Hazel's Kitchen
Categories: Delis, Sandwiches [Edit]
Neighborhood: Potrero Hill1319 18th Street
(between Missouri St & Texas St)
San Francisco, CA 94107 (415) 647-7941
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: No
- 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: No
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Lunch
- Alcohol: None
289 reviews
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
"There are latkes in the house! Potato latkes in the house. Now there's latkes on my plate. Get those latkes in my mouth! There are balls…" read more »
72 Reviews for Hazel's Kitchen
I just moved to Potrero and have eaten at Hazel's a few times now...for breakfast and lunch. I like their sandwiches and the girls have always been nice to me. I think if you are pleasant you typically get a pleasant response back. And for goodness sake, it's a sandwich shop not Gary Danko. I love their bagels with scrambled eggs for breakfast! Hits the spot with a coffee from Farley's.
Why is that short lady so mean?
My roast beef with hot horseradish mayo on dark rye was huge and tasty.
But she was so MEAN.
Ok not mean exactly. Snarky. Uninvolved. Kind of on another planet. A planet that has no patience or common courtesy. And rolls eyes alot.
There must be something in the local hand washing water, 'cause she and that skinny angry white boy who listens to way too much low tempo music at Farley's are a match made in kiss my ass hell.
I really wish Hazel would either hire some decent help, or just stay closed on days that she isn't willing to work. The incompetence of the staff falls into a special class that is almost admirable in its extreme: They made a sandwich that was practically the exact opposite of what we ordered.
The girl at the counter may have been new, but it was as if sandwich concepts themselves were foreign to her, not just the menu. "What are these things you call 'cheese' and 'bread'?" We would have had better luck going through a fast-food drive-through without ordering and just paying for whatever the people behind us wanted.
Getting charged $6.95 for a giant roll ("sourdough that has been sliced" versus the requested "sliced sourdough") with no lettuce or tomato, mayonnaise, or mustard is not how I want to keep the economy afloat. We got home, and had to basically make a sandwich out of the paltry ingredients by adding our own. Glad we had all that stuff in the fridge.
We are considering opening up a sandwich repair shop in the Dogpatch.
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Change the name to Dirty Hand Hazel's with attitude!
I don't know why the girls that work here have such an bad attitude, if you don't want to help people and take orders then don't work in the service industry. Also, don't take orders then proceed to help make sandwiches without washing your disgusting mits. I just noticed this today and while it wasn't my particular order that was being violated with money filth, this is clearly unexceptable and I have every right to call the health department and let then know about this unhealthy practice.
Also, I don't know how many times we've gone in and they tell us it will be 5 minutes and we'll end up waiting 15 or 20 minutes. One time we called ahead thinking we'd just walk right in and pick them up 10 minutes later. No chance. Even though we called ahead, we got there with no one else was waiting and they forgot to make our sandwiches and didn't even apologize for screwing up. I live in this area and I think it's important to support your local shops and eateries but, Hazel's can keep their bitchy attitude and poorly made sandwiches. I'd rather go to Togo's then deal with the constant screw-ups and crabby workers. At least I'll get chips and a drink for the same price and they wear gloves while making their sandwiches. What a concept!
I like to think of myself as a sandwich connoisseur...I love sandwiches!! I really enjoy hazels....They have very healthy (not mostly meat) sandwiches. They are made with care, so don't go in a hurry....and I love that every sandwich comes with cucumbers and Hazels "special sauce." ..It is always nice to order a sandwich and then take it to Farley's next door. They let you eat your sandwich in there shop! ...that is a whole other review..(I heart Farley's)......
Also, she has beautiful quiches and salads to pair with your sandwiches....yummy. I am a regular. Hazel's is my favorite sandwich shop in Potrero Hill!
