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Categories: Delis, Sandwiches [Edit]
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow"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 »
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This place for some reason makes a really good sandwich.
I feel like the person who made it took extra care with the sandwich. He placed each filling so carefully and didn't cheap out on adding the avocados.
Overall it was a good experience and the setting is great. If I want to hang out at the Marina my ritual would probably be to grab a sandwich here and then walk to Crissy Fields and munch on the sandwich as I look at the Golden Gate Bridge/People watch =)
It's difficult to argue with a humongous sammie loaded up with fresh veggies, topped with sauce and toasted for only $6.50.
There are three sizes of subs, all of which seem to be ample. Traditional turkey, pastrami, roast beef, avocado or just cheese subs will keep things simple, while satisfying your hunger. The line can be a bit cumbersome, but tolerable.
No frills. Just large toasted subs, coke products and chips. Veggies were super fresh and I love that they have sliced jalapenos for a little kick. Take away is perfectly acceptable, and (personally) preferred since their chairs and floors look a little grungy.
After a few hours of climbing at Planet Granite, everyone was craving something good and quick. While not the fastest service at a sandwich shop, this place certainly was goooood.
Walked into a simple store with a couple of tables, put our things down and got straight into the line that was starting to build up. Sadly, they ran out of hot pistrami, so I went with a Turkey Avocado sandwich. I think they threw in a whole avocado which was pretty awesome! I went with the large and got a few lookers wondering what I was thinking. They've never seen me eat before. That 10" sando was pretty hefty, but I put it down now problem. A good amount of it spilled onto the tray, but I made sure to eat it up.
Nice place to stop by when you're in the area.
no joke, i have been going to Marina Submarine since 4th grade AND, the owner has remained the same. he's basically seen me grow up, skip classes, remembers my high school boyfriends, and updates me on his dog's activities.
in all seriousness though, this is a fantastic sandwich shop. they have every ingredient from avocado to sprouts. they melt the cheese perfectly, and every sandwich is perfection.
you can even call in so your sandwich is waiting for you when you arrive. this is recommended as there is always a long line at lunchtime.
don't forget to ask for the special sauce!
I was doing some counseling work in the Marina District. The appointment took longer than expected, thus my somewhat empty stomach has landed me at this corner deli on Union Street.
This deli is owned and operated by a Korean man, who is also the sandwich-maker. The cashier is a young guy who is probably a Harry Potter aficionado or a devotee to comic books. They both are nice and assisted my needs.
As a high-volume eater, I ordered one of the deli's featured sandwich: the "Atomic Submarine" Sandwich. The $9.95 "unhealthy" sandwich has slices of Corned Beef, Turkey, Ham, Melted Provolone, the usual condiment in a sandwich and a special sauce that the owner won't reveal in a toasted 7-inch roll. The heated sandwich is indeed big and can be an health-weapon for nuclear clog in your artery.
I also bought a bottle of Orangina to complete my meal. This deli also serves Gelatos.
As I was enjoying my hefty sandwich, many of the people were enjoying the Meatball sandwich. I might try that sandwich when I come back very soon.
Cash only!
We stumbled upon this place after having ran the Lyon Street Steps. We walked in just to see what's up and what this place serves, and we were WOW-ed. The sandwiches the man (goes by "Q") was making looked extremely delish!! The set up is kinda like Submarine Center but Marina Submarine is a 2 man operation: one man (Q) makes the sandwiches and another man rings people up.
The sandwiches here are delicious but let me warn you about their size. If you're familar with Sub Center's sizes, let me do a quick comparsion:
Marina Sub's SMALL = Sub Center's CENTER/SUPER
Marina Sub's MEDIUM = Sub Center's SUPER (if not bigger)
Marina Sub's LARGE = Can feed a family!!
No joke. The deli meat is the same, toppings, etc, but Marina submarine loads on the avocados and their bread is slightly chewier. I ordered a MEDIUM and quickly regretted it after Q started to pile on the meat & toppings.
Come here hungry & leave rolling out the door...
