Sammy's on 2nd

4.0 star rating
97 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Beer, Wine & Spirits, Sandwiches, Convenience Stores  [Edit]

84 2nd St
(between Jessie St & Mission St)
San Francisco, CA 94105
Neighbourhood: SOMA
(415) 243-0311
Hours:

Mon-Tue, Thu 9 am - 9 pm

Wed 9 am - 10 pm

Fri 9 am - 12 am

Sat 12 pm - 12 am

Sun 12 pm - 6 pm

Attire:
Casual
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Price Range:
$
Good for Groups:
No
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take Away:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Outdoor Seating:
No
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Lunch
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Noise Level:
Average
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
No
Caters:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Tom C. said: "Finally got over to this amazing shop, after a friend turned me on to Gran Dovejo Añejo Tequila.  I am blown away.  Great selections of just about everything, very good prices, solid recommendations, high quality choices.  Their French…"   read more »

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97 reviews in English

  • Review from Dylan ..

    • 12 friends
    • 40 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/12/2012

    Great food, broad selection, low prices, fast service, friendly staff, open late... What else do you need?

    You can get a vegan Mediterranean plate for $6.95 for lunch and then come back that night for a bottle of whiskey and European chocolate bar.

  • Review from Troy R.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/14/2012 1 photo

    Move over BFF there is a new BFS in town! No seriously dude move, I'm trying to eat my Big Fat Sandwich.

    Got introduced to Sammy's on 2nd last night and Sammy's I have to say it was very nice to meet you.

    Starving like Marvin and just wanted something simple like a sandwich. Ordered takeout @Sammy's. The lady was very nice & let me know that they only had sourdough. Not a sourdough fan but I was hungry so I just went with it.

    Little spot that I assumed was greenbacks only but to my surprise accepts plastic. Also this was close to 9pm, so they're open late too (I mean 9pm is pass most sandwich places bed times, so it's late for a sandwich spot).

    Got home and the sandwich was good but there was so much meat & cheese that it kept sliding out every time I took a bite. That's actually a problem that you'd like to have so I'm not complaining.

    This is a solid place for a quick sandwich. They have salads and mediterranean food too.

    As I said before it was nice to be introduced to Sammy's and I'm sure I'll be seeing them again.

  • Review from Brian B.

    • 143 friends
    • 29 reviews

    Dublin, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/23/2012

    Perfect place to grab a quick sandwich for lunch. In case it wasn't obvious, there's NO SEATING INSIDE, just grab and go.

    The Italian sandwich on dutch crunch bread is excellent, but I treat myself to a BLT every so often. Notably, they are quite generous with their use of bacon in their BLTs (big plus). I find myself coming here twice a week or so.

  • Review from Roy M.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/14/2012 2 Check-ins Here

    Solid little deli spot with friendly service. I had a plain ol' pastrami on rye ($5.99 paid cash, but cards are accepted) and it really hit the spot. In a case like this, I don't need anything fancy, but I would like it done right, and these guys can do such a thing.

    Lunch Companion got the House Special and wasn't exceptionally stoked on the pita. I tried it and it was fine - not my first choice, though. The rye did me plenty right. The fillings were fine, though, there's not a ton of meat on the sandwich. That's fine with me. I'm kind of over being demolished by a sandwich like when I go to Deli Board (still good, but screw my afternoon, brotha).

    There are a bunch of items in the deli case, a lot of Mediterranean bits like lentils, falafel, dolmas, hummus and tahini. Otherwise, there are convenience items, a nice wall of wine and some cigars -basically, partytime.

  • Review from Andrew K.

    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Austin, TX

    4.0 star rating
    5/25/2012 1 Check-in Here

    The house special was great. I loved the avocado added to the warmed meat and melted cheese. The only bummer was the mustard wasn't great. I feel like if they're going to specialize in sandwiches they could have some better mustards. A bit pricey for a student at about $10 for my sandwich and drink but it didn't leave me hungry or wanting more.

  • Review from Ed U.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/22/2012 3 photos 3 Check-ins Here

    I had one of the oddest sandwiches at Sammy's. It's their $7.99 House Special, a pita stuffed with hot pastrami, Swiss cheese and avocado wedges along with lettuce, tomatoes and red onions (see photo). It was a head-scratcher when I ordered it out of curiosity, but then I devoured it at work and thought it was unusually good. Maybe because the combination tasted decadently fattening for a lunchtime bite. I could barely manage to keep the ingredients from making a mess on the melamine surface of my desk.

