Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Irving Subs – San Francisco
Irving Subs - San Francisco
Photo from Irving Subs
Irving Subs at a glance
San Francisco Inner Sunset
- 🥪 Sandwich Shop
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 37 of the guests
#1762 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#42 Sandwich Shop out of 65 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
294
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality sandwiches
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Fresh bread
Frequently criticized
- Long wait times
- Inconsistent service
The sandwich shop Irving Subs in San Francisco’s vibrant Inner Sunset neighborhood offers a delightful culinary escape. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite, whether you’re grabbing lunch, dinner, or even catering for an event.
With a focus on fresh ingredients, you can easily discover healthy and vegetarian options to satisfy your cravings.
Overview: Introducting Irving Subs
Irving Subs offers a compelling experience, primarily driven by its focus on quality ingredients and fresh bread that make their sandwiches stand out. Many appreciate the inviting cute dining area and the overall pleasant atmosphere.
However, be prepared for potential challenges, as some customers have noted significant long wait times and occasional issues with staff behavior. While the food often hits the mark, these operational aspects can sometimes detract from the overall visit.
Good
6.8
out of 10
294
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
80
negative
23
neutral
191
positive
Irving Subs holds a respectable 6.8 overall score, indicating a generally good performance, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 65%. This divergence suggests that while many aspects are well-regarded, some experiences fall short for a notable portion of patrons.
These insights are drawn from 294 customer comments, with 191 positive remarks balancing against 80 negative ones. The Food (7.7) is clearly a strong point, frequently praised for its quality.
The Ambience (7.8) also contributes positively, creating an enjoyable setting. However, the Service (4.4) appears to be a significant area for improvement, often leading to frustration.
The Value (6.5) is perceived as average, offering a decent but not exceptional return for the price.
What people like
- Quality sandwiches
- Fresh bread
- Pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Inconsistent service
If you prioritize a well-crafted sandwich with quality ingredients and a pleasant setting, Irving Subs is worth considering. The 7.2 recommendation score suggests many find it a worthwhile stop, especially if you’re able to order ahead to manage expectations.
However, be mindful of the potential for long wait times and service inconsistencies. For those seeking a quick, seamless experience, or if you’re sensitive to service issues, you might find the visit less satisfying.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Irving Subs
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid 7.7 score and a good customer satisfaction of 79.1%, based on 196 total opinions. Many rave about the delicious sandwiches, often highlighting the fresh ingredients, the unique Dutch Crunch bread, and the irresistible garlicky mayo. There's also a good selection, including tasty vegan and vegetarian options.
However, not every bite is perfect. Some experiences mention a lack of flavor or dryness in certain sandwiches, and a few customers were disappointed by poor quality meat or cold food. There were also isolated concerns about uncooked veggie bacon and small portion sizes, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
196
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
30
negative
11
neutral
155
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious sandwiches
- Fresh ingredients
- Dutch Crunch bread
What people don't like
- Lack of flavor
- Poor quality meat
- Cold food
Often praised
- sandwichesWe ordered several sandwiches for a get-together and were generally satisfied. The sandwiches are well made with quality ingredients, though they aren't particularly unique or inventive. While this isn't a place I'm dying to try again, I wouldn't be opposed to returning if the opportunity arose.
- sandwichMy experience at the restaurant was that although we ordered lunch in advance, it took a while for them to prepare the sandwich. Apart from that, it was very delicious.
- foodThe food and atmosphere were both excellent
- breadthe bread was fresh and dense just the way I like it
- subsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to the best subs I have ever tried. The Caprese with Dutch crisp was an exceptional combination and truly the best combo.
- subMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I had the best sub I ever ate in San Francisco. This place quickly became my go-to spot for years, highlighting its consistent quality and appeal.
- Dutch CrunchMy experience at the restaurant was centered around a really good hoagie served on some nice bread. I particularly enjoyed the 'Goodfellas' option, whether it was on a Sourdough roll or Dutch Crunch.
- Dutch crunch breadDutch crunch bread was nicely toasted
- Giants sandwichIt was a decent size, good for two not very hungry people
- Giants subThe Giants sub on Dutch Crunch is superb
Frequently criticized
- sandwichI ordered a sandwich for pickup via DoorDash and arrived at the restaurant 10 minutes later, only to be told our order would be ready in another 40 minutes. We waited, and upon receiving the sandwich, it was honestly just underwhelming and not worth it. The size was smaller than expected, with decent meat portions, but overall it was a very disappointing experience due to the extremely slow service.
- meatneed to put a little more meat
- flavorUnfortunately, the meat and cheese were of poor quality. The bread was decent, but overall, it was a total flavor sadness.