Here is the deal.
I would give this place 10 stars if I could. This is definitely a place where you will come hungry and leave very VERY happy.
Atmosphere:
Your typical look sub shop except these guys serve beer. Bonus. The Sub Master behind the counter is always there slinging subs- he works at his own pace so you have to just go with it.
Suggestions:
Come here at least twice. 1st time, you have to experience the pace of the Sub Master and be a witness to his expertise. The wait is long, so be prepared. You will be satisfied.
For the 2nd time- CALL AHEAD. You get the great taste without the long wait. Give it about thirty minutes before you pick up.
Parking:
There is none. Bus 45 takes you there or drive with a partner so they can jump out and pick up while you circle.
TIPS:
Go next door and get a cupcake for dessert.
Don't pay attention to anyone who gives this place less than 5 stars.
Yelperific!
So I've heard abut this place but never been and on a nice sunny Sunday we wanted to grab a quick lunch before heading to the park. We get there and it's a line out the door, my boyfriend told me this is not a gourmet sandwich but it's an experience. So we get a large roast beef with avocado and no cheese.
I can't say the ingredients were all that great, they really weren't and the fact that the sandwich was toasted saved the bread. He did stuff it with tons of avocado so for the extra $1 I felt we totally got our moneys worth and for $10 total we had lunch, which is not easy to do in the Marina and get a decently healthy lunch. Not sure I'm going to be rushing back anytime soon but it will be on my radar.
HUGE fan. this place makes the best sandwiches, and they're massive. The line is long, the wait is long, owner isn't the nicest bloke, but who cares? It's just that tasty.
As for Eric S with, like, the only bad review....time to change your tampon, dude.
More of an icon than a great eating place. When the line gets out the door you can be in for a 30 minute wait. You can't rush the master though. Just watching him cut the avocado can be worth the trip.
I'd warn against the atomic sub for anyone on the fence. you have to be seriously prepared to down that thing.
Fact: Came to San Francisco for 5 days and ate at Marina's 2-3 of those days.
Bring a book, a knitting project and throw in a Gameboy for good measure because boy, you are in for a longggg wait. Everyone has the sandwich pangs at the same time of the day. Also bad timing for us, someone had just ordered a HUNDRED sandwiches right before we arrived and since the owner is the only one to touch the sandwiches, it took ages before the line budged.
He remembered my friend's order from 3 years ago when she visited every day after high school which is freaking astounding. Boar's Head meats, the freshest ingredients and a god-given sammich artist who could put SubwayQuizno's out of business if we could manage to plant a clone of him in every major city.
One commandment when inhaling one of this man's subs: thou shalt not waste the special dressing. When consuming the first half, open up the face of the second half below it so it can "catch" all the dressing from the piece you're currently eating. Then everyone is happy!
So yes, the dude is the Hattori Hanzo of sandwich making. But he's also a real dick.
The sandwich is fine but not special and the lines can get pretty long. If its a Tuesday at 2pm I'll consider going, but otherwise its a miss.
In a city where great sandwiches are not among the finest foods San Francisco has to offer, Marina Subs brings the game to a whole new level, putting the City by the Bay on the sandwich map.
I've been coming here for 24 years. It's hard to say what makes Marina Subs sandwiches so good-- the meat is great consistently, tomatoes are among the freshest in the entire city, melted cheese is heavenly, and the not-so-secret sauce rounds out these gems-- but all I know is that when I meet people from outside San Francisco who once resided in SF, I ask them "do you like Marina Subs?" Their answer determines how cool they are.
Plus, I generally see people with whom I went to high school when I go here, which is both a bonus and a drawback.
In short, freakin' amazing.
I moved to San Francisco as a wee lad in 1985, a few months before Marina Subs opened. Obviously it… Read more »
This place was once part of a local chain of sub shops, until the owner sold them off 25 years ago. Of those, only Marina Subs and Submarine Center still use the original menu, and of those two, Marina Subs gets the edge, for softer and flakier bread, and for truly masterful construction. No one, not even you, will ever care about your sandwich more than this man. I once asked him if he ever let anyone else make the sandwiches and he said, "There was someone ten years ago. Customers complained. Never again."
