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Paulie's Pickling
Categories: Food Specialty Food Restaurants Delis Restaurants Sandwiches Specialty Food, Delis, Sandwiches [Edit]
331 Cortland St(between Bocana St & Bennington St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighbourhood: Bernal Heights
(415) 285-0800
- Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sat 11 am - 6 pm
Sun 11 am - 5 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:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
52 reviews for Paulie's Pickling
Review Highlights
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"The garlic dill pickle is hands down the best pickle that I..." In 5 reviews -
"Great chopped liver." In 3 reviews -
"Located in the 331 Cortland Co-op." In 4 reviews
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52 reviews in English
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Review from Scott H.
Skokie, IL
3/11/2012
Being a NYC transplant and from growing up in Skokie, IL... I get the occasional craving for good Jewish deli food. Paulie's fits the bill and does a great job satisfying my pickle fix.
Pickles are prepared with love and care - I've spotted Paulie here more often than not making batches and he's always super friendly and passionate about his job.
The Zesty Original has a great, complex flavor - ever-so-slightly sweet, sour, a dash of spiciness, and perfectly salty.
Might not be Gus' but I'll be darned if you can find me a better place in SF. -
Review from Spencer C.
San Francisco, CA
2/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Two sandwiches. About 16 dollars with tax. And still hungry afterwards.
Located right up the street, I live about a 3 minute walk away from Paulie's Pickling. My sister was extremely hung over and I personally needed to escape the house to grab some lunch so I thought to myself, "I'll stop by and try out that new pickling shop. They've got sandwiches. It should be good." Or so I thought.
Our two sandwiches, a Brie baguette and a Brisket + Chopped liver came out at a turtles pace but it's understandable since they were toasting the creations in a mini convection oven. All sandwiches come with a side pasta, tabbouleh, or bean salad which helps but doesn't make up for the failed expectations from the sandwiches.
After only a 3 minute walk home, both sandwiches weren't luke warm. They were nearly cold. Have you ever had a brisket and chopped liver sandwich cold? Ya, I don't believe so. Putting that aside, the flavors weren't exactly all there and the "chopped liver" had more of a pate smear texture. So, when accompanied with the sloppy joe style brisket the sandwich had a chunky pudding like structure.
I didn't get a chance to try any of their pickles but after having a sandwich I believe it's easy to say that Paulie's Pickling should stick to well... Pickling.
Until next time. This was Spencer C. -
Review from Mike H.
1/17/2012
"This is more than what I thought a pickle could be." Actual quote of mine to the folks at Paulie's.
Few people would ever ponder the potential of a pickle, so I'm forgiving myself for writing this. Odd as it may sound, my mom's side has imputed me with a real taste for pickles. Think about it though: not many foods can deliver such a variety of flavors and textures in such a small piece of food
Get a jar of Paulie's Zesty Original...don't be shy! Definitely worth the $8. You can try a taste of the Garlic Dill too, just so you'll be able to relate to their pickles, but the Zesty Original takes the concept of a pickle to another level. You know pickle juice is supposed to boost your endurance, right? I know, ewww. Try to think of it like an artisan sports drink with dill, onions and jalapeno.
For a more traditional taste, try one of their sandwiches. I ate the brisket and chopped liver on rye and absolutely loved it! Rarely do I like beef liver or brisket but this combo, plus Russian dressing, onion and grilled slaw, was awesome. Rye bread always tastes good to me and this sandwich was definitely elevated by it. As a fairly dense bread the rye held everything together really well too. I'm always kinda messy when eating, and I never shy away from messy foods, but this sandwich could have been much worse without rye. -
Review from Kay M.
Belmont, CA
Updated - 4/7/2012
man, this place is so good.
When you wander in on a Saturday morning/afternoon miserably hungover and desperately fiending one of their reubens, they will make you one, and it will be heavenly. Piled high with crunchy, tangy, sauerkraut, toasted just right. Even if they happen to be out of their mind-blowing corned beef, they'll improvise and make you one with brisket! And it'll hit the spot and you might have to eat it in two sittings cause it's so huge.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/11/2011
I love Paulie's. A convenient ten minute walk from my place, it's a staple in my lazy weekend… Read more »
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Review from Brandie B.
San Francisco, CA
4/18/2012
Everything about these pickles is spot on. Amazing.
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Review from Ellen G.
San Francisco, CA
4/13/2012
Went in today and they didn't have the Reuben or the chopped liver. The Brisket was basic, not flavorful. Watched the worker handle money and take orders then not wash her hands and touch others peoples food. I had to ask her to wash her hands before she handled my order.