- Mega Egg Specialvery little egg for a mega egg
- The MeltThe Melt with mozzarella, and it was totally cold
- cheesePoor quality meat and cheese
- chickenI ordered The Melt with mozzarella, and it was totally cold. The chicken on it was supposed to be grilled, but it was really strange and so pale and damp that I had to check if it was raw. I don't think it was actually raw, but it really looked strange, almost like what's in a chicken nugget but with normal texture mixed in?
- drynessand was dry as bone whatsoever
- eggvery little egg for a mega egg
- food poisoninggetting food poisoning of my last sandwich
If you're craving a hearty sandwich with fresh ingredients and a great bread choice like Dutch Crunch, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some experiences point to occasional inconsistencies in flavor or quality, so manage your expectations for every single item.
Service (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers appreciate the quick service, friendly staff, and the convenience of ordering ahead, with 24 positive opinions highlighting these aspects. While the overall score for service sits at an average 4.4, there are definitely moments where the team shines, making the ordering and pick-up process smooth and efficient. However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, as customer satisfaction is quite low at just 30.4%, reflecting significant frustrations.
With 47 negative opinions out of 79 total, many customers reported slow service, long wait times, and issues with order accuracy. Some even mentioned rude staff, suggesting theres considerable room for improvement in consistency and customer experience.
Service
79
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
47
negative
8
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick service
- Friendly staff
- Easy order ahead
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Slow service
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this no-frills sandwich shop was characterized by fast and friendly service and fair prices. I opted for the “Beat LA” sandwich on a sourdough roll, which features turkey, roast beef, and cheddar cheese, along with common ingredients.
- wait timeIt's a little off the typical tourist path, so it’s mostly locals. It’s a tiny place without much space inside, but the service was spot on and the wait time was as predicted. They got every sandwich right, no errors.
- quick servicequick service
- Order aheadOrder ahead and pick up at your leisure
- busyclearly still very busy which is great
- deliveryMy experience with the sandwiches was excellent. I ordered the Goodfellas, Waverly, and a custom turkey salami sandwich, all toasted for delivery. The portions of meat were generous, and if it was gluten-free bread, it was truly good gluten-free bread.
- delivery driverQuick polite delivery driver
- kind staffEveryone here is so kind
- linethe line goes fast
- ordering aheadThey are all freshly made, so you may have to wait a bit for your order. I suggest ordering ahead of time on their website and picking up a half hour later.
Frequently criticized
- serviceI informed him I had another form of payment and was able to get my food, barely. It was extremely childish of him to attempt to cancel my lunch simply because the card wouldn't scan and he didn't feel like manually entering it or using his words to ask if I had another payment option. The sandwich itself was very good, but in this area, many other places offer sandwiches that are just as good.
- wait timeI'd give the sandwich a 4, but I debated knocking off another for the 1 hour I had to wait for my sandwich. I almost cancelled after they said it would be a 40 min wait, and once I got there it took another 20 min because they were so busy.
- waiting timeIf you show up in person, be aware that online orders take precedence. This means you might be turned away or told to wait an hour, which I found to be BS.
- online ordersIf they can’t take all these orders and fulfill them in a timely fashion
- staffThey also seemed to be struggling to keep up with orders, and I had to wait for half an hour to get my food while people who ordered after me got theirs. I don't blame the employees for this, to be clear, I think the owners need to have a third person on staff because clearly two isn't enough. It just sucks, I only eat out once a week to stay on my budget and for my one treat to be such a disappointment is really unfortunate.
- waitwaited 30+ mins for a single sandwich
- wait timesMy experience at this restaurant was marked by super rude staff and long wait times. Even when ordering ahead, the wait times were incorrect.
- English speaking staffThey don’t speak English and they act dumb about it
- behaviorRuthless behaviour
- businessThe behavior was ruthless. It seems the owner is either unaware of what's happening in their shop or has no clue how to run a business, possibly both. I’d recommend incentive-based payment.
If you're considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially mixed experience with service. While some find it quick and friendly, others face long waits and accuracy issues, so ordering ahead might be your best bet to avoid disappointment.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! Many folks absolutely loved the atmosphere here, calling it "fantastic" and "super cute. " Comments like "The dining area is cute" and "thanks for adding the dining room!
" really show appreciation for the "inside space" and overall "experience. " With 7 positive remarks out of 11, its clear the atmosphere is a big draw, contributing to a solid score of 7.8. However, its not all quiet contemplation.
While the ambience generally scores well, customer satisfaction sits at a 63.6%, which is a bit mixed. Theres one notable concern about the noise level, with one person mentioning you can't hear if they're calling your name. So, if you're looking for a super quiet spot, this might be something to consider.
Ambience
11
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
1
negative
3
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fantastic experience
- Cute dining area
- Excellent atmosphere
What people don't like
- High noise level
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere were both excellent
- dining areaThe dining area is cute
- dining roomthanks for adding the dining room!
