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Lou's Cafe
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Sandwiches Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches
5017 Geary Blvd(between 14th Ave & 15th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94118
Neighbourhood: Outer Richmond
(415) 379-4429
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 7 pm
Sat 8 am - 4 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
409 reviews for Lou's Cafe
Review Highlights
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"The jalapeno spread was a nice touch." In 55 reviews -
"I ordered the LLB Special and I loved it." In 20 reviews -
"THE SOFTEST DUTCH CRUNCH I'VE EVER HAD." In 52 reviews
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409 reviews in English
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Review from Kevin L.
Oakland, CA
5/24/2012
We picked up a LLB special and a turkey with cranberry to take for a picnic at the park, and both were EXCELLENT.
Regarding the LLB special-- to quote my wife (who is much more of a connoisseur than I am)-- "Have you ever had a sandwich that tasted this good?"
We enjoyed using both the jalapeño sauce and the garlic-y sauce that looks like thousand island dressing.
Nice, clean atmosphere. Good for dining alone or with a group.
Wonderful. Can't wait to go back to try more sandwiches, and to try their illy coffee selections. -
Review from Ghosty A.
San Francisco, CA
5/24/2012
Lou's sandwiches are so bitchin', like you don't even understand. I live in NOPA and I travel all the way to outer richmond for Lou's. I love Lou's so much that if that devastating earthquake ever hits, I'm going to call Lou's to make sure they're okay before calling my mom and dad.
They need to open up another one though. Too many people have discovered this gem and I don't like waiting in line for 20 minutes just because for some people, ordering a sandwich is a fucking event. Like seriously, what were you doing in line for 20 minutes? Checking what your five friends are up to on facebook? You are ordering a sandwich not picking your career
But yeah, line is long do not even think of coming here during lunch rush if you're in a hurry. Like seriously, some woman once asked if her order could be bumped up because she couldn't be bothered to wait for the greatness that is Lou's. Bitch acting like the Queen of England and shit. It was 1230pm what the hell was she expecting? Get a bagel if you're so important.
But yeah, the line can get ridiculous during rush and they don't have a ton of seating, but I don't even care. My boyfriend and I actually usually get these sandwiches to go and drive to Ocean Beach to eat there. It's such a majestic scene that Wes Anderson would play it in slow motion.
I really hope they open another one though, preferably next door. Or in my bedroom. Or my mouth.
There is no word to accurately describe their Ultimate Club. Godly is the closest I can get to.
Oh, and this may just be me but they construct their sandwiches so well. Seriously, with most sandwiches, all the food starts falling all over the fucking place. Literally everywhere except my mouth. That never happens with Lou's I have no idea why. Their sandwich construction powers are a greater marvel than the pyramids.
I really actually don't want to leave this review because I want people to still think Ike's is the best so the line at Lou's doesn't get any worst. But I'm hoping if more people go, they'll open another Lou's close to me. Plus, I don't get why every thinks Ike's is so great their menu is literally every single possible combination of a sandwich. This may blow your mind but Ike's is essentially, wait for it, a build your own sandwich bar. They are also starting to skimp out hardcore on the meats and veggies in the sandwich. They also have like, one table, what the fuck.
Back to Lou's.
DON'T COME ON SUNDAYS. I've made that mistake about 100 times; I will never learn. They are closed. It is literally the worst feeling ever walking up to the storefront and seeing all the lights off. I almost threw myself into the traffic on Geary last time I was so mad at myself.
They're also nice as hell here even during the lunch rush. Seriously, if I ever get married I'd invite them to my wedding.
TL; DR I use Lou's frequent buyer's card more than my debit card. I've had like a bajillion free sandwiches. It should be illegal to have such a delicious sandwich for free. Don't go here because I will karate kick you out of line. -
Review from Sara K.
San Francisco, CA
5/24/2012
What can I say? I've had quite a few sandwiches in my life and Lou's can definitely hold its own against them all. I've never had the buzzed about Ike's, but why am I gonna go all the way to that 'hood when there's a perfectly great place in the Richmond?
First off, the staff is SUPER friendly. On my third time there, the guy asked if we got a sandwich card. We said no, and not only did he give us a card, but he stamped it SIX times... which is exactly the number of sandwiches we've bought from Lou's. I'm not sure if he knew that or if he was just being generous, but either way, WOW and THANKS!
