Palermo Delicatessen
1556 Stockton St
(at Union St)
San Francisco, CA 94133 (415) 362-9892
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: No
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Lunch
- Alcohol: None
22 reviews
Neighborhood: SOMA
"Awesome spot. As other yelpers have mentioned, the service is very friendly and the menu is extensive. I first came for breakfast, and loved…" read more »
77 Reviews for Palermo Delicatessen
RIP, Palermo. Great sandwiches made by great men who had a lot of personality. Thanks for the Parma Specials and the arancini, fellas!
La Spiaggia Deli has already opened its doors after a quick turnaround. Curious to see how it compares, but I can't help but be a little skeptical.
Oh Palermo. I went by today and you looked different. You're a newer looking deli since you've changed hands overnight (more like a couple of weeks I'm told). The set up is similar but new faces to learn. I mourn the original Palermo but am glad there's still a 2nd deli in NB.
Can't remember the new name but I'll need to make a return trip. Some cuties in there. :)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
04/28/2006
Many North Beachers are thankful a 2nd Italian deli opened after the sad closure of Panelli Brothers… Read more »
3 words: CRAB SALAD SANDWICH amazing and well worth the price! I came here during the week after locking myself out of my apartment and being scammed by a slimey locksmith. The staff was so nice and accomodating. They gave me some of there housemade nouget (which was delicious) and the name of a local trustworthy locksmith. Quality all around!
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
This place is YUM. This is a definite stop whenever i'm in SF. I like their traditional on ciabatta bread with swiss cheese. omg i'm so hungry for one right now.......drool........ !!
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Whoever gives this place less than four stars must have went on an off day, because this is one of North Beach's jewels. I try to grab a sandwich here at least once a month.
Awesome group of guys in there every time. They know us now, not by name, but still recognize us. Makes us feel at home.
Smoked turkey with fresh mozzarella gets me every time. It keeps me coming back anyway.
Get the traditional sandwich and they'll do it up right. Be fussy... maybe not so much. But good deal if you like a traditional Italian sub. Yummy!
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
i dont care if you never gave me pickles when i asked for them...i loved you.
you were the "salami and swiss on soft sour with spectral pickles" of my heart
when i walked by and saw you gone i almost cried and got this overwhelming sense of loss.
now the dude from nicks crispy tacos is all up in your shit
and im going vegetarian
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I had been to the old Palermo before and really enjoyed the sandwiches there but they recently changed ownership. While the decor and layout was much better, the food was very bland. I miss the savory food and am sorry to see the changes.
When I got up this morning, I was craving for an Italian Combo on soft sour bread from them. Decided to go. As I walk in, I thought I was at the wrong place. They have changed ownerships. No more Italian Combo...didn't recognize the new faces. Perhaps I should have given the new owners a try, but I was too sad to venture something new. Perhaps next time...
Hey! Fugedaboudit! Hey oh! Oh hey! Time for food! Manga Manga Manga!
This place is a great hole in the wall. Run by a great bunch of guys I have known for a long time ever since working with them at Fisherman's Wharf. Most of them worked at the seafood docks while I worked at the seafood counters that line the restaurant alley near Pier 45. Great times and great food.
The place is fun and relaxed. The food is great. I mean, how often do you see a guy that is 5 foot nothing try to hit on a woman that is almost a foot taller than him? And he's behind the counter making a sandwich and listening to the Giants game at the same time. The only other place I can think of is back where we used to work. But I think he would take the deli over the smell of the wharf after a long days work.
Just be nice and order politely. They will treat you with respect if you do the same with them. Common courtesy, we should all practice this more often. Even me, I must admit. And for those that are afraid of the cops, this might not be a great place for you...Lots of cops in and out of the place. It's an Italian thing.
Everything was nice, the crab salad was awesome, the staff were great, and i was able to put together a bag full of goodies for a picnic in the park on a Sunday when Molinari's was closed. I prefer the meat at Molinari's--the quality is a little better there, but Palermo is somewhere I'd go to again when they're closed, or would recommend to someone.
3.5 stars - had the Italian combo on dutch crunch and it was tasty but messy - all because of the vinegrette dressing they add to the sandwich. I thought they were light on the meat, at least in comparison to Molinari.
