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oChef » Estela’s – San Francisco
Estela's - San Francisco
Photo from Estela’s
Estela's at a glance
San Francisco Lower Haight
- 🥪 Sandwich Shop
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 4 of the guests
#1695 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#39 Sandwich Shop out of 65 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
132
Reviews
68.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Great Service
- Fair Prices
Frequently criticized
- Hygiene Concerns
- Food Quality
- Service Issues
The restaurant Estela’s is a welcoming Sandwich Shop located in the vibrant Lower Haight neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll find it’s a perfect spot for a quick bite, especially if you’re looking for healthy options.
This casual eatery offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a satisfying meal. It’s known for its fresh ingredients and convenient service, making it a local favorite for lunch.
Overview: Introducting Estela's
Estela’s seems to be a reliable spot for a quick bite, particularly known for its substantial sandwiches and fresh smoothies. Many appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the generally positive interactions with staff, making it a pleasant experience for those seeking a convenient meal.
However, some experiences at Estela’s suggest inconsistencies, especially concerning the quality of bread and occasional issues with order accuracy. The limited seating can also be a drawback for those looking to dine in comfortably, pointing to areas where improvement could be beneficial.
Good
6.9
out of 10
132
Reviews
68.2%
Satisfaction
36
negative
6
neutral
90
positive
Estela’s holds an overall score of 6.9, placing it in the average range, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 68.2%. This assessment comes from a total of 132 customer observations, with 90 positive remarks against 36 negative ones.
The Food (7.6) stands out as a clear strength, with many praising the quality and variety of offerings. While the food is a highlight, other aspects present a more varied picture.
Service (5.3) and Value (5.0) both fall into the average category, indicating room for improvement in consistency. The Ambience (6.9) also registers as average, suggesting it’s generally pleasant but not a standout feature.
This blend of strong food and moderate performance elsewhere shapes the overall experience.
What people like
- Delicious Sandwiches
- Friendly Service
- Good Value
What people don't like
- Live Bugs Reported
- Inconsistent Bread
- Order Inaccuracy
With a recommendation score of 7.2, Estela’s is a solid choice if you’re primarily seeking a quick, satisfying meal, especially their well-regarded sandwiches and smoothies. It’s a place that delivers on its core food offerings, making it a convenient option for a casual lunch.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and the occasional reports of food quality issues. While many have positive experiences, those seeking a flawless dining experience or comfortable seating might find it a mixed bag.
It’s best approached with realistic expectations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Estela's
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at 76.7%, its clear many folks are enjoying their meals. Out of 90 total comments, a whopping 69 rave about the delicious, huge sandwiches, often highlighting healthy options and fresh juices.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. There were 16 critical remarks, with some customers unfortunately encountering issues like live bugs in salads and complaints about day-old or stale bread. A few also felt the vegetarian breakfast sandwich was underwhelming or portions were too small.
Food
90
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
16
negative
5
neutral
69
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious sandwiches
- Fresh juices
- Huge portions
What people don't like
- Live bugs in salads
- Stale bread
- Microwaved breakfast
Often praised
- sandwichesLiving very close by, I can confidently say it's the best place to grab a quick lunch in Lower Haight. They offer a fantastic selection of delicious sandwiches, though I usually opt for the Avalon because it's so good. The sandwiches are huge and offer very good value for money.
- menupretty comprehensive menu to build your own smoothies
- smoothiesBEST sandwiches and smoothies in the hood!
- sandwich spotgood sandwich spot in the neighbourhood
- vegetarian optionsThey have awesome vegetarian options
- veggie muffulettaMy favorite order is the veggie muffuletta with sourdough and smoked Gouda.
- veggie sandwichesThey offer incredibly fresh juices and sandwiches. I was particularly impressed with their smoked Gouda sandwich, which is one of the best and most filling veggie sandwiches I've ever had in San Francisco. It has become my go-to lunch spot when I work from home.
- Avalonusually end up ordering the Avalon as it is so good
- East Coast West Coast BeefThey have an extensive menu with plenty of vegetarian options. I ordered the East Coast West Coast Beef, and it was delicious. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was pleasant.
- Italian sandwichhalf size Italian sandwich which was very fresh and also huge!