    The entire deli selection in the display case looked good, mostly Mediterranean fare from what I saw and very nicely presented. On the other side is quite a selection of wine, beer, spirits, and other beverages. In other words, if Armageddon happens while you're strolling on Second, I'd duck in here since you'd be set. Yes, this one is definitely a cut above most delis in the city, so I'll be back. Now I'm assuming Sammy refers to the owner, though I keep thinking the logo is a tribute to Sammy Sosa. Am I wrong? Somebody tell me.

    FOOD - 4 stars...really creative, decadent sandwich...give me more
    AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...clean, well-organized...sadly no seating
    SERVICE - 4 stars...friendly and fast
    TOTAL - 4 stars...could become my go-to deli stop

  • Review from Gloria H.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Four stars for opening late.  

    It's hard to find a deli with decent sandwich after 6pm.  They were opened when we walked in around 10:30pm.  Actually, they just cleaned up the deli section but both the owner and the person behind the deli said they are happy to make us a sandwich.  Thank you for accommodating to hungry souls!

    We got the Italian hoagie for $7.95 on dutch crunch with everything on it.  Enjoyed music and browsed around while waiting.  They have quite a selection of piroshki - quite tempting, maybe next time.

    The sandwich itself was ok - the bread was a bit soft for dutch crunch but I'm not complaining at 10:30pm!

  • Review from Spencer C.

    • 60 friends
    • 21 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here

    What? What is it? There's something on my face? And my shirt? On the ceiling too?
    Okay, that last one was a slight exaggeration but the house special from Sammy's was the messiest sandwich my hands have attempted to hold in years. At one point I remember even trying to cup the sandwich as if I was its human finger diaper, to catch the constantly escaping accompaniments.

    The reason though Sammy's gets a 4 was because the sandwich was damn tasty and I did alter....  Yes (with eyes looking to the floor) I did alter the house special to be on a sourdough roll instead of pita. So maybe it was my blunder. If you happen to stumble upon Sammy's I would recommend getting the sandwich as they're listed.

    The sandwiches are modestly priced and the staff is genuinely nice even during the lunch rush as they yell at each other in Spanish.

    Go and check em out but bring a bib just in case.

  • Review from Lisa K.

    • 1 friend
    • 16 reviews

    San Mateo, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/26/2012

    I was missing my neighborhood sandwich shop today, so I went on Yelp to find a Sandwich place, Sammy's on 2nd is right across the street.  I bought the Turkey with Pepper Jack Cheese on Sourdough roll.  Yummy!  Service was fast and friendly.  I will be back!

    It's a sandwich store tucked inside a liquor store.  That is where some of the best places are.  I'm going back to try the peroski's.

  • Review from Lisa I.

    • 101 friends
    • 89 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/7/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I don't typically eat sandwiches for lunch (Paleo Diet), but on the odd occasion where I find myself in a bind, Sammy's Italian Hoagie sandwich is to DIE for.  They stack this sandwich with a ton of AMAZING meats.  Even though Subway is just another half a block up, the quality of their meats makes it worth the small price increase and a cheat day!

  • Review from Brooke G.

    • 0 friends
    • 43 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    3/17/2012

    In a wine/beer store this deli is pretty decent but the line can be pretty daunting. A decent sandwich place overall.

  • Review from Maximillian M.

    • 101 friends
    • 1382 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    2/22/2012

    Had a pastrami here on a wheat roll. It wasn't bad, but for $7 I think should've received two of these. Yeah, pricey for what you get.

  • Review from Michael C.

    • 25 friends
    • 383 reviews

    Daly City, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/27/2011

    All the positive reviews about Sammy's are spot on. At first when my friend said we should try it, I was a bit skeptical. I knew what it was at first, walk by it dozens of times on my way to the bus. Didn't realize what a good sandwich place this was.

    The owners/staff are extremely nice and very patient with what you want on your sandwich. The sandwiches are well-made and delicious. I recommend the 5th Ave.... cream cheese with pastrami. Sammy, the owner, also recommended the Meatloaf with some hummus, I will have to try that soon (maybe today).

  • Review from Kris F.

    • 0 friends
    • 11 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/29/2011

    Totally agree with everything that's been said thus far.  Surprisingly good sandwiches.  Very clean.  Staff is very nice.  I eat here a few times a week.

    If you're looking for an excellent, fresh sandwich, I can't recommend Sammy's highly enough.

