickled vegetables provide a tart sweetness.
Add the filling of your choice, and it's damn near perfect for $2.50-2.75. -
Review from judy w.
Oakland, CA
As a child, i always came here(the one in chinatown) for banh mi. my mom always got me the combo... then i discovered the bbq chicken.. then the grill pork. oh goodness. so good. i must admit, they have one of the best Banh Mi's i've tried. the bread is nice and crunch, but soft. even tho it always scratches the roof of my mouth. lol. yeah, i remmeber it used to be better. but times change. whatever lol. Cam Huong also offers a huge variety of stuff, noodles, bbq chicken drumsticks, Bun with all the fixings, noodle soups, entrees, porridge, fried goodies(the meat pie is good!) , desserts, packaged snacks, smoothies, so much.
and do they REALLY have sugar cane juice. omg. i hope so. lol
and the best part about them? its SO cheap. lol. under 3 bucks for a sandwich. its pretty filling. or u can get noodle soup for about 6 bucks. or a box of chow mien for like 2 bucks. good, when ur on the run. and just need something to eat.
and it tastes pretty good... lol
so sad i always forget to come here when im hugnry lol.
but il try to remember now!
fast, tasty,cheap!
minus 1 star for the shrinking portions
minus 1 star for sometimes being ignored, overcharged or given the wrong order.
(parking sometimes suck, and the mornings get CRAZY)
=] -
Review from Jim m.
Oakland, CA
Bahn Mi. An excellent way to confound a lingering hangover. A cheap way to reduce yourself to a food coma. A melange of flavors dancing on the palate.
I went here on the recommendation of Yelp and specifically Lainie L. So i knew it was going to be awesome before i even got out of my car. Its located on 7th and International. The Sandwiches are super cheap yet very fresh and tasty.I got 4 Banh Mis, 2 meatball and 2 barbq chicken. The meatball is the new black.Im in love.It has,in one day, become one of my go to places. The set-up is a little awkward and the booths are reminicent of, let's say, a Jack In The Box, but who gives a shit? Its all about the Banh Mi.
I tasted their noodles which were fine,but really, im never ever going to order anything except the meatball Banh Mi.Im not even fronting. -
Review from Gianni P.
Oakland, CA
The best Vietnamese sandwiches for $2.50. AMAZING.
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Review from Quang T.
The original founder of Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwiches) in Oakland. I have tried them all. This place I would say is no longer the best but still up there.
If your not into all those Asian sourness and fishyness taste then try this:
BBQ CHIICKEN SANDWICH WITH NO PICKLED VEGETABLES AND NO RAW ONIONS. You get BBQ chicken with cucumbers, cilantro, and jalepenos. That's it. Hands down one of the best.
For there special items: Get the Bun Bo Xao. Vermicelli noodles with lemon grass beef. -
Review from Michael L.
San Francisco, CA
I'd describe Cam Huong as a vietnamese version of fast food. I started coming here because its within walking distance from my job. Prices are real cheap, service and food is instant. Great for a person who's on the run to go back to work. Cheap enough that even Rachael Ray would probably get about 6 meals out of the deal if she spent her $40 dollars here.
Pho, sandwiches, Chow Mein, you name it they got it. Some reason there is always cute asian chicks in and out of here too. Good alternative if you don't want to eat Burger King or the Taco Truck down the street. -
Review from Matt F.
Best Bahn Mi I've found on International. I even liked the Ham and Pate and I don't really care for liver. (Fortunately, its just a smear on the bread.) Very fresh stuff goes in these and great rolls--crunchy and soft. I've also tried the "meatball" sandwich which is more of a warm sausage sandwich. Very fine. The bbq chicken sandwich and the pork chop sandwich are also just what they sound like and very good. It can get crowded at lunch, but the sammies keep well on your desk so you can get one before things get busy and hold onto it.
Still need to try a couple of other Bahn Mi places, but so far I love this place. Cheap too--two sandwiches and a soda are $6-7. -
Review from Nicole A.
Hayward, CA
The food here is very good and cheap! You have to try the baked chicken. Came here for the first time yesterday and was very pleased. They serve Chinese and Vietnamese food/sandwiches. They also have pearl drinks. I ordered 3 items which included chow mien &2 chicken bbq sticks and a side of 1 1/4 baked chicken and 1 bottle water, total was only $8. For the quality of the food for the price the place gets 4 stars. The workers are also very nice so 1 star for service.
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Review from Jacquie L.
