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Proper Food (Montgomery)
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Proper Food (Montgomery)
7.9
Grab-and-go spot for made-that-day sandwiches, salads, soups, and bowls with efficient lines and kid-friendly options. Ideal for families needing quick, wholesome takeout before a park or museum stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chimichurri steak bowl, Turkey club, Seasonal soup
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Seasonal, from-scratch grab-and-go built for FiDi speed.
Who should go: Parents on tight lunch schedules
When to visit: 11:15–11:45 for shortest lines
What to order: Steak bowl; turkey club; daily soup
Insider tip: Order online for pickup to skip the noon rush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited around Montgomery during weekdays; nearby paid garages on Sutter or Bush offer hourly rates.
Dress code: Casual and office-friendly; most guests come in business attire or casual workwear.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush; quieter before 11:30am or after 1:30pm.
Weekend wait: Closed weekends; no dinner service.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during peak hours; often immediate before 11:30am.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several salads, sandwiches, and bowls are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited – typically one or two vegan options, depending on the day’s menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes – select bowls and salads are gluten-free, but kitchen is shared.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date; it’s more of a grab-and-go lunch spot focused on speed and practicality rather than atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – no reservations needed. Seating is limited to counter space and outdoor benches, mainly for quick meals.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – works best for school-age kids who can eat on the go. Menu includes familiar options like sandwiches and soups, but there are no high chairs or kids’ utensils.
Best For
Better for: Healthier, fresher, and faster than typical FiDi takeout chains – everything is made daily with quality ingredients.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, full service, or a quiet place to linger; this is a daytime-only, efficiency-first stop.
Proper Food (Montgomery)
7.8
Seasonal, made-from-scratch grab-and-go with sandwiches prepped fresh for speed. Known for clean flavors and office-friendly packaging that actually holds up on the walk back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turkey Cranberry & Brie, Ham & Gruyère, Turkey Avocado
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Chef-driven, ready-to-go sandwiches with seasonal touches.
Who should go: Efficiency-minded lunchtime pros
When to visit: 12:45–1:15pm for restocked favorites
What to order: Turkey Cranberry & Brie; Ham & Gruyère; Turkey Avocado
Insider tip: Grab sauces on the side to keep bread from softening before eating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Montgomery and nearby alleys is limited; best to walk or use nearby paid garages like 555 California or Embarcadero Center.
Dress code: Office casual—expect coworkers in workwear, but jeans and sneakers are fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate; mostly takeout, but indoor chatter stays manageable.
Weekend wait: Closed weekends—weekday-only service.
Weekday lunch: 10–15 minutes during peak rush, faster after 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several rotating vegetarian sandwiches and salads feature seasonal produce and grains.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 rotating plant-based options plus vegan sides.
Gluten-free options: Partial—some salads and a few sandwiches can be made on gluten-free bread.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s a grab-and-go spot built for speed, better suited for solo or coworker lunches than lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations accepted or needed; most guests grab and go, but limited indoor seating turns over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Neutral—clean, efficient, and friendly, but lacks kid-specific meals or seating; best for older kids or teens on the move.
Best For
Better for: Faster, cleaner, and more consistent than most FiDi delis, with chef-level flavor in prepacked form.
Skip if: You want a sit-down lunch, customizable sandwich builds, or an extended mid-day break.