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Guerra Quality Meats
Categories: Food Specialty Food Meat Shops Restaurants Sandwiches Meat Shops, Sandwiches [Edit]
490 Taraval St(between 14th Ave & 15th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94116
Neighbourhoods: West Portal, Parkside
(415) 564-0585
Announcement
Check out why SF Gate named us winners for Square 29: http://www.sfgate.com/...
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 7 pm
Sat-Sun 9 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
191 reviews for Guerra Quality Meats
Review Highlights
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"Butcher shop + Italian deli: what a great combination." In 51 reviews -
"The deviled eggs are great too." In 9 reviews -
"...fresh-roasted, fresh-sliced roast beef and turkey for $5.00." In 11 reviews
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191 reviews in English
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Review from Kelvin E.
New York, NY
4/6/2012
Since moving here I had a craving for an italian sub one day and I went to a place in North beach that starts with a M..... and had their prosciutto and hot coppa in one of their gourmet sandwiches and just thought it was good but nothing spectacular. I moved from NYC recently and trying that M place I was kinda of disappointing because I figured if that's the best in SF then I would have to end my quest in finding a good italian sub in SF.
Being at a dinner party one night, italian subs were brought up by me and my sister said try Guerra's after my mediocre comment about the M place. So I went in the store for the first time without expecting too much because my sister hasn't lived on the east coast for some time now so what does she know. I was greeted by a nice Chinese woman and admitedly I was a little surprised at first. In my head I said wait a minute I don't want a chinese person making my italian sub. I order my Silician sub anyways. The sandwich is composed of hot coppa,Salame, provolone and Jalapenos on ciabatta bread. I ask for salt/pepper, oil and vinegar because you can't not have that on an italian sub. So I I bring it home and take a bite into it and I'm in heaven... I truly taste the love that went into making the coppa and the salame. I finish off the rest of the sandwich really quickly. They give a good amount of meat in their sandwich and the Chinese woman can definitely make a mean sandwich! They make the best salame and coppa that I've tried so far in SF, my hats off to them. -
Review from gwynnie p.
San Francisco, CA
3/19/2012
Hadn't been to Guerra in some time, but I was very glad I stopped in last week for a St. Pat's corned beef. It was delicious, much less salinated than one of those pre-packaged Safeway type ones, and they actually had a few different cuts to choose from.
They gave me a unique spice mix to cook the corned beef with, and roasted in the oven along with a can of Guinness....wow! Also bought a couple of pork chops and they were so fresh and tasty....it made me realize that what I suspected is true - the quality of meat at Andronico's has really gone down hill. Bummer, as Andronico's is more convenient for me, but Guerra is absolutely worth a bit of a journey.
Just knocking off a star for the somewhat gruff service, and a couple of my friends report that they have been put off by the unfriendliness at Guerra on more than one occasion. That's not good. -
Review from Amy H.
Oakland, CA
3/1/2012 1 photo
Review for Prime Rib Roast:
I ordered a 4 lb prime rib roast online @ 10.99 per pound. I was quoted $43.96 + taxes. I later found out I got charged a few dollars more than 4 lbs.
When I picked up my order, I noticed the meat was about 4.5 lbs. Apparently, when they cut the meat, it's not the exact 4 lb as I requested online. The charges did surprised me but it's no biggie.
It didn't advertise or say anywhere online about this. It would be nice if there was an *asterisk next to it, saying 'not guaranteed to be the exact pounds,' etc., something like that would help the customers.
Brought the meat home and cooked it as a birthday dinner for my boyfriend.
It was a nice pretty looking piece of meat! Red meat with lots of fat. (See Pic) Just my kind of prime rib. I put the same marinade, as how I have been in the past, and as we ate it, it didn't taste that great. It was just OK. I've always had the prime rib roast from Safeway and for some reason, Safeway is way better the Guerra Quality meats. Thought Guerra will be better but guessed wrong. Next time, to save a few dollars, I will go to Safeway. -
Review from Mark N.
San Francisco, CA
5/17/2012
This is the place to go for the best meats in town. The stuffed chicken breast or porkchops are to die for. The brothers all have a great sense of humor and make you feel like a long lost relative. Old school SF at its best.
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Review from Tammy C.