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Review from Adrian B.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2012
THESE PICKLES ARE CRAZY.
Some might say that I'm crazy to drive all the way across town to get a pickle. Well, I have news for you. I once flew across the COUNTRY for a pickle. Guss Pickles, the iconic barrels filled with brine out front on the Lower East Side. Sadly, it exists only now as Ess-A-Pickle in Brooklyn, due to the rising rents in Manhattan. Mother of god. Those were great pickles.
If you have only had supermarket pickles, you just don't understand. Okay, let me try to explain. It's the difference between filet mignon and a Hungry-Man minute steak, between freshly made yogurt drizzled with honey on a warm day on a Greek island versus Yoplait, tomatoes grown in your back yard versus the round red supermarket orbs.
So, I can't keep having them FedEx me pickles from Brooklyn. I always look locally, and I am always very disappointed.
Until now.
So I go to Cortland and it's a tiny shopfront in a cooperative store, a deli with fresh cookies for Hannukah no less. Liz was behind the counter. I'm not sure why other people say she's not friendly. She's just from Boston! That IS friendly by Boston standards. By Manhattan standards, she would be a loquacious laggard. In the LES, the extent of the conversations is:
"Quart of Spicy."
"That's five bucks...next!"
Me, I thought Liz was quite nice. We chatted a bit; she let me sample a bunch of different stuff. And, the pickles.
Wow.
Perfect crunch, great flavor. The kind you just can't stop eating until they are gone. Me personally, I like a tad less dill and a touch more garlic, but I'm not complaining! I can get REAL pickles on the West Coast finally!!!
And pickled green beans! And lox! And a nice lean Reuben! And an egg cream! Oy gevalt!
Also, the sauerkraut is delicious! I bought a pint. Now when I went to use it after a week, it looked a bit off although it smelled fine. Now I pickle at home. Okay, actually I TRY to pickle at home, and... look, let's not dwell on this okay. Let's just say there were some disasters and I am no longer allowed to pickle at home. BUT, I thought it was okay, but I gave Paul a call just to ask. He says to bring it by the shop. Liz and I both look at it, and agree it's fine. BUT, she takes it and right on the spot fills up a new fresh jar of sauerkraut from the back for me.
Come on, where do you see that kind of phenomenal customer service these days! Above and beyond the call of duty, guys! But I won't complain for outstanding service.
Makes me want to buy a quart of pickles a week. Looking forward to half-sours and (cross fingers) horseradish pickles in the Spring.
Seriously, just go to Paulie's already! -
Review from Eik H.
New York, NY
4/13/2012
Really loved the egg salad. Totally recommended!
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Review from Michael S.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 4/7/2012
Paulie's Pickling now has whitefish salad, their own cream cheese, and smoked salmon (lox) on a regular basis... plus they distribute bagels from House of Bagels! Oooh and they make amazing egg creams. It's fantastic to see how they've boosted their selection.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/25/2010
Everything is amazing here - the sandwiches are delicious. The pickles and other pickled vegetables… Read more »
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Review from Erick M.
San Francisco, CA
4/11/2012
These guys' pickles are fantastic! A friend was nice enough to bring me a jar of their zesty originals and garlic+dill. Both are tasty, but my personal tastes skew to the zesty's. Both had lots of crunch and complex, even flavor.
Haven't had a chance to go by the storefront and try one of their sandwiches yet, but am really looking forward to it. By the looks of their menu, they make everything themselves. That in and of itself is impressive. Personally, if I see the ubiquitous Boar's Head sticker on your door, I turn right around and walk out. That simple sign shows you don't know or care about what makes a great sandwich. Will update once I get one of their sammies in my face! -
Review from Paul K.
San Francisco, CA
3/2/2012 3 photos
Beef brisket sand on marble rye is awesome with a very generous amount of brisket. No seating, but the park is close by and there are a couple of small sitting areas (no tables though) right outside.
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Review from Earl G.
11/5/2011 4 photos
Located in the 331 Cortland Co-op. Paulie's pickling serves some solid Cali-Jewish inspired locally made food. (http://www.yelp.com/bi...)
Picked up their braised brisket sandwich $8.5 with Russian dressing, slaw, swiss, on rye for lunch. It was OK. I liked the amount of brisket they put in, except it was bland and cold. It may not be Kosher to warm it up but I think it'd taste better. (http://www.yelp.com/bi...)
Their sandwich came with their signature pickles as a side, fresh and more tart than the ones you get from a jar. (http://www.yelp.com/bi...)
