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Alamo Square Market & Deli
Categories: Restaurants Sandwiches Restaurants Delis Sandwiches, Delis [Edit]
535 Scott St(between Fell St & Hayes St)
San Francisco, CA 94117
Neighbourhood: Western Addition/NOPA
(415) 861-7120
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 7:30 am - 9 pm
Fri 7:30 am - 10 pm
Sat 8 am - 10 pm
Sun 9 am - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
122 reviews for Alamo Square Market & Deli
Review Highlights
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"I usually get turkey/pastrami on dutch crunch--toasted." In 14 reviews -
"the dio makes my stomach soooo happy." In 12 reviews -
"I also enjoy the guys that work/own the place." In 7 reviews
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122 reviews in English
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Review from kate b.
San Francisco, CA
1/1/2012
First let me say that this is a very important little deli in Alamo Square. My reasons are this:
1) you need a deli close to the park when there are those days that you just want to lounge in the park and eat a sandwich
2) you may also need a cold beer (single or 6 pack) as well for your mini picnic.
3) the sandwiches are never skimped on.
4) If you live in the hood, they have great hours so you can get a sandwich fix up until 9 or 10pm w/o being disappointed.
Realistically this is a sandwich, beer and chip shop and it's absolutely indispensible when you live on a frequently sunny little chunk of SF. -
Review from Jason B.
5/16/2012
Handouts.
Owner Eric wants to be sure you'll like his Boar's Head meat recommendations so he'll give you a sample. And another. And another.
To the point where you wonder if you even need a sandwich anymore.
You do.
Pick your favorite meat (pepper turkey for me). Rolls only (wheat). All the usual fixings (lettuce, tomato, pickle, mustard). Seven bucks.
Great sandwich served with a great Boston accents and a great location in a converted garage. Alamo Square view across the street comes at no extra charge. -
Review from Talia G.
4/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
Turkey, Avocado, and Provolone your thing? Get the Zippity Bop on Dutch Crunch ($7.75).
Need a beer to wash it down? This place certainly isn't lacking in options.
Feeling a little cheap? Use Scoutmob and get 50% off, up to $5.
Like sun and pretty views? Eat said Zippity Bop while sitting in Alamo Square overlooking the city.
Need motivation? GO DO IT. -
Review from Kyle P.
San Francisco, CA
3/6/2012
ASK FOR A CREDIT CARD RECEIPT (or get ripped off)
The guy rang me up and told me that he charged me less than he actually did. I didn't want to ask for a receipt or a make a stink of it (because he had gotten me a colder beer in the back).
I ended up paying 4 bucks more than what it should have cost. My fault for not asking for a receipt but his bad for taking advantage of that.
Otherwise, a good sandwich and beer. Great location on a recent hot sunday. -
Review from Shanna T.
5/12/2012
Tried this place today for the first time today: funny staff, good sandwiches and ample beer selection. Perfect.
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Review from Anthony R.
San Francisco, CA
5/6/2012
Wow. This sandwich was weak. It's cool that the workers are all curt and down to business east coast, but make me a bangin' sando to back up your cocksure attitude. I sure as hell didn't get one. Lame, gummy bread. Skimpy protein portions. Reminded me of the safeway sandwiches I'd get in highschool.
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Review from Lolia S.
San Francisco, CA
2/29/2012 3 photos
The sandwich quest continues...when one thinks of all the SF liquor stores that make their own sandwiches, the quest seems overwhelming. Alamo Square Market is one of these, a small store with a sandwich counter, drinks (wine, beer, soda, water, etc.), ice cream, and snacks. The owners are clear about their love of their hometown, Boston, and rock music. The sandwich menu includes some specialty sandwiches named after musicians (e.g., The Dio) and build your own sandwich options ($6.50) using Boar's Head meats. They have a wide variety of meat, cheese and extras. The coffee is from Uncommon Grounds in Berkeley.
