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ZipPicks Awards
Best Sandwiches in the Excelsior
Best Family Friendly Italian in the Excelsior
Best Italian in the Excelsior
Master Critic Review
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.
Hours
Monday8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday8:30am - 5pm
Thursday8:30am - 5pm
Friday8:30am - 5pm
Saturday8:30am - 3pm
SundayClosed