  • Review from ashley B.

    • 3 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Mountain View, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/18/2011

    Why is a deli getting a 5 star rating? Because they carry Kinder, and if you've ever been to Europe, you know this is the most http://bomb.com chocolate there is!!

    The owners are super super nice, and everything is really fresh.  I got a turkey avocado on dutch crunch and my coworker got the hot pastrami (which they definitely didn't skimp on).  The owner also gave us 2 stars each on our frequent sandwich card for being new customers, woohoo!  I will definitely be back.  (Plus, their walls are lined with wine...hello!!!)

  • Review from Devynne H.

    • 17 friends
    • 10 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    1/28/2012

    Got a roast beef on dutch crunch with everything and horseradish cheddar. It was ok. Needed more meat. I've been craving roast beef but I didn't get much. I'll try that place in Chinatown next time.

  • Review from Paul F.

    • 25 friends
    • 2 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/6/2011

    Sammy's makes a solid sando. They pack plenty of meat and it's a fair price.  Also, really nice staff. 4 stars might be a stretch for a simple sandwich shop, but when all your craving is a simple homemade style sandwich, Sammy's delivers every time.

    FYI. If you're looking for a fancy gourmet giant sandwich, this is not your spot. This is the kind of deli you go to 1 or 2 times a week for reliable solid lunches that don't put you in a food coma.

    Lastly, make sure you put the spicy mayo on whatever you get. Big Fan!

  • Review from uriah b.

    • 52 friends
    • 46 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/4/2011

    Usually a little skeptical of deli's in liquor stores, but this place is pretty great. Nice fresh ingredients and a good choice of meats and options. Pretty simple and straight forward moderatley priced sandwhiches. They also have a mediterranian section with dolmas, calzones and paroski's that look delicious and make me want to come back to try.

    Great place if you want a decent simple deli sandwhich at a resonable price.

  • Review from Austin C.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/23/2011

    Don't fuck with Sammy. This place is fully stocked with everything.

    Get the sandwich buy 10 get one free card.

  • Review from Ben B.

    • 212 friends
    • 108 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    3/29/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Really fast lunch if you're looking for a decent sandwich.

    There are certainly better sandwich places around (e.g. Sentinel, Golden West, etc.) but Sammy's is a solid choice if you're not looking for something gourmet.

    Of course, if you're thinking that a bottle of Hennessy is the perfect way to enjoy your sandwich, you're in luck. This place is apparently a liquor store, too.

  • Review from Steven B.

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/26/2011 1 Check-in Here

    It's a decent place for a sandwich... kind of on the expensive side for the quality and quality of the sandwich.

    I had the Turkey BLT with avocado and it was pretty okay. There wasn't a lot of avocado in it, the bacon they used were cheap small thin bacon, and the meat seems to be average quality. The guy ran out of onions so I didn't get much. The bread I got was the last one and it was stale... maybe it was a bad day to go.

  • Review from ellen w.

    • 6 friends
    • 41 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/4/2011

    NICEST FOLKS EVER.

    They have some kind of homemade mayo concoction... orgeno, pepper, something or other? RECOMMEND

    sort of disappointed that the sprouts aren't organic, SO SHOOT ME

    OOH! They have a frequent sandwich buyer card. VALUABLE

  • Review from Anita A.

    • 8 friends
    • 33 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/31/2011

    Not only do these hot mamas use the freshest ingredients (or ingredientses, if you're Teresa Guidice) but they're all so friendly, it's like I went to my aunt's house down the street and had her make me a sandwich. My coworker commented on how well-stocked the deli case is, too. From calzones to dolmas, and an assortment of candy, chocolate, and mini bottles of wine you could probably sneak into AT&T park -- they got you covered. Anything your little heart desires is hidden away here inside this liquor store. Especially the fancy shmancy diamond ring one of the ladies that works here wears -- I almost went blind staring at that bling!

  • Review from Mike T.

    • 18 friends
    • 40 reviews

    Pleasant Hill, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/15/2011 24 Check-ins Here

    I've had several good experiences here. They have a nice Italian hoagie on dutch crunch. I happened to wander in here after seeing a nonsensical line next door at Caramba Mexican Restaurant.

    The people are friendly, and they had a frequent buyer card for a free sandwich. I will be back many times, you maker of fine sandwiches!

  • Review from joanna r.

