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Submarine Center
Category: Restaurants Sandwiches Sandwiches [Edit]
820 Ulloa St(between Claremont Blvd & West Portal Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94127
Neighborhood: West Portal
(415) 564-1455
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 7:30 pm
Sun 11 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
674 reviews for Submarine Center
Review Highlights
"Their hot pastrami sandwich was unbelievably delicious."
(in 108 reviews)
"anyway I love the Atomic sub."
(in 40 reviews)
"And of course, the secret sauce tops everything off."
(in 45 reviews)
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674 reviews in English
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Review from Anji A.
12/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Woah. I mean woah.
Woah.
Oh sorry. I mean I am in love with this place. I really can't tell you a whole lot about Submarine Center because I keep distracting myself by remembering how amazingly good this place is. Yes it's just a sandwich. A magical sandwich. I can't accurately describe how delicious their subs are here, but I must, and I mean I MUST come back every time we are in town here.
Just don't even think about it. Order the large pastrami and you will be in heaven. Stop reading this, and just go get it. I'm getting light-headed thinking about it, I just can't tell you how perfectly they construct this thing; from the bread toasted by angels to the the simple, delightful fillings of the sandwich. I really want to try their other menu items but I can't, because I'll freak out if I can't order that pastrami.
Ugh!!! Why do I live so far away from Submarine Center?????!!!! -
Review from Jay P.
San Francisco, CA
1/7/2012
As a native San Franciscan (woah! I know!), this is my GO TO place for Sandwiches. The only reason this place doesn't get 5 stars for me is because it used to be cheaper when I was a kid... oh how I miss those days. HOWEVER, I always try other sandwich places claiming that they are the best, and I always find myself going back here to get my fix. The fact that there still exists a "mini" size is awesome... but again, still expensive comparatively to the old days. Always get the oil and vinegar with the sandwich... it's a must.
And whoever said this place was "a well-disguised Subway committing highway robbery"... clearly you did not grow up in SF to appreciate that this place has been in business for over 25 years, has survived the years when West Portal wasn't the place to "hang out" for the preppie youth of SF and that they began toasting subs and adding oil and vinegar before people went to Subway for that. Anyway, enough of the rant. Just go to Sub Center and enjoy sandwich deliciousness. -
Review from Alan M.
San Francisco, CA
12/29/2011
Submarine Center has decent sandwiches.
The only sandwiches I've had here are the "cheese steak" which is really just pastrami and the Italiano.
The vinaigrette that Submarine Center uses overpowers the other components to their sandwiches (at least the ones I have eaten from there).
They only have one type of bread for their sandwiches and the bread crumbles when you're eating their sandwiches.
They only use one kind of cheese on their sandwiches.
They nice memorabilia on the walls of the San Francisco Giants and Niners. -
Review from Larry L.
San Francisco, CA
2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Had the hot pastrami based on the reviews. It was ok nothing special. Line was super long and the order line vs pay/pickup was confusing. More confusing due how small the inside is and the amount of people standing around. Probably the best in the area sine there aren't many sandwiches places. I guess my expectations was set too high. I might be back but would look for others too.
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Review from Demanding T.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/30/2012
The quality of their ingredients is kinda mediocre, but they make a great sandwich.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/8/2009
Great place to get a sub and sneak it into the theater down the street. As far as the subs, they are… Read more »
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Review from Jessica L.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2012
I love the sandwiches here. The hot pastrami is awesome and the guys behind the counter never add the wrong toppings. I hate when that happens at other places. All of the ingredients are fresh.Submarine Center is the place to get just plain, no-nonsense, good sandwiches. The only negative would be the interior, it's kind of washed out and cramped.
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Review from Chris H.
San Francisco, CA
12/31/2011
I grew up at this place. I was a twice a week eater. Loved it wow, Then I moved out of the neighborhood and have not been back in around8 years. Well finally went back!
Same workers, owners, food. Always great. Sub's are incredible and a must have. The problem is the prices have gone up as well. 8 bucks for a sandwich just seems to much now. So if you have the money great lunch! -
Review from Sean P.