Sandwiches are pretty awesome (a touch overpriced) and the service can be iffy when it's busy (12-2pm)... I recommend calling in your order to pickup to avoid the chaos of ordering at the counter.
What does it for me is their dutch crunch bread... I never heard of or seen it on the East Coast until I moved to SF. But then again, they get all their bread from Italian-French Bakery, 2 blocks up on Union & Green... so you could get your bread there, go to the grocery store and make just as good a sandwich home.
Bad Service story:
I boycotted them for a couple months after 2 bouts of standing in line for 15 mins and not getting served. When it's busy, it's chaotic as people cram into a small space with no clear order line. Waiting on line once, I was skipped over 3 times ... the counter guy (short 40-something Joe Pesci dude) chose to serve a hot girl over me, and when she even said that I was in line first, counter guy said "he doesn't look like he's ready to order yet". I'd been ready for 10 mins! While she's ordering 2 cops walk in. As soon as he's done with her I start to give my order, but he then starts up a conversation with the cops and takes their orders. I yell "F-this!" throw the menu on the floor and walk out.
I've since avoided these problems by ordering over the phone ... which forces them to help you right away.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Oh my gosh, the 5-star ratings are unreal! It's old school Italian - limited selection, careless assembly (ie shove it in there), but they're very generous with the meat! Meat upon meat!
Get a sando and sit in the square.
Vince ran a restauraunt a block away with the best chickens you could ask for. When he decided to open shop and make a deli I was saddened that I couldn't eat his chickens any longer.
His deli is great and the regret of losing "Polermo's" was washed away by a new love of Polermo Delicatessen.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Their chicken Pizzaiola was friggin' good. The chicken was nice and thickly battered but I was wishing for some more kick in the sauce or some sauteed garlic.
The counter guy was friendly.
But $9.20 for a sandwich to go? Wow. Pricey.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
This place was just ok - we paid 10.50 each (market price) for the SF Pride Sandwich - a crab salad on focaccia. I wouldn't have minded the cost if it had blown me away, but the crab was still a bit cold even after they toasted it on a panini grill for a while and the flavors were just average.
Dear Palermo's,
First Molanari's had my heart. Then I found you. Your caprese sandwich on focaccia, grilled to perfection, will always make me cry tears of joy. Never change.
Love,
BurritoManiac
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
so what Palermo's is owned by the italian mafia, this place is the greatest. After coming in...oh maybe 20 times with my bf, they finally accepted me as a regular as well. They are so friendly and remember our order all the time. Of course they'll joke with me or give me a hard time, but hey, they are definetely mob bosses using this shop as a front so what the hell, they can tease me all they want.
I suggest, garlic foccacia, foccacia, or ciabatta breads, with garlic rosemary turkey, lettuce, tomato, onions and the vinegrette to go then take it across the street for a picnic in Washington Park. Ahh, I can't wait for the weekend. You;ll probably see me there.
Palermo makes my favorite salami sandwich. Try it on French Italian bread.
I think I sometimes gravitate toward places where you kind of have to know what you're doing when you order. Mostly I find this to be the case with delicatessens and butchers. But I suppose when they are good they don't always have to be cheery.
They have really really good crab salad here. And when it's not crab season they make it with bay shrimp and still sublime.
Wow!!! Another North Beach miss. I just don't get the rave reviews for this place. The sandwich selection is large, I'll give 'em that. Frankly, how hard can cold cuts be? A bread selection (you can get that at Lee's for a fraction of the price), a cold cuts selection (Safeway), and deli salads that were, frankly, dried out and looking like they'd lived in the display case one day too many (Safeway). Now, I went in on a Monday, so that might have explained the salad freshness. I guess their Sunday patrons don't eat salad with their sandwiches (I know I usually don't).
And, when the surly dude behind the counter informed me the sandwich came "dry" and asked if I wanted anything on it, I returned the attitude with a polite smile and a request for MAYO ... I know, I know ... mayo on an Italian cold cut sandwich. Curse me!! Alas, I'm the fool who paid $7.50 for a bologna sandwich.
