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Calabria Bros
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Calabria Bros
8.2
Italian-American deli stacking classic cold cuts, mozzarella, and roasted peppers with a house garlic spread. Broad meat-and-cheese lineup keeps customization easy and prices friendly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Calabria Bros. (prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers), Hot Calabrese, Muffaletta
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Classic Italian deli counter with extensive meats, cheeses, and garlic spread.
Who should go: Cold-cut traditionalists and bargain hunters
When to visit: Weekdays before noon or after 2pm
What to order: Prosciutto & mozz, Hot Calabrese, Muffaletta
Insider tip: Ask for hot garlic spread for extra kick.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street is generally available but can fill during lunch hours; expect to circle briefly on weekends.
Dress code: Completely casual — come as you are, from work clothes to gym wear.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mostly takeout traffic and brief chatter, easy to hold a conversation while waiting.
Weekend wait: Typically no dinner rush; sandwiches move fast and are ready in under 10 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Mild wait of 5–10 minutes during peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several cold-cut–free sandwiches with mozzarella, roasted peppers, or eggplant.
Vegan options: Limited — can build a veggie sub if you skip cheese and sauces.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread, but you can request a salad-style version of most sandwiches.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not really — it’s more of a grab-and-go deli than a sit-down spot. Great for a casual bite, not for atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — no reservations are needed or offered. There are only a few counter seats, so most guests take food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — quick service, friendly staff, and simple sandwiches make it easy for families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and lower prices than many artisan sandwich shops; unbeatable for classic Italian deli staples and garlic spread flavor.
Skip if: You want dine-in ambiance, specialty coffee, or gluten-free bread — this is a pure old-school deli experience.
Calabria Bros
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Old-school Italian deli and market known for oversized, made-to-order sandwiches, house spreads, and imported goods. Parents appreciate the quick counter, fair prices, and shareable portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Porchetta Sandwich, Meatball Sub, Prosciutto & Fresh Mozzarella
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Italian deli classics with massive portions and a stocked market.
Who should go: Families craving hearty Italian sandwiches fast
When to visit: Weekdays 11:30am–1:00pm before the peak lunch line
What to order: Porchetta, meatball sub, prosciutto-mozzarella
Insider tip: Ask for the house garlic spread—mild or hot—on your sandwich.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Mission Street and nearby residential blocks; spots open up faster before noon.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, tees, and family attire fit perfectly.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush; quieter mid-afternoon with steady deli chatter.
Weekend wait: Typically no dinner service — closes by early evening.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes at peak hours; sandwiches made fresh to order.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several sandwich and salad options like caprese and veggie with house spreads.
Vegan options: Limited — can modify sandwiches (no cheese, add extra veggies and oil).
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread; possible cold-cut plate workaround if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date — it’s more of a grab-and-go deli than a sit-down meal, better for casual catch-ups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — counter-only service with a few benches outside; no reservations needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families often come for quick sandwiches; staff are patient and portions easy to split for kids 5+.
Best For
Better for: Massive Italian sandwiches, family-friendly pricing, and quick counter efficiency.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down Italian meal with wine or full pasta service — this is a deli experience.
Calabria Bros
8.4
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Classic Italian deli turning out stacked cold-cut sandwiches and market staples in the Excelsior. A daytime favorite for made-to-order subs on soft rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Combo Sandwich, Prosciutto & Mozzarella Sandwich, Meatball Parm Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Old-school Italian deli craft with generous, balanced sandwiches.
Who should go: Deli lovers on lunch break
When to visit: Lunch hours before the midday rush
What to order: Italian combo, prosciutto-mozzarella, meatball parm
Insider tip: Ask for hot peppers and extra oil-and-vinegar for proper zing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only along Mission Street and side residential blocks; expect limited availability during lunch hours.
Dress code: Completely casual — jeans, hoodies, and workwear are the norm.
Noise level: Low to moderate — conversational with occasional deli chatter and sandwich prep sounds.
Weekend wait: Closed by dinner hours — operates daytime only.
Weekday lunch: Short 5–10 minute line at peak lunch rush, but fast-moving counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several meatless sandwiches like caprese or eggplant parm available.
Vegan options: Limited — customization possible (hold cheese/meat, add veggies).
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread or prep area; cross-contact likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date — more of a grab-and-go or low-key lunch spot for sandwich lovers.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-up counter only, no reservations needed; small seating area fills quickly but turnover is constant.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple menu and quick service work well for families, though seating is limited and geared toward short stays.
Best For
Better for: Outstanding for quick, classic Italian deli sandwiches made with care — better value and authenticity than chain sub shops.
Skip if: Skip if you’re after a sit-down pasta meal or dinner service — this is strictly a daytime sandwich operation.