    • 72 friends
    • 96 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    2/15/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I went here based on all of the Yelp reviews.
    It was lunch time, just after 12 noon. While other places had lines out the door, Sammy's seemed like a safe bet.
    I waited in line, but only for a few minutes. They get you in and out pretty fast.
    Instead of a sandwich I got two pre-made calazones. One was a spinach/greek blend. One was with mushrooms. I think I ate the spinach one. I had them warm it up before I left. They do that in a microwave.
    The result was a soggy, unappetizing pocket of mush.

    I think I will go back and try their sandwiches. They look proper.

  • Review from Theron L.

    • 289 friends
    • 184 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/27/2010 1 Check-in Here

    Something changed in the matrix.

    So there is this new place that just opened up 6 months ago around the corner from my work.  After reading the reviews I decided to check it out as I do most of the places within a short walk from my work.

    The 1st thing that happened was a strong sense of déjà vu.  Did I see a store, and another that looked just like it or the same store twice?  I was so taken aback that I almost collided with the lady restocking the perrier.  Haven't I seen her before?

    I ordered the italian on baguette.  He squirt a vinegar oil mixture on the bread.  I knew he was going to do that.  I knew what it was going to taste like in the sandwich.  He piled on the cold cuts, lettuce, tomato, peppers...  my mouth watered in familiar anticipation.  He cut the sandwhich in half and wrapped the two halves together so you could see the filling in the middle.

    Suddenly I found myself a few years in the past when I worked near the corner of Sutter and Kearny.  There was this cute little sandwich shop that was really clean, made great sandwiches and had a decent selection of liquor.  What was the name of that place?  I thought.  Sammy's!

    I found myself talking to the owner behind the register.  They had just moved location RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER OF MY WORK!!!

    Now I knew what had changed in the matrix.  Someone up there must love me.

    Score!

  • Review from Donna H.

    • 130 friends
    • 48 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/2/2011

    Sammy's you are too good to me! I love your sands, they are amazing. Such good quality of meat and bread (which they get delivered every morning, so its FRESH). Special shout out to the roast beef - YUM!

    Good lunch spot for a quick, inexpensive sandwich to go.

  • Review from Patrick S.

    • 29 friends
    • 11 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/31/2011

    Fresh made sandwiches that are sadly becoming increasingly popular at lunch time.

    They don't skimp on the meat and they offer a frequent buyer card that I've completed twice already (10th sandwich free).

    Would also recommend the homemade cookies next to the register. 50 cents each.

  • Review from Jason M.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/29/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I met Sammy, he's the cat's pajamas. I got a roast beef on dutch crunch with everything on it and highly recommend it. I also asked if they would put hot sauce on it, and it was a great executive decision on my part. It's a very hearty sandwich, cut in half and ready to munch. I will be going back again!

  • Review from Erin G.

    • 30 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Castro Valley, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/18/2011

    this afternoon, being a friday, my co-worker and i decided we needed a little happy hour in the office.  we admired the beer selection and settled on hoegaarden.  however, hoegaarden requires a lemon.  which they had.  and sliced it up for us!  then we realize, hoegaarden requires a bottle opener.  which they had.  right next to the condoms.  is there anything this place doesn't have?

    next time i will have to go for a sandwich...

  • Review from Kris A.

    • 18 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Emeryville, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/19/2011

    A very affordable sandwich shop with a nice and friendly staff.  Their frequent buyer program is easy, and I love their soups.

  • Review from Angela C.

    Santa Clara, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/5/2010

    I work right upstairs from Sammys and I gotta say... nothing but love for this place.  I mean, who doesn't love Sammy and his crew?  They are always so sweet and kind, and their sammies are bomb to boot

    there is never a long wait, and the sandwiches are always perfect.  I can't complain!

  • Review from Cynara L.

    • 17 friends
    • 28 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    2/11/2011

    Dude.  5 stars.

    Been in San Fran 2 days and already been here twice.
    Good wine and good hummus (and other fresh mediterranean food), to go.

    Plus--they are really, really, really nice.

  • Review from Michael E.

    • 14 friends
    • 34 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/15/2011

    This is the only place where I've actually gotten all the stamps on the "sandwich card" and gotten the free sandwich. The sandwiches are all good, and the prices are great by Financial District standards. I once got a platter of dolma from here for an office party - very good stuff. The coffee is good too. Super-clean, very well-kept place. They also have an excellent selection of wines, very convenient when you need to bring something with you to a party right after work.

  • Review from Valeria R.

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 9/23/2009 2 photos

    I'm (almost) always wiling to admit I was wrong.

