Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Rhea’s – San Francisco
Rhea's - San Francisco
Photo from Rhea’s
Rhea's at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🥪 Deli
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 25 of the guests
#834 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#8 Deli out of 18 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
274
Reviews
75.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious sandwiches
- Kind service
- Local atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Difficult parking
- Long waits
- Order errors
The deli Rhea’s, nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District, invites you to experience its unique offerings. This local favorite provides a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
With a focus on convenience, Rhea’s Deli & Market ensures you have multiple ways to savor their delicious food, making it a perfect stop in the city.
Overview: Introducting Rhea's
Rhea’s is a cherished neighborhood spot, widely recognized for its delicious sandwiches and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. Many appreciate its local favorite status, often described as a convenient deli with a great vibe, making it a popular choice for a quick bite or picnic provisions.
However, potential visitors should be aware of a few practical considerations. Finding parking can be quite challenging, and during busy periods, you might encounter a significant waiting time for your order.
Some also noted occasional inconsistencies with order accuracy.
Good
7.8
out of 10
274
Reviews
75.5%
Satisfaction
40
negative
27
neutral
207
positive
Rhea’s generally earns a solid reception, reflected in its overall Restaurant Score of 7.8 and a Customer Satisfaction of 75.5%. This indicates a good experience for most patrons.
The standout here is undoubtedly the Food (8.3), which garners significant praise, particularly for its sandwiches. This strong performance is based on a substantial number of positive comments.
The Service (6.9) also rates well, with many appreciating the helpful and efficient staff. The Ambience (7.2) is considered good, offering a casual and clean setting.
However, Value (6.0) is perceived as average, with some finding prices a bit high for certain items. These insights come from 274 customer observations, with 207 positive remarks against 40 negative ones.
What people like
- Delicious, fresh sandwiches
- Attentive, kind service
- Welcoming local atmosphere
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Significant waiting times
- Order accuracy issues
Rhea’s offers a compelling experience, especially if you prioritize excellent sandwiches and a friendly, local feel. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.2, it’s clear many patrons find it a worthwhile stop.
It’s a place that delivers on its core offering, making it a popular choice for many. However, be prepared for potential inconveniences like challenging parking and possible waits, particularly during busy periods.
If you’re seeking a quick, reliable sandwich and don’t mind these minor hurdles, Rhea’s is certainly worth considering for its quality food and community vibe.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Rhea's
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 82%, its clear that diners are consistently impressed. Out of 183 total opinions, a whopping 150 rave about the delicious sandwiches, especially those on Dutch Crunch bread, praising the flavors and vegetarian dishes available.
However, there are a few areas for improvement, noted in 12 less favorable comments. Some customers have experienced inconsistent orders, with issues regarding ingredients and even the sandwich size' being smaller than expected. While the quality is often high, these occasional slip-ups can be a bit frustrating.
Food
183
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
12
negative
21
neutral
150
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh sandwiches
- Wide vegetarian options
- Quality bread, ingredients
What people don't like
- Inconsistent order accuracy
- Small sandwich size
- Discontinued menu items
Often praised
- sandwichesThis is the BEST corner store! They have the absolute best sandwiches plus such an awesome selection of grocery goods and alcohol. The service is also unmatched, James is ALWAYS so kind, helpful and positive.
- sandwichI ordered the Diamond Heights on Dutch Crunch bread. While the sandwich itself was good, I found the overall experience to be quite expensive. I don't see myself paying $14 for a sandwich ever again.
- foodThe food is always tasty and fresh
- ValenciaThe Barney Rubble and the Valencia. Both sandwiches tasted really good.
- Barney RubbleThe Barney Rubble and the Valencia. Both sandwiches tasted really good.
- Dutch crunch breadMy experience at the restaurant was centered around their great sandos. I typically choose the Valencia, and it's consistently served on great, local Dutch crunch bread.
- Valencia sandwichThe standout is the Valencia sandwich
- breadnever sleep on the bread, yo
- ingredientsall the right ingredients mixing well
- menuI got a Judah St and it was incredible. I will definitely be back to try more things on the menu!
Frequently criticized
- sandwichHowever, over the last three times we've ordered (both takeout and delivery), at least half of our order has been messed up. This included missing or incorrect ingredients, and one time, we received a completely wrong sandwich! When the food is good, it's genuinely good, but the inconsistency has made me hesitant to order, as I'm afraid of receiving the wrong items again.
- Korean & katsu sandwichesIt's clear this place is a local favorite, and the owner is a significant part of the community, just like his sandwiches. ***** However, I was disappointed to learn that their Korean & katsu sandwiches have been discontinued. The owner mentioned they would only be available at certain times of the year and advised checking Twitter or Facebook for updates on their availability.
- inconsistentit’s been so inconsistent
- ingredientsHowever, over the last three times we've ordered (both takeout and delivery), at least half of our order has been messed up. This included missing or incorrect ingredients, and one time, we received a completely wrong sandwich! When the food is good, it's genuinely good, but the inconsistency has made me hesitant to order, as I'm afraid of receiving the wrong items again.