Pleasanton, CA
1/22/2012
Cheap, filling, and delicious.. the price ranges from 5 (small) to about 10 (big) bucks for a sandwichsandwich
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Review from Andrew M.
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Submarine Center offered the allure of a neighborhood gourmet sandwich shop, but revealed itself to be a well-disguised Subway committing highway robbery.
Sub Center's oven gimmick attempts to pull the wool over your eyes - toasted sandwiches often sufficiently mask deficient meat content and the absence of an ingenious spread.
This was evident in both the Italiano and Pastrami sandwiches. Although the pastrami sandwich was tasty, the amount of pastrami in the sandwich combined with the pedestrian fillings did not warrant its over-$8 price tag. The Italiano was less memorable, and definitely could have been constructed at home at a far cheaper rate.
At over $10 after a fountain drink and taxes, a more complete and satisfying meal can easily be found elsewhere. -
Review from Tony U.
11/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Decent quality sandwiches. Only problem is that the queue is a mess and the entrance too narrow.
Try the super sized submarine sandwich. Cannot go wrong with that choice. -
Review from samantha l.
Sacramento, CA
I've driven by Submarine Center many times but never have stopped by. After hearing glowing reviews from a couple of friends, and on Yelp, I decided that it was worth a try. The place is pretty casual, with many 49ers plaques on the wall and there are a handful of tables.
The sandwiches come in three sizes. My boyfriend and I got the super (the largest) and shared. We tried the pastrami (about $8). I liked that the sandwich bread was toasted in the oven and that it was warm, but the bread itself is really just okay. I was disappointed with the amount of pastrami on the sandwich (some bites didn't even seem to have any meat) and overall, the sandwich seemed a bit on the salty side (it may have been the overuse of their special sauce).
The service was prompt, but not that friendly. The man helping us didn't say much, he didn't even describe the sauce or ask if we wanted it. He just held it up to us and looked at us for a nod. Overall, it was a decent sandwich, but I'm not sure if I'd go out of my way to have it again.
Notes:
-The also serve pizza.
-It seems like a lot of people order to-go/take-out. -
Review from Karina L.
11/10/2011
Turkey avocado sandwich was yummy and very well-portioned. They were super generous with the meat and the avocado and it left a super happy feeling in my stomach.
I'm not a big fan of the bread -- it was perfectly toasted on the outside but the inside was a little stale to me. Also the crumbs fall EVERYWHERE (down my shirt, on my lap, all over the table). I felt like the sides of my mouth were being scratched by the weirdly dry bread.
Ditto to the glove thing. I didn't think it would bother me but watching the sandwich guy's bare hands rub up my turkey slices was a little awkward. -
Review from Kathy Y.
San Jose, CA
11/1/2011
Decided to take a stroll down to this place because our friend recommended it being the best sandwich place. AND IT IS. There's something about that first bite. It's a crunch and, chew chew chew. MORE MORE MORE!! DELICIOUS.
We ordered the hot pastrami and the Italiano. My boyfriend loved the Italiano while I loved the Pastrami. Ok, I take it back. We loved them both. The bread is just perfect. It's a bit of a mess because the bread leaves a bunch of crumbs, but when you have a boyfriend who loves bread, he just vacuums up every bit of it. Will definitely come back when I'm int he hood. -
Review from joe p.
San Francisco, CA
10/5/2011
I saw some guy on here say that this place was on par with Subway. I immediately checked his past reviews to try to figure out where he gets his drugs, but no dice.
Sub Center is awesome. It's your simple, no BS regular sandwich shop on the corner, and everything they have is solid. I usually get the roast beef, and it's stellar. I've always had the pastrami and the meatballs, and both are solid choices too. The wife typically gets a turkey and avocado sandwich, and she loves it.
Yeah, this isn't Ike's, but Ike's is a gimmicky sandwich shop and charges twice as much as Sub Center. Go stand in line for an hour if that's what you're into.