He is not the Soup Nazi. He is the Sandwich Ninja.
Order the Italian Combo with avocado and cheese, you'll see why.
Cash-only, obviously.
Date & Time: Tuesday March 24, 2009 @ 11am for Sandwiches To Go
Company: Michael
Crowd: Neighborhood Individuals(Mostly Guys) & Small Groups in College Sweatshirts, Lululemon or Rock n' Republic Jeans
Vibe: Chill
Decor: Very Casual w/ Half Dozen Tightly-Packed Tables for Deux & Quatre
Service: Asian Sub Nazi
Devour: Large(10 Inch) Hot Pastrami Sandwich w/ Provolone, Jalapenos & Special Sauce.
Total: $17.75 for Deux of The Above
I finally found ONE reason why I love working on Union st! Two words : Marina Submarine
Such a small sandwich joint that's so popular around here! I can't believe after 6 months of working here, I finally just made it here. AND I work right across the street! It's not the cleanest looking place but the hole in the wall places are the best places to eat and has the best food with a cheap price next to it. There's three different sizes. The small is about $5 and the largest is about $7-8? Don't really remember since I only paid less then $6 for a sandwich here.
While I walked in with just one person in front of me, 2 minutes later, a line was formed behind me, and as I left, it was fully crowded! Poor man (owner), he's the only one working the sandwich line and there were way too many orders for him plus so much phone orders! One person ordered 9 sandwiches along side 5 other phone order tickets and 20 people in line! Poor guy, as long as he doesn't drip sweat into my sandwich, I'm good..
The turkey avocado and cheese sandwich was toasted on a soft roll with plenty of their special spread, lots of whatever condiments you liked, PLENTY of turkey slices, and unlike a lot of other deli spots, LOTS AND LOTS of avocado. I swear, he sliced his avocado so precise and perfect, he just placed probably more then half of an avocado on the baby. I had chunks of fresh avocado all through my sandwich. And for around $6, I had two meals!!!
Bad thing, they take cash only and I usually only have credit cards so when I DO have cash and is working here, I go grab myself a big scrumptious sandwich! Just remember to come early before the lunch rush!!
Oh Marina Sub! How do I love thee? After over 20 years of coming here and ordering the same thing, I cannot count the ways. When I am away from you, I dream about you: the delicious tang of your "special" sauce, the chomp of your freshly Ginsu-ed pickle, the crunch of your freshly toasted bread, all mixing with the oooey gooey deliciousness of your oven melted cheese. (Excuse me for a moment while I change panties!)
As a San Francisco native I cut my teeth on these beautiful masterpieces and I feel very fortunate to have had the privilege. I'm 27 now and I had my first ham and cheese at 2 1/2...you do the shameful math!
Sure, sometimes you'll get there and the line will be out the door, and yeah maybe it takes 20 minutes to get a sandwich on a really busy day, but it is all worth it just to watch a master at work. Q is the uncontested master samurai of submarines. His knife skill are better than those of master chefs! Order a pickle, even if you don't like them, just to watch him slice and you'll know what I'm talking about. As the self proclaimed ambassador of my hometown I have brought every visitor I have ever had from every corner imaginable of the world to Marina Sub, and they all proclaim through greedy mouthfuls that Marina Sub is the proverbial s**t. Thank you, Q, for bringing this wonderful gift in the form of a sub into my life. My heavenly constant, you always guide me to satisfaction!
Tips: You can order ahead over the phone, but I don't like to do this as timing is everything with a sub. Leave it 5 minutes too long on the counter and the bread won't have the warmth and crunch that is so satisfying. Do yourself a favor and grab the two seater in the window, watch the yuppies go by while you wait, and strap yourself in to be transported to the heavenly ninth wonder that is Marina Sub.
The only con: It doesn't stay open later! I need my fix!