- medium spice levelmedium spice level was killer
- mustardno mustard, tomatoes, or peperoncino. Unfortunately, all of these ingredients were included
- peperoncinono mustard, tomatoes, or peperoncino. Unfortunately, all of these ingredients were included
- qualityQuestionable quality
- same sandwichesCan't get same sandwiches on a regular basis
- sandwich sizeThe taste is not the reason for my 3-star rating. The sandwich was very small in comparison to other favorites like Little Lucca's or Ike's. If the sandwich came in a larger size, I'd give it a higher rating, but for the size and price, it's a 3/5.
If you're looking for a place with genuinely delicious and creative sandwiches, especially with great vegetarian options, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that there might be occasional inconsistencies with orders or sandwich size, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
The service here generally shines, earning a solid 6.9 score, which is quite good! Many customers rave about the friendly staff and how quick and efficient the team, including the owner, handles things. With 35 positive remarks out of 56 total, it's clear many appreciate the attentive approach and the great customer service provided by individuals like Blanca and James.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 62.5%, indicating some room for improvement. A common pain point, mentioned in 20 negative comments, revolves around significant wait times and delays, especially with lines and pick-up estimates. Some experiences suggest issues with order accuracy or feeling like a second-class customer due to understaffing.
Service
56
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
20
negative
1
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Attentive owner
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Order delays
- Understaffed issues
Often praised
- serviceThey have the absolute best sandwiches plus such an awesome selection of grocery goods and alcohol. The service is also unmatched, James is ALWAYS so kind, helpful and positive. We recently moved away and already miss the sandwiches!
- staffAny deli with veggie (fake) meat options and a deep kettle chip selection is a 5-star place in my book. This establishment gets busy because it's near Dolores, but the staff knows how to handle it efficiently!
- ownerthe owner is just as much a part of the community
- BlancaBlanca helped me figure something out THANK YOU BLANCA
- JamesThey have the absolute best sandwiches plus such an awesome selection of grocery goods and alcohol. The service is also unmatched, James is ALWAYS so kind, helpful and positive. We recently moved away and already miss the sandwiches!
- attention to detailstaff trained to pay attention to detail
- customer serviceI have had nothing but good food at Rhea's. The customer service is amazing, and the selection of products is extensive.
- experienceOverall a great experience
- fast serviceFast, friendly, professional service
- foodthe food comes out quick
Frequently criticized
- delayit was delayed again upon arriving at store
- waiting timeMy experience at the restaurant involved a significant wait time. We ordered in person and it took 45 minutes, but the food was worth it! The BBNG was fantastic with a perfect balance of savory and acidity.
- Uber Eats languageUe language was vague
- attentiveness of the serviceimprove the attentiveness of the service
- daily updatesno easy way of knowing (daily updates on FB or a website would help)
- food delivery ordersdelays all the food delivery orders
- in-person ordersdef prioritize in person orders
- lineThe line can be long
- orderhalf our order has been messed up
- pick up estimatepick up estimate was delayed for 10 minutes
If youre looking for genuinely friendly and often efficient service, youll likely be pleased. Just be prepared for potential long waits or delays, especially during busy times, which can sometimes detract from the overall experience.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.2 and a solid 70.8% customer satisfaction. Many patrons rave about the top-notch and friendly atmosphere, often highlighting the spotless cleanliness and neighborhood charm. With 17 positive observations among 24 total comments, its clear that the proximity to Dolores Park for a picnic is a major plus, making it a local favorite.
However, not everything is sunshine and roses. A few guests found eating inside to be stuffy, leading them to prefer the outdoors. The biggest hurdle, mentioned in 4 critical remarks, seems to be the difficult to find parking, with several folks struggling to secure a parking space' nearby, which can definitely be a buzzkill.
Ambience
24
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
4
negative
3
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Spotless cleanliness
- Near Dolores Park
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Stuffy inside
Often praised
- atmosphereIt was definitely worth the visit. The place also has a great atmosphere, functioning as a liquor store as well.
- cleanlinessthe cleanliness of the store, always spotless
- storethe cleanliness of the store, always spotless
- Dolores Parkclose to Dolores park to enjoy a picnic
- convenient storeThe service was excellent, and the sandwiches were delicious. It's also a very convenient store because I live so near to it.
- delivery casual, no-frills deli
- local favoriteYou can tell this place is a local fave
- neighborhood charmadds to the neighborhood charm
- overallAmazing overall!!
- place to sitThere's some place to sit as well
Frequently criticized
- parkingMy favorites are the pastrami, ham and cheese, and turkey, all served on Dutch crunch bread – the perfect sandwich meal! The food is delicious, the service is great, and everything about this place is amazing – if you can find parking! The parking is difficult to find.