Sub Center has great bread, the meats and veggies are always fresh and good quality, and the soup is pretty great too. The guys behind the counter are nice, fast, and accomodating. My ONLY complaint about this place is the size of the dining room. On a busy weekend afternoon, you pretty much have to hope that a table opens up between when you order and when you get your food. And while we're on this topic, I've got a PSA: don't be one of those ballbags who claims a seat and then sits at an empty table for ten minutes while other people are standing around with their food. If everyone would obey the natural flow and wait until they got their food to sit down, the world would be in harmony and everyone would have smiles and warm tummies.
Anyway, in conclusion, Libya is a land of contrast. Thank you. -
Review from Christopher L.
Davis, CA
12/30/2011
Submarine offers some damn scrumptious meats sandwiched together with flaky-delicious toasted bread. I enjoyed the Italian Combo to much satisfaction. The great mix of juicy sausage and deli meats filled my mouth with meaty goodness. The only gripe: perhaps something acidic to cut through the richness. Regardless, definitely a recommended quick bite for both locals and visitors alike.
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Review from Emma H.
San Francisco, CA
10/17/2011 8 Check-ins Here
Atomic, no mustard, to the face.
The guys here are so nice, quick and generous. Even when there's a long line you get yo shit fast!
Go-to sammich spot. -
Review from Megan H.
Philadelphia, PA
1/4/2012
Best hot pastrami sandwich I've ever had and I now live on the east coast. Every time I'm back in SF I have to get one of these sandwiches!
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Review from Sarah C.
Chicago, IL
12/25/2011 1 photo
Possibly the best pastrami sandwich i've ever had yet! My friend has been coming here since she was little and there was no other way i would have known about it. The sandwich and pastrami meat just melt in your mouth and their 'secret sauce' just makes it even more delicious!
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Review from Samson L.
San Francisco, CA
10/6/2011
- service was bad
- pastrami sandwich too salty and dry
- and WORST OF ALL ... one of the worker while reaching over to grap the mustard smeared his dirty apron all over my sandwich TWICE! he saw me looking at it and he notice what he did too but just ignored it.
also i dont like the fact that you cant choose your bread.
this place is overated. -
Review from Kenny T.
Pasadena, CA
10/31/2011
Center turkey with everything on it.
I used to come here quite often in high school. Each time I'm in SF, I go there and it reminds me when I used to wait in the long line for a sub center sandwich.
The bread is amazing, they toast the bread with meat, cheese, and onions. I recommend getting the avocado on it also. Jalepenos is a must!
Quant little place with tons of 49ers memorabilia on the walls...can't wait for my next trip to SF. -
Review from Anna B.
San Francisco, CA
9/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm teetering between 3-4 stars. Something about my BBQ beef didn't scream...YUM! It was decent, with just the right amount of kick but nothing special. And definitely not the best BBQ sandwich I've ever had. Now the reason I ended up with 4 stars is the sandwich my friend ordered, the Atomic Sub, which is actually one of my favorites on their menu. If you are a meat lover this one will be sure to make your spidey sense tingle. I would come back to try their Pizza out of curiosity and definitely if I'm in the neighborhood for my favorite Atomic Sub, or give the Italian combo a try. This place has room to grow in my heart, I'm not entirely won over yet.
Also here's a nice comprehensive menu :)
http://sanfrancisco.me... -
Review from Sean H.
San Francisco, CA
10/26/2011
Best damn pastrami sandwich I've ever had. Plain and simple. I'm getting roast beef and atomic next time. They make good sandwiches and I will never eat subway again.
My only gripe: They could wear gloves as they prepare the sandwich. -
Review from Mo M.
San Francisco, CA
11/10/2011
A neighborhood gem. After passing it by for 11 years, I tried to today!
Loved the toasted pastrami with cheese and avocado. Jammed with fixings, the mini was filling enough for lunch.
I also love the vintage decor...1988 was indeed a great year for the Niners. -
Review from Sofia R.
I came by here for lunch with my cousin. We didn't have a lot of time and it was really close to school.