One sandwich is called the Wicked Pissah. I learned that pissah is a Boston slang term for something of merit. Interesting. I had no idea.
* Grilled steak & onion sandwich ($7.50, available on Fridays only): flat panini style sandwich on a sweet French roll (you can choose the cheese and bread) with a layer of 5 slices of steak, pepper jack cheese, tomato, lettuce, onion, pepperonicini and chipotle mayo. The sandwich was neatly wrapped and the veggies were fresh. The sandwich was a bit soggy on the inside (lettuce too wet?) but it was nicely toasted. The bread was soft with a little crunch on the outside and the cheese had melted. I barely saw any grilled onions and sadly, the steak wasn't tender. The chipotle mayo was pretty good.
There's a friendly, neighborhood vibe. They greet regulars by name. Pick up a cute sandwich frequent buyer card and enjoy your sandwich across the street at Alamo Square.Listed in: August is National Sandwich…, Deli rundown
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Review from T L.
Sacramento, CA
4/18/2012
Had lunch here a couple of times during a business trip to the area. Excellent sandwiches, and the fries are to die for! Had turkey one day and ham the other and both were very good and hit the spot, of course with an order of froies to go with it too. I think the real value of this place is to load up on some eats and then take them over to the park with it's great scenic view of the San Francisco skyline, one you'll never forget!
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Review from Lindsay B.
San Francisco, CA
4/30/2012
Let not the plain exterior of this store dissuade you from going in and exploring, the inside is quite delightful. Motivated by a special deal via Scout Mob, I ventured in and bought a deli sandwich. The store was clean and organized, the staff friendly, and the sandwich was first rate. The price is similar to any sandwich in San Francisco, yet this sandwich boasted high-quality, Boar's Head meat. Also fresh bread.
It is certainly worth your while to pick up a sandwich and head to Alamo Square for an idyllic lunch.
(I did not rate this deli five stars because I did not actually have an orgasm while eating the sandwich -- the only criterion I use when giving a five-star rating.)
Local tip: avoid the area with a car. -
Review from Austin B.
San Francisco, CA
4/12/2012
Splendiforous.
Delicious sandwiches, cool people. -
Review from J S.
San Francisco, CA
4/14/2012
Tuna on Dutch Crunch ($6.50)
- sharable size and still filling for eating half of it
- fresh bread, but there was no crunch in the dutch crunch and no sweetness
- tomato tasted like metal and was anemic looking (as in pale). i just took it out.
- pickles weren't too salty
- affordable -
Review from Quentin J.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2012 4 Check-ins Here
Don't come here for a smile just a no frills sandwich. They definitely got that east coast "F#$k yo' mutha!" vibe going here. This is your typical dialogue at Alamo Square:
"What da want?"
"Can I have the Zigy please?"
" Yea, everything on it?"
"No mayo"
"Bread?"
"Dutch crunch."
"Aight"
Reminded me of Soup Nazi episode of Seinfeld.
I've previously enjoyed a Zig's which was great. I'm now half through a Conners, roast beef, gouda on Dutch crunch that's pretty meh. The bread wasn't as well toasted as last time. Can't fault the boar's head ingredients; they're quality. All sammys are made to order by one taciturn fella and I was the first in a growing line so attribute the decline in quality to that.
My advice come when it's not busy and know what you want before you come. Wasted time is not appreciated here. -
Review from Rob B.
San Francisco, CA
3/13/2012 15 Check-ins Here
This place rocks. The dudes who run it are always super friendly, and they make a mean sandwich.
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Review from Kathy H.
San Francisco, CA
3/20/2012
Really good sandwiches. I had the Dio, pastrami with jack cheese, jalapenos, and horseradish on dutch crunch. The bread is really fresh and the meat is good. They sell less grocery items than they used to, but they more than make up for it with their sandwich menu. They sell Capay ranch vegetables too.
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Review from beth m.
San Francisco, CA
10/15/2011
What a fun place to grab an awesome sub before hitting the park! You can get your local grocery needs all met, but you can also use this place as a really delicious deli!
