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Categories: Italian, Sandwiches, Bars
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph HillMon-Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
"SF Chronicle featured Vicoletto in their datebook section a week ago. Boy, they nailed it right. The headline read: "Vicoletto is a…" read more »
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Ok so I had one day in San Fransisco and decided to try out this place and I'm so glad I did.
It's a small place. 10 people can sit at the bar and there are about 10 tables.
There is no back kitchen. If you're sitting at the bar, you can watch them make your food. Right behind the counter is where they prep everything in a big fire oven.
When you ask for a sub, that's when they throw in the dough in their oven and the break bakes right then and there.
We tried the meatball sandwich and it's one of the best I've had (and I have tried maaaany meatball subs) and the grilled chicken salad. Both greaaaaat.
The cakes sitting at the counter were hard to resist but i somehow did.
Having said that... I'm taking a star off because the staff can be a bit moody (not rude..just kinda cranky) and slow at times. I waited 10 minutes to see if they will ever refill my coffee (i was sitting right across from 2 workers at the bar) and then gave up and asked for it. I didn't mind their personalities it as much as someone else might.
This place has a killer view, the staff is nice, and the Eggplant sandwiches are amazing.
Only draw back... the smell of urine from the bums, but hey it's SF everything can't be perfect.
I recommend heading there on a weeknight, or a weekend day. Weeknight you will get to see some interesting characters and St. Peter and Paul light up, on the weekend during the day so you can see the art that's in Washington Square.
You'll enjoy it. Try it at least once.
I love this place. Just a tiny bar at the corner of Columbus and Union that happens to serve kickass sandwiches and Moretti in a bottle. Ended up stranded here last week when it started pouring rain and i was without umbrella. Mario's is not a bad place to be stuck inside.
I must note that i have never purchased a cigar here, nor ever even seen a cigar here. I'm sure they are somewhere. I guess i have have a reason to go back.
I am not into cigars or bars, but someone introduced me to Mario's long, long ago, and I have been a fan ever since. Consider this great comfort food. I am a fan of the hot foccacia sandwiches. I've had veggie and breaded eggplant. I get one or the other and have been for the last twelve years. Sometimes I think of trying something else, but I am worried the eggplant will miss me. On my last visit, I sat at the counter for the first time (usually I'm at the small table in back) and enjoyed watching the food being made. Kudos to the sandwich makers!
On my last day in SF, we were supposed to eat at Sotto Mare, but it was closed, so we found Mario's, which was said to be good.
Mario's really looks like a small bar or cafe; there is enough seating for maybe 20 people in the bar, and it's slightly crowded in the sense of space, but that didn't bother me too much.
When we first walked in, we weren't sure what to do because no one came to us so we seated ourselves and then requested menus at the bar. Then we found out that there are actually servers that do that for you, and one tended to us from there.
Servers are very friendly, which was nice. I ordered the meatball sandwich, which is HOT & delicious and possibly the most flavorful meatball sub I've eaten. It was slices rather than a whole meatballs and covered with cheese and marinara, on foccacia bread which was crispily toasted and served with a side of pepperoncinis. It was an expensive sandwich ($9.75), but I would have it again. Being the fatty I am, I had to have some of my friends' sausage sandwich, which was also really good, and a bite of my brother's canelloni, which had a homemade taste to it.
The location of Mario's makes it a good people watching spot.
on a crisp cold afternoon we (mostly meaning I) was starvin and looking what would crave my hunger. my boss had told me to try this out, so the bf and I headed on over. love the feel in the place; comfortable, homey, and right across the park for some good dog watching :)
we split the caesar salad- romaine fresh and crunchy, croutons were just perfect, shaved parm, and the dressing, although lightly dressed, was absolutely delicious. tasted just like our homemade version.
for the main parts- i got the meatball sandwich, him - the salami panini. i really enjoyed the marinara and the meatballs. they were fluffier, probably had a good amount of bread in them. the bread on both sandwiches were just awesomeness, asked the server and told us they get it from Bakers of Paris. his salami panini had that meaty slightly spicy thing going for it. pretty good prices too.
