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Deli Board
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Deli Board
8.4
Cult-favorite sandwich counter serving oversized, chef-built deli stacks with house sauces and Dutch crunch. Lines peak at lunch as regulars chase rotating specials alongside staples like the Allison.
Must-Try Dishes:
Allison (pastrami + corned beef), Menschkowitz, Leroy Brown
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Max-flavor, chef-designed sandwiches with serious heft and loyal following.
Who should go: Sandwich obsessives at lunchtime
When to visit: Before noon to beat the rush
What to order: Allison; Menschkowitz; house potato wedges
Insider tip: Follow their social for daily specials that often sell out early.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in SoMa is limited; metered spots are scarce at peak lunch hours. Paid garages within a 5–10 min walk are the safest bet.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are in jeans, tees, or work clothes.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak lunch; quieter mid-afternoon. Hard to hold extended conversations when the line is deep.
Weekend wait: Closed in the evenings—no dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Expect 20–40 minutes at peak (12–1pm). Before noon or after 1:30pm, waits drop to 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—about 2–3 sandwiches (like the Veggie Board) plus sides can be customized.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for modifications, but most bread/sauce combos are not fully vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread; sandwiches are built on Dutch crunch and other wheats. Best to skip if celiac-sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date—sandwiches are huge and messy. Better suited for casual meetups or lunch hangouts.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations are taken. Seating is limited counter-style, so many people do takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle big sandwiches, but space is cramped and not stroller-friendly. No kids’ menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Creative, overstuffed deli-style sandwiches with house sauces and chef-driven specials you won’t find at chain delis.
Skip if: If you want gluten-free, vegan, or a sit-down dinner setting—it’s a lunch-only, sandwich-first spot.
Deli Board
8.4
Cult-favorite sandwich shop piling high-quality meats on dutch crunch with punchy house sauces. Limited hours and counter service, but the hefty, shareable sandwiches are a hit with families.
Must-Try Dishes:
‘49er’ pastrami and corned beef, Albacore tuna on french roll, Waffle fries with board sauce
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Oversized, craft sandwiches with house sauces and serious fillings.
Who should go: Sandwich-obsessed families willing to share
When to visit: Arrive before noon to beat the lunch line
What to order: 49er, tuna salad, waffle fries
Insider tip: Order half-and-half style—split one hot and one cold sandwich for variety.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Folsom and side streets; limited availability at peak hours—arrive early.
Dress code: Casual; jeans, tees, and hoodies are all common.
Noise level: Moderate buzz from the counter and lunch crowd, but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner service—only open daytime hours.
Weekday lunch: 15–25 minutes line at peak noon rush; earlier arrivals may have no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, veggie sandwiches, and sides available.
Vegan options: Limited—can request no cheese/mayo on veggie options, but choices are few.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread; most sandwiches are on traditional loaves.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—more of a bustling sandwich counter than a date-night spot. Better for casual meetups or quick lunches.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations are taken. Seating is counter-style and first come, first served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families bring kids for shareable sandwiches and fries. No dedicated kids’ menu, but portions are easily split.
Best For
Better for: Massive, flavor-packed sandwiches with a cult following—perfect for sharing and casual family meals.
Skip if: You need gluten-free bread, dinner hours, or a quiet, sit-down environment.
Deli Board
8.4
Since 2009, this SoMa staple has served oversized, East-Coast-style sandwiches on Dutch crunch—fast, satisfying, and easy to take back to the office. Expect generous meats, punchy house sauces, and quick counter service.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Board (pastrami & corned beef), The Mick (hot roast beef), Waffle Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Max-flavor, piled-high sandwiches built for power lunch speed.
Who should go: Teams needing fast, hearty takeout
When to visit: Arrive by noon to beat the line
What to order: The Board; The Mick; waffle fries
Insider tip: Ask for Dutch crunch and extra Board Sauce.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking in SoMa; best to use nearby garages or rideshare during lunch rush.
Dress code: Casual—office attire, jeans, or business casual all fine.
Noise level: Moderate buzz at peak lunch; fine for team chatter but not private calls.
Weekend wait: Closed evenings—no dinner service.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes during prime noon rush; walk right up after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian sandwiches like roasted veggie or custom builds.
Vegan options: Limited—may build custom sandwich without cheese/meat, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread; celiacs should avoid.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more of a fast, hearty lunch spot than a sit-down date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—counter-service only; grab a stool or take sandwiches to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like sandwiches, but space is tight and there are no high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Oversized, East-Coast-style sandwiches with quick service—perfect for office lunch runs.
Skip if: Skip if you want a leisurely sit-down meal, gluten-free bread, or vegan-specific options.
Deli Board
8.7
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Trendy Table Hotspots
East Coast–style deli from owner Adam Mesnick (since 2009) stacking house-favorite combos like the 49er and Allison on Dutch crunch and garlic French rolls. Locals line up at lunch for mammoth, sauce-driven sandwiches built to order.
Must-Try Dishes:
49er (corned beef/pastrami/brisket), Allison (pastrami & corned beef), Armando (turkey, bacon, avocado)
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Oversized, East Coast–leaning sandwiches with signature Board sauce.
Who should go: Hearty sandwich seekers at lunch
When to visit: Arrive before noon to beat the rush
What to order: 49er, Allison, Armando
Insider tip: Order ahead online; limited hours and early sellouts.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking on Folsom and side streets; best bet is nearby paid lots within a 2–3 block walk.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, tees, and work attire all common during lunch rush.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak lunch hours; quieter closer to opening.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner and weekends — lunch only spot.
Weekday lunch: 15–30 minutes in line at peak; ordering ahead online reduces wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a few hearty vegetarian sandwich options available.
Vegan options: Very limited — customization needed, not a core focus.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread; cross-contact likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s a counter-order, line-out-the-door lunch spot better for casual meals than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — no reservations are accepted, seating is limited and first-come-first-serve.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes in a casual sense, but better suited for older kids or teens given crowded lunch rush and oversized portions.
Best For
Better for: Massive, indulgent East Coast–style sandwiches with house-made sauces and creative combos you won’t find at generic delis.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down meal, lighter fare, or gluten-free dining — this is built for messy, hearty sandwiches in a fast-casual setting.