(See pics) Review #1118. This shop carries good quality meat. It shines through from cooking and being able to taste the difference. You can trust the perfect cut with the skin on which helps make the meat rich, complex and flavorful. The meats were bright red.
The location is perfectly located just a couple blocks from San Francisco Wine Trading Company. Go get a $10 wine tasting on a Saturday and walk up here to pick up the perfect meat for making a wonderful dinner.
So far I have tried the rack of lamb, New York steak and steak filet and all came out as very good dishes.
Some of the poultry is hormone free, no antibiotics, while others are free range. Something that is very helpful if you are health conscious. -
Review from Donna R.
San Francisco, CA
4/11/2012
Never have had a sandwich here, but have bought all kinds of meat. Quality is excellent, not cheap but worth the extra expense. If you request something that they don't have they will get it for you and then call when it comes in!
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Review from Ashley I.
San Francisco, CA
2/23/2012
I started coming here about 6 months ago and haven't been disappointed yet. Last night I made a lamb stew with meat-bone in and bacon from this place. The bacon was thick cut and delicious. I could not resist eating half of one before crumbling the rest for my stew.
The lamb came out very tender after an hour of half of simmering. People tell me it's pricey but I don't see much of a difference. I don't really drink or smoke cigarettes or do much of anything else "fun" so food has become my biggest vice. If knitting, writing, and eating have become my 3 favorite pastimes, I'm comfortable in that knowledge. -
Review from Asa S.
San Francisco, CA
3/25/2012
Every neighborhood should have a butcher as good as these guys. Excellent cold cuts. They make they're own roasted turkey breast and honey baked ham. Excellent potato and macaroni salads. THe meat is great quality and affordable. Much more attractive than meat wrapped in plastic at the local Safeway (no longer an option for me). Their Italian sausage is my favorite. Help bring back the neighborhood butcher and give these guys a visit.
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Review from Amy C.
1/6/2012
Oh my GLOB! Why didn't I come here sooner?
I've lived around the area my whole life and today, TODAY was my first time going in for a sandwich.
Love, love, LOVE this place! Did you hear me? LOVES IT!
Fresh bread plus quality meat equals 100% deliciousness!
I ordered a Toscano it has Salami, coppa, pepperoncini plus all the conidments (if you want them) on dutch crunch bread! Goodness, my mouth is still salivating thinking about that awesome sandwich. Darn it, I think I'll become a regular in the future due to this tasty food venture. My stomach thanks you! -
Review from M C.
San Francisco, CA
12/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is the best place in the Sunset to get good quality meats for a price. Prices are more expensive than Chinese markets and Safeway which is just down the block, but one is really paying for what they are getting here.
They have everything from the American Kobe Beef to Turkeys. -
Review from Spike S.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 3/25/2012
Guerra's carries Mary's chicken, which is air-chilled, which means healthier and less water-logged so it tastes better. Unlike some other stores that carry Mary's, they have it by the piece in addition to the whole chicken. So you can buy a bone-in or boneless chicken breast, for example, and have the best chicken I've found in a commercial market. (If you do get it, be aware that not being waterlogged results in quicker cooking.) And everything else continues to be great.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/29/2008
Fresh rabbit. In the case, not special order. Not previously frozen. Fresh rabbit. What more do… Read more »
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Review from Cherylynn N.
San Francisco, CA
11/16/2011 3 photos
THANK YOU, GUERRA QUALITY MEATS! YOU GUYS ARE A LIFESAVER!
Originally, I placed an order for a rib roast with San Francisco Meats & Delicatessen (Ocean Ave). However on Friday, 11.11.11, the day of my scheduled pick-up, I found that they were CLOSED! A rib roast is not something that can be found just anywhere and sometimes requires a pre-order. After having a mini panic attack, I composed myself, and referred to my Yelp App (where would we be without this?). I was cooking for friends that night and did not want to change the menu so I was DETERMINED to find a rib roast. I saw Guerra Quality Meats come up on my top searches and with a 4.5 STAR rating, I decided to call them first. I called and they said they had a rib roast in stock! WHOOO HOOOO! I was both relieved and elated...