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How quaint-
This is a very small place with very limited offerings. BUT, I loved my turkey on sourdough. It was a windy day eating that lovely concoction. But the people watching would make up for it on a seemingly brisk & chilly afternoon. Did I mention the ballpark is right down the street? Really cheap eats and fast service. Not to mention the 280 is close by.
syl-
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I ate at Hazel's for the first time today...you wouldn't think that a sandwich could taste so darn good, but this was seriously delicious food. Forget about the sides and chips, the sandwich was huge. My partner had the turkey and cranberry with provolone cheese and I had the roast beef with horseradish mayo and thick slices of swiss. Cucumber slices, fresh tomato and onions added some crunch and the bread was soft and perfect. My belly is so happy right now. The prices were totally appropriate for the food. Hazel's is my new most favorite sandwich place in San Francisco. No seating inside...a few tables outside...seems like a take away place only. Worth the trip to Potrero.
I walked over there to order a sandwich to go. It was my first time and I think I got there at the right time (around 12:15) because after that, there was a big line.
I ordered the BLT with Avocado on Whole Wheat.....
YUM. I loved that the bacon was very thin and crisp. There were crunchy cucumbers and tomatoes in there along with a TON of Avocado. Usually there is just a slice or two in there but mine had a bunch.
DELICIOUS.....
What they also get extra kudos for is that they give you two tootsie rolls in your bag. Yeah!
I didn't give them 5 stars because I didn't eat it there nor did I try anything else. But I am most definitely going back there soon.
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I went to Hazel's the very first day it was open and have been going there when ever I am back in the old hood! I was obsessed obsessed I say with the Thai noodle salad! Love It!
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These are sandwiches the way you wish your mom would've made them for you! A very homemade, California-fresh feel, with friendly service to boot.
There's no space to eat inside so plan to take out unless it's a sunny day and the tables are open.
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I like the location and the retro-grandma design of the store and the graphic design. And, that you can bring your food to Farley's.
HOWEVER, it's always service with a snarl and the ladies behind the counter always seem displeased to see you. The sandwiches are made of cheap ingredients and remind me of something you'd get a the deli counter of a Safeway!
It's such a missed opportunity to go full-on and keep up with San Francisco's food quality AND keep the vintage vibe. I wish they made watercress sandwiches, yummy deviled eggs and good fresh bread and quality sandwiches. Instead, the food tastes like cardboard. The mac and cheese? Awful. Salad? Yuck.
The stars are only for the cute look of the place. The designer deserves a 4-store for re-vamping a hole in the wall to such a cute spot. But that's not reason enough to go there, esp since it's take out only and food is not good.
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Cute sandwich shop in the Potrero Hill area...the food is decent for a quick bite, but the service is a little out of it (though they redeemed themselves, read on) and the food isn't something you can't find elsewhere (albeit, the ingredients are very fresh and seem like veggies from a great summer day, which you can't find everywhere but you can still find them at a grocery store and other small delis).
Came here today with a group of people, and my boyfriend had a roast beef/horseradish sandwich (very crisp and fresh veggies like tomato and cucumber, no soggy or shredded lettuce type fare, the horseradish was a good touch), and I had the mac and cheese (very cheesey, baked together like a mac and cheese casserole with a crumbly top, pretty good). However, the salads in the display case didn't look too fresh, I requested a fruit salad and only after I paid and my mac and cheese was ready did they tell me they didn't have any fruit salad (they mentioned they had ran out earlier, but just didn't think to tell me when I was ordering, thus, the 'out of it' ness I referred to earlier).
However, the service was definitely nice and not snarling. The woman behind the counter smiled and said I could have a bagel instead of the non existent fruit salad. She also asked if I wanted any spread and if I wanted it toasted. That totally made up for the 'out of it' ness.
Sandwiches like your grandma would make. If she loved you very, very much. Fresh, high-quality ingredients. And the salads and specials are yum, too! If you're feeling confident about your bootang, get the mac and cheeeeeeeeeeeese...