I really enjoy the sandwich master here. I also adore no-nonsense ordering, because if there's one thing I hate (there are actually many, but for the purpose of making this point...), it's when I'm starving halfway down the line and the chef is idiotically blathering about pop culture instead of making me a sandwich. Back in the kitchen, wench!
Just kidding. But I do like the way he has his patrons all whipped into shape and ordering with precision at greyhound speed. Dudes, it's a sandwich shop. If you want someone to kiss your ass while serving you food, marry a grateful ugly person.
I watched him turn making a turkey sandwich into an art form. I also made funny faces at him in attempts to break his concentration, but he is truly a master. I imagine I succeeded only in making him hate me the most out of everyone he hates in the universe. Oh well.
I coveted their root beer float, but had to save room for a cupcake from That Takes the Cake a few hops down. Cupcakes were our whole reason for being in the area (and for being alive), but Marina Submarine ended up being the highlight. Although you don't have to get a cupcake if you want dessert-- they have gelato right in the store!
The sandwich was tasty as hell. I ordered a small, and it was.. not small. The flavor was also not small. It was tall! Hands down the best sandwich I've had in this city. If I come here again (and I hope to, soon!), I'm getting meatballs.
I've been eating here since 1994, crazy right cause I don't look that old. I started eating here when I transferred schools and this place was a couple blocks from the new school digs.
I love, love, love this place. No joke. I left for college and came back and "the guy" (ie. the one and only guy making the subs) asked me where I had been. I have a regular sandwich at this place.
Prepare yourself, this place gets busy and takes phone orders, so the line can be over an hour long. I already told you that there is only one guy, "the guy," making the sandwiches and I meant it. He won't let his "understudy" (aka lost high school boy) touch anything but the sodas and phone orders. The understudies never last long, which I think is hysterical cause I can't imagine working for "the guy."
If you're an avocado fan order your sandwich with avocado cause just watching "the guy" chop the avocados is witnessing an experiment in physics. I'm telling you - there's magic in this sub and it's not the "special sauce."
I will fully admit that I get annoyed easily by rude people. You don't want to be that guy that stands too close to me on the bus or the girl who takes the elevator up one floor and causes the rest of us to be late.
But get this! Even after the Marina Sub Nazi barked at me to move over because I was apparently standing one inch too far to the left at the counter, I am STILL giving the place four stars.
It's also ridiculously slow and not all that clean - both very important things to me, but I still obsess over this place. Trust me, that is saying a LOT.
My go-to sub: A small, turkey with swiss, avocado, lettuce, tomato and special sauce.
Home of the Sandwich Artist
This man will chop an avocado with focus and precision that is unparalleled. 20 slices and then he arranges them perfectly on your 2 foot long toasted sandwich like a robot from heaven.
Half hour later you realize you just ate 60 grams of fat, but boy was it masterfully crafted.
It might take a half hour, but thats a price everyone in line is clearly willing to pay.
After reading about all the hype and only trying the gelato floats here..I decided to try their subs!
Luckily Sunday during lunch, there was not a huge line and we only had to wait just a few minutes for the "master sandwich maker" to take our order and make our subs.
I tried a small Atomic sub that had massive amounts of meat along with mayo, lettuce, and onions (I declined peppers). The Atomic was very good, my boyfriend commented on the good quality of meat which I could also taste. Sub had alot of great flavors and was definitely fulfilling even for a small size!
A small Atomic cost $7.95, but was well worth it for the size and quality.
It was funny coming here since I told my boyfriend to just order and not try to make small talk with the sandwich maker so he could focus on what he was doing. When he tried to the guy nearly ignored him and continued only making sandwiches, haha.
Wouldn't mind returning if I was in the area
Ridiculous knife skills, get in line and watch this guy cut avocados and pickles.
Expect to wait 1 hour plus for a sandwich, but it was worth the experience.
I had the hot pastrami, and I seriously almost had a hot lunch. The meat was SOO fatty it was almost inedible and picking out all of the fat almost made me gag. My male companions, despite their 'macho, i eat meat and i love fatty meat' agreed, I seriously think the meat, at least for the pastrami, had to have been some of the lowest grade you could get.