I drove straight there from San Francisco Meats & Delicatessen and was pleasantly surprised to see that Guerra Quality Meats was a mini-market (fruits, veggies, herbs, cheeses, bread, pasta, desserts), an Italian deli (made-to-order sandwiches) and a meat shop (beef, pork, lamb, veal, poultry and fish): a ONE STOP SHOP! Everything was fresh and vibrant in color.
I went to the butcher counter and asked for a 2 Rib Roast which was about 5 pounds. It was just $10.99/lb which was less than what I was quoted from San Francisco Meats & Delicatessen at $12.99-$14.99/lb. I planned on going to Andronico's for bone marrow but thought I ask if they had it in stock and they did! The butcher went to the back and showed me what they had. After I ok'd it, he sliced it in halves for me. It was $1.99/lb which was cheaper than Andronico's at $2.99/lb.
I told the butcher, it was my first time cooking prime rib and he kindly wrote the instructions on the package:
1. Set the oven to 500 degrees for 15 minutes
2. Lower the oven to 350 degrees and bake the rib roast for 1.25-1.5 hours for medium rare
After pre-heating the oven that night, I put the rib roast in the oven and crossed my fingers that it would come out ok. http://www.yelp.com/bi... The essence of garlic and thyme permeated in the air causing one of my friends to keep looking into the oven (Grrrr, I seriously wanted to spank his hand every time he did that). 1.25 hours later, the roast was FINITO! http://www.yelp.com/bi...
The roasted bone marrows turned out just as well with just 15 minutes in a 450 degree oven. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
A home-cooked meal with my friends went off without a hitch that night and I have Guerra Quality Meats to thank! Not only did they save my night, they also saved us money.
GUERRA QUALITY MEATS, YOU GUYS ROCK! -
Review from Jim B.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2012
Think of Molinaris of the Sunset district...
Usually go here for sandwiches. They have the best bread....and cold cuts. Never gotten the meats, but they look good... -
Review from Sun Kheng T.
San Francisco, CA
10/5/2011 1 photo
I've grown tired of "outside food" and took an interest in cooking. I'm by no means the next Gordon Ramsey or even a "Kitchen Chef" but cooking has peaked my interest and its my latest craze.
Guerra Quality meats is definitely a great place to pick up USDA Choice beef. Although I feel that the Yelp rating of 1 $ is misleading I think its fair to say its more on the 2 $$ rage.
The butcher was somewhat friendly and but very efficient. I waited less than a minute before he asked me what I needed.
I picked up a couple pounds of flank steak as well as a pound of spicy Italian sausage about $20 total. Both were a hit with my family. The flank steak grilled up nicely. I saute the sausage with challots and deglazed the pan with white wine and finished it with heavy cream. Served over pasta it almost took the thunder away from the flank steak and lobsters I picked up from New England Lobster Co.
Its about 15 minutes away from where I live and I would certainly return for the meats. The $5.99 Ranchers Reserve from Safeway doesn't come close to the USDA Choice that's available at Guerra Quality Meats. You'll pay $4 more per pound but think of it as quality vs quantity. Enjoy! -
Review from BlissChic W.
San Francisco, CA
8/14/2011
After discovering Guerra's early this year, Guerra's has been my go to place for bbq meats, deli meats, special occasions, and my baby's meat supply. However, after today's service, Guerra's has lost a long term customer.
Today I ordered 1 lb of ground veal and asked to have it separated into 4 packages . The butcher's reponse was, "All you need to do is to divide it into 4 patties. It will take 2 minutes. How hard is that?"
I was a bit taken aback when I heard his response and thought maybe I misheard him. However, he returned with a single package. I then informed him that he is the first butcher there who would not do that for me. His response was, "well I am the owner and I will not do that."
If I was not in a hurry and my 17 mo old was not hungry, I would have left without the meat.
If that is the kind of service the owner is going to give, he should rethink his website motto "Fine foods and Personal Service." -
Review from Melissa L.
San Francisco, CA
8/20/2011
Armed with my Groupon coupon, I came in here to purchase some items for a dinner party.
The chicken breasts are organic and free range and HUGE. I told the butcher what I intended to do with them and he offered to butterfly them and pound them thin for me. I told him that just splitting them would be fine but he insisted doing it all for me. I'm so happy he did! The slices were perfectly even in size, shape and thickness! This was perfect for ensuring even cooking times and for providing beautifully sliced chicken breasts to my guests (I was having a Food Network moment...it's all about presentation!).
