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Grubbin'
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Grubbin'
8.2
Tiny sandwich shop turning out overstuffed, toasted builds with its signature Grub Sauce. Portions are generous and service is efficient for takeout-heavy lunch hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Droolin’ (pastrami), Grubbin’ It, Juicin’
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Signature sauce and hot, crispy toasts on packed specialty sandos.
Who should go: Hearty sandwich fans on a tight schedule
When to visit: Tue–Sun 11:00–1:00 for fastest turnover
What to order: Droolin’; Grubbin’ It; Juicin’
Insider tip: Request extra Grub Sauce and a hotter toast for extra crunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking along Taraval; easiest near 19th Ave or side streets before noon.
Dress code: Totally casual—jeans, hoodies, and work attire are all normal for lunch.
Noise level: Moderate—small space with steady to-go traffic, but short bursts of chatter between orders.
Weekend wait: Closed evenings—primarily a lunch spot.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minute line typical at peak hours; fast turnover once ordered.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few vegetarian options—grilled cheese and customizable builds with veggies available.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan menu, but can omit cheese and sauce for basic veggie sandwich.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free bread option; all sandwiches served on toasted Dutch crunch or rolls.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more of a grab-and-go lunch counter than a sit-down date spot. Better for casual meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no table service and no reservations. Most customers take sandwiches to-go or eat quickly at the counter.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals—no kids’ menu, but sandwiches and chips work for older kids; limited seating makes strollers tricky.
Best For
Better for: Faster turnaround and bolder flavor builds than other Taraval sandwich spots, thanks to the house Grub Sauce and heavy toast.
Skip if: You want a sit-down, slow lunch or need gluten-free or vegan options—try a full-service café instead.
Grubbin'
8.2
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Tiny counter spot known for ‘Grub Sauce’ and stacked specialties. The menu leans indulgent—think pastrami-ham-salami mashups and crisp chicken tender sandwiches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grubbin’ It (pastrami, ham, salami), Juicin’ (turkey, bacon, avocado), Droolin’ (pastrami, salami, pepper jack)
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Signature Grub Sauce and overstuffed toasted sandwiches.
Who should go: Hearty, indulgent sandwich seekers
When to visit: Tue–Sun 11am–1pm for freshest turnover
What to order: Grubbin’ It; Juicin’; Droolin’
Insider tip: Add extra Grub Sauce and ask for a hotter toast for more crunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Taraval or side streets; typically available mid-afternoon but tight during lunch rush.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, jeans, and ball caps are standard here.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during lunch hours; quieter mid-afternoon.
Weekend wait: Usually no dinner service—closes early around 4pm.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minute line at peak; quick turnaround once you order.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few options like the veggie melt or custom grilled cheese available upon request.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan menu, but you can customize sans cheese and sauce.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free bread; sandwiches contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates casual comfort—counter seating and a messy sandwich make it more fun than formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s walk-up only with limited counter seating; most people take their sandwiches to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick lunches—kids like the tenders and fries—but not ideal for lingering since space is tight.
Best For
Better for: Indulgent, sauce-heavy sandwiches and value compared to nearby delis or chains.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, gluten-free options, or quieter ambiance for conversation.