Needless to say, you get the 10th sandwich free.
Now onto the good stuff... Chicken pesto sandwich is the BOMB. Admittedly, the only place with a better sandwich (size and quality wise) is Little Lucca's... but who wants to drive all that way just to wait in that line? I can walk to Lou's and eat my delicious sandwich in a clean environment at any time.
The Jalepeno spread has just enough kick but isn't over-powering. The sandwiches aren't HUGE but they are filling, packed with meat and toppings. I can't say enough good things about this place. It's a must-try for sandwich lovers and haters alike... because once you've had a bite, you'll be in sandwich heaven. -
Review from Kick T.
San Francisco, CA
5/20/2012
BEST CRAB MELT in the CITY!!
Their sandwiches have a unique taste that brought me back here TWICE IN ONE WEEK!
The servers are kind, kitchen area appears clean, and they have a vast selection of healthy options.
There are usually 4-5 people waiting in line no matter what day...but it is well worth the wait!
In fact...I'm running out of my house to go get one now!!! -
Review from Marie B.
5/9/2012
Lou's Cafe is very deserving of a 4.5 star rating. Yay, I'm a fan, for sure!! I love that this friendly neighborhood sandwich shop is walking distance from my home. Hearty and gourmet, and so many choices.
My brother and I decided to share halves so we could try different sandwiches. Here's what we ordered:
- Corned Beef-Hash Sammie - Are you kidding me right now--love it! They ran out of chiabata, so opted for a dutch crunch, which was fine by me. The corned beef was tasty, cheese perfectly melted, and the hash brown patty was perfectly crispy. Surprisingly, it wasn't messy to eat...the egg and beef and hash brown stayed in place. Perhaps it was Lou's special sauce that held it together so well. BTW, let's speak on the special sauce real quick--aioli w/ garlic and herbs who missed mayo and mustard?
- RB Mushroom - Was a bit hesitant to order b/c thought that roast beef and bacon was a bit much, but it so wasn't. This sandwich was so perfectly crafted, so easy to eat, and all ingredients all very present. Pieces of bacon instead of strips were cooked well, sauteed mushrooms were seasoned well and the cheddar cheese perfectly melted atop. I asked for the sandwich warmed up, which it was, toasty and again melted cheese, however, the roast beef was a bit cold. Think I would have enjoyed it a bit more if it was also warm.
Inventive and delicious sandwiches at an affordable price. I'm a fan and will becoming for more. -
Review from Jeanne C.
5/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
BEST PLACE EVER!!!!!!!! (Can't compare to Ike's since I haven't been there still).
Not sure when they opened but I finally went after two years of living in the hood just 7 blocks away, and a couple of times seeing long lines driving by on weekends, scratching my head & wondering what "Lou's Cafe" was.
I love the staffers here. They are so friendly and polite, it's such a nice surprise!
I wanted to be quick and difficult, so I asked my friend for a reco and she said to get the LLB special -- jalepeno spread is a must. So that's what I got, plus a cafe latte. The wait, of course, was 15-20 minutes, and then to get your grub was another 30 minutes. Don't be bothered by it. By the time you get your food you're hungry and starving, but you get a GINORMOUS delicious sandwich to eat. Every bite was tasting a little bit of heaven. The dutch crunch bread is so soft and good. Love it!!
I will come back here again and again and again! I love supporting small businesses and this is the one to do it at! -
Review from Enza P.
5/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
I visited Lou's Cafe with my boyfriend after we walked our dog on the beach. I ordered the Italian Special while my boyfriend tried the Ultimate Club.
The Italian Special comes with ham, salami, mortadella, provolone cheese, lou's special sauce, and dijon mustard on a sweet roll. I asked for no cheese and switched out ham for pastrami. They were very willing to accommodate me :)
The Ultimate Club came with roast beef, turkey, salami, ham, bacon, swiss cheese, lou's special sauce, and dijon mustard on a sweet roll.
Both our sandwiches were under $7, fresh, and delicious.
We called ahead and our sandwiches were hot and ready when we got there! The service was great.
