Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Pete’s – San Francisco
Pete's - San Francisco
Photo from Pete’s
Pete's at a glance
San Francisco Lower Pacific Heights
- 🥪 Deli
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 10 of the guests
#1051 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#9 Deli out of 18 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
216
Reviews
78.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great sandwiches
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Cash only
- High prices
Stepping into Pete’s, you’ll immediately feel the welcoming vibe of this popular deli located on the corner of Divisadero Street in San Francisco’s bustling Lower Pacific Heights. It’s the perfect spot when you’re looking for a convenient and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a relaxed bite, you’ll appreciate the friendly atmosphere and delicious offerings at this local gem.
Overview: Introducting Pete's
Pete’s offers a generally positive dining experience, particularly noted for its well-crafted sandwiches and a welcoming atmosphere. Many appreciate the fresh ingredients and the overall tasty quality of the food, making it a reliable spot for a satisfying meal.
However, some guests have found the pricing to be a point of contention, occasionally feeling it’s overpriced. There are also occasional remarks about the service, with some staff described as gruff, which can detract from an otherwise pleasant visit.
Good
7.6
out of 10
216
Reviews
78.2%
Satisfaction
38
negative
9
neutral
169
positive
Pete’s earns a solid overall score of 7.6, indicating a good experience for most patrons. Customer satisfaction also stands strong at 78.2%, reflecting that a significant majority leave content.
This positive sentiment is built on 169 positive observations, outweighing the 38 negative ones from a total of 216 customer remarks. Digging deeper, the Food (7.9) is a clear standout, frequently praised for its quality.
Service (7.6) also performs well, contributing to the positive atmosphere, as does the Ambience (7.3). The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (6.3), which, while not poor, suggests some guests find the pricing less competitive compared to other aspects.
What people like
- Excellent sandwiches
- Friendly, efficient service
- Classic deli atmosphere
What people don't like
- Cash-only transactions
- Higher pricing concerns
- Bathroom maintenance issues
Pete’s presents a compelling option if you’re seeking a satisfying meal with a friendly, local vibe. The strong 7.6 recommendation score suggests it’s a place many would happily revisit, especially for its well-regarded food and pleasant service.
It’s certainly worth considering for a casual bite. While the food and atmosphere are generally well-received, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it a bit steep, and be prepared for cash-only transactions.
If these minor points don’t deter you, Pete’s offers a genuinely good experience that could become a regular stop.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pete's
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with a strong 7.9 score and an impressive 82.4% customer satisfaction. Based on 103 positive remarks, patrons consistently rave about the delicious food, often highlighting best sandwich experiences. The quality ingredients and large portions are frequently celebrated, making for a truly satisfying meal.
However, a few of the 18 negative comments point to some inconsistencies. Some diners found small portions for the price, while others described certain items like overdone eggs or dry grilled chicken as disappointing. A couple of experiences even mentioned bad food, suggesting there's still room for improvement in some areas.
Food
125
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
18
negative
4
neutral
103
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food
- Excellent sandwiches
- Quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Inconsistent quality
- Dry grilled chicken
Often praised
- foodIt makes me wonder if people in hospitals always bring company so they can go out and buy food. My brother, who is not doing well in Reno, told me the hospitals there feed him healthy meals. He sent me pictures, and I couldn't believe he was eating better than me while in the hospital.
- sandwichpretty big sandwich and they're hella good
- breakfast burritosYou wouldn't expect to find breakfast burritos at a corner deli, and I certainly didn't. However, I was absolutely blown away by how good they are. Their burritos have become a special something my wife and I pick up for each other from time to time, and they never disappoint.
- everythingHaving grown up with parents and uncles who owned pizza, sun, and deli places on the East Coast, I can confidently say this is the best sandwich spot in the city. The layering is correct, the portions of ingredients are proportionate to the sandwich, and everything is fresh. They also make things quick.
- tastyTasty, hot and fast, Pete’s nailed it.
- turkeythe bird had been beautifully roasted and clearly treated with care!! It was real turkey
- 'the sleeping pill' burgerWill be back to try their 'the sleeping pill' burger
- BACON CHEESE STEAKI ordered the BACON CHEESE STEAK. It was fantastic!
- CheesesteaksBest Cheesesteaks in SF! Better than the Cheesesteak Shop
- Cubanospecially like the "Cubano"
Frequently criticized
- FoodFood from Horrible Rude people has a Bad Taste
- Philly cheese steakDont get the Philly cheese steak
- Swiss cheesewish the Swiss was actually Swiss cheese, and not whatever that white processed thing was
- bad foodThe food was overpriced and of poor quality.
- breakfastThe breakfast was below avg.