We've never been to this place before so we didn't know exactly how to order. The service was nice although they definitely rushed us. They get pretty busy pretty fast but I think it's because they also work really fast. It's best to know what you want right away and move out of the way once you make the order. You pay later when the sandwich is done toasting (maybe a few minutes).
We ordered a super size Italiano to share. They customized it for us and had mustard on one side but none on the other (yay for customizing option). I thought the sandwich was good but not great. I couldn't help but think "I can make this myself." My cousin and I were looking for the 'secret sauce' they say they use for every sandwich but we couldn't taste anything. I'm not saying it's a bad place, just average.
Speedy service and good enough food. I like it better than subway but I wish they added more meat. -
Review from Larry C.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 12/20/2011
Super Atomic
Meatball
that is all I have to say, and needs be said....
eat them, be happy!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/2/2010
For me their 3 best sandwiches are (for me at least):
- "Atomic"
- Meatball
- Italiano
the bread is… Read more »
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Review from Fenny g.
Berkeley, CA
9/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I could not believe i missed this place for couple years living in 19st ave and passed by west portal almost everyday!
I went here past Sunday, to be very honest i'm not a big fan of sandwich but I have to say that their sandwiches are good!
They put tons of meat in the sandwich, so to those who love meat wont be disappointed. The combination of the ingredients are awesome and the soft and crunchy bread make the sandwich excellent! Yes!! something about the bread make the sandwich excellent!
Totally a Woohoo!!! sandwich! -
Review from Ryan D.
San Francisco, CA
10/2/2011
Lived near West Portal for 3 years and just ate here for the first time. It was quite delicious, reminded me of a sub place in southern california that I used to goto frequently. The potato salad wasn't anything special.
It does appear that they take CC/ATM cards now. -
Review from Landon D.
San Francisco, CA
12/18/2011
I live on the East Coast now but any time I come back to the Bay this is always the first place I eat (ALWAYS). Center Italiano, no mustard, no cheese. Best sandwich, nicest people working there. I hope this place exists forever.
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Review from Athena L.
7/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Average sandwich.
Got the super roast beef sandwich which was about $8 and it wasn't bad! But it wasn't great either. Very mediocre and I must say that although their bread is crunchy and fresh, the rest of the sandwich is comparable to a Subway's.
How is this THE best sandwich shop ever Yelpers??? Have you tried any other sandwich shops such as Roxies/Ikes/Little Luccas?
Mmm not impressed. -
Review from Ed U.
With a Subway popping up on almost every corner, it really takes a lot for a submarine sandwich shop to stand up and be noticed. OK, it doesn't take that much since all the Subways are the same, but hey, Submarine Center stands out anyway because they make tantalizing torpedoes with their own secret sauce. Jamie W. and I ventured over here after a particularly lovely day atop Twin Peaks since it is a quick drive down the hill. T'is a busy place on a late Sunday afternoon, it is. The youth of West Portal have found their second home here apparently.
I can see why since it's a no-nonsense family-run place where the servers don't take any guff when taking orders. They make their sandwiches like clockwork, not like they're earning minimum wage and forgot to take the butcher paper off the provolone. I ordered the $6.15 Hot Pastrami with some melted cheese, "Center" size as they call it, and the sandwich was nice and toasty with just the right meatiness to the pastrami (see photo). They have this little stand-up oven where they shove the sandwich to make it all hot and melty. Jamie went for the $6.40 Italiano, which offered mortadella, capicolla, salami and provolone (see photo). Definitely worth a return trip.
FOOD - 4 stars...really stellar subs when Subway doesn't cut it
AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...compact and clean
SERVICE - 3.5 stars...they know how to make 'em fast
TOTAL - 4 stars...Up periscope for this shop! -
Review from S R.
San Francisco, CA
10/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
small friendly family run joint.
solid sandwiches. bread is fresh, soft, chewy, and warmed up. meat is good quality. everything is fresh. moist overall and their dressing is a nice touch.
4.5 stars. almost as good as deli board and ikes.Listed in: Best Burgers and Sandwiches
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Review from Camille D.