Frequently criticized
- breadassorted, stale and hard and stinking bread
- bagelsbagels, to focaccia to standard sliced wheat bread and sadly they’d all lost
- bread qualitybread quality - bread was a day old
- day old breadsreceived a variety of at least day old breads
- focacciabagels, to focaccia to standard sliced wheat bread and sadly they’d all lost
- food qualitythe food they offered was very bad
- freshnesssadly they’d all lost most of their flattering components
- lettucelikely the lettuce?
- live bugsMy company ordered salads from Estela's via Forkable, and to our dismay, ALL OF OUR SALADS had live bugs all over them. There were small black bugs in every single salad, which was truly horrendous.
- mock meatEstela's unfortunately does not have mock meat
If you're craving a substantial, fresh sandwich or a healthy juice, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful of potential inconsistencies with bread freshness or specific breakfast items, as those seem to be the main areas needing a little extra attention.
Service (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres definitely a bright side! Many customers rave about the smooth ordering process, with sandwich labeling and preparation timing often praised. Shoutouts to manager Mark and the overall quick sandwich-fix spot vibe contribute to the positive experiences.
With 13 positive remarks among 28 total, the service scores an average 5.3, indicating a decent effort in these areas. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. There are 14 negative comments highlighting significant issues, particularly with communication, like no answer when trying to contact.
Some found the iPad ordering system frustrating and encountered rude staff, especially when trying to make special requests. This leads to a mixed 46.4% customer satisfaction, suggesting there's room for improvement.
Service
28
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
14
negative
1
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick sandwich fix
- Friendly staff
- Manager Mark excellent
What people don't like
- Staff can be rude
- Orders often wrong
- Poor communication
Often praised
- ServiceService was excellent
- friendlyI primarily visit for my wheatgrass shot and my usual seven seas juice, but I've also enjoyed their delicious sandwiches. The atmosphere is clean and friendly, with great service.
- great serviceI primarily visit for my wheatgrass shot and my usual seven seas juice, but I've also enjoyed their delicious sandwiches. The atmosphere is clean and friendly, with great service.
- manager MarkThe manager Mark was a pleasure to work with
- opened so earlyI was surprised they opened so early
- ordering processeverything was smooth and easy
- ownerThe owner is one of the nicest people I've met.
- preparation timingprepared to the timing we asked for
- quick sandwich-fix spotour new go-to quick sandwich-fix spot
- sandwich labelingEach sandwich came labeled with name and menu item number
Frequently criticized
- rudemanaged to be rude throughout the ordeal
- servicethey treated me like they were giving it for free
- contact ownerstotal waste of time trying to contact the owners
- iPadrestart the iPad they were taking orders on
- lady behind the counterlady behind the counter wasn’t willing to answer
- mailbox fullGoogle said Mail box full
- no answercalled and called no answer
- orderThey are ok, but only if you don't have any special requests. Unfortunately, they have never gotten my order right, even for simple things like "hold the carrots". This consistent inaccuracy in fulfilling orders is a significant issue.
- order for 50 sandwichestrying to do an order fire 50 sandwiches
- place an orderIt took about 20 to place an order
If you're after a quick, straightforward order without special requests, you might find the service perfectly adequate. But if you need to contact them or have specific needs, be prepared for potential frustration and a less-than-stellar experience.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! Guests frequently praise the pleasant atmosphere, noting how clean the place is and appreciating it as a great spot, especially for a local business. With 5 positive remarks out of 7 total, its clear many find the setting quite appealing, contributing to a good customer satisfaction of 71.4% and a solid score of 6.9.
However, its not without its quirks. The main point of contention, mentioned in 2 opinions, revolves around the seating. Several folks noted theres not a lot of it, and whats available isn't always the most comfortable.
So, while the overall feel is positive, be prepared for potentially limited or less-than-ideal seating arrangements.
Ambience
7
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Very clean
- Great local spot
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Uncomfortable seating
Often praised
- atmosphereI ordered the East Coast West Coast Beef, and it was delicious. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was pleasant.
- cleanIt's clean
- great spotglad to have found a great spot
- local businessSeems to be a nice local business.
- placePlace is small with limited seating but clean.
Frequently criticized
- seatinglittle seating and what there is, it's not very comfortable
If youre looking for a clean, pleasant atmosphere and dont mind potentially limited seating, this place is definitely worth checking out. It's a great local spot with a good vibe, but maybe not ideal for large groups or long, leisurely stays if comfort is your top priority.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners really appreciate whats on offer. Many find the portions generous, offering value for money with huge sandwiches, and mention that the prices are fair. Based on 3 positive comments out of 7 total, theres a sense that you can get a good deal here.