It's so refreshing to be able to get a traditional deli sandwich at a reasonable price. Hooray! -
Review from Tony P.
Highland Heights, OH
2/6/2012
I got the roast beef sandwich and it was good. Nothing too special though. The place have essential grocery items at decent prices which is nice.
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Review from Heather H.
Monterey, CA
3/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
delicious sandwiches and the guys behind the counter were so nice.
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Review from Lillian C.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2011
Alamo Square Market & Deli holds a special place in my heart -- but how could they not when they (IMHO) make the best sandwiches in the neighborhood! My personal favorite is their turkey, bacon, avocado, and swiss on wheat.
In addition to their delicious deli, the staff is top notch! They are great about getting to know their patrons and creating a warm, welcoming environment. By my third visit, I already felt like I was a part of their big, happy family. -
Review from Beth K.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2011
I love this deli. Their sandwiches are not only delicious, they are super packed for the price you pay. The guys that work there are all really nice and down to earth.
This place also has the distinction of being the spot for perfect picnic food closest to Alamo Square. Grab a sandwich, chips, and a six pack, and enjoy watching the tourists and dogs playing in the park! -
Review from Natalie X.
San Francisco, CA
1/29/2011
Just moved to the neighborhood and decided to check this place out after finding it on Yelp. They were out of the dutch crunch when I got there so I got a turkey avocado on a soft roll and it was pretty good. Definitely a good sized sandwich that fills you up.
Four stars instead of five since I thought the other stuff (canned foods, etc) was a little overpriced. -
Review from Michael V.
San Francisco, CA
8/6/2011
Best cold sandwich in the 'hood, hands down. Priced well and a large portion. Delicious. Plus, owner's from Boston. They have decent beers too! Easy 5 stars.
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Review from Tiana F.
6/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
wanted a refreshing sandwich to enjoy on the grass at the square with friends while taking in the amazing SF weather and that's what I got! had a Green Monster, which was some goodness of avocado, pesto, and feta on a soft roll. I was visiting SF and clearly looked like a tourist so the 3 hilarious guys behind the counter suggested this sandwich and an accompanying dessert that had just arrived to the store: a lion chocolate bar (who said I was fancy?). they had never met me and will never see me again, but they knew me me so well. the sandwich was yummy and filling and the chocolate bar was delicious similar to a kit kat but with caramel, sweeter, bigger, and better. i loved the service and food.
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Review from ruggy j.
Updated - 6/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
Seriously, for a neighborhood sandwich and grocery spot, it's really hard to find any faults here. The sandwiches are consistently tasty, there's a nice (albeit, very small) selection of dairy and produce items, and the guys working the counter just put you in a good mood.
These guys are from Boston, which should make me cringe... but I'll give 'em a pass for doing some great things in my 'hood.Listed in: Star Search, My new 'hood - NOPA!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/15/2009
I'm a firm believer that the best sandwiches always come from liquor stores - and Alamo Square… Read more »
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Review from Toro E.
San Francisco, CA
5/2/2007 7 photos
I found this place ranked in the Best of Yelp, so I had to try it. The shop was located in a residential area below someone's house. A bit on discrete side. Most of the space is for their market with the sandwich counter called Ziggywiches in the corner.
SEATS: NO seats. Takeout only.
SANDWICH ($4.75): Good bread, good meat. Most of all, I enjoyed the balance. It had just the right amount of meat and the right amount of spread. Sandwich did not fall apart when I bit in to it. Why not a 5 Star deli? Well, since they don't seem to prepare their own deli meat, they use packaged meat that you could get from Safeway.
Destination spot? Nope. This is a great neighborhood deli where many customers come here on foot. -
Review from Rita C.
San Francisco, CA
12/1/2008
Tasty, cheap, and simple... I love this place.
I randomly go in from time to time and always come back with random crap.