Mario's is more than the sum of its parts. It's one part old wooden bar, European cafe, cozy corner hangout, and piping hot, grilled sandwicheria. I went there last Saturday to pop in for a late night sandwich while waiting for friends, and settled in comfortably and quickly into one of the corner tables. There was no bump or bustle, but it was still pleasantly alive. My sandwich was near perfection, and I was disappointed I had to gobble it down so quick to meet my mates. I could have easily spent more time lounging at Mario's over a tiramisu and coffee...
Apparently I had a cigar theme last night. Ducked in here while waiting for our table at the pizza place around the corner. Super chill vibe, and the bartender even juggled the oranges before slipping them into the blue moon.
Grabbed a nice table outside, and watched the parking on the street and everyone taking photos of the park at night. ?
I think that I just don't understand this part of town sometimes.
Mario's is typically not a place I would have tried in SF but our favorite bartender at Vesuvio's recommended it when asked where can we get a good sandwich. The name alone (containing Cigar) would have been enough to make me think not. Food and smoke don't settle well with me unless we are talking BBQ. Asking a local is always a good idea because you usually end up with great food at inexpensive prices. Mario's was one of those places. Don't overlook Mario's, give it a try, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Sunny: I had their salami panini on a baguette. Absolutely fantastic: hot, crispy and flavorful. Simple ingredients, but the combination, with the panini press and voila! I would love to visit this place again. The atmosphere and friendly staff are great.
Nolan: Mario's is one of my favorite hang outs in north beach, it is a great place to be a regular at. Their panini's are and focaccia sandwiches are delicious, great to enjoy on a nice day in the park or on a colder day in the restaurant with a pint. My favorites are the salami panini, and grilled chicken #1 and #2 focaccia sandwiches. They do a great home made tiramisu too!
The bf & I were out for a long, rambling walk, & got hungry for something not-so-heavy. Found this place via Yelp, & so glad we did! It was about 8-8:30pm on a Sunday evening, & the place was steady, but still had several open tables. Nice, mellow atmosphere.
We both got the meatball panini.. normally we'd try two things & share, but it sounded too good to share. I got mine without onions, because when asked, the waitress advised that they weren't cooked (I'm not a huge fan of raw onions). SOO yummy! The bread was amazing! The meatballs had wonderful fine, meaty texture & delicious flavor. Lovely melted cheese. And perfect serving size... enough to satisfy, but not overstuff. And good beer.
Cozy, warm interior.. very classic, pretty small. Nice neighborhood-y vibe (even though it's not our neighborhood, lol).
A perfect stop for a cozy bite & sip, alone or with another.
Great beer selection and a nice view of the park. My panini was delicious, despite being a bit over toasted. I'd definitely come back!
I was going to say I was unimpressed with the size of the panini sandwich. But then I did some research and found out panini is the plural of panino which translates to "small bread". So egg on my face.
So instead I'll say the panini is good and I am really anxious to try some of the bigger varieties of sandwiches. A panini is more a snack you and a friend would share as you take advantage of the beers on tap.
But the real draw is the Americano. So far the best I have had in SF. I know it is just espresso and hot water, but beyond Starbucks it's tough to find good ones and Mario's Americano is great.
I just love the fact you can get an espresso drink and a biscotti or other dessert or load up on carbs with beer and Italian food. Or both in the same day if you plan it right (one of these days).
And the location right on Washington Square is unbeatable. Considering 90% of Columbus Ave is tourist traps, Mario's is a must see European style cafe, even down to the slow service. But hey, why are you in a hurry in North Beach?
Love this place!! I woke up this Saturday with no real plans for the morning/early afternoon and wandered to Marios for a cup of coffee and a foccacia sandwich. Reading the newspaper while eating the #2 grilled chicken sandwich (request it open faced!) was the best way to spend this relaxing, sunny Saturday.
Mario has a very attentive staff and great food, although I found myself walking past it for several months before walking in and trying it out. It isn't ideal for large groups, but a great place for intimate coffee or brunch/lunch time w/ friends. The ideal seating would be the front table away from the draft that comes from opening and closing the door.
Again, I recommend the coffee, espresso (strong!) and grilled chicken sandwich open faced. The caprese salad would be more delightful sans the pesto sauce but other than that, I've heard good things about their other sandwich and panini options.