Normally, I'm not a huge fan of sandwich shops because of their sauces. However, Lou's Cafe had really decent sauces and were really patient with me on the phone when I asked what was in it before I decided if I wanted it or not.
Next time, we plan to try the breakfast sandwich.
Note: You can always ask for sauce on the side. I felt like I had too much of the special sauce in my sandwich, so I'll definitely do that next time. -
Review from Albert L.
Lou's the BRO.
Not MAN, but BRO, and I love my Bros. There's a difference. Like when a friend says, "wsup mang", that just means your an friend/acquaintance (no offense) but you know when your buddy says, "wsup BRO" *then does the epic long broshake no-homo hug ritual.* Yeah, that's what I'm talking about.
Lou is one sly dawg. Born and raised in the Richmo', like myself, he had a knack for making bomb sandwiches. I think he's related to that one bro, Ike, I think you know him? Anyways, Lou was also a shy guy though, and didn't like a ton of attention. Most nights, he would just lock himself in the kitchen and come up with the most ridiculous creations that would fall between two pieces of bread.. that was Lou, alright. But on one faithful night, shear madness burned in his eyes, like as if he were possessed by the Sandwich Gods themselves, as he mixed concoction after concoction of condiments, spices, and herbs in a holy frenzy. Legend speaks that the end result gave birth to what is known now as Lou's "Special Sauce" and "Jalapeno Spread". Don't second guess it, just add it to your sandwich!
Ami-Cado $6.79 - http://www.yelp.com/bi...
One of Lou's newer creations; a collaboration of pastrami, salami, avocado, melted pepper jack cheese, slabbed with Lou's special sauce all between a soft sweet roll. The meats were warm and savory, the avocado creamy, bread nicely toasted, and that sauce.. THAT SAWWUCE.
Clam Chowder (Bowl) $4.99 - http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Hearty goodness of clams, creamy soup, loaded veggies, and even toasted cheesy garlic bread! The Richmo' weather can't touch this!
Lou's Cafe is really a quiet, well-hidden Richmond district joint. (He does love his privacy afterall). And he doesn't care about selling his name for fame or any of that. He's a down to earth guy that loves what he does and is damn good at it. The cafe itself is quite small, with a capacity of only a little over a dozen, but as you walk in, you can simply feel where this place is coming from. Bomb sandwiches, very hard working and courteous employees replicating Lou's original creations, cozy cafe, and it's in the RICHMOND, bro.
*fist-bump*Listed in: Thee Richmond District, True Neighborhood Gems
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Review from Rachael F.
Norman, OK
Wow! So good! We were in town to visit hubby's dad for Christmas 2011. After landing and before heading to the Golden Gate Bridge for some photos, we stopped here for lunch.
The cafe was very small, and only two other guests dinned-in while we were there, but they had a steady flow of customers. Most people seemed like people form the neighborhood who had called in their order and chatted with the staff about their holiday plans while they paid and waited for their sandwich to be bagged up. The staff was very friendly and answered all our questions about the menu. They have a very extensive menu posted on the wall, so it took us a while to order. Our order was placed and everything came out quickly and exactly as ordered.
My father-in-law and I had the Ultimate Club - Roast Beef, Turkey, Salami, Ham, Bacon, Swiss Cheese, Lou's Special Sauce, Dijon Mustard, on Soft & Sweet Roll, $6.99. I added the Jalapeno Spread to it as well. It was delicious. The bread was fresh and the meats were lean, and the sauces were just amazing. Very addictive, but not too much, so you were left wanting more.
I forget what my husband and mother-in-law had, but they really enjoyed theirs as well as my father-in-law. Everyone left happy and full. -
Review from Sophie Y.
San Francisco, CA
5/25/2012
Came here while i was on a stroll with my friend. we had no idea where to go and he decided that we should try out this place because he heard it was good. We shared a BR Mushroom sandwich and it was delicious! Half was big enough to fill up my tummy but it was not big enough to fill up a guy's tummy. Now he's complaining to me that we should have ordered more and we are definitely coming back very soon=)
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Review from Brad G.
San Francisco, CA
5/11/2012
I don't like sandwiches. In fact, I hate sandwiches. But I LOVE Lou's sandwiches, and in fact develop cravings if I haven't been there in a week or two.