- club sandwichesclub sandwiches i unused to eat at the dinning hall in college was better than this
- curly friesthey said they had curly fries but I guess it was a language barrier
- eggsEggs came 'over done' instead of 'over easy'
- experienceall and all a terrible experience
- foodit's like jail food
If youre seeking generally delicious food with a wide variety, especially sandwiches and breakfast burritos, this place is a solid bet. While a few specific dishes might occasionally disappoint, the overall positive feedback suggests youll likely leave satisfied.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 7.6 and a customer satisfaction rate of 79.1%, both landing squarely in the good category. Based on 34 positive remarks out of 43 total, guests frequently praise the friendly service, fast service, and friendly staff. Many found the team to be quick, helpful, and genuinely kind, making for a pleasant visit.
However, its not entirely without its bumps, with 8 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some experiences mentioned aggressive upsells and a gruff guy at the register. There were also a few instances of a language barrier and even a rude person' on the phone, suggesting some inconsistency in interactions.
Service
43
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, fast service
- Helpful, kind staff
- Owner engages guests
What people don't like
- Aggressive upsells
- Gruff register staff
- Rude phone interactions
Often praised
- staffThe atmosphere and food and friendliness and efficiency of the staff is amazing.
- service+1 on service as well
- ownerI really love their bacon 🥓 Philly cheesesteak, and the prices are really reasonable. The owner is a pretty funny guy and was always pleasant to chat with anytime I had come by to grab a bite to eat for lunch. Cash only though.
- JoseJose is awesome!
- Oscar and his peoplerecomendado por Oscar y toda su jente
- cashierthe cashier always remembers our order
- conversationWhat a delightful experience! I was greeted by the owner and had a wonderful conversation with him. Super-friendly, great food, love it!
- cookMy experience at the restaurant was positive, primarily due to the food, which was very good and better than I expected. While the guy at the register was gruff, the cook was very nice and helpful. My wife and I were glad we stopped in for breakfast.
- corrected the mistakebut they corrected it and gave me pastrami on top of the hot link!
- efficiencyThe atmosphere and food and friendliness and efficiency of the staff is amazing.
Frequently criticized
- Google menuDon't rely on their google menu it's not accurate
- guy at the registerGuy at the register was gruff
- language barrierI guess it was a language barrier
- operating hoursclosed on Saturdays an Sunday
- rude personAn extremely rude person has picked up the phone x3
- special ordertoo late for our special order tday
- staffthe staff tries to aggressively push upsells on you
- upsellsaggressively push upsells on you against your desires
Overall, you can expect a largely positive service experience here, with friendly and efficient staff being the norm. While there might be an occasional gruff interaction or pushy upsell, the good far outweighs the bad, making it worth a visit if service is a priority for you.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.3 and a strong 80% customer satisfaction. Many describe it as a nice spot and an unassuming place, perfect for people watching and offering a classic deli experience. With 16 positive remarks out of 20 total, guests appreciate the neighborhood feel and welcoming environment, often calling it a friendly place and a hidden gem.
However, its not entirely without its quirks, with 3 negative remarks. A few customers noted lingering mask requirements signs, which some found off-putting. There was also a mention of bad energy on one occasion and a practical issue with toilet paper' availability in the single bathroom.
These are minor points, but worth noting for a complete picture.
Ambience
20
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Great neighborhood feel
- Good people watching
What people don't like
- Outdated mask signs
- Occasional bad energy
- Missing toilet paper
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere and food and friendliness and efficiency of the staff is amazing.
- Peteyou will see Pete in there. Can't miss him if you see him, he's all around the walls.
- classic deli experienceA classic deli experience that is certainly worth a try!
- friendly placeGreat friendly place!
- good local atmosphereGood local atmosphere though
- great place to eatGreat place to eat if you have to go to UCFS hospital
- hidden gemlearned of this hidden gem
- historylove the history behind it
- localeGreat people watching locale
- neighborhood feelGreat neighborhood feel
Frequently criticized
- bad energyBad Energy here tday!
- mask requirementsthey still have masks required signs.
- toilet paperNo toilet paper in the single bathroom
If youre seeking a friendly, unpretentious spot with a classic neighborhood vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware of a few minor details like potential outdated mask signs or occasional practical oversights. Its a solid choice for a casual, welcoming experience.
Value (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers find things to cheer about, with 16 positive remarks out of 28 total. Folks often praise the overall value, noting that the price point makes it worth it and that the food can be quite inexpensive. It seems you can snag some great deals here without breaking the bank.
However, the experience isnt universally glowing, as reflected by a 6.3 score and 57.1% customer satisfaction, indicating a mixed bag. Some diners feel its expensive or even overpriced, especially when considering portion sizes. Be aware that some found it cash only, which added unexpected costs.