Service: 2.5/5
Food: 3/5
Wait: 3/5
Price: $$
Portions: 2/5
Presentation of food: 4/5
Presentation of restaurant: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
I HAD THEIR CHICKEN PANINI WITH PESTO, ITS GREAT. BUT THE FACT THAT IM PAYING $8.50 FOR A SMALL SANDWICH... WITH NOOO SIDES WHATSOEVER, AND THEIR SALADS RANGE TO $6.50-$10! ITS QUITE PRICEY FOR SOMETHING SMALL, ITS NOT THAAAAAAT GOOD FOR IT TO BE SMALL AND EXPENSIVE. THEIR SERVICE WASN'T ALL THAT GREAT NEITHER, THEY SEEM TO DONT REALLY CARE FOR YOUR BUSINESS IF YOUR JUST THERE FOR FOOD?? IONO...
The first time I came here, I had the grilled chicken focaccia sandwich, and it was great, if not overpriced. I liked the jalapenos they threw in. However, the second time I ordered that sandwich, the chicken was super dry, and I had to throw away half of it. A few weeks later, I gave them another chance thinking it was a fluke. But again, the chicken in the third sandwich was gross and dry, and I couldn't even finish it.
If they start taking care of the food they prepare, I'd be back, but I'm not willing to risk another $10 to find out.
I LOVE YOUR sandwiches, love your place, and love most of those who work behind the counter!
THANK YOU for NOT having wi-fi because your place is so small and some motherfuckers love to hang until they die!
I have been sitting on this review for awhile, agonizing if I was going to give it 4 or 5 stars. And then it hit me: The focaccia sandwiche(s) that I have had here has become the end-all be-all sandwich to which I compare all other sandwiches.
In the last couple of weeks, every time I eat a sandwich (which seems to be fairly frequently at the moment), I catch myself saying, "It's good, but it's not as good as Mario's." It has set the upper limit of my sandwich scale. If that's not reason enough to give this place 5 stars, I don't know what is.
Not surprisingly, I think the secret is the bread itself - perfectly crunchy but still soft. If you want something that can only be ironically described as "health," I suggest the salami/ham sandwich.
To. Die. For.
The service is a little...strange. They are nice and try to be funny, but come off as just a little awkward. It's really hard for me to put my finger on it, as they are attentive and not rude, but just...different.
Bottom line, even if the service was the most horrendous thing in the history of the world, the sandwiches would make up for it x20. Definitely a must when in Northbeach.
This place reminds me of the cafe's they have in Europe. It's a one-stop shop for all your indulgent needs. Need a drink but also a hot meal? Done. Need a drink but can't unless you get a smoke? Done. Need espresso and a quick pastry? Done. Need all of the above? Done and done.
I have yet to have the food here but the panini's looked amazing. The wine selection is not great so don't come here thinking you're going to get Amelie style wines (not that you would - I hope!). Next time I'll stick with beer; you can never go wrong with a Stella.
I also want to note the generosity of the bartender who gave us a round for free towards the end of the night. Good shiz.
Man, that oniony foccacia bread is heavenly. I think I'd be happy if it were just a little toasted with big bowl of fruity olive oil. I've tried one of the chicken sandwiches and the meatball one and I prefer the latter. I'd say it's not a typical meatball sandwich though - it's most of a deconstructed meatball slash sausage sandwich. In any event, it's pretty good. (Sounds like the eggplant one should be next based on the other reviews...)
I like the relaxed vibe of the of place - the bartender/server guy was super friendly both times I dropped in. It's nice to know there's a mellow place to get a bite when you're too hungover to deal with anything that's remotely uncasual.
the meat ball sammich is still the best!, that is all.
Nice friendly bar and tables. Great for meatball sandwiches. Service is good too !
I'll also…
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House Campari. Four bucks. Best cocktail deal in North Beach.
A historic boho bar and sandwich joint perfectly located across from Washington Park and St. Peter and Paul's church. A great place for an afternoon break in North Beach.
Mario's is fantastic! For the longest time, I thought they only served coffees. Then I realized they also served beer and wine. Then I realized that they also serve some of the best sandwiches in San Francisco...!
The foccacia sandwiches which range from about $7.75 to $9.50 are huge and amazing! I was particularly impressed with chicken #1 and the tuna sandwich but the grilled eggplant and grilled veggies were good too.