I also ordered the Toscano sandwich, one of their Italian sandwich combos. Filled with salami, coppa and veggies, this sandwich hit the spot....for two meals.
Service was great! From what I could observe the staff was helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. There seemed to be a lot of regulars while I was there. I hadn't been to Guerras in a while and the coupon brought me back in. I'm so happy that I did. The prices are high, but quality of the products is high and the services of their butchers are at your disposal. I'll be back for sure. -
Review from Shirley N.
San Francisco, CA
11/10/2011
I live about a mile away, and years ago hubby always came to buy meat here.
Groupon had an offer so I bought it. Due to expire soon I made a point of coming. Couldn't think of what I wanted to buy so I scouted out the meats. When I was ready I walked up and made eye contact with the butcher.
Asked for the flank steak which was in a vacuumed bag. My Groupon was $20, and the flank was $22.23. Before I could say I had the voucher, the butcher said "Groupon?"
He knew since my purchase was $20+. I paid the difference.
Small market with various meats like beef, lamb, and pork and a sandwich deli counter and other deli specialties.
I may come back to try one of the deli sandwiches. -
Review from Drew W.
San Luis Obispo, CA
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Deliciousness. When you are in need of somthing delicious for lunch while near Taraval and 19th this place is the spot. First off, the minute you walk in its obvious that you are in a delicatessan...not a sando spot. It smells great, and the staff is awesome and once you take that first bite though the perfectly crunchy fresh roll then, and then only will you know of the Guerra Meat powers. Go now.
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Review from Luz R.
San Francisco, CA
2/23/2012
They have a good selection of meats and helpful butchers. I especially love their hand made sausages. The deli is great. I got a cibatta with prosciutto, pesto and bufalo mozzarella the other day that came pretty damn close to the ones I used to get at the cheese shop across the street from my apartment in Florence. Most importantly, I just get a good feeling from going in there. If you live in the Sunset and eat meat this should be your diamond in the Asian market and Safeway rough.
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Review from Monica C.
San Francisco, CA
4/10/2012
I'm really going to miss this place when I move out of the area :( . Make an effort to get to know the staff (super friendly). They sell some quality ass meat that beats anything they sell at your local grocery store. I regularly buy the hanger steak (cook it in the oven for 35 minutes and you have some delicious steak that you don't have to season yourself), the variety of sausages (cook without the casing and add to pasta), Mary's boneless chicken (basic chicken for meat dishes I cook myself), and ground chuck. They accommodate your portion size if you kindly ask and are conveniently open most days of the week.
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Review from Charles G.
Daly City, CA
6/9/2011
I used to really like this place. Until today...
My boyfriend and I ordered two sandwiches, which were both standard. Good but not special. Nothing special like "Little Lucca" or anything. But we also got a pint of the egg and potato salad and two deviled eggs, which have both been fine in the past.
Getting home to chow down I opened up the egg and potato salad and smelled that it was rotten. To test and make sure it was rotten, I ate some... worst effing idea ever because it completely was. The date on it says that it expires tomorrow.
I noticed on the weekly sandwich special menu that Guerra's was having a "special special" today : a meatball sandwich and for .50 cents more you can have a pint of egg and potato salad which they charge $4.00 a pint for. Hmmmm... are they selling this egg and potato salad wayyy cheap because they know its rotten or is about to go rotten???? I am assuming so.
Disgusted I called Guerra's. I asked to speak with the manager. The man who answered said he is a manager and his name was Robert. I told him I frequented his store often and that the egg and potato salad was rotten. He told me to drive back to the store and he would credit me. I explained that I don't live close by and I wasn't going to drive back due to their mistake. He told me to put the salad in the freezer and bring it in next time...?? I guess he needs to actually see the rotten salad for himself and not take my word on it that its rotten. WEIRD.
Furthermore, I expressed to him that my concern was not about getting my money or my appetite back, which had been ruined. But my concern was that other people could get sick from consuming rotten egg potato salad. (After all, the last time I ate here for lunch, I got the flu that same night and was sick for two weeks after.) Robert gave me the "ya, ya, ya" in response to others getting contaminated by Guerra's potato salad and hung up on me. Hmmm... don't think I'm gonna waste my time returning some crusty ass, over priced egg potato salad for my $4.00 refund.