My choice would be Avedano's up the block for a sandwich. (http://www.yelp.com/bi...)Listed in: Sandwich Guide
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Review from Stephanie S.
Austin, TX
12/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I wish wish wish wish wish wish wish that Paulie would come and open up a Jewish Deli in Austin, Texas.
Paulie's makes home made chopped liver, home made tuna salad from cooking sushi grade tuna, flaking it and making a delicious salad out of it. They make tuna melts! They make sandwiches from hand cut fresh made marble rye. They make their own delicious salads. They sell home-canned pickles, horseradish, herring and other delicious delights.
They charge very reasonable prices for big delicious sandwiches.
Come see Paulie and let them make you a sandwich! -
Review from Jennifer C P.
San Francisco, CA
I love Jewish Deli's. I blame it 100% on my visits to New York! ::laughing:: Sadly I have not been able to find one that compares here in the Bay Area. . . until I went to this booth at the 331 Cortland Co-Op.
Chicken Liver sammich, brisket sammich, Corned Beef sammich, Egg salad sammich, Tuna (they emphasize NOT from the can) sammich or you you can have a combo sammich if you just can't decide on one. That is what I happily did!
I had an egg salad and NOT FROM THE CAN Tuna combo Sammich on rye. It was messy yummines. The tuna had a lot more fresh dill than I like. Sadly they ran out of dark rye. The rye I had was on the dry side - not chewy. It came with a not so memorable potato salad. I was sad the sammich did not come with a pickle spear because they make yummy picked veggies.
I want another one of those sammiches because overall, it was good. I also want to try the smoked whitefish since the Tuna was so fresh, the smoked whitefish is probably excellent!
I had my very first Chocolate Egg Creme here. . .it was amazing! I had a nice time to watch it be made right before my very eyes. I really liked it!
You can find a wonderful variety of pickled veggies here. I was excited to try the picked cauliflower. After I tasted it, I had to buy it. Kind of tastes like sweet pickles.
This place came pretty close to what I love and miss about NY Jewish Deli's minus the roasted whole turkey or roast beef on display. Nothing beats a NY Jewish Deli. This wonderful mom and pop will satisfy your longings for it.
Friendly, courteous service, a wonderful selection of Jewish deli favorites, and wonderful picked veggies await you. I managed to find parking on the street a block away. There is a nice revitalized couple of blocks in this neighborhood. . . What's not to love about that?
This mom and pop can count on me to give them my hard earned cash again.
Mazel!Listed in: Fabulous Finds in 2011, Sandwiches: The Ultimate Hand…
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Review from Ap R.
San Francisco, CA
12/31/2011
Get the brisket, substitute a side for a pickle. Paulie is nicer than his wife, who is a bit surly. But I kind of like that, since it is pretty unexpected on "rainbows and babies" Cordland Avenue.
Look at knives while they make your sandwich.
Great place to snack with Sample the dog. -
Review from Joanna R.
9/3/2011
Really? That good?
Unfortunately, they ran out of the ingredients for the sandwich that I wanted so I left. And all I saw was the price which is expensive!
Hard to find if you're not searching for it, and no private parking. The shop shares with 3 other shops in a small area.
If it's a five star joint, maybe I will have to go and try the sandwich and write a real review then. -
Review from Castro E.
San Francisco, CA
11/7/2011
The BEST deli sandwiches I ever had...!!
Love the place, but I miss the empanadas place that use to share the space.
Worth going ...!!! -
Review from Aaron S.
San Francisco, CA
6/29/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This place is like a few square feet of the Lower East Side transposed to Bernal Heights--and yes, that is a beautiful thing. I split a house cured lox sandwich with my wife, which was amazing. It was bursting with tasty fish and the fresh bread roll was really good (the caper spread was also a nice touch). I want to come back to try the brisket. We had the rugelach for dessert, which were good but not great.
I also bought a jar of the garlic and dill pickles which I am slowly working my way through. They are excellent and better than anything from a supermarket. Crisp and flavorful, the brine is just right. Also got some whitefish spread to go which was great the next day on bagels, and later in the week on a sweet baguette for breakfast.Listed in: Snacks from the schtetl
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Review from Emille L.
San Francisco, CA
12/15/2011
I had a tuna melt, grilled slaw, a garlic dill pickle and a mexican chocolate egg cream (don't judge me). The food was good. I dock them one point for service--the lady working wasn't overly friendly. Actually, she wasn't friendly at all. However, since I don't live far, I'll go back to try other sandwiches.