The panini sandwiches are a bit smaller and about $1 less and still great! The salads are also very fresh and I've heard that the pizza's are yummy.
The cappuccinos that I've had have been very good but the straight coffee's that I've ordered have been not as good... In terms of other beverages, they have lots of great wine starting at about $5 a glass (Dad complained that they weren't using "real" wine glasses outside... more like mini water glasses but I think he may have gotten a bigger pour than a wine glass!).
We stalked a group that were finishing their lunch and then grabbed their great table out in the sun. There aren't enough outside tables but it's great when you can get one!
I've also done take-out for dinner and their sandwiches maintain their amazing quality as they travel in perfect little cardboard boxes where they can't get squished!
I can't believe a cafe in SF doesn't have soy milk. I had the espresso and it wasn't very impressive. My friend had a regular cappuccino and it was very clear that they don't know how to foam milk. Ironically there is not much good coffee in north beach.
We had one of their focaccia sandwich which was good but we were certainly expecting more from a such a historical place.
Great quick food. Authentic tasty Italian food and totally delicious focaccia sandwiches. This is a great stop for before a show at Bimbo's or before the bar run or even on a quick lunch.
Best sandwich ever!
Ever!
Yes, it's really that good. Try their foccacia sandwiches, you'll be back again, and again for them. I go here about once a week. This place is my go to spot for chilling at a restaurant near the park, people watching, good sandwich eating, and having a great meal for a reasonable price. Don't expect the severs to wait on you hand and foot, but the service isn't bad either. They'll get your food and drinks to you in a reasonable amount of time, but since the place is so small they will probably be busy. You might have to wait to get a table if you come on a weekend, but if you're looking for an amazing sandwich, do yourself a favor and wait it out. It'll be worth it :)
Love the food and atmosphere, but can't stand the arrogance of the bartenders / servers.
5+ for foccacia sandwiches
2 for staff
This is one of my favorite lunch spots. Always great sandwiches, the meatball is my favorite. Service is always friendly. Always a welcoming place
Great place for a quick bite - really good friendly service, good and simple food, and absolutely terrific hot focaccia sandwiches. A great place to head if you just want a simple place to grab lunch or dinner
Went back to Mario's and am happy to report that it's still awesome. I have yet to find better foccacia bread in the city and forgot to mention my delight over the peppercinis that come with each sandwich. Delicious. I also enjoy the camaraderie between the staff members. Love this place!
Focaccia, foccacia, foccacia... this place is fantastic! It's tiny and aged and the kind of place… Read more »
On a whim, or rather, on a bit of Yelp research, I discovered Mario's.
Yelp again succeeds- the eggplant foccacia sandwich not only made me solidify my position on eggplant in the positive. I found myself searching the plate for any dropped crumbs of this sandwich that I could find after devouring it.
It's a bit pricey for sandwiches, but not too pricey for awesome sandwiches.
Funky little Italian joint smack across the street from Washington Square Park. I came in here for take away last Sunday while spending a sunny day in the park, but the interior is so charming I would love to chill here with a beer at the old wooden bar. Wood paneled walls, old pictures and built ins everywhere add to the old school feel.
The grilled chicken #1 panini I got was great! Really flavorful and HUGE. I was starving and couldn't even finish it, and my friend polished it off for a snack. Only the dog didn't like it - apparently Ruggles is not a fan of Dijon mustard! The latte was one of the best that I have ever had.
I feel as if I have discovered a new favorite!
I really wanted to give this place 4 stars. I even witheld writing my initial review, because having only had beer and wine the first time, I felt it was unfair to review it without having actually eaten here. Not only did we get very affordable (though average at best) drinks, we even got a free round from one of the bartenders. Much appreciated.
However after wandering back here on a beautiful sunday afternoon to try one of their delicious looking foccacia sandwiches, I have to settle on giving Marios 3 stars.
Marios is a nice little place that offers a little bit of everything. Food, drink, coffee...the only problem is that they don't particularly stand out in any one of these categories. Don't get me wrong, nothing here is bad and the atmosphere is quite nice, but you'll most likely leave Mario's thinking "well, it was pretty good, but not great..."