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This place is adorable! Sit on their munchkin sized chairs while you wait and you can be adorable too! Their sandwiches aren't bad either. They remind me of the kind of sandwiches my high school cafeteria used to make which were by the way, so good that I still came back to have one of their sandwiches well after I graduated.
The design is quite unique and the place looks like one of those rare san francisco finds. The food was okay. Certainly not the best I've ever had and I agree with the other person who commented that it's "service with a snarl".
I had the roast beef special which was decent though I wouldn't consider it worth the high(er) price. The best part of the sandwich was the bread.
Hazel's homemade sandwiches epitomize California -- always fresh and healthy, yet simple. They even sometimes have creative-sounding tofu sandwiches that I as a carnivore have even contemplated trying. I come to this cute mom-and-pop shop in my 'hood on a weekly basis.
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Okay, Hazel's Kitchen promotes its "Hazel's Bagels" prominently. But I asked the woman who works there about it, and she told me they don't make their own bagels! I mean, isn't that false advertising? She seemed really perplexed why I was bothered that they call them "Hazel's Bagels" even though they aren't homemade. I guess they put the sandwich fixin's on the bagels themselves, but somehow that still just doesn't ring true for me.
Nevertheless, Hazel's Kitchen makes a fine sandwich. And their interior decor is really cute with its retro look. And they are conveniently located right next to Farley's, where you can eat your sandwich along with a big cup o' coffee.
I am a sucker for daily specials. I usually like to try them whenever I can. Today the sandwich specials at Hazel's Kitchen had me locked in a state of indecision for about 5 minutes. When it came time to order, in usual fashion I made a last minute decision and picked a winner. A turkey sandwich between two slices of whole wheat with a pesto aioli, warm provolone, and lots of veggies - lettuce, thinly sliced zucchini, caramelized onions, and roasted red peppers - tossed in a light balsamic vinaigrette. The beautiful colors made it even more appetizing. Mmm, mmm, good! My only complaint (yes, I know that I'm a snob) is that the turkey cold cuts were too salty for my taste, and the texture of the cut resembled the ones that come in a 100 slice bulk pack. I would've much preferred an oven roasted breast. It would be just as good without the meat. But yes, aside from that, it was delicious with a capital D. Extra points for the cuteness of the interior!
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Meh, 'split pea soup' more like bland green water with slices of deli ham tossed in carelessly. They're super nice, but man, do they need to step up the soup, especially now...soup season.
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A weekend staple when I can get it. A coffee from Farley's, a bacon breakfast burrito, good company, and people watching. Its just a tortilla with cheese, egg, meat, and salsa, but its oh so good...or maybe its oh so convenient....either way it warms my belly. Remember to pour on the Tabasco!
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Used to be a huge fan of Hazel's until today, when I pulled three hairs out of the inside of my sandwich...
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Dear Hazel's Kitchen,
If it is 2:00pm on a Wednesday and a large group of people who are obviously hungover request a table...wouldn't getting them a table in due time be the smart thing to do?
Instead you made us stand outside, watching the ONE outdoor table you have get filled by a group of people that looked as if they had just returned from Burning Man. Which was odd, considering I ate here in APRIL.
I mean, that's just cruel, Hazel's. How come they got food before us? I'm sure I looked a lot worse-for-wear than they did, because I am not a happy camper without a morning cup of coffee.
But you finally came through for us and you let us in. Our table was haphazardly thrown together and your waitress wouldn't even look us in the eye. Good thing she brought me my coffee promptly, though. She probably didn't have to make eye contact to see that I would kill her if she did not deliver.
The food arrived quickly enough and was hot. I ordered some kind of scramble, minus the eggs. My only complaint was that there were WAYYYYY too many chunks of potato in it.
Their menu is pretty diverse, all things considered. Lots of options for whatever stupid restrictions you might have, you fucking hippie.
Toward the end of our dining experience, I was pretty sure we were going to die because a mighty disturbing smell was wafting through the small establishment. It smelled like some kind of electrical fire. Apparently Hazel's is still there, though.
