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Iggy's Place
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Iggy's Place
8.4
Daytime sandwich shop from the Borsch Mobile team turning out loaded hoagies and Slavic-influenced buns alongside salads and soups. Locals praise the crisp produce, well-seasoned meats, and quick counter cadence on Balboa.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turkey hoagie with house dressing, Pulled chicken bun, Borsch-stuffed bun
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Sandwich shop with Slavic-inspired buns from the Borsch Mobile crew.
Who should go: Hearty hoagie lovers and lunch regulars
When to visit: Late morning to beat peak lunch lines
What to order: Turkey hoagie; pulled chicken bun; borsch-stuffed bun
Insider tip: Ask for extra house dressing on the side for dipping.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Balboa Street is metered but usually manageable before noon; side streets offer free two-hour parking.
Dress code: Casual—locals drop in wearing hoodies, jeans, or workout clothes.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy to chat even during lunch rush.
Weekend wait: Closed by early evening—no dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Short 5–10 minute line at peak hours; otherwise no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads and veggie sandwich options available.
Vegan options: Limited—soups and custom sandwich builds can be adjusted.
Gluten-free options: Partial—no dedicated gluten-free bread but soups and salads fit most needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates laid-back lunch spots; more of a casual hangout than a romantic setup.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—counter order and open seating; no reservations accepted or needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—quick service, roomy tables, and approachable sandwiches make it easy for families with small kids.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and fresher ingredients than nearby delis; standout buns and Slavic touches add uniqueness.
Skip if: You’re after a sit-down, wine-friendly sandwich experience—this is built for takeout or casual daytime eats.
Iggy's Place
7.9
Daytime café serving generous brunch plates and sandwiches with Eastern-European-leaning comfort touches. Portions run hearty, coffee is solid, and the room keeps a relaxed Balboa Street pace.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast burrito, Potato pancakes, Pastrami & egg sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: From-scratch, generous plates with neighborhood warmth.
Who should go: Hearty-plate brunchtime fans
When to visit: Weekend opening hour or after 1:30pm
What to order: Breakfast burrito; potato pancakes; pastrami & egg sandwich
Insider tip: Ask about occasional borscht or Eastern-European specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly free street parking along Balboa and side streets; usually manageable before 10am but tight midday on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—locals in jeans, hoodies, or weekend athleisure fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate; morning chatter and espresso machine hum but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: N/A—closes after brunch service.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, typically seated immediately before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—omelets, pancakes, and sides can easily be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads and avocado toast can be adjusted, but no dedicated vegan section.
Gluten-free options: Partial—no separate prep area but willing to substitute with salads or un-breaded items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual morning meet-up than a romantic first date; the bright daytime energy and big portions make it relaxed and unpretentious.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only, and weekday mornings are easy. Arrive before 10am on weekends to avoid a 15–20 minute wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families frequent it, with high chairs available and flexible menu items like pancakes and eggs for kids.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, comfort-heavy brunch plates and friendly service in a relaxed, no-fuss setting.
Skip if: You’re after sleek, upscale brunch or strong espresso bar culture—Lokma and Eat Americana fit those better.
Iggy's Place
7.9
Daytime cafe from a local team serving hearty brunch plates, sandwiches, and coffee in a laid-back Balboa room. Portions run generous and the menu covers both classic and Eastern-European-leaning comforts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Potato Pancakes with Eggs, House Pastrami & Egg Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Generous, from-scratch brunch plates with neighborhood warmth.
Who should go: Hearty-plate brunch fans
When to visit: Weekend opening hour or late lunch after 1:30
What to order: Breakfast burrito; potato pancakes; pastrami & egg sandwich
Insider tip: Ask about borscht or Eastern-European specials when available.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking along Balboa and surrounding side streets; generally available before noon but tight near peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; weekend athleisure and denim are common.
Noise level: Moderate buzz during brunch rush; easy conversation at most tables outside peak hours.
Weekend wait: N/A - closes before dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute pause for a table.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including omelets, pancakes, and meat-free sandwiches.
Vegan options: Limited - 2–3 customizable dishes such as avocado toast or salads.
Gluten-free options: Partial - some dishes can be modified; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual daytime meet-up than a romantic setting; friendly staff and warm vibes create a relaxed, approachable tone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are standard. Arrive before 10am on weekends to avoid the short brunch rush line.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — booster seats available and plenty of family groups on weekends; menu includes simple, sharable items for kids.
Best For
Better for: Heartier, comfort-style brunch fare and neighborhood atmosphere compared to trendier minimalist cafes nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking specialty coffee, vegan focus, or a quiet, design-forward brunch scene.