- experienceit was fantastic!
- inside spaceSuper cute
- this placeI love this place
Frequently criticized
- noise levelyou can't hear if they're calling your name
Overall, if youre looking for a place with a generally good vibe and cute decor, youll likely enjoy the ambience here. Just be aware that the noise level might be a bit high, so it might not be your top pick for a quiet, intimate conversation.
Value (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 10% of the guests
When it comes to value, many folks feel theyre getting a decent deal, with several customers noting the prices are fair and super reasonable. Youll often hear that you definitely get your money's worth, especially considering other local spots. This positive outlook helps the value score land at an average 6.5, contributing to a customer satisfaction of 62.5%, which is a mixed bag.
However, not everyone is convinced, as some opinions suggest the prices can be a bit higher, particularly when compared to downtown options, with a couple of folks even calling a sandwich overpriced. These contrasting views are based on 8 customer observations, with 5 leaning positive and 2 expressing reservations.
Value
8
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair, reasonable prices
- Get money's worth
What people don't like
- Higher area prices
- Some items overpriced
Often praised
- priceprice is good considering many places in the area cost $15+
- money's worthYou def. get your money's worth
- pricesMy experience at this no-frills sandwich shop was characterized by fast and friendly service and fair prices. I opted for the “Beat LA” sandwich on a sourdough roll, which features turkey, roast beef, and cheddar cheese, along with common ingredients.
Frequently criticized
- priceOverpriced sandwich
- pricesprices are higher in Parnassus compare to downtown
So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? If youre looking for solid food and generally reasonable prices, especially compared to some pricier neighbors, its definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few customers found certain items a bit steep, so manage your expectations if you're on a super tight budget.
How are the prices at Irving Subs?
On average, you’ll spend around 18 per person – from 37 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Sandwich Shop, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most diners (34 out of 37) find themselves in this $11–$20 range, meaning prices tend to cluster nicely around the average, with just a few outliers.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 37 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Sandwich Shop in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels reasonable for a quality offering. Its not the cheapest bite, but it aligns with what you might expect for a good meal in the city.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Irving Subs
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Tuna Sandwich Ever!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic! I had the best tuna sandwich ever, served on delicious sourdough bread. Paired with the potato salad and jalapeño chips, it was truly the best.
I love this place!
- tuna sandwich10
- sourdough bread9
- potato salad9
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
9
Delicious Toasted Sandwiches, Great Gluten-Free Option
My experience with the sandwiches was excellent. I ordered the Goodfellas, Waverly, and a custom turkey salami sandwich, all toasted for delivery. The portions of meat were generous, and if it was gluten-free bread, it was truly good gluten-free bread.
I will definitely order again.
- sandwiches9
- Goodfellas9
- Waverly9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
3
Good Food, Terrible Service
My experience at this restaurant was marked by super rude staff and long wait times. Even when ordering ahead, the wait times were incorrect. While the food was good, you can get a great sandwich anywhere in this city.
- food4
- sandwich4
- staff1
- wait times2
- incorrect wait times2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Yummy Subs with Cute Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was great! I tried the Irving sub and the Giants sub. The Dutch crunch bread was nicely toasted, and the sourdough was good too!
I wished the fried chicken was saucier, but it was still yum. My peppers were unevenly distributed and jumped at me, but I still ate them. The pickles were yummy!
They have a cute inside space a few buildings over where you can sit and eat, play board games, or play ping pong.
- Irving sub7
- Giants sub7
- Dutch crunch bread8
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Good Food, Terrible Wait
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the food itself tastes good, the waiting time was incredibly long, wasting a bunch of my day. It would be a much better experience if they could fix their phone so customers could call ahead to place orders.
- food8
- waiting time2
- phone3
What Irving Subs offers
Crowd
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and accessibility features does Irving Subs offer?
At Irving Subs, you can enjoy flexible dining with options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery. The establishment is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. They serve lunch and dinner, and even provide catering services.
Are there healthy and family-friendly options available at Irving Subs?
Absolutely! Irving Subs prides itself on offering a variety of healthy and vegetarian options, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it a great spot for kids. You’ll find something delicious for everyone in your group.
How is Irving Subs generally rated by customers?
Irving Subs holds an overall score of **6.8**, indicating a good experience for many. The **Food** (7.7) and **Ambience** (7.8) are highly rated, while **Service** (4.4) is a notable area for improvement, and **Value** (6.5) is considered average.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Irving Subs?
Customers frequently praise the **quality ingredients** and **fresh bread** used in their sandwiches, with many finding the subs exceptional. The **cute dining area** and overall pleasant atmosphere also receive positive remarks.
What are some common concerns at Irving Subs?
The most common concerns revolve around **long wait times** for orders, even with online ordering, and occasional issues with **staff behavior** or their ability to keep up with demand.