San Francisco, CA
9/13/2011
Got myself a mini submarine and was pleasantly surprised! Reason being that I tried to look this place up on yelp when I was in the area looking for somewhere to eat. For some reason, I couldn't find any reviews for this place so I took my chances and went in.
The bread is so yummy! And they give a fairly decent size for a great price, specially for SF. So thank you Submarine Center. You are great. -
Review from George K.
San Francisco, CA
11/30/2011
This place is simply delicious. Service is fast and the sandwiches are great. They toast their subs and add some Italian dressing on the lettuce! Submarine center has been here for ever. If you are thinking about going during peak hours and sitting, this might be a problem because seating is limited. I always take my sandwich to go. Also a tip if you are catching the underground at West portal before a Giants game definitely stop here and get some food.
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Review from Tomas C.
San Francisco, CA
11/2/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Best sandwiches ever. Fuck Ike's I'll take a super atomic with avocado every day! Pastrami and turkey are the best! I also like the meatball
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Review from Elly H.
San Francisco, CA
12/3/2011
Nearly 5 stars out of over 650 reviews?? What is wrong with the world? My bf and I came here after we decided not to travel across the city to our usual place. After trying the turkey sandwich, I wish we had went the extra distance. The bread was crunchy and stale, there were no fun veggies, and the 'special sauce' was ridiculously salty and overpowered the sandwich. This sub tastes worse than subway, and was far more expensive. I don't get the hype at all. At best, this was a mediocre sandwich, but honestly, it tastes like a pathetic failure to me. I'm never coming back.
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Review from Jonathan L.
San Francisco, CA
6/18/2011
I ordered the cheese steak sandwich and they use thinly sliced lunch meat. Whats the difference between a cheese steak and a roast beef sandwich? I don't consider that as steak. I see steak as something thick and chewy.
Anyways, the sandwich tasted really anyways and was in generous portions. I came here with my girlfriend and we shared the sandwich. I would give this place 4 stars but the guy reached in his pocket to play with his cell phone then used those bare hands to make our sandwich without washing.
Overall, great sandwich and great size. -
Review from David M.
San Francisco, CA
12/1/2011
back then 6 years ago i used to always go here when i was a senior in high school i loved the super hot pastrami. 5 stars.
however, over that time and recently i have been going there more frequently and noticed that the quality isn't as great as it used to be. the sandwich is still great, but not a 5 star quality. good memories i would still get the hot pastrami here if im near by -
Review from Susan M.
Chatsworth, CA
12/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Awesome sub place!!! Their French roll is amazing!!! Try the atomic! You won't regret it!
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Review from Christina L.
Berkeley, CA
6/18/2011
This place was okay.
There wasn't much to the sandwich. Crunchy bread + meat on top + cheese + tomatoes, lettuce, mayo, and mustard.
Oh and PLUS cell phone juice. YEP, that's right. The guy making my sandwich today took his cell phone out of his pocket (bare hands) and put it in another pocket. He used those same bare hands to make my sandwich. YUM...
Sandwich tasted okay, it's not something I would go out of my way for. Maybe we just got the wrong kind of sandwich. The service was fast, the guy was efficient making my sandwich as he was staring out the window.
Price-wise? I wouldn't pay that much for a sandwich. $9.03 for a cheesesteak sandwich. If subway made their bread crunchier, it may just look the same, or maybe i was just turned off by the way my sandwich was made. -
Review from Nathan T.
San Francisco, CA
9/14/2011
This place was AITE. I'm not gonna lie, based on the sheer amount of positive reviews on Yelp, I expected a lot from this shop. Though I didn't expect it to be on the same level (in terms of taste) with Ikes or (have amazing value like) Little Luccas, I thought this place would be more than...mediocre. I mean, it wasn't BAD, but for 8 bucks for the largest one, I expected it to at least fill me up. I'm 5'6" and I was still hungry after finishing both halves.
This place is tastier than Subway, but not by much. And they are nowhere near Ikes quality or Little Luccas value. At the end of the day, if Submarine Center was next to a Subway, I would rather go to Subway.