So I know people love this place and maybe it was just the hot pastrami.. I usually like these types of places, with quirky set ups and as someone else calls it 'soup nazi' type of establishment, but, I honestly, the 'quirkiness' gets old fast-- like that the control freak sandwich maker has to do EVERYTHING there including put the lid on cokes, which makes for a very inefficient operation.
This place makes pretty solid sandwiches. It is a pretty standard deli, serving American sandwiches and soups. The sandwiches are pretty good, too.
What makes this place 3 stars, instead of say, 4, is the services and prices. Its kind of pricey compared to other delis, which are better. I will chalk that up to its Union st. location. The service is pretty slow, as only one person makes the sandwiches. Like noted below, they said 10 minutes, but when I got there 10 minutes later they hadn't even started making my sandwich.
If you are in the Marina, and have some free time, I would recommend this place for a sandwich.
is it me, or is the Asian guy kind of off? he smiles and looks around but doesn't say much and his response time seems a bit slow. people say his knife skills are amazing however if you've ever worked in a restaurant then i'm sure you've seen those same knife skills time and time again. i remain unimpressed.
it's a plus that the sandwiches are heavy and heated, however there is nothing special there. the "secret sauce" is italian dressing, i'm quite sure. and what's with no bread options? i only saw the french bread and sliced wheat....whaddup??
1. Definitely call in your order
2. The guy will tell you it will take 10 minutes
3. Don't go until 14 minutes - at that time the sandwich will have JUST been made so it's still warm and delicious but you won't have to wait and experience the death glare that those patrons in line will most definitely be giving you. NOTE: Be careful with the timing! If you wait too long the sandwich will no longer be toasty and hot and the whole calling ahead business will have been in vain b/c it will not be as delicious as it has been hyped up to be!
I've tried the pastrami, Italian and cheesesteak but my favorite, by far is the pastrami + provolone + avocado. Another tip: AVOCADO IS A MUST. Don't be cheap and skimp on this - it's like buying a brand new car and not splurging the extra bit for a navigation system (which is what I did and I still regret to this day).
Hopefully these tips will make your Marina Submarine experience a great one. One more thing, don't talk on the phone and carry 2 large sandwiches in the other b/c by the time you get to your destination you will have one nasty arm cramp.
Good taste & value; you get an entire avacado, sliced, for $1. Not the fanciest digs, but good enough. And the Benni-Hanna-like knife skills are always entertaining.
The only reason they don't get 5 stars is because of the customer service. The older Asian man pretty much threw my sandwich at me, but it was still an amazing tasting sandwich.
I ordered ham and cheese. It was very good. The pickles were .50 cents extra, but once you realize how many pickles you get you'll understand. They are amazing. If you're a wheat fan like myself you're going to have to settle for sliced bread, but not to worry it's fresh. For $8 you can enjoy a small sandwich, bottled drink, and chips... very affordable for the Marina district.
So don't expect the best customer service, but do know that you'll leave happy.
Cash only!
ps. if the young guy that works the cash register reads this please note that you were very nice. I'm talking about the "master" sandwich maker. Poor guy.
long wait. okay sandwich. feeling sick later.
this is strictly a pickle review...you heard it right, a review about a pickle. i love me a good, vinegary, whole dill pickle...so to my delight, this place sells them for a dollar. now, i know i'm just noshing on a cucumber, but whoever created the first pickle is a genius and i can't thank you enough. it was just the best thing to walk into a sandwich shop, so my friend could buy herself a sandwich, and find that i could get a beautiful, green treat myself.
only one star off for building the anticipation on getting my pickle, as my purchase was not communicated from the cashier to the sandwich maker.
goodness, this torpedo of a sandwich was HUGE. but lucky for them, i had a manly appetite after rock climbing.
their "small" may look small in length but the chef really packs it in. to fold it in half, he has to jam his knife blade in to fold it. i would recommend ordering avocados just to watch the chef slice and dice it. he'll also put an avocado and a half or something into your sandwich, so if you're not a fan of heavy amts, dont do it.
unfortunately for me, my friends ordered the last of the roast beef, so i asked the chef for suggestions. he started building my sandwich and handed me a fatty vegetarian sandwich with avocados. it was good, but avocado overload! There was a lot of juice from the veggies spewing out everywhere, causing a huge mess on my hands and on the table. i have yet to learn how to master handling my torpedos.
i still finished it though. A+ for me!
