Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Submarine Center – San Francisco
Submarine Center - San Francisco
Photo from Submarine Center
Submarine Center at a glance
San Francisco West Portal
- 🥪 Sandwich Shop
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 52 of the guests
#1059 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#25 Sandwich Shop out of 65 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
319
Reviews
72.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Sandwich quality
- Flavorful bread
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Limited seating
- Soggy sandwiches
- Average value
The sandwich shop Submarine Center invites you to a casual dining experience in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant West Portal neighborhood. Perfect for a quick bite, this spot offers delicious options for lunch.
You’ll find it’s a great choice for families, providing a friendly atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.
Overview: Introducting Submarine Center
Submarine Center consistently delivers on its core offering, with many customers praising the exceptional quality of its sandwiches and the perfectly toasted bread. This established spot has a long-standing reputation for its flavorful creations, making it a go-to for many in the area.
However, patrons should be aware of the compact space, which is primarily set up for takeout, and the fast-paced ordering environment. While service is generally efficient, some experiences suggest occasional inconsistencies or longer waits during busy periods.
Good
7.6
out of 10
319
Reviews
72.7%
Satisfaction
69
negative
18
neutral
232
positive
Submarine Center earns a solid overall score of 7.6, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction also stands at a good 72.7%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 319 customer remarks, with a clear majority of 232 positive observations outweighing 69 negative ones. The standout here is undoubtedly the Food (8), which consistently receives high praise for its quality and flavor.
While the Ambience (7.7) also scores well, offering a cozy, established feel, the Service (6.7) presents a more mixed picture, often described as efficient but sometimes rushed. The Value (5.3) is perceived as average, with some finding prices a bit high for a sandwich.
What people like
- Exceptional sandwich quality
- Flavorful, toasted bread
- Cozy, established atmosphere
What people don't like
- Limited seating options
- Inconsistent sandwich moisture
- Average value perception
Submarine Center, with a strong recommendation score of 7.9, is a solid choice if you prioritize a quality sandwich experience above all else. It’s particularly suited for those seeking a quick, flavorful meal to go, rather than a sit-down dining experience.
While the food consistently impresses, be mindful of the compact space and potential for waits during busy periods. If you’re looking for a reliable spot for a well-crafted sandwich and can overlook minor inconveniences, it’s certainly worth a visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Submarine Center
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8 and a customer satisfaction of 78.6%, it's clear most folks are happy. Out of 215 opinions, 169 rave about the delicious sandwiches, especially the pastrami, praising the overall freshness and incredible flavor.
However, not everyone leaves completely satisfied. There are 35 less enthusiastic comments, often pointing out issues with the bread, which can sometimes be burnt or dry. Some also found their sandwiches a bit soggy, or had concerns about the heavy use of mayonnaise and a lack of options for those with food allergies.
Food
215
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
35
negative
11
neutral
169
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious sandwiches
- Fresh, flavorful ingredients
- Excellent hot pastrami
What people don't like
- Inconsistent bread quality
- Sandwiches can be soggy
- Not allergy-friendly
Often praised
- sandwichesLet's level set: it's a tiny place where you pick up food from; don't expect a sit-down place. However, their sandwiches are magical. If you can, order ahead since the wait can be long (they use Grubhub and DoorDash).
- foodThe food is consistently excellent
- sandwichMy experience at this restaurant has been exceptional. I've been coming here my whole life and it's truly the best place to get a sandwich in the area. The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- breadIt honestly doesn't matter what you order, it's going to be delicious. Their secret is in the perfectly toasted bread, the perfect sauce combo, and all the condiments. They move fast, so be ready to rattle off your order!
- pastramihaven't found a better pastrami in a sandwich shop
- FoodFood:5
- subsYou definitely can't go wrong here, and the prices are reasonable. My only minor criticism is the amount of mayonnaise, but even that is a non-issue for these sublime, fantastic subs.
- SandwichesFresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced—this West Portal sandwich spot nails it.
- hot pastrami sandwichMy experience at this restaurant was truly iconic and a must go to when craving an epic tasting hot pastrami sandwich! The food was rated a 5, service a 5, and atmosphere a 5.
- pastrami sandwichbest pastrami sandwich I've had in a long long time
Frequently criticized
- breadI recommend adding some jalapeños and getting some extra sauce on the side. 🤤 My preference is for sandwiches where the bread is substantial, stating, "If the bread ain’t slicing my mouth up: 🗣️ION WANT IT". The atmosphere, service, and food all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- sandwichMy sandwich was soaked and kept falling apart
- mayonnaiseslathering of mayonnaise
- pastrami sandwichsoggy mess with everything in it
- allergy to all dairymy allergy to all dairy
- bread optionHowever, I would like to come back and try the roast beef sandwich. There was only one option for bread, and the service felt rushed, expecting fast orders.