This place was okay. Don't bring a large group here and if you're dying for caffeine be smart (unlike me) and go to Farley's before enduring the wait at Hazel's.
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I had a fine scrambled egg bagel sammie this morning, though I was distressed to read (just now) in Tommy S.'s review that there are some unsanitary, non-handwashing habits going on. Yuck. One person made my egg sammie, and another took my money, so I didn't notice, but Tommy's review just seriously turned my stomach. Bleh. Bleh. Bleh.
(The eggs were fine, the avocado fresh, so I was fine with the edible part of my experience, and I hope Tommy's wrong, or that they've changed their ways. I thought another reviewer's point was fair, which was that you can make just the same at home, so it wasn't extraordinary. But it was a solid three stars. Assuming the handwashing issue is fixed. Blech. Yuck. Kills me. Big yuck.)
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I weep as I write. Hazel's is true love for me.
Back in the day I used to live on the hill and Hazel's was my home away from home. There was a time where I wouldn't eat tuna-fish, unless it was made before my eyes - until I tried Hazels. Wheat bread, White Cheddar, cucumbers, red onion, lettuce and tomatoes. Something so simple that exhibits pure perfection.
I make the pilgrimage back every visit to SF. Well worth the long line!
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I have been buying a sandwich every Sunday for the past few years at Hazel's and would now like to take back my former review. What use to be a great place to find a really great deli sandwich just got it's 3rd strike and now Hazel's is out. Where is the cheese where is the meat where are the fresh crisp fillings where is the fresh bread. Hazel boo
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I really want to love Hazel's - it is an absolutely adorable little take-out/sandwich shop in my neighborhood. In addition to sandwiches, they offer a few hot dishes (i.e mac and cheese) and salads.
I have only gotten food from Hazel's twice, and both times they were out of the thing I wanted (bad luck or standard fare; I'm not sure). Yesterday I got a truly mediocre $9 "chef's salad," which was clearly just standard sandwich fixings in a to go box, topped with a super bland dressing that I had to doctor-up at home (insult to injury).
According to my husband, the sandwiches are good but a little scant in the meat department.
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Shameful sandwiches.....
Five of us ordered food (sandwiches, chili, salads) to go from Hazel's. The sandwiches had literally TWO slices of seemingly pre-packaged deli meat, one slice of cheese, and not much else. I ate the first half because I was super hungry, and didn't eat the second half at all.
Two of my co-workers who ordered sandwiches actually had blue marker ink on their BREAD. Apparently the marker that the sandwich maker used to write the type of sandwich on the wrap is of super industry grade.....
Oh, and don't order the macaroni and cheese, because it costs close to $8, the portion is ridiculously small, and they conveniently forgot to put the salad (that's supposed to come with the macaroni and cheese) in the bag!!!
Unacceptable!!
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After hearing from some buddies that the sandwiches as Hazel's Kitchen were really good, I recently had the opportunity to try a sandwich. When I walked into Hazel's Kitchen, I liked the feel of the place with a household kitchen and friendly small business feel, the type of place I usually especially like giving my business to.
As far as the food though, first off, a one star might be a little harsh but the rating is purely on the hot pastrami and swiss sandwich. I ordered the pastrami and swiss sandwich and when the cashier said that my sandwich was ready, I looked at the sandwich and said, "I think this is the wrong sandwich." The cashier clarified that this was the right sandwich. Huge disappointment, my pastrami sandwich had so little meat I couldn't even tell if I got the right sandwich because it was covered with lettuces and other garnishes. When I think of a good hot pastrami sandwich, I think of a sandwich overflowing with meat and usually on rye bread.
I have heard the other sandwiches are great from friends, but I was disappointed in the hot pastrami sandwich. The pastrami was average tasting so if it had more meat it probably would have been worthy of about 3 stars.
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New digs, same tainted & tasty food.