Pretty good service, pretty good food, pretty good drinks...but nothing stands out. So while I can't fault them or say anything negative I have to give them a somewhat neutral review.
In short: Mario's is a tease which entices you into thinking that it will totally put out, but when it comes down to it never seals the deal.
I always say that I never give out 5 stars unless I am willing to call someone and tell them about a place. This is one of those places.
I love Mario's because of it's authenticity and its history. The place has been around for many many decades and you can tell. They have amazing sandwiches (esp the chicken focaccia). They also have good selection of wines and their cappuccino's are excellent.
Above all else, it's a neighborhood spot. I love going in and sitting in the corner table and writing for hours. During the day you can people watch as they walk through North Beach or play in Washington Square park. The people who work there are all very interesting and great conversationalists. Almost as an art form. On nice weekend days, they open doors on both sides of the establishment to get a great cross breeze and an influx of neighborhood characters.
CLINCHER - They play the best music. I discovered Calexico here - one of my favorite bands
ONLY COMPLAINT - no wi-fi... then again, what restaurant/bar does right? Bad for turnover I guess
I've been going here with my dad and my grandmom since I can remember. Every friend I've brought here has been impressed and wanting to come back! We only go here for the focaccia sandwiches. I've had all of the sandwiches on the menu, and my faves are probably the meatball and the chicken dijon. I dont know how they do it, but the bread is just perfect. every. time. Crispy and oniony on the outside, with the perfect soft bread on the inside.
I've also had one of their salads before...I forget what it was called but there's slices of mozerella cheese and tomatoes, with spinach leaves, topped with pesto sauce. that was also pretty delicious.
I cannot get enough of this place. its a really cute, local little cafe at the corner across from Washington Square park. a great place to people watch!
Just to add a story to this post, I went in there with some friends one day, and this Italian guy was at the bar. he comes up to our table, pulls up a chair, and says to me "you look just like my ex girlfriend back home!" and we start up a conversation. It was fun, he was nice. A cool place to meet people too. haha.
Also a good thing: they open until 11pm!!!
This is a fabulous little corner cafe in the heart of north beach. I love sitting outside on a hot day, sipping white wine and snacking on a delicious panini. The people-watching from this corner is great, as it is right across the street from Washington Park, and the food is wonderful. They cook it right inside at the bar in a large wood burning oven. The staff is kind and attentive. This place has a lot of character is a small, quaint, non-pretentious spot that doesn't ever feel touristy. Definitely check it out.
This place is the bomb-diggity. Tasty morsels and all the right details when I want to go Italian and get my draft Anchor Steam.
Before I lambaste this place I need to qualify my scathing review by admitting that I'll be back. The only reason is that they serve Graffeo Coffee, which is easily the best stuff within a 100 mile radius. Okay, now I can proceed to blast this place.
Let me begin by explaining that my tiff is with the waitstaff. They have a server who is worthless and a bartender who works at a pace that rivals the speed at which grass grows.
We walked in the door on a nice Saturday afternoon and it wasn't really all that busy. We went to the bar where we were ignored for about 5 minutes. This server was waiting on one of the tables inside, we make eye contact, and then a table opened up outside which we promptly nabbed. After being ignored for another 10 minutes the same server comes outside and walks past us. I quickly asked him if he could grab us some menus as we still hadn't been served, and this guy has the nerve to suggest that I "go inside and get them at the bar" because the Sultan himself is "on a break." Yea that guy is a complete turd burglar.
Anyhow, I walk inside and up to the bar, I ask the bartender for the menu and she says she'll be right with me. Another 5 minutes go by - NO EXAGGERATION. This chic was actually moving about as fast as a glacier - and she served several other people who came after me... and all I asked for was a menu. What the hell is wrong with these people?
You know those random Sundays when you can't motivate yourself to work out or run errands? When all you want to do is relax and be entertained on the cheap...anywhere other than your apartment? Well, Mario's is my solution for those particular doldrums.
Come in with yourself and either a book or a friend. Order a coffee or a glass of wine, and perch at the bar or grab a tiny table next to the window. Sit as long as you like and watch the tourists, church-goers, and older Tai-Chi-loving folks in Washington Square Park.
Breathe, grab a little snack, and relish that you have a whole afternoon before you have to get back to grindstone on Monday.
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