San Rafael, CA
Bring on the Bahn Mi bitches.
I drive many miles to come here. Because Bahn Mi sandwiches are so bangin' that I have to eat at least two in the car on my way home.
At roughly $3/pop, these tasty Vietnamese sandwiches are oh so much better than the ones at Banh Mi Ba Le, which has 5 star reviews up the freakin' wazooooo. At Cam Houng, they use the freshest of ingredients, whole chicken breasts for their chicken sandwiches that are actually still hot when you eat the Bahn Mi, and plenty of that amazing duck pate so you don't end up needing to wash down every bite because the bread is stale and dry.
I just wish I spoke a bit of Vietnamese so I could order that traditional stew with the pork and egg in the Coconut soda and shit. My last roommate used to bring it home to share after his mom made it and it was the shit. -
Review from Kim V.
Alameda, CA
This Cam Huong pretty much raised the prices on everything over the past few months, so pay close attention. I decided to find myself a new sandwich place because there are so many to choose from these days with cheaper prices. I do not know why, but this place makes me feel so uncomfortable now. Recently I noticed the staff looks like they are about to quit their job!
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Review from Lolita D.
Oakland, CA
Vietnamese sandwich perfection.
for $2.75-$4 you can get any of their sandwiches freshly and quickly prepared. The bread they use is so good, and the balance of ingredients is perfect. My favorites are the bbq pork, beef wrapped onion, and the chicken. I'm sure the rest are delicious as well...
They also have entres, pho, and tons of ready to go trays with spring rolls, small entres and desserts.
The set up is like a cafeteria so don't go if you are looking for a fine dining experience. -
Review from Anna T.
Decent Banh Mi, but their bread isn't crispy enough on the outside I think.
My friend ate three sandwiches, so he definitely liked it! I just have high standards for Banh Mi after having Huong Lan in San Jose Tully Road.
But this is one of the better places to get Banh Mi outside of San Jose! So if you're in the East Bay I'd give this place a try. -
Review from Fanny H.
Los Angeles, CA
The prices here get me every time. It's cheap for a variety of items so whatever Vietnamese or Chinese food I'm craving, I can dish out less than $5 and be satisfied.
BBQ chicken (or any) banh mi, yes.
Fried rice with bbq chicken, yes.
Pad thai, yes.
Pre-packaged banh cuon, yes.
I'm glad this place is not too far from where I live; if I'm up for it, I'd even walk here just to get some inexpensive but good food. I've done it before and will do it again. Any day. -
Review from Stephanie N.
San Pablo, CA
Their vietnamese sandwish is the best! You have to try their food.
Their porridge is really good with the preserved black eggs and some meat. Their fried rice with the big ol' chicken thigh. The yellow omelet with shrimp, meat, onions, and bean sprout. The bun mem is really good but i just don't like the fish in it. Their avocado shake is good.
The fantastic place to grab something really fast when you are in a hurry. -
Review from Al C.
Berkeley, CA
I've had fond memories of banh mi consumption since before I knew they were called banh mis in English. It was the lunch of choice for my family in the 80s after the weekly shopping trip to the chinese supermarket. I'm pretty sure there were only 3 types of sandwiches back then also, and I'd only get the special combo.
Fast forward through childhood and the teenage years where you no longer want or have to eat with your family. Moving through college and discovering foods there and expanding your palette is the norm as everything new is cool and old is forgotten. And somewhere along the way I stopped eating banh mis. Sure, there was an occasional trip to Lee's where I ridiculed the ridiculous number of sandwiches they have, but I didn't seek these out anymore. What a mistake...
My office moved close to Oakland Chinatown and in my excitement I knew I had to take it back to my roots. Seeing this place come up with such reviews made it a no-brainer. And it does not disappoint. This is a favorite of mines, and I've turned a bunch of my co-workers (varying ethnicities!) onto this place and the idea of putting pate and pickled carrots with meat amongst other things into a sandwich. This place is a favorite of ours.
At 2.50-2.75 (Number 6 for me) for a delicious sandwich, this isn't just a great meal, its a great bargain as well. If you are within walking distance, this should be a weekly destination. -
Review from Jennie P.
TELL ME WHY THERE WAS A USED BAND-AID IN MY CHOW FUN?! How did I know it was USED? Because when I looked at it, there was a dark red/brown stain where the cotton is!
THAT IS SOME NASTY ASS SHIT.