I'd come here for if you're in the area and looking for a nice hefty sandwich.
THE BEST SANDWICHES ANYWHERE!
I used to live catty-corner to Marina Sub and can honestly say these are the best subs I've ever had. My favorite was the cheese steak (not traditional, but roast beef and cheese). The owner is truly a sandwich artist! I now live in Southern California, but I make a point to hit Marina Sub anytime I'm back in SF.
BEST subs in the city. if you go during lunch hours you can for sure expect a line. sometimes a bit more expensive than usual but the way they toast the sub is incredible. if im EVER in the area, i have to stop by this spot. they also have a small gelato ice cream happening too. never had it but i guess its a nice perk to the place. i highly suggest going out of your way to give this spot a try. i been going here for 15 or so years and it only gets better as the time goes on...
Best Sandwich I have ever had. Use the bathroom before you go, because they have none. I had to duckwalk over to Rosies across the street and use their restroom.
When I cam back my Italiano was ready. I'm more of a turkey guy...but this concoction of salamis and Italian cheeses was delish. I saw ridiculous amounts of meat, avocado, etc...going onto other sandos being made. This place is epic, and very cheap considering the amount of product that is going on the sandwiches.
Get the turkey, avocado, and cheese sandwich with EVERYTHING. Honestly. You are going to be waiting in a long line for what will feel like forever because it probably will be forever considering there is only one guy who makes the sandwiches. Granted he is a master at it (take a look when he is cutting the avocado up...) so i don't blame him. But as I was saying.. you will be waiting in a line forever and you will be staring at the menu changing your mind a million times. If it is your first time then take it the safe way and just do the turkey. Don't forget to get a pickle... sooo good. And then, once you have taken the plunge then start to venture out into the amazing menu. Or have it your way and start with the italiano or even the atomic. you will be back.. I know I will
A
MAZ
ING.
The line is worth it.
Enough said.
Maybe it's because I'm a vegetarian, or maybe its because I really wanted a Freddie's sandwich, but they were closed for the holidays, but my avocado sandwich was better than what I'd find in LA, but SO NOT FREDDIES!!!
Where are the hard sourdough SF rolls Marina Sub? Not even dutch crunch?!?!
This quite possibly could be the tastiest sandwich i've had outside of Potbelly's in Chicago. Why are there no potbelly's out in SF? Ok, I digress. The meatball or turkey and avocado are delicious.
Food - 4 Stars
Service - 3 Stars. Today I placed an order and was told 10 minutes; showed up 15 mins later and the sub was still not ready. Only one guy in the place is allowed to do anything...and they close at 4! I certainly be here 2-3 times a week at night if they stayed open. I guess it helps I live across the street. If you have a few mins to wait and you are shopping on Union, I would certainly add this shop to your destination list.
I thought I hated subs, but then I tried one from Marina Submarine and my life has never been the same! My husband and his family have been regulars for years (brother-in-law even worked here as a kid). It's a unique, local shop. No atmosphere to speak of; just a sandwich shop. We usually get ours and head outside for a picnic. It's true that the lines are long, but that's because the owner insists on making the sandwiches himself. The sandwiches are soooo worth the wait, though.
If you are the type who is going to get royally bent out of shape by a long line, then complain because you weren't treated like a prince/princess, then you should definitely NOT visit this place. You'll just make the line longer and more unpleasant for the rest of us.
If you're an average person who likes good food enough to wait for it, and you realize that the world does not revolve around you, then you MUST give this place a shot. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Order NOW for a great…
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