Value
28
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great deals
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Small portions
- Cash only issue
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The people were nice and the food was tasty, with reasonable prices. However, there was no toilet paper in the single bathroom, which was a significant drawback.
- priceIf you’re walking by and thinking about it, just do it. My experience was fantastic, with amazing deli sandwiches served at a great price. I would definitely come back weekly if I lived here.
- worth itit was worth it!!
- dealsGreat deals on a pretty big sandwich
- foodReasonably priced food
- inexpensiveand inexpensive
- inexpensivelyeat inexpensively
- less than $5for less than $5!
- price pointat the price point is rare
- valuethe value. A superb garden burger
Frequently criticized
- expensiveMy experience at this hospital, and I assume any hospital, has been that the food is so expensive. It makes me wonder if people in hospitals always bring company so they can go out and buy food.
- $18 for a 12" sandwichBut $18 for a 12" sandwich..?
- ATM feeWhile they did swap the bad steak for some super thin and overly crispy bacon, the overall experience was still terrible. Adding to the frustration, I had to pay an extra $3 at the ATM to get cash for the meal. The service wasn't rude, but the staff member seemed too cool to be friendly.
- WAY over pricedWAY over priced, shouldn't have to pay $30+ for a philly
- cash onlyHowever, there was no toilet paper in the single bathroom, which was a significant drawback. Additionally, it's a cash only establishment, so be prepared before you visit.
- overpricedMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was overpriced and of poor quality. Furthermore, the staff was aggressively pushing upsells even when I was clear about my order.
- priceThe food itself was good tasting. However, the only downside was the small portions for the price.
- price friendlynot price friendly at all
If youre looking for a spot where you might find some genuinely good deals and feel like youre getting your moneys worth, its definitely worth a shot. Just be prepared that some items might feel a bit pricey for what you get, and check if they're cash-only before you go.
How are the prices at Pete's?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 10 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Deli, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what others have spent, most prices cluster right around this sweet spot, with the majority of diners spending in the $11–$20 range. So, you can expect a pretty consistent experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 10 reviews.
How this Deli’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Deli in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good balance for a casual meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pete's
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Disappointing Steak Sandwich and Fries
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I found the food to be just okay, not special, and definitely not price friendly. I spent $35 on a 12-inch steak and mushroom sandwich.
They claimed to have curly fries, but it seemed like there was a language barrier when I inquired. When I asked for cheese on the curly fries, I received regular fries with shredded cheese on top, which was terrible.
- steak and mushroom sandwich5
- curly fries2
- regular fries2
- price friendly2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Delicious Hot Entrees and Sandwiches!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! They offer daily hot entrees, such as turkey and chicken, which are the best and freshest. The sandwiches are also top-notch, and I especially loved the "Cubano.
" I truly love their food.
- hot Entrees10
- Sandwiches10
- Cubano10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Overpriced and Poor Service
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was overpriced and of poor quality. Furthermore, the staff was aggressively pushing upsells even when I was clear about my order.
I would recommend a nearby bodega for a good sandwich and friendly service. This place seems to target unsuspecting customers near Mt. Zion hospital.
- friendly service8
- overpriced2
- bad food2
- staff1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Tasty Burgers and Great Fries!
If you're in this area and looking for a place to eat that's both tasty and inexpensive, I highly recommend this cafe. The burgers are very tasty, and the French fries are excellent. It's always busy with locals, which is a great indicator of trust and popularity.
- burgers9
- French fries9
- tasty9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Amazing Sandwich and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was outstanding! I had the best sandwich I have ever eaten. The atmosphere, food, and the friendliness and efficiency of the staff were all amazing.
I will definitely be back!
- sandwich10
- atmosphere10
- food10
What Pete's offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
FAQs
What service options are available at Pete's Deli & Cafe?
At Pete’s Deli & Cafe, you can enjoy a variety of convenient service options. You’ll find onsite services, takeout for quick meals, comfortable dine-in experiences, and delivery right to your door.
Is Pete's Deli & Cafe accessible, and what payment methods do they accept?
Yes, Pete’s Deli & Cafe features a wheelchair accessible entrance for your convenience. When it comes to payment, you can easily pay using major credit cards and debit cards.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Pete's?
Pete’s generally receives good feedback, with an overall score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at 78.2%. The Food (7.9) and Service (7.6) are highly rated, while Ambience (7.3) is also good. Value (6.3) is considered average.
What are the standout menu items at Pete's?
Customers frequently praise Pete’s for its well-made sandwiches, particularly the breakfast burritos, bacon cheese steak, and cheesesteaks, often highlighting their freshness and taste.
Are there any practical considerations to keep in mind before visiting Pete's?
Yes, Pete’s is a cash-only establishment, which some customers find inconvenient. There have also been occasional comments regarding pricing being on the higher side for certain items.