Hazels recently moved one door closer to Farley's and though as a patron you have about the same amount of space you don't have to feel so sorry for the people behind the counter in such a tiny space any longer. I eat here every once in a while, mostly for a morning eggy bagel as I did this morning. The food is okay but as another person said about turkey sandwiches, given the ingredients I can usually make as good an eggy creation at home. This morning I was lazy and went to Hazel's.
What I don't like about Hazel's is that every employee I've seen there will handle your money and work the cash register, then go straight to making your food without washing their hands. This morning both of the women working there did this. Granted, I'm particularly sensitive to this and I'm sure I've eaten the equivalent of a roll of heavily tenderloin-circulated nickels from closed kitchens without knowing it but it's just not something I want to see. I ate my eggy bagel without thinking twice about it and I'll go back but it is my least favorite thing about the place.
A few weeks ago I witnessed a Subway employee learn the word "gooey" from a co-worker before my eyes. That doesn't say much about the San Francisco Public school system but at least he knew enough to put on a fresh pair of gloves after taking a turn at the register.
Enjoy at your own risk.
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Good lord, I can't even begin to describe how awesome their chicken pesto sandwiches are. But don't you worry, because I'm going to try:
The sliced sourdough is moist and firm and with just the perfect hint of flavor-adding goodness that any bread should add. The wonderful assortment of tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumbers is superbly fresh and tasty and in just the right ratio to the focal point, which of course is the slices of chicken which are quite thick and juicy. And the pesto sauce--- oh, how I love their pesto sauce. I haven't tried this option yet, but you can add their wonderful pesto to ANY sandwich for just 50 cents more, so if you're not a chicken lover too, that'd be a good way to go.
Plus, everyone there is super friendly, and I don't understand why some people have said they are slow at making the sandwiches. Helllo, if there are 10 people waiting in front of you, that's 10 more sandwiches to make before yours! Just go chill outside for a while on this lovely section of 18th street. I promise it's more fun that hovering over the counter and freaking out for 10 minutes until your sandwich is ready.
Now that Klein's gone, what choice do I have for a sandwich under 4 blocks away? Hazel's! I used to love the place for a breakfast bagel on the weekends, but now I also get their yummy BLT with avocado. The bacon is fully cooked and crispy, and there is plenty of avocado. Yummy! Not the cheapest sandwiches, but they're comparably priced to my work cafeteria and higher quality so I'm not complaining!
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Cafeteria quality sandwiches at hip, neighborhood bistro prices.
I had the roast beef, my wife had the hot pastrami. Both sandwiches were made from pre-packaged deli meat and basic bulk food-service ingredients. One thin slice of meat per sandwich. Not that we were expecting Carnegie Deli, but come on, several dollars for a buck's worth of average sandwich fixings that anyone can buy at Safeway? They should be ashamed to serve that food in an area where fresh ingredients abound. Staff was friendly although quite disorganized. It took them about 20 minutes to make the two orders. Not sure what people on yelp are reacting to that love it so much. Maybe Hazel's Kitchen has friends that post those.
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Yummy turkey cranberry sandwich.
Slow slow slow service. Like "makes me want to jump behind-the-counter and make the sandwich myself" slow.
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I had a very unpleasant experience here when I went for lunch and ordered the turkey and cranberry sandwich. There was something that was neither turkey nor cranberry in there and I couldn't bring myself to finish the whole thing. I'm pretty squeamish about food. And I don't know where they get their cookies, but mine tasted like it was 3 weeks old. I know cookies, and these were really bad. I'm sure they taste fine when they are fresh but they really shouldn't sell old baked goods. They should throw them out after a week or less.
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A good place to pickup a sandwich on a way to a picnic since Hazel's is close to 18th Street exit off of I280 Freeway. Probably a 5 Star shop for Petrero Hill residents, but 3 stars for me since I live in SOMA. One of the awards displayed on the wall is "Best Place to Meet Locals," which explains how this place is loved by nearby residents. Sandwich was made on fresh bread and ripe tomatoes. I wished they would pile on a little bit more meat, but overall a solid sandwich. Use this place as a takeout place, because they only have several seats outside.