However, the overall sentiment is a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of just 42.9% and an average score of 5. Some customers felt things were a little pricey, and there were concerns about a misleading menu and items costing more than their labeled price. These 4 negative remarks suggest there's room for improvement in pricing clarity and perceived cost.
Value
7
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value for money
- Fair prices offered
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Inaccurate menu prices
Often praised
- pricesthe prices are fair too
- value for moneyThey offer a fantastic selection of delicious sandwiches, though I usually opt for the Avalon because it's so good. The sandwiches are huge and offer very good value for money. The smoothies are also really nice.
Frequently criticized
- labeled pricemuch more than their labeled price
- misleading menuthe menu was misleading
- priceA little pricey
- profit marginGrubHubs etc take all the profit margin
So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? While some find good deals, especially with generous portions, others feel the pricing can be a bit steep or unclear. If you're looking for big sandwiches and fair prices, you might be happy, but be aware of potential discrepancies with listed prices.
How are the prices at Estela's?
On average, you’ll spend around 15 per person – from 4 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Sandwich Shop, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most of the recorded prices cluster in this $11–$20 range, with one slightly cheaper option also available. With only 4 customers, the data is limited, but it gives us a clear picture.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 4 reviews. With limited data, it still gives a good indication of typical spending.
How this Sandwich Shop’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Sandwich Shop in San Francisco, we think this pricing feels quite fair. It’s not the cheapest, but it offers good value for a quality bite.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Estela's
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
9
Big Sandwich, Big Menu, Big Support!
My experience at this restaurant was centered around a big sandwich from their big menu. It seems to be a nice local business, and I'm keen to come here more regularly and show them my support. Yum!
- big sandwich9
- big menu8
- local business8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Great Sandwich Spot with Extensive Menu
I had a great experience at this good sandwich spot in the neighbourhood! The portion sizes were good and the prices were very reasonable. They have an extensive menu with plenty of vegetarian options.
I ordered the East Coast West Coast Beef, and it was delicious. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was pleasant.
- sandwich spot9
- portion8
- prices8
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Fresh, Huge Italian Sandwich & Great Owner!
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. I got a half size Italian sandwich which was incredibly fresh and also huge! The owner is one of the nicest people I've met.
The place is small with limited seating but it is clean. They have lots of options on the menu, including vegetarian sandwiches, salads, and smoothies.
- Italian sandwich9
- owner10
- place8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Veggie Muffuletta!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I ordered the veggie muffuletta and it was exactly what a sandwich should be. It had a generous proportion of filling to bread, creating an explosion of textures and flavors.
It was wonderfully messy, filling, and delicious. I can’t wait to try another sandwich here! : p
- veggie muffuletta10
- proportion of filling9
- textures and flavors10
Visit Type
- Delivery
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Lunch
1
Horrendous Experience with Live Bugs in Salads
My company ordered salads from Estela's via Forkable, and to our dismay, ALL OF OUR SALADS had live bugs all over them. There were small black bugs in every single salad, which was truly horrendous. We suspect the issue might have been with the lettuce.
I would not recommend this restaurant.
- salads1
- live bugs1
- lettuce2
What Estela's offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Coffee
Dining options
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Estela's Fresh Sandwiches?
At Estela’s Fresh Sandwiches, you can enjoy a casual lunch experience. It’s a great spot for a quick bite, offering a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families.
Does Estela's Fresh Sandwiches cater to specific dietary needs or offer delivery?
Yes, Estela’s Fresh Sandwiches provides healthy and vegetarian options to suit various preferences. For your convenience, delivery service is also available.
How does Estela's generally perform according to customer feedback?
Estela’s has an overall score of 6.9, indicating an average performance. While Food (7.6) is a strong point, Ambience (6.9), Service (5.3), and Value (5.0) are rated as average, contributing to a mixed customer satisfaction of 68.2%.
What are the main highlights and concerns regarding the food at Estela's?
Customers frequently praise the delicious sandwiches and fresh smoothies, with many vegetarian options available. However, there have been concerning reports of inconsistent bread quality and, in rare instances, severe hygiene issues like live bugs.
What can I expect from the service and atmosphere at Estela's?
Many describe the service as friendly and efficient, with staff often noted for their helpfulness. The atmosphere is generally considered clean and pleasant, though seating is often described as limited and not particularly comfortable.