Next time I want a sexy sandwich with fresh ingredients and side salads, I'm going to go to Little Lucca. I've been eating L.L. for 15 years and never once experienced stale bread, or rotten ingredients. Don't waste your time with this over priced, wanna be authentic Italian, let down. -
Review from Aaron G.
San Francisco, CA
7/31/2011
I'm a regular and come here for the meats. Never tried the sandwiches or other deli stuff. Service is good, but you need to step up. No standing around passively or you won't get served. Prices are fair and the quality is high. I've gotten some really tasty meat here.
The only issue I have is that it's hard to get any info about where their meat comes from. I wish they would list the supplier beside the cut. I also wish they would carry a wider selection of grass-fed meat. Even when I special ordered I couldn't get grass-fed beef in the cut I wanted.
So I continue to come because they're the best I've found, but I would switch loyalties in a heartbeat if a butchershop came around with the same level of service plus detailed info on suppliers and a full selection of grass-fed beef, lamb, pork, etc. I've partially compensated by buying meat direct from ranchers, but sometimes you need the talents of a good butcher too. -
Review from Glen M.
7/13/2011
I stopped in here after avoiding safeway when I was housesitting in the hood. It made me sad to not be in SF more.
Everything is good, it's reasonably priced, and the butchers know their meat well.
It's as good as the British butchers I use in London, which is saying a LOT.
If they had haggis, they'd be perfect. -
Review from Lorenzo D.
San Francisco, CA
8/31/2011
This is it!
I have a great experience at Guerra's, every time. These guys know how to handle meat and exude professionalism. I got a leg of lamb broken down for kabobs a few weeks ago and the butcher did it quickly with minimal meat waste. I had this done at another butcher in the city and the cubes ended up different sizes with the silverskin still attached. Geurra's is efficient and most of the time they're friendly.
The downside is they don't have much free-range and/or organic meat - but I'm guessing you can order this ahead of time. -
Review from Bumble B.
San Francisco, CA
4/13/2011 7 Check-ins Here
I've shopped here twice now and have tried their beef stewing meat and some Rocky chickens. They have a great selection of meat - beef, chicken, turkey, fish, and even rabbit. The meat is mostly organic, the butchers are friendly and they will be happy to cut up your meat any way you like it. Everything I've prepared with their meats has been delicious!
Parking is plentiful and easy in the neighborhood - a definate plus! -
Review from Hinge D.
San Francisco, CA
4/9/2011
hands down one of my favorite places to shop. Good Meat. Good Knowledge. Great staff. Easy to find. Ample parking and safeway is right down the street. This Establishment has become one of my regular stops for quality foodstuffs.
I also believe it's relatively cheap. Try it out, ask for Matt or Dan. -
Review from King E.
San Francisco, CA
4/26/2012
service is terrible. unless you're white.
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Review from Bleep s.
San Francisco, CA
2/17/2011
Hanger steak with rub.....get it....broil it medium rare....so yum!
Very helpful butcher... -
Review from Gar Y.
San Francisco, CA
12/12/2010
Fuck. Yeah. Bitches.
I figured going to this place for some lamb burger ingredients would probably be a safer bet than dirty ass Chinatown. Turns out it was a really smart decision. This place is clean as a hospital (even though hospitals are pretty dirty) and friendlier than Uncle Bubba when I was just a wee lad.
I awkwardly browsed back and forth for a couple minutes looking for some ground lamb as one of the butchers was chatting up this woman about neighborly things ( picking up kids from soccer and other nice shit). Finally, I grew some balls and stepped up to the counter. One of the butchers in back immediately saw that I was ready and asked me what I wanted. Since I couldn't find the ground lamb, I asked him what cuts would be good to ground up for lamb burgers. He replied, "how about the ground lamb?" Derp. T'was right next to me, but he said it in a non-douchey way, and added a couple interesting facts about what's in ground lamb. Ya learn something new everyday.
Without skipping a beat, he packed up a nice loaf (1.5lbs for less than $10) and helped me get some fine ass buns to put my no-longer-missing meat in. We then started talking about banking and shit.