I like this place because I can get a BLT with avocado for $5... I also enjoy the guys that work/own the place... They give it personality and I can appreciate that.
Whenever I crave a basic deli sandwich when I'm in my 'hood, you know I'll head on over to Alamo Sq. Market/Deli... I can't help but to love their simplicity. -
Review from John S.
San Francisco, CA
3/4/2008
This place's sign says it all. Unfortunately, I can't remember the exact quote from the sign; and I'm too lazy to go downstairs, walk a block, write it down, walk back, and report to Yelp, so I'll paraphrase. It's something like the best corner store not on the corner. And it is.
This place is freaking cool. I know San Francisco establishments are crammed into every kind of place, but how many garages of Victorians do you know that are corner stores that double as movie sets? Apparently, the owners film movies in the back. I don't know what kind and don't really want to know, but they've been here for a while.
If you're at Alamo Square, which is just up the street, stop by this place and get a snack. -
Review from nicole c.
San Francisco, CA
12/31/2009
I live here.
Really I do,
well pretty much. I stop by roughly 2 times a day (usually in my PJs and slippers) for coffee, a snack, a drink, etc... pretty much anything I need they have (and outgoing personalities to match).
And can we talk about the Sandwiches?
THE SANDWICHES
they're the best. You wouldn't think it b/c yeah, it's a convenience store (and deli) but Eric, the owner knows how to make them delicious. (He was a chef at one point, so it kinda makes sense). My favorite sandwich- the Zibbity-Bop. Oh, and the "Alamo Square" organic coffee is also the best. There are other "bests" but I'll let you find them on your own :)
Stop by, it's like Cheers, the neighborhood bar.
But its a convenience store
and deli :)
And my second home.
**And for those visitors who don't live in the hood- don't piss me/neighbors off by parking in our driveways while you run in and get your snack/sandwich/etc.
it's rude. yeah im talking to you, with the bmw. that is all. -
Review from Joe G.
Los Angeles, CA
9/23/2007 1 Check-in Here
Thanks for all of the nice reviews everyone!
My name is Joe and I work at Alamo Square, and I've always loved this place. I've worked here for a while and before then, I was a regular customer. I can safely say I eat a sandwich from here at least six days a week, which includes my days off (I can't get enough of them!) We have a very strong regular customer base, whether from the local neighborhood or wherever else, and that's always been the charm of the spot.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Wes M.
San Francisco, CA
6/25/2008
An urban density fan's delight. Tucked in the basement of a Victorian off Alamo Square, this market (like so many others) employs a sandwich counter in hopes of drawing more business than just the bathrobe-clad neighbors dashing in for e-supplies. Extra perks: memorable sandwich names and outrageously chill clerks whose slacker-banter is worthy of Linklater. Napkins, bro?
Only problem is that the sandwiches themselves are too ho-hum. For one, they're not very big, and they're a little conservative when it comes to loading up the toppings and spreads. Granted, I don't like sandwiches to go supernova on me either, but the sandwich market is pretty competitive in this town, so you gotta push the french roll (er, envelope) a little bit to play in the big leagues.Listed in: Nopa / Western Addition
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Review from Steph-a-saurus, grr. J.
San Francisco, CA
2/10/2009
The fine people at Alamo Square Market make sandwhiches that consistently have me making yummy noises while i eat. Plus they carry Yoo Hoo. Score!
Their sandwiches are fresh, girthy, and won't leave you feeling hungry an hour and a half later like that processed shit from subway.
I feel its our god given right to be able to spend less than $10 on lunch and Alamo Square Market is keeping the dream alive. -
Review from Justin C.
San Diego, CA
2/3/2007
My favorite local market! The sandwiches are ALWAYS tasty, there a wonderful assortment of chips, and the coffee is the best in the neighborhood.
I agree with other yelpers that the music is pretty rocking and its always a great place to pick up milk, and booze without emptying your pocket book.
For a market in the Alamo Square they really honestly appreciate the business, unlike many of the other local places.