I'll brave the lines at Molinari the next time I'm hungry for an Italian sub.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
As one of the newer Italian delis to come back to North Beach they are doing a great job. I always order the Italian combo since they opened. The sandwich varies from time to time based on the precut cold cuts available, but it is always a pleasant surprise. I make sure my sandwich has a slice of salami, mortadella, and prosciutto. By the way there is a hugh difference between Italian prosciutto and American prosciutto, I know, I've been to Italy. My wife on the otherhand orders what she feels like eating, then we sometimes walk across to the Washington Square Park for a picnic.
I found myself alone one weekday morning. I went down the hill and got my sandwich. Then I walk accross the street to Caffe Rome, ordered a coffee, and sat outside. Little did I know this was going to be a memorable perfect day for me. I had my sandwich, coffee, book, and my American Spirit Medium cigarettes.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
This place has my vote for being the best sandwich delicatessen. My vote counts because I am not a sandwich person. But here, I am in love with their Italian Combo on focaccia bread (from Liguiria bakery). Their sandwiches are big for me. So I'm getting 2 sandwiches for the price of one! :) The brothers are really sweet. One tip - Don't let the older guy make your sandwich. He's nice but if he makes your sandwich, it'll be a soup of olive oil, meat and veggies. I'm not sure if he's far-sighted!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
Their sandwiches are DELICIOUS, and they have a good selection of other Italian stuff. I came looking for some prosciutto, and the guy behind the counter was really straight with me and told me that the domestic "prosciutto" would probably work just as well for my purposes (it did), and was a lot cheaper. I appreciated the honesty. Good food, friendly and honest service. Me like.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
I love Palermo and their sandwiches last me all day. Next to Washington Square Park so you have the perfect place to eat lunch. I always get a hot toscano on ciabatta with provolone and everything else on it. Try it out the next time you get in there.
They have some of the best sandwiches in town. I usually get the chicken Pizzaiola (hot), the meatball sandwich (hot) and the crab salad sandwich (cold).
One more plus: they have NOUGAT and PANTONNE.
the only draw back would be the lack of inside seatings.
Yummy! I love Palermo. I love that they are open on Sundays, when Molanari's is closed. It's close to the park, they have lots of fresh goodies, are super fast and friendly, and make a yummy sandwhich on foccacia (or your other preferred roll).
I always get a side of their macaroni salad as well.
mmm...going there now...
EDIT: Two words: RICE BALL
(Aranchini)
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
It's Vinny!!! When in need of a quick bite and looking for some yummy Italian sandwiches, this would be THE place in North Beach. And, more importantly, unlike other delicatessens in the neighborhood which shall not be mentioned (Molinary), the guys that work there are super nice. They are always friendly, no matter how busy they are.
And, if you are not in the mood for a sandwich, I would recommend the Arianccita, or something like that. It's a huge orange rice ball filled with cheese and ground beef, covered in marinara sauce. SOOoo GOOD. Also, their chicken is delicious.
Doggie Friendliness Meter: EXCELLENT (They are sooo nice to Boris, they even bring him out some treats to munch on. Mmmm.... chicken...)
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (3)
A nice deli with friendly staff. I'm glad they are open Sundays because I love to take one of their sandwiches with me to the Niners' game during football season.
Sometimes they have wonderful freshly foraged Porcini at reasonable prices (for Porcini).
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
This place fuck-in rocks! You grab an amazing deli sandwich and drink and go sit in the park and chill out. I miss this place, I haven't found nearly as good of a place in LA. The owner is really friendly and sincere. The seafood salad her is amazing and so is there Italian cold cuts. One sandwhich here is so big it usually last for two meals. I miss you Palermo.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
This place screams NORTH BEACH! The sandwiches and the roasted chickens are among the best in the world and I have eaten around the world. Frankie ,Vince, Mario and the others make this place a must do. If only they had more tables and seved wine. Five stars is still an understatement.
Ok, so the owner of this deli is my neighbor, but danged if he doesn't make the best sandwich this side of the Mississippi, and this from someone who doesn't even LIKE sandwiches! Service is great, and the folks there are just as friendly to tourists as they are to me.
The Fella and I love to share a big corned beef sandwich in the park outside.... you will find this a relaxing way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon, too.