To sum it up: pretty good variety of meats, cheeses, friendly people, and overall great atmosphere.
Oh yeah, the food. Extremely fresh lamb with no gristles or other crap in it. The buns also seemed pretty fresh and were a perfect consistency (not too soft, not too hard) for some dank ass, medium-rare, burgers.
Go to this place. -
Review from Hyung L.
11/30/2011
We bought our Rib Roast here for Thanksgiving here and for the quality of meat provided and the price we were very pleased. You can go online and order your meats to get what you want more specifically. I'd definitely go back if I wanted to get some quality meat.
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Review from Chris D.
San Francisco, CA
11/16/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Marin Sun Farms meat, Mary's Chicken as good as it gets.
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Review from David J.
Encinitas, CA
12/23/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The best ever! Paul and his staff do an incredible job, I wish there was a place like this in San Diego. I have to visit every time I come to San Francisco
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Review from Mystery V.
San Francisco, CA
7/13/2011
I gave this place a subpar review a while back, and need to update.
The staff is second to none. Incredibly friendly, equally knowledgable, and really some of the best people to chat with and deal with that you'll find at any type of establishment. Just great folks.
The product is also very good. The sirloin here is more tender and tasty than any Safeway ribeye I've ever had, and unfortunately, I've had a lot. The meat is great, the pork is great, the crab is great, and the cheese is great as they sell Cowgirl Creamery Red Hawk for $4 less than Whole Foods.
In general, the only knock on this place is that it's a bit on the expensive side, but you get what you pay for. -
Review from Barry A.
San Francisco, CA
1/14/2011
Last minute ham shanks to make my Mommy's Portuguese bean soup.
I've heard fantastic things about this place, always meant to stop in, never did until tonight....
What a shame.... It's so close to where I live.
3 minutes before closing....
We were the last customers......
Don't need to go into details..........
What's important..................................
The kind of service we received so close to closing time is a testament as to why this place is so loved and has been around for so long.
Proof is in the doing....
PRIDE.
(I am so gonna be back!) -
Review from Christopher K.
San Francisco, CA
3/20/2011
Heaven on Earth. Stop what you are doing and go now. No, really, right now. It's 32 minutes to closing time. I could eat out of this place forever.
Do you have a date? Girl/Boy/MTF/FTM/FTMTF coming over? Listen carefully. The only place you need to shop is Guerra Quality Meats. They have the breads, vegetables, meats, cheese, wines, sauces, sides and edibles to make your next home made culinary master piece a huge success.
Planning a picnic? Read above, they have everything you'll need to impress.
Guerra Quality Meats. Eat well. -
Review from Maria M.
10/7/2010 46 Check-ins Here
This is your friendly neighborhood butcher/deli. And in my case it truly is as I live about a block away. And have seen meat being delivered numerous times over the years. They are a true butcher as they receive whole carcasses and break it down here. Excellent meat selection.
They have good sandwiches and excellent deli items, including your usuals such as mac or potato salad. You must try the smoked turkey legs and wings. OMG! So good.
They also have bread, pasta, milk, chips, drinks, and a small selection of produce-carrots, onions, and the like. Their produce is not going to be on par with say the farmer's market but if you're making chicken soup or stew and forgot something you will be able to get it here. So if you forgot something on your regular grocery store run you can get it here.
They are now open on Sundays and online ordering is available as well. Sundays are a plus as I'm sure I'm not the only who does the majority of grocery shopping on Sundays.
As some other yelpers have said their service can be spotty. Sometimes regulars seem to get much more personalized attention than those that they don't know.
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On the whole...Yay for Guerra. -
Review from Espana S.
San Francisco, CA
12/10/2010 2 Check-ins Here
This is not a comprehensive review, I mean I like that the place is family owned, I've had a tasty sandwich from the deli and they seem to be a good butcher shop but honestly I come here for one reason only; the bacon.
My roommate and I have bacon and eggs every weekend. That's a LOT of bacon over the past two or so years and we've picked up many brands in that time. None have been terrible (although Oscar Mayer comes close) and some have been pretty damned good, but the best hands down has been the Guerra bacon.
Whenever we end up purchasing anything but Guerra we notice and our breakfast is a little less wonderful. So now you know. -
Review from Ravena F.