Great & friendly staff and care taken with each order make this the perfect neighborhood package. I love the Ami-cado and the Roma Club substitute Lou's special sauce. -
Review from Brian M.
San Francisco, CA
5/5/2012
"Lou's, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship..."
This is a great little neighborhood sandwich shop (if you happen to live in the Outer Richmond, otherwise it's not really your little neighborhood). The major pluses about their sandwiches are the fresh ingredients used and the very tasty home-made (well, restaurant-made) sauces they use. The Lou's Special Sauce is the basic one used on most sandwiches, but I highly recommend having them add (for no extra charge even) their Jalapeño Spread, also; it adds a lot of flavour and just the right amount of heat.
I suggest trying one of their breakfast sandwiches (which are served all day); today I had the "Ultimate Omelette Sammie" (despite the cutesy name, it was very mature and delicious). This sandwich combines a bacon (if you are prone to eating dead, decaying pork flesh), mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and red onions omelette (well, technically it's a microwaved scramble; but with the kitchen restrictions in this tiny sandwich/coffee shop, they do a very good job of it) topped with Cheddar cheese on top of a hashbrown patty on a roll (they usually serve this on a "torpedo roll", but you can substitute it for a ciabatta roll ~ which I did and was very pleased with).
If you would like to see my more detailed take on today's visit, click on my profile here and check out my 'blog, which is basically dedicated to breakfastary entries (or whatever idiocy I feel like writing about). -
Review from Tiffany T.
San Francisco, CA
4/29/2012
Some may say its hard to mess up a sandwich. But indeed it does take some skill.
Layering the meat, vegs, and spread in just the right order so it doesn't end up a mess after just two bites. Lou's done it !!
I ordered the ami-cado and i would have liked a little more avocado..couldn't even tell there was any until 4-5 bites in. it is a bit spicy with the extra jalapeno spread that goes with it.
The special sauce is very clever!!! somebody leak the secret recipe out NOW!! -
Review from Nirea S.
San Francisco, CA
5/15/2012
So only complaint is sandwich is too spicy I like spicy food but not sandwiches I can't taste much because the more I eat the hotter my mouth is whew. They should note if a sandwich is spicy on the menu. I ordered the Roma kinda guessing it's the Pesto that is spicy but not sure. Will probably try one more time and get a different sandwich
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Review from Stine H.
4/20/2012
Second time here and I think I'm sold. The first time we had the chicken pesto sandwich which included lettuce, tomatoes, avocado and cheese. They have pesto for the spread and I heard about the jalapeno one that I have yet to try. I love spicy, and I heard it's pretty hot (we'll see about that). The sandwich was good, but I love my sandwiches with extra spread so I'd probably ask them to put more next time.
Clam chowder was great both times! Comes with a nice cheesy crostini bread to dip in the chowder. It has nice tender chunks of potato and hearty clams.
Definitely going to come back to try more stuff. Friendly staff! The times I've been here I didn't have to wait in a line of any sort. There are usually a few patrons inside enjoying their sandwiches and salads, but no wait. Street parking is hit or miss...but I'd probably just walk here. -
Review from jane n.
San Francisco, CA
4/13/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Good sandwiches, decent price, with a smile!
This is my #2 favorite sandwich shop in SF.
The line may be a bit long at times, but just call your order in and you won't have to wait. -
Review from Connie H.
San Francisco, CA
4/22/2012
delicious combination of flavors, fresh vegetables, and dutch crunch! They have their special jalopeno spread- it's a little bit of kick, but not overwhelmingly spicy nor saucy. it's perfect!
I've ordered the vegetarian special - 4.5 stars!
Clam Chowder: deeeelicious, 5 stars (I don't know if they make it in-house, or have it catered from somewhere else, but it is comfort food on a cold day).
lines may be out the door, but generally just a 10-15 minute wait. WELL WORTH IT!
They're open Monday- Saturday (Sat closes early at 4 pm.). And They're closed on SUNDAYS (I found that out the hard way).
Also-they accept the app STAMPT (buy 10 sandwiches, get 1 free)
a MUST try when in San Francisco!! -
Review from Adversary W.
San Jose, CA
5/6/2012
Stellar sandwiches.
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Review from Fran B.
San Francisco, CA
4/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Love this place!
Crab Louie salad- Excellent!
Crab Melt sandwich- Excellent!
Clam Chowder- Excellent!
They're jalapeno spread has just the right spiciness too it. The bread that came with the clam chowder was soo good! Wish I lived closer so we can go more often. If you have not been here, it is a MUST GO! Place is clean also. -
Review from max v.
San Francisco, CA
3/1/2012
Best sandwich place I've ate at in http://sf.be prepared for lines out the door but sandwiches
" so good you would think a magical flavor dragon threw up in my mouth!"
five stars
I was almost tempted to give a bad review just to keep people away from my fav sandwich shop but karmas a bitch -
Review from Taylor S.
San Francisco, CA
3/19/2012 16 Check-ins Here
Holy crap, Lou's Cafe.
I go to this place almost every day on my way to work. The staff is GENUINELY happy to see you when you walk in the door. They are incredibly friendly, talkative, and accommodating. The menu is very diverse, in spite of it being mostly sandwiches. I've yet to have a meal there that I didn't enjoy. I can't vouch for this personally, but it would be easy to assume that if you truly just did not enjoy the sandwich you ordered, that they would be more than happy to hook you up with a new one. Don't quote me on that -- just an inference based on the level of service. I've never seen the interior anything but spotless. This place and the people that run it are top-notch.
Clinched the 5-star rating with loyalty rewards -- buy 9 sammiches, get one free. Available via stamped card or the Stampt app. -
Review from Abigail D.
Daly City, CA
2/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've only ever been here once and tried one sandwich. It was the chicken pesto! That sandwich alone deserves the 4stars. Can't wait to try the other ones!
Ps. Don't forget to ask for the Sandwich Club card. You get a stamp for every sandwich. Once you get 9, you get a free sammie! Now who doesn't love free food? Especially when it's friggin delicious. -
Review from Ms. Frank T.
San Francisco, CA
Super clean, great service, hot delicious sandwiches and reasonable prices. My favorite sandwich here is the RB mushroom. Delicious roast beef with tantalizing jalapeno sauce along with the creamy Lou's special sauce packs a combo that is out of this world! On top of the fresh vegetables and meat is the magnificent dutch crunch! This is the type of bread to go for every time you order a sandwich here, no matter what the insides may be. Toast it up and you are ready to give your taste buds a treat.
My other favorite is the ULTIMATE CLUB sandwich on dutch crunch of course! If you enjoy lots of meats and BACON, this is the go-to sandwich! The bacon adds a nice chewy crunch in the over mix of ingredients, which is why it is sooooooooooooo gooooooooooooooood.
They also have a customer loyalty card where if you buy 9 sandwiches, you get the next one FREE! -
Review from Tiffany Y.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2012 14 Check-ins Here
After recently discovering this place I'm completely addicted!
It's walking distance from my apartment and I couldn't be happier. They make one amazing vegetarian sandwich (yes, I'm vegetarian again.) And when I was eating meat, the turkey is especially awesome too. The secret is the jalapeno spread and the lou's special sauce. And they have the best 9 grain wheat bread I've ever had. I would probably choose this place over Ike's any day. Yes, it's THAT good!
It gets a little busy at times, so make sure to call ahead and place your order. Oh, and they have loyalty cards! Buy 9 sandwiches, get 1 free! -
Review from Luba P.
3/7/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Love this place!!!! Hands down best sandwiches in the Richmond. This is like our version of Ike's Place haha.
Everything I've tried so far was really delicious. Try the ami-cado sandwich, so good! They also do half sandwich half salad for the same price which is a lighter option. Always a long wait here, but I guess its to be expected. Call in your order if you want to avoid the wait. At least parking usually isn't too bad.
Can't wait to try more of the menu out!!! -
Review from Veronica L.
San Francisco, CA
4/17/2012
If you're looking for a casual, but delicious sandwich shop in San Francisco, here it is! They have plentiful indoor and outdoor seating, and great service. Even just walking down Geary near Lous, you're able to smell the aromatic bread from afar. I highly recommend getting the jalepeno spread which really gives the kick and it's the main factor for why I'm giving this simple sandwich place 5 stars. Their specialty spread and jalepeno spread are very unique and the combination of them mix beautifully, and compliment each other well. Also, just for a sandwich, it is surprisingly filling. For my first few visits I wasn't even able to consume all of the sandwich. Here you really get what you pay for and maybe even more.
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Review from aidan m.
San Francisco, CA
4/27/2012
lous is awesome.
id be hard pressed to find anyone who lives in our neighborhood to think otherwise.
lous isnt just some run-of-the mill pedestrian sandwich shop...cant really put into words how good lou's club with the au jus is. nothing comes close. guys working here are sound and they will gladly put on any game, any time, on their opulent flat panel.
im not saying there arent other great places to get a well crafted sandwhich in the city, but for these blocks lou's is ace and i reccommend to anyone who hasn't had a go. -
Review from James N.
Sacramento, CA
3/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Be prepared to wait in line.
I had the chicken pesto and my girlfriend had the llb special. The chicken was really good. They ran out of regular bread, so I had it on wheat. It was kinda chewy but wheat is always chewy. The chicken was my sandwich but I ended trading with my girlfriend half way through because she liked mines better. Both sandwich where good, but the chicken was a clear winner.
Had to pee before I ate and I was surprised at how clean the bathroom was for how busy it was, so I thought I might mention it.
It gets pretty packed so come with a friend if you want to eat in so one person can wait in line while the other one saves a seat if one opens up. -
Review from Vicky Q.
Came here for lunch on a saturday before we headed to the golden gate park for a relaxing day. There was quite a line and wait for the food bit I can see why. Restaurant is very small so line definitely goes out the door.
We got the LLB special and Chicken Pesto sandwich. Both were so good! I especially liked the bread on the LLB (think its called Dutch crunxh). Sandwiches were really big, it's cut into 2 generous pieces. Prices were also great, about $7 a sandwich.
This is a great sandwich place if you're looking for an alternative to the fatty, greasy burger : ) -
Review from Mike C.
San Francisco, CA
2/7/2012
I'd give this 4.5 stars, for the following reasons. The sandwich is very, very good - almost a five star. However, Lou's is often a victim of their own success, and getting your sandwich can be a wait. However, hands down the best sandwich shop in the Richmond and nearby vicinity.
Also - despite Jeff L.'s 2-star review, I watched him eat that entire sandwich. Just saying. -
Review from Linda T.
3/4/2012
Very nice people.
Got LLB on Dutch like everyone who raved about it...lightly toasted made the exterior of Dutch crutch chewy and delicious. Jalapeno spread was bomb!
Nice mix of dif meats and veges!
Will totally come back for more!
LLB was $7.37 w tax. -
Review from Barbara N.
San Francisco, CA
3/11/2012 5 Check-ins Here
The reviews for this place are on point!
I got the sandwich & soup combo today, and almost immediately, I regretted it...not because it wasn't good, but rather because after a few bites, I wished I had gotten a whole sandwich!!!!
The clam chowder was really good, and I didn't need to add salt to it like I do at other restaurants. I was a little disappointed that the soup came with only one piece of delicious cheesy bread, but it's definitely fortunate for the waistline. I also saw that they have tomato basil soup (one of my faves), so I'll have to try that next time!
Oh man...that crab melt sandwich with just crab salad and lou's special sauce on dutch crunch hit the spot. I think I'll get one Monday because they're closed today.
The price is more than reasonable, and the location is right around the corner from my apt...makes me so happy! -
Review from Matt S.
San Francisco, CA
Roma's Club is DELICIOUS. It's like heaven, a heaven filled with prefect ratios of turkey, bacon and delicious pesto aioli sauce! The dutch crunch roll was perfect and not chewy.
I also got a white chocolate mocha without whip. A little on the sweet side.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/7/2012
Tip: Eat your sandwich with the sliced, open side facing the ceiling and with your head tilted to… Read more »
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Review from j s.
San Francisco, CA
4/28/2012
Fantastic hearty sandwiches in delicious combinations!
This tiny sandwich joint has a smart layout and efficient staff.
A menu is helpfully posted outside for your perusal while you wait in line. Look at all those combinations! How ever will you choose just one?
Enter the doorway. Look, the cashier/ordering station is right in front of you! So easy!