- eating insideeating inside but I immediately had to go outside after because it was so stuffy
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
Overall, if you're looking for a place with a great, clean atmosphere and a charming neighborhood feel, especially if you plan to enjoy your food near Dolores Park, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potential challenge finding parking, or consider walking or public transport to avoid the hassle.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
Looking at 11 customer opinions, with 5 positive remarks, many folks appreciate the affordability and how filling and cheap the food can be. Terms like decently priced pop up, suggesting its a solid option for a quick, satisfying meal. The value score is an average 6, indicating its not bad, but not outstanding either.
However, 4 negative opinions highlight that some customers found the experience quite pricey, with mentions of the cost being a bit high for what you get. Despite the average score, the customer satisfaction at a mixed 45.5% shows that the price point can be a sticking point for many, especially when a sandwich feels expensive.
Value
11
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Filling portions
- Quick lunch option
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- High cost
Often praised
- priceI ordered the Valencia St. and it was full of flavor and reasonably priced! Highly recommend this shop.
- affordabilityIt was an OMG moment! This deli, nestled within a convenience store, provided a delicious, quick, and affordable lunch perfect for a day at the park. I was able to grab chips and a cold drink to go with it.
- decently priceddecently priced when you need something
- filling and cheapAccording to the staff, the top 3 sandwiches are Valencia St, Barney Rubble, and @studio_dad. It's a perfect place to grab something filling and cheap for Dolores. I personally found half of my sandwich to be quite filling, though my boyfriend could have eaten more.
Frequently criticized
- $14 for a sandwichWhile the sandwich itself was good, I found the overall experience to be quite expensive. I don't see myself paying $14 for a sandwich ever again.
- cost50, which was much more than I realized. The sandwich itself was very good, but the cost was a bit high.
- pricethe price was about $12.50, much more than I realized
- priceywhich is a bit pricey for a sandwich without avocado
If you're looking for a quick, filling, and generally affordable meal, this spot could be a good fit. However, be mindful that some find the prices a bit steep for a sandwich, so manage your expectations on cost.
How are the prices at Rhea's?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 25 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.
Most folks stick to this sweet spot, with 23 out of 25 recent guests spending within the $11–$20 range. This shows prices are pretty consistent, though a couple of diners explored slightly higher options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 25 reviews.
How does this Deli’s value stack up against similar spots in San Francisco?
We think the pricing feels quite fair for a Deli in San Francisco. It strikes a good balance, offering quality without being overly expensive. It seems like a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Rhea's
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Top 5 Sandwich Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I had one of the top 5 sandwiches I’ve ever tasted in my life, with amazing bread. The service was accommodating and friendly, and the food arrived quickly.
We ordered vegetarian sandwiches that were modified to be vegan, and they were mind blowing. Our friends from the area recommended this place, and we are eager to return on our next visit. It was a 10/10 experience, and I highly recommend it!
- sandwiches10
- bread10
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
7
Looks Good on YouTube!
I have never tried your sandwiches, but they look good on YouTube. Thank you.
- sandwiches6
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Reliable Turkey Sandos for Travel
My experience at this restaurant was great for picking up turkey sandos to take on a plane. I've been coming here for years and have never been disappointed. They also have a nice selection of go-withs.
- turkey sandos9
- selection of go-withs8
- never disappointed10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Deli Sandwiches & Park Proximity
My experience at this deli was really good. I enjoyed their deli sandwiches, which offered a large selection of ingredient choices. The preparation was quick and friendly, and the place was clean.
It's also conveniently located a short walk to Mission Delores park, making it a great place to eat your goodies.
- deli sandwiches9
- ingredient choices8
- prep9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Hidden Gem Sandwich Shop Delights
Tucked away in the Mission, this hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop delivers way more than you’d expect. My experience was fantastic! The fresh bread, big flavors, and generous portions make it a local treasure.
The standout for me was the Valencia sandwich—savory, layered, and perfectly balanced. It's a true neighborhood classic.
- fresh bread9
- big flavors9
- generous portions9
What Rhea's offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
FAQs
What service options are available at Rhea's Deli & Market?
At Rhea’s Deli & Market, you have several convenient service options. You can enjoy onsite services, opt for quick takeout, dine-in, or have your order delivered right to you, ensuring flexibility for your dining needs.
Is Rhea's Deli & Market accessible for all visitors?
Yes, Rhea’s Deli & Market is committed to accessibility. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring a comfortable and convenient visit for everyone who comes to enjoy their offerings.
How does Rhea's generally rate with customers?
Rhea’s holds a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.8 and a Customer Satisfaction of 75.5%. Its Food (8.3) is highly rated, while Ambience (7.2) and Service (6.9) are also considered good. Value (6.0) is seen as average.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Rhea's?
Patrons consistently praise Rhea’s for its delicious and fresh sandwiches, often highlighting specific menu items. The staff’s kind, helpful, and efficient service also receives frequent positive remarks, contributing to a welcoming local atmosphere.
Are there any common challenges or drawbacks when visiting Rhea's?
Some customers note difficulties with parking in the area. Additionally, long waiting times for orders, especially during peak hours, and occasional inconsistencies with order accuracy have been mentioned as potential issues.