Now explain to me why the manager would ask, "where did it come from?" as if I was the one who put that band-aid in there. Really? She explained that many it was the kids when they were playing. Kids? What kids? You got kids playing with food in the kitchen while you're cooking?! YEAH, that makes a lot of sense, lady.
She said to come back for a refund. OH WOW. It only cost like $2.00! She apologized and that was it.Listed in: HELLA Oakland Eats, NO THANKS!
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Review from Mark B.
San Francisco, CA
Went here on the suggestion of friends. I was not disappointed.
Oakland's Chinatown is like many other in the U.S. Everything is less expensive, but sometimes the quality of the items suffer. Not at Cam Huong. Traditional Vietnamese sandwiches and plates at reasonable prices and I particularly liked the service.
The son of, I think, the owner, took my order. I asked him what was good with regards to the plates and he gave me good advice and took into account what I had ordered with my sandwiches, which I took home and ate for dinner. The mother/son talking was charming and funny. I will go back many times. This is a good restaurant with well made traditional items. -
Review from Jonathan P.
Oakland, CA
BBQ Chicken Bánh Mí (Sandwich) is great. I also like the tofu egg plant over fried rice. Must have for that is the plum sauce and Sraracha Chili sauce which makes everything better. Fried noodles good too. Cash only but they have an ATM inside that charges $2.
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Review from Sidney S.
Oakland, CA
Asian fast food? Could be...
Durian Shake is a go go for me! -
Review from Nicole K.
Oakland, CA
After careful and considered comparison with Cam Huong, have concluded Bahn Mi Ba Le my fave banh mi sammy by a nose. Cam Huong wins on 'decor', sheer multitude of offerings, and general approachability. I even prefer the way Cam Huong's Pork BBQ meat sammys feature significant slices of clearly recognizable pork. I have to admit that I prefer the bread slightly at CH...But in the end it Bahn Mi Ba Le that wins on the basis of sheer tastiness and crunchy fresh ingredients. it's a matter of personal preference, but I prefer the slightly less wet version - OK less gelatinous - more highly spiced version offered up at BMBL.
Rest assured, testing will continue !!! -
Review from jeffrey k.
Emeryville, CA
Sandwiches for $2.50? Oh, heckyeah! And they're really good, too. It's a bit out of the way, but this place has replaced In-N-Out as my detour when friends and relatives are flying into Oakland International.
I see people get those pick-your-item lunches from the steam trays. I skip those. A little too Ranch 99 for me. The sandwiches are made fresh and there are a bunch on the menu. You can't go wrong with BBQ pork (now $2.75). The bacon is delish. It's more fatty pork belly than your breakfast meat. I even tried a few of the stranger ones and they're delish, too. Fishcake is another favorite.
The noodle soups are solid. If you're a stickler for the perfect bowl of pho, you might want to go elsewhere. I love the broth, here. It's beefy, not too salty or oily, and lighter in color than some places. The chicken broth noodle soups are good, too.
Those store-made drinks on the right-hand side of the beverage fridge are a hoot. I'm not sure if grown men are supposed to be drinking these. The color palette of the drinks appear to be common with Hello Kitty accessories. But let me tell you, they's tastey. Most are sweet coconut milk based but don't have a heavy coconut odor. There's one that has shredded seaweed. I like it alot, but not a lot of people like kelp in their cold beverage.
The only downside is the cleanliness of the tables and seats if you're eating in. There's a very thin patina of ancient greasiness on the surfaces that is off-putting. Someone needs to take some Windex to the place. Not a problem if you take the sandwiches to-go.
Keep an eye on the clock when you're headed out there in the late-afternoon. They close sharp at 6:00. -
Review from Liz M.
Oakland, CA
My good friend, Felix, brought some of Cam Huong's kick-ass sandwiches to our Organic Chemistry class one night. I've been dreaming of it ever since. I went today after my dentist appointment next store and got the BBQ chicken and teriyaki chicken sandwiches for lunch for my husband and me. So delicious!! Good sauce, pickled radish, and really spicy. Also, the sandwiches are like a meal and a half. Really good value. I also got two bags of snacks (wasabi peas and snap peas) and a Thai Iced Tea. The whole she-bag only cost me $11!
Pros: Good sandwiches, easy neighborhood parking, cheap
Cons: Could be cleaner -
Review from Sharona G.
Bay Area
This place is related to the one on Webster I believe..
Definetly the best. Plus a parking lot across the street,
Win/Win!
XoXoo