    After over a year, I finally went back to Sammy's and had a very different experience from last year.

    The counter guy actually SMILED and greeted me when I walked in, and whipped up a pretty good mortadella and swiss sandwich for me:

    http://www.yelp.com/bi...

    Sandwich, chips and a peach came out to $9.17. Sammy himself was manning the register and joked "Bah...I don't like small numbers!" and rounded the price down to $9.00. Yeah, it was only 17 cents, but it was one of those nice little moments that makes me feel appreciated as a customer.

    Sammy's has officially been added to my lunchtime rotation.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 2.0 star rating
      7/30/2008

      I feel a pang of guilt every time I walk past Sammy's and go into 7-11 for any reason.  So yesterday… Read more »

  • Review from Bill B.

    El Cerrito, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/11/2010

    Quality food and friendly staff are usually what makes a deli stand out to me, and Sammy's certainly has those. However, their selection and policies are what stood out the most -
    * Over 120 different wines available in addition to the soda case and moderate selection of liquor
    * Hours extend to 10pm nightly, and according to Sammy himself, "If the lights are on, we're making sandwiches!" It's nice to find a FiDi option at night that isn't McD's or high-end restaurant
    * Free sandwich on your birthday with an Academy of Art University ID card
    * Mediterranean food (dolmas, falafel, etc.) in addition to deli sandwiches
    * A commitment to high-quality meats; I can actually taste the difference!

    They also do catering, and with this quality level, you'll be sure to impress everyone eating!

  • Review from Brian G.

    • 83 friends
    • 219 reviews

    Walnut Creek, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/19/2011

    I'm have a pretty harsh sandwich rubric, but this place does a nice job.  Sammy's is super clean and fresh looking inside.  They sell wine on the back shelf and the rest of the small store is a deli.  The service was very good and the preparation of the sandwich was great.  Very high tech in the place too.  I had a basic roast beef sandwich with cheese and the whole thing came to ~$7.  Not bad for the area.  The sandwich was very good too.  There was nothing totally different about it, but all the ingredients were fresh and I'd gladly go again given the service and the cleanliness of the place.

  • Review from Jonathan B.

    • 107 friends
    • 296 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/16/2006

    Despite the tables they have outside, I always thought this was just a liquor store, but apparently they have an amazing spread of lunch options in their deli.  Try the roast beef, salami or any one of their hoagies and discover how grubbin' they are.

    Served on excellent soft french roll, sourdough slice or roll or dutch crunch, their sandwiches are a great deal and just flat our rock.  Take a look at their sides, salads and Greek food options, they're sure to have something that fits your appetite.

    Also, remember to get a "Buy 9 Sandwiches and the 10th is FREE" card if you're a returning customer.

  • Review from Farhad M.

    • 53 friends
    • 56 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/16/2010

    Saw this place come in across the street from the office and finally decided to give it a shot. They advertise a lunch meal deal for $6.99 with sandwich, chips, and soda.

    The inside is very clean and the sandwich preparation area is visually appealing with tons of fresh veggies, cheeses, and meat. Move over Subway, you got some competition on 2nd and Market! I was pleased to find dutch crunch as a bread option on the menu. Sammy's certainly doesn't skimp on the meat -- my turkey sandwich was a hefty and delicious looking thing once completed, and it was equally yummy while eating. There are a variety of other meats, salads, and sides available.

    The only downside I noticed was that they charge for cheese on your sandwich and I'm slightly annoyed that the guy didn't mention it to me at all until I asked why my total was so high when paying (almost $9 with tax for what I thought was a $6.99 +tax meal). It would be nice for them to mention it while you're making your sandwich so you can avoid the charge if you don't really care for cheese.

    I'm definitely a fan and will likely be back. This is way better than any of the other places on the block. It's no $5 footlong but you'll be just as full from all that delicious meat in your mouth (yeah, I had to go there) as you would have been 2 doors down at Subway. And as a bonus you can even pick up some booze to get your drink on back at the office if the workday has been kicking your ass! ;-)

  • Review from Janet H.

    • 59 friends
    • 197 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/14/2008

    Sammy's Smoke & Snacks made a great lunch sandwich for me today.  I had roast beef w/ everything on dutch roll.  There was the right amount of meat, lettuce and tomato were crisp, and the roll was very tasty.

    I was in downtown with appointments and stopped by Sammy's.  This will be my place for my downtown deli sandwich!

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