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Wow . . . apparently people either LOVE it or HATE Hazels ;-) I am going to with I LOVE IT! I usually get the Rare Roast Beef and i love the fact that it seems like it is my sister making a sandwich for me in the kitchen at home . . . not that my sister EVER made anything for me when i was home but that is a different set of therapy sessions.
Since I work close by this is the place I go to if I need something quick. Plus they have a frequent eating card . . . sweet!
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When I first started going to Farley's I'd frequently see red-white tray-totting patrons step in and grub on sandwiches and soups. As Farley's doesn't make these items, I investigated and found that Hazel's, just a couple doors down, serves up these goodlookin' sandwich sets. As there is no place to sit- Hazel's is essentially a small kitchen and counter- they apparently have an arrangement with Farley's. Farley's will sometimes have a basket of sandwiches, presumably from when Hazel's closes shop for the day.
So I stopped by and ordered a sandwich. Granted, I ordered one of their tamer items, but I've produced superior turkey sandwiches in my kitchen.
And when I inadvertently tipped over the top bun, I found that the sandwich maker had stuck in a leaf of lettuce that was rotten black. How the sandwich maker though friendly, either (1) didn't see this disgusting fossilized leaf of lettuce, or (2) saw it and thought it was okay, is a head scratcher. If you go, best take a peek under the lid.
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The turkey sandwich, with cranberry sauce. It is so delicous, it almost made me cry... twice.
Not only do they make a delicious sandwich, they sometimes throw fruit-flavored tootsie rolls into their to-go bags (no joking). I'll never forget the day I finished a sandwich from Hazel's, then discovered a green apple tootsie roll in the bag under those folded-up napkins I forgot to use... amazing.
I hope Hazel's never leaves.
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Last time i went to hazels i was just getting sick and i was craving the usual - roast beef and cheddar and seeded roll. Instead i ordered the lunch box with 1/2 avacado sandwich, corn chowder soup, and bean salad. Why oh why did i order these things when sick!? Despite this, Hazels is known for consistently wonderful food, great value and those yummy little candies they always throw in the bag. Thanks!
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Peckish on Portrero Hill?
If you put your hands up to your head cuffed like blinders and look straight at this closet of a place on 18th Street between Texas and Missouri, you may think you're in the Hamptons waiting for the Barefoot Contessa to come out in her figure-slimming caftan. Put your hands down, and then you realize you're just in front of a sandwich shop on Portrero Hill. I don't know which of the two women in the shop is Hazel, but it's a charmer of a place. They apparently serve breakfast bagels, but my friend and I came by over the weekend for one of their seven sandwiches. Except for the $4.75 PB&J (which I must try), all of them range from $6.50 to $6.75.
They also have three tempting salads, all freshly made - pasta, Greek and a corn-bean combo - which sell for $2.95 for a half-pint serving. The best deal is definitely the half-sandwich/half-salad for $6.75 especially since the sandwiches are pretty hefty. I had the roast beef and cheddar, and while the meat is sparse between the sourdough slices, it is chockfull of lettuce, tomato and other healthy goodies. I like the use of the Chinese take-out container for the salad, though I was hoping for a Kosher pickle to complete the picture. There are only two tables, each with two chairs, outside on the sidewalk and a bench, so be prepared to take it to go. Farley's is just a couple of doors down, and an iced latte would be a nice way to wash it all down. This one is definitely a cut above the neighborhood sandwich shop.
FOOD - 4 stars...fresh ingredients elevate this place
AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...well, the outdoor table is nice on a sunny day...close your eyes and it's the Hamptons
SERVICE - 3.5 stars
OVERALL - 4 stars...sandwich shops are a dime a dozen, but a good one is worth going a few more blocks
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