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Review from Summer T.
San Francisco, CA
9/3/2011
Nice local business. Tasty brisket and fresh made pickles.
Small selection of pickled items compared to an east coast deli.
Definitely recommend if you are a pickle fan....we have limited choices in SF. Friendly folks. -
Review from Violet R.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2012
Get the egg salad and the cucumber salad... Yum!
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Review from S R.
San Francisco, CA
10/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
small sandwich shop that shares space in a communal building. interesting setup.
corn beef sandwich was ok. roll bread was soft and chewy. sauerkraut was crunchy and sweet. i especially liked the russian sauce, whatever that it is - something akin to 1000-island. one star off for the meat, which was not particularly moist or flavorful. a little mealy actually. -
Review from Tasha R.
San Francisco, CA
12/19/2010
The garlic dill pickle is hands down the best pickle that I have ever had!
I'm seriously addicted to everything I tried- I don't know if he's pickling crack and putting it in every jar, but whatever it is, it is amazing!!! -
Review from Lauren H.
San Francisco, CA
3/1/2011 1 photo
I was on my way to Avedano's for meat, when I stumbled upon Paulie's Pickling located in the back of the food vendor co-op storefront.
Paulie was in the open kitchen prepping some pickles (garlic dil and zesty) when we arrived, and he immediately popped out to offer us some fresh samples. Mmmmm! Loved the zesty... they're so much better than any store-bought pickle.
After browsing his refrigerated jars, I decided on a jar of pickled brussels sprouts. Slightly spicy, briney and garlicy! I'd never seen pickled brussels sprouts before, and Paulie explained how painstakingly difficult it was to prep the crunchy half-globes. He said he's probably never attempt it again, so I snapped up a jar... wish I had gotten two!
Go support this wonderful little pickle store! It's worth the trip to Bernal. -
Review from Jayne G.
Alameda, CA
1/30/2011
Took my husband here for his birthday as he is a serious pickle fiend. He was not disappointed.
We were greeted by Paulie and his wife upon arrival. Paulie then treated my husband to samples of everything he offers. I'm not into pickles, but my husband loved the garlic dills and the zesty originals. He was super happy to take home a jar of the perfectly crunchy garlic dills.
We also had brie sandwiches, which came with our choice of salads. We both chose the grilled slaw. AMAZING, fresh and delicious.
All around, this place rocks. There's nowhere inside to eat, but there are plenty of benches on the street and they work just fine. Thanks to Paulie for making my husband's birthday special! -
Review from Ess D.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2011
I love this place. Granted, I am a little bit obsessed with pickles (garlic dill pickled cucumbers especially), but this place is a delight. The folks that runs it are charming and personable, and hold up well during the lunch rush. They give samples, which to me is essential if I'm going to shell out more than supermarket prices for pickles.
Today I took a friend and a coworker to Paulie's for lunch. Coworker was stressed out and semi-snarly; friend was his usual even-keeled self, but hungry. The tuna sandwich and cucumber salad converted my coworker into a completely different, much happier person. We all loved our sandwiches, and I finally bought a jar of the OH DEAR CHTHULHU THEY ARE SO TASTY AND CRUNCHY garlic dills. Sorry about the shouting there. When we were eating our food in nearby Holly Park, my friends were being that vocal about how good everything was. The coleslaw looks like my mayo-free Asian slaw, but was different - subtle and complex flavors. Yum. Small coworker and small me also appreciated that we could make two meals out of one Paulie's sandwich.
Back at work, I offered my cuke salad to my vegetarian coworkers to try. They inhaled it. Then I opened the jar of pickles. Pickle nirvana. It had been a rough day and Paulie's quite seriously upped morale.
I am looking forward to trying their horseradish and sauerkraut (unpasteurized, hooray), and maybe even the pickled Brussels sprouts. You've gotta be sure of your recipes if you're selling pickled Brussels sprouts.
Especially recommended if you're from the Eastern Seaboard or PA. Can't exactly explain why, but you'll get it if you try their wares.
Now...how do I get them to hook up with a Korean restaurant so the restaurant's panchan includes their pickled things? -
Review from Mel P.
8/16/2011
After the hillside garage sale, I was hungry and I knew exactly where I wanted to go for some food time. I knew I wanted a sandwich and I got what I wanted. I love pickles and anything pickled. I chose the pickled jalapeno and cheddar cheese sandwich. It was big and delicious. Forget about meat, this was hearty and it hit the spot. How can you not love pickled jalapenos. It wasn't spicy at all--more zesty and crazy good. Will be back to try more of their delicious delicacies.