12/13/2008 ROTD 7/1/2009
Resolutions for 2009
I will go the long way home to stop here and get quality meats.
I will savor the tender, flavorful products that I can purchase here for only slightly more than than I would pay for some plasticized version I'd get elsewhere.
I will never again wait in a hideous hour-long holiday line at a fruffy Noe Valley meat market again.
I will behave appropriately when the hot butcher offers to carry big purchases to my car.
Oh wait, except for this last one, I think I already do all these things. I never was much of a resolution-maker anyway. The point is, I want to never ever forget about this amazing neighborhood meat market.
We bought our turkeys from here for Thanksgiving this year, and it was the single most pleasant turkey purchase I have ever encountered. On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I walked right up to the counter during the after work "rush," waited approximately 2 minutes for my turn. The handsome Italian butcher got my 2, 20 lb turkeys, I paid and reached to grab the turkeys. NO!! The hot young meat man *insisted* on carrying them all the way to my car. I felt like I'd suddenly been transported to the 1950's, when chivalry & service were still things for which one should strive. And beyond all of this, the turkeys on Thanksgiving were absolutely delicious.
Final resolution:
I will spread the word about this fabulous shoppe, so that others may benefit from this charming, olde world, high quality meat market. It is, in my opinion, the best in the city.Listed in: Rightious Odysseys of…
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Review from Janney B.
San Francisco, CA
10/2/2008
Sometimes, the elevator at work gets stuck between levels. It makes an ear-splitting shriek and then the doors open very quickly to show a concrete slab. Up at the top of the doors, above the concrete, you can see a sliver of light through which people's feet scurry by on the busy floor that you WOULD have stopped at had the elevator not decided to play tricks on you.
Then it lurches. And for a split second, you're reminded of every horror film you've seen where the elevator cables get cut and the pretty starlet screams, faints, and falls twenty stories to her death.
My stomach feels the same nauseous and queasy feeling when I get to Guerras after they've closed. I stare through the windows, not knowing where to turn.
The staff here is over-the-top friendly. If you call ahead, they'll cook the meat for you. Best selection of sausages that I've seen in the City. Freshly baked bread, goat cheese, pasta dishes and salads galore. Local AND Italian products, great for preparing a hearty family dinner at your home.
In my opinion, eating their food is a much better way to plummet to your death. -
Review from Priscilla L.
San Francisco, CA
12/26/2007
I used to go to them when I was 7 years old with my grandma (she didn't speak English, but it didn't matter at Guerra Brothers) to buy Market Steaks. The wonderful kind guys always called her, "grandma," and showed her all the pieces of meat she pointed at.
Can you believe it? We were one of the first Chinese families living in the Sunset, and we ventured to go to an American store instead of going to Chinatown to buy meat. We trusted them that much.
Back then, Guerra Brothers was on 22nd and Taraval--3 blocks away from our house. When Walgreen's moved in, I thought the neighborhood was going downhill.
I've always liked Guerra's, and I'm 41 now. I could go into that butcher shop and remember my childhood and the old-fashioned butchers, only they're still around. Folks that know their meat. Family.
When I was in my twenties and thirties, I got their deli sandwiches while waiting for Kim Addonizio's poetry writing workshop (her workshops were at 7:30pm and on 15th Avenue and Rivera; I was on 14th and Taraval by 6:00pm). I was always early. Part of the reason was probably Guerra's chicken salad sandwiches. I'd sit on someone's staircase and have their really good sandwiches after a hard day's work and before an intense poetry workshop.
There is also one video of me at one of Kim's BBQs and about 20 Guerra Brothers' sausages on the grill, and me screaming, I'm Chinese and so repressed.
When I was thirty-one, I bought apple chicken sausages for my future-husband's first breakfast with me. I burnt the hell out of those sausages, but my husband swears that they were still good.
Now, my husband and I go there to get Filet Mignon and prime rib roast for Christmas at my mother's or my husband's once a year dinner parties.
I know the meat is fabulous, quality, prime stuff.
I grew up with this place. I've been there on and off through the years, and every time I come back, the quality hasn't changed one bit.
It's more expensive than Safeway's or Lucky's or other "regular" butcher's, but one taste and you'll know why they should be more expensive.