Oh, yeah, BTW, my neighbor, the owner said he's going to be on Food Network some time in November with Mario Batali! Some kind of show about sauces.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
I made a vegetarian swoon when I brought my tasty meatball sandwich back to work from Palermo's.
This small deli offers a wide range of meats for you to choose from. And all of the highest quality too! Salame, prosciutto, coppa, pastrami slapped onto your choice of breads. They do tack on 25cents for cheese though. But dang who wouldn't pay extra for cheese?
Service with a smile and they treat you like they are your father. So my meatball sandwich was well doused with their own homemade marinara sauce and the fresh mozz practically stretched 2 feet from my first bite. The meatballs was so tender and so flavorful... ok, I really want to stress on the meatballs but I know some of you are already snickering at some juicy balls innuendo! But they're honest to gosh gooooood!
And what perfect location really. Right next to Washington Sq Park for people watching and after meal gelato and canollis just a stone's throw away.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
Outstanding sandwiches. A little pricey, but worth it--and great for eating in the park. Service is quite friendly.
Grilled Liguria, yummm!
Ah...Palermo...The sandwiches are one thing especially the succulent garlicky breaded chicken cutlet but now I've discovered their Arancini...These heavenly delicacies hail, as the owner told me, from his hometown. A big hot crunchy bread-battered ball of saffron risotto (and he's generous on the saffron) with cheese and bolognese sauce in the center...
I dream of these golden Arancini all week till I get up there to Palermo on the weekend for my fix.
Grazie, amico, per i sogni!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
What do I need to say about family ?
Frankie & Vinnie are the absolute best, and yes, thank Goddess they are my family !
The best Italian sandwiches ever, filled with fresh, cold meats, nothing like cold imported deli meats & spicey cheese, in a hard crunchy roll and a squeeze of thier special sauce....
There is always a smile behind that sanGwhich !!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, the roomies and I hauled our asses out of bed and walked down to Palermo. We had a drunken good time last night so we were hungry, not hungover (thank God) when we woke up.
The deli was swarming with people. Turkey on ciabatta bread sandwich here, Prosciutto sandwich on dutch crunch there, and San Francisco Pride sandwich (Dungeness crab with roasted peppers, monterey jack cheese on a grilled rosemary focaccia bread) for us. Service was quick -- we were out of there in no time enjoying our sandwiches on a bench at Washington Square Park while we people watched. The SF Pride Sandwich was so delicious and H U G E! I was starving, but I only ate half of it. I ended up eating the other half for dinner. I've never been into sandwiches, but after today, I had a change of heart...
Frankie, the owner, is such a great guy. Even though it was really busy, he found time to say "hello" to every one of his costumer. Make sure to check out the Palermo family action figure displayed -- I'm not sure if they actually sell it. I am really glad that I have Palermo just a few blocks away from the apartment.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
Gotta put in a good word for the neighbors!
The guys at Palermo are great... not only are they willing to keep a tab for my company's lunch orders, but they also happen to make some of the tastiest Italian sandwiches this side of Columbus Street!
When I really want to reward myself, I go in to order an Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich on fresh focaccia, with a thick pile of deep fried eggplant, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce. The sandwich can easier last me two meals (and I'm a big eater). On lighter days I like getting the Arrancini with some sauce and a little side of Caprese salad (so simple but sooooo good!).
Palermo also sells rotisserie chicken on occasion, and has a few shelves of Italian goods in case you want to pick up some pasta or cookies to bring home. Great place!!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I always get a side of their macaroni salad as well.
mmm...going there now...
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
My Neighborhood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,… -
Good Food In North Beach
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the… -
Faves in the Old 'hood...
Just some places I loved or liked when I was still… -
The NoBe (North Beach)…
Every since I moved to North Beach on March 4,… -
Top Restaurants
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the… -
Afternoons in North…
North Beach is my escape after being trapped in… -
My Neighborhood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,… -
My Neighborhood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
Hot and New
- Gary Danko
981 reviews
Neighborhood: Fisherman's Wharf
- yoCup
143 reviews
Neighborhood: SOMA
- Universal Cafe
352 reviews
Neighborhood: Mission
- Lolo
119 reviews
Neighborhood: Mission
- Tuttimelon
248 reviews
Neighborhood: Outer Sunset