Order your sandwich at the register. Don't forget to get your paper card stamped (or electronically Stampt with the app) for a free sandwich on your 10th purchase!
Step to the side, or find a seat. Even if the place is full, a seat will be empty shortly.
Pick up your sandwich at the counter when your name is called.
Take a seat, relax. Bite into that soft bread tightly hugging that delicious sandwich filling.
Spend the rest of your day with garlic aioli breath, for less than $8.
Worth it! -
Review from Loriel L.
San Francisco, CA
Update: just tried the crab melt for lunch - I knew it was going to be imitation crab inside since my coworker got this sandwich last time...it wasn't so bad. I'm sure it would've been better with real crab, but that would mean it'd also be more expensive. It was a little too salty for me and I felt like it didn't mesh so well with the jalapeno spread. I still enjoyed every last bite of it!
Service was friendly and the wait was only 10 minutes to get my sandwich during the lunch rush.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/22/2012
I can't believe I haven't written a review on Lou's yet! Now...HERE IT IS!
I've finally found my… Read more »
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Review from Joanna R.
The best. Ever.
I seriously think I love sandwiches again because of Lou's. Literally.
The thing is, I'm not a big fan of warm sandwiches (or toasted ones, I should say) but when I looked at my RB Mushroom GOURMET Sandwich, and then took a bite out of it, I melted. Really, I did. I always thought that the first sandwich shop I would try in SF should be Ike's but honestly, I think this place is better. They have this delicious jalapeno spread that really kicks in while you're devouring the sandwich. Yum. And their dutch crunch?? Oh my. So good.
On top of that, I think they have the best clam chowder I have ever had in San Francisco. How is that possible you say? I don't know. But their clams are meaty and their chowder is creamy. It's the right amount of every ingredient. Though a bit of black pepper would have been a nice additional touch (: With the clam chowder, they give you a cheesy toasted slice of bread which... I could have done without. But I just mean that the chowder stands strong alone.
This is one of those places that I want to take everyone I know. Individually. So I can go over and over. Go.......please. You won't regret it! And don't be surprised if you find me there too.Listed in: favoritism is allowed, Sandwich Hunt
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Review from Yael V.
San Francisco, CA
2/17/2012
This place is run by the absolute nicest people. It's a lovely neighborhood spot and well taken care of.
I've tried the Roma's Club and the Italian, but mortadella with avocado became my standard favorite. Their jalapeno sauce is addictive and their dutch crunch bread is just perfect.
Ike's may be the most famous sandwich joint in the city, but Lou's Cafe is the best kept secret. I hope it stays around for a long time. -
Review from Keely G.
San Francisco, CA
4/26/2012
I had the turkey cranberry sandwich and it was the best turkey cranberry I've ever had. SO GOOD. There was this special spread on it, not the jalapeno, but it definitely complimented the turkey well.
I think this is my new sandwich spot! -
Review from Rebecca H.
San Francisco, CA
1/31/2012 4 Check-ins Here
In general, I'd rate most good sandwich places 3 or 4 stars. However, I find myself coming back for more at Lou's. When I'm about to eat lunch, somehow, my usual smoothie or leftover smorgasbord doesn't quite hit the spot. I want Lou's. Forget about the fact that I just ate a garlic chicken plate from an Indian restaurant an hour ago's. I want Lou's. I'm starting to understand how pregnant women must feel when they get their cravings.
I don't know what they put in their sandwich other than what's listed. But somehow, a simple Lou's sandwich turns into something that hits the spot every single time.
PS - This is a sandwich, not a soup plate, so just go for that whole sandwich. Forget about ordering a soup and half a sandwich. Just go to the gym and work off that extra half or not. Your cravings will thank you.
PPS - If you absolutely can't stand anything with a tinge of spice aka anything mild still is too spicy, that jalapeno spread isn't for you. But for the rest of the world, I encourage you to embrace it wholeheartedly and welcome the kick that comes with your sandwich. -
Review from Anthony B.
San Francisco, CA
2/10/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Best sandwich in San Francisco. Ike's may get all the attention and press, but Lou's serves a sandwich that is WAY better!
Because of the amazing food, there can sometimes be a wait - so don't expect to just run in and out.