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Review from Mic H.
San Francisco, CA
10/1/2010
Paulie's is the real deal. Everything I have had here has been great!
All of the salads contain some of their house-made pickled ingredients (beans, jalapenos, etc), and are flipping delicious.
The pickles are amazing, and the sauerkraut is seriously off the hook. I accidentally ate the entire jar in one sitting.
Once you go Paulies, you will never go back. -
Review from Jason B.
7/11/2010
Digging the 311 Cortland concept. A few purveyors of culinary goodness that likely couldn't make it/afford to do their own thing, given a space to come together and bring their talents to the masses. Or at least the Bernal Heights crowd. And this adventurous yelper.
Paulie's is a worthy part of the space. Uber friendly and uber good. I wasn't feeling any of the meat options and asked if I could get something with just veggies, and that was no problem at all. Figured the pickles were most important anyway.
The sandwich was deliciously huge, the side lentil salad was an unexpected bonus and I really appreciated the offer to take a dollar off since I didn't want meat. Very cool, and why don't you take it right back as a tip. -
Review from Erin B.
San Francisco, CA
10/2/2011
I love this place! Delicious sides to go. Just grab a Piroshki at the other kiosk and you're set!
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Review from Debbie E.
San Francisco, CA
9/22/2011
Everything I have tried from Paulie's has been outstanding. Best pickles ever, according to my 4 year old son. I agree. Plus their chopped liver is to die for - my fave sandwich is the chopped liver and brisket with slaw. Yummy yum yum!
Super nice people, delicious food, refreshing lemonade - what''s not to love? -
Review from Arkay K.
San Francisco, CA
8/8/2011
We've been going here since it opened. They have a great selection of pickled items (not just "pickles"), all made from local veggies and other ingredients. Not cheap, but we've been trying to pickle things at home and Paulie's definitely gives us a huge appreciation of how difficult good pickling can be. Everything we've had here has been perfect: beans, cukes, cauliflowers, onions and recently herring (AMAZING!!!). They also now have deli items, like sandwiches, lox, side salads. All really good. Had their whitefish spread with bagels this weekend. Sooooo good. Prices are not cheap, but you get what you pay for. This is all top quality stuff through and through.
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Review from Mabel S.
San Francisco, CA
6/13/2011
"not from a can" Tuna is the best tuna you will get at a deli. Add Paulie's spread for a yummy kick.
The brisket sandwich is aslo delicious with slaw and russian dressing,
I have ordered at different times the lox, the chicken liver, the Jalapeno pickles, the pickled green beans, All type dill pickles, and pickled turnip to use in place of horseradish for rueben sandwiches. Perfection! -
Review from Matt G.
San Francisco, CA
3/2/2011
Great Sandwiches...Quick and tasty !
Gotta try the cauliflower-hands down the best around... -
Review from Amelia B.
Menlo Park, CA
7/16/2011
Just happened on this place (and the rest of the very interesting food coop here) while running errand down the street. We dropped in to grab a sandwich. What a surprise! Amazingly fresh tuna sandwich, the best whitefish salad I've had outside of NYC, and last but not least... crisp, super delicious and unusual pickles. I brought a jar of the pickled green tomatoes and green beans home. Worth a visit to Bernal Heights for these treats!
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Review from alina v.
San Francisco, CA
8/15/2011
Love love love. Great sandwiches, yummy pickles!
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Review from michelle h.
San Francisco, CA
9/19/2011
BEST pickles ever. and the jalapeno cheddar melt is something i live for. Thank god we work in the nieghborhood :)
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Review from Elizabeth W.
San Francisco, CA
7/7/2011
Yum! I love this place! Lucky for me, I work just upstairs from Paulie's Pickling and find myself here often. My recent favorite sandwiches include the Tuna Melt and Pickled Jalapeño & Cheddar. I'm also a huge fan of the pickled string beans & the pickled cauliflower....oh, and their sauerkraut is perfectly crunchy & well balanced. If you're in the 'hood, definitely check Paulie's out - highly recommended!!
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Review from Syd S.
San Francisco, CA
8/20/2011
That was the best brisket sandwich I've ever had!!
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Review from theresa d.
Daly City, CA
1/21/2011
Whoa! Loved everything I got here. Got the brie sandwich, with an amazing spread, and it came with a small side of salad (I choose potato). Had to get a pickle of course. Yummy! Reminds me of the corner deli we used to have in my neighborhood, friendly customer service and great sandwiches!