In fact, talking about them is making me want a sandwich.
Gotta run! -
Review from Angela C.
San Francisco, CA
10/19/2010
Another satisfied customer! I wouldn't have found this gem of a deli had it not been for Yelp.
Did you know that dutch crunch is mostly a bay area thing? The rest of them don't know what they are missing.
Ordered DIO w Turkey toasted and the hot peppers were delicious...
Great pick up on the way to the kabuki -
Review from Jennifer H.
San Francisco, CA
8/12/2006
I adore this market!
They always have everything I need on a last minute whim... dog food, kitty litter, beer, wine, etc. The coffee is delish in the morning, the magazine selection is surprisingly good and they always have a doggie water bowl outside - what more can I ask for?!?Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Jay D.
San Francisco, CA
6/23/2011
The New Bread is Great!!
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Review from Dizzy L.
3/6/2010
You were a wonderful secret 5 star. But just recently you messed with something that was totally working.
Why did you get different bread?
The new french roll is no good. A lot of a sandwich is the bread - it's pretty important. Please make it right so I can love you and visit you again all the time without faking it. Now I barely even come by. I liked you the way you were; now you're just an immitation. Please go back to being 5 star you. -
Review from sfc j.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2008
This place rocks!!!!!
The prices are dirt cheap, and the sandwiches are incredible. The Friday special steak sandwich is sooo damn good!!!!! I try to get there every Friday!!
The owner is very nice, and has worked his ass off to give the place such a great reputation. Got to give props where props are due. -
Review from fiber distrubted data e.
San Francisco, CA
5/9/2010
I first discovered this joint a few years ago. Their sandwiches were so good that I suggested they rename my favorite, "The Dio," to "The Shit". It was that fucking good.
I've revisted Alamo Square Deli a number of times since. Now that I live nearby, I've somewhat ironically not made it by as frequently. This evening I thought I'd get The Dio for dinner.
I was disappointed to learn that they stopped serving sandwiches on a number of bread options, most significantly anything of the sliced variety. While I love good bread, rolls tend to be just too overwhelming for sandwiches.
The dude told me they stopped serving some breads because they weren't requested often and they were throwing away most of it. Fair enough, but haven't they heard of freezing the bread? They should be able to gauge how much will get used in a week, maybe buy just a bit more and freeze the left overs so they don't go stale. -
Review from Annie W.
Corte Madera, CA
8/25/2010
Boy, I love you guys. After living across the street for a year and blowing through 2 buy-10-get-1-free cards, I'm a bona-fide regular. I love the sandwiches here and everything is delicious, and fresh. The men are all friendly and always super nice when I go in, and generally have good taste in music so I can shoot the shit. Also a big BIG plus that they're bostonians as most of my family are too and well, west-coasters don't know how to make a f*cking sandwich. These guys do. Their daily specials are NOT to be missed, most notably wednesday meatball subs and friday steak and onion. I get it with a little cheddar and chipotle mayo. TO DIE FOR! They have really good coffee on brew too, and will give you a discount if you bring your own cup.
So how could these guys possibly improve on a 5-star rating? Well, to get 5.5 or 6 stars I'd say, stock a few extra sides in the deli case besides cole slaw (cabbage! yech!) like macaroni salad, potato salad, pasta salad etc. And if they got an espresso machine, well shit, I'd NEVER go anywhere else. -
Review from F. P.
San Francisco, CA
8/15/2011
Great sandwiches from a hidden location. The Wicked Pissah on Dutch Crunch hits the spot!
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Review from Pete J.
San Francisco, CA
3/29/2007
Meanest corner store deli sandwich in the city, & the site of many short films by local filmmakers the Greenberg Brothers (Steve & Joe).
You can usually find Joe manning the counter, & he's always good for a laugh or a quick conversation about film (this kid knows his buddy cop flicks & gritty crime noir).Listed in: As Divisadero Turns, DELI(cious)