- cheese steakGot the cheese steak today. Not the same at all!!!
- condimentssoggy from all the condiments
- extra mayoI asked for extra mayo and I don't think any was spread on it
- flavorfound it lacking flavor
If youre craving a fantastic sandwich, especially pastrami, this place is definitely worth a visit for its quality and flavor. Just be mindful of potential bread inconsistencies or heavy mayo if thats not your preference.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot often shines! Many patrons highlight the friendly staff and their accommodating nature, with 38 positive comments out of 62 total. Customers frequently appreciate the fast prep and overall efficiency, contributing to a good score of 6.7 for the service experience.
However, the customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 61.3%, suggesting some inconsistencies. There are 21 negative observations, often citing long lines and considerable wait times. A few experiences mention slow service and a perceived lack of basic customer service, indicating that while often good, it's not always perfect.
Service
62
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
21
negative
3
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast prep
- Efficient service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Slow service
- Lacking customer service
Often praised
- ServiceQuick service and cozy vibes
- serviceservice that is consistently rated 5 stars
- staffplenty of staff here ready
- peopleThey move fast, so be ready to rattle off your order! Nice people and great sandwiches - what more do you need?
- waitDefinitely worth any wait
- Customer ServiceCustomer Service is high up in the skyyyy!!!!
- StaffThe staff recommended it
- accommodatingvery accommodating when it comes to meat preferences
- customer serviceCustomer service was great.
- efficiencyMy boyfriend was craving a sandwich, so I looked up a few spots and decided to give this place a try — and I’m so glad we did! It’s a small space but super efficient and well-run. We ordered two subs, and they were absolutely amazing.
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marred by horrible customer service from the owner's son. I clearly stated my allergy to all dairy and requested that the bread be cut with a clean knife.
- long lineExtremely long line for a Monday
- orderToday, we were quoted 20 minutes for a phone order, but it ended up taking 43 minutes. To make matters worse, they often get the order wrong; out of four sandwiches ordered by phone, only one was correct. The specific order details for one sandwich were: Avocado, Ham and Swiss, no mustard, no secret sauce, center-sized.
- serviceservice was extremely slow and poor
- waitHowever, their sandwiches are magical. If you can, order ahead since the wait can be long (they use Grubhub and DoorDash). But believe me when I say it is WORTH THE WAIT EVERY TIME!
- big linesometimes there's a big line and there a build up
- gratitudegratitude goes a long way
- greetingA greeting helps
- order fastbe expected to order fast
- owner's sonowner is the worst!!! Horrible, customer service.
If you're considering a visit, expect generally friendly and efficient service, but be ready for potential waits, especially during peak times. While often great, the service can be a bit inconsistent, so patience might be key.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
The ambience here scores a 7.7, indicating a good overall experience, with 73.1% customer satisfaction. Many appreciate the unique hole in the wall charm and cozy vibes, often described as having an old east coast sandwich shop feel. Based on 19 positive sentiments out of 26 total, guests love the efficient, well-run small space and the great atmosphere that makes it a family favorite.
However, the setting does come with some practical challenges. With 6 negative remarks, some find the small setting can get crowded, especially during lunch. A significant point of contention is the lack of seating, as it's strictly takeout, and finding parking nearby can be quite difficult, making it less ideal for those looking to dine in.
Ambience
26
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy "hole in wall"
- Great "vibe"
- Efficient "small space"
What people don't like
- No "seating" available
- Difficult "parking"
- Crowded "setting"
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphereatmosphere that also receives a perfect 5-star rating
- Vibescozy vibes make it a go-to lunch gem
- family favoriteThis place has been a family favorite
- hole in the wallIt's a hole in the wall you could easily miss but it's worth the stop.
- old east coast sandwich shophints of an old east coast sandwich shop to it
- operationhas been in operation there for at least 40 years
- ovenYou can smell their oven from just a block away. I order their G1, which is Turkey, Swiss, and avocado.
- placesmall place, cozy
- spaceMy boyfriend was craving a sandwich, so I looked up a few spots and decided to give this place a try — and I’m so glad we did! It’s a small space but super efficient and well-run. We ordered two subs, and they were absolutely amazing.
Frequently criticized
- parkingIt’s hard to find a parking around
- nowhere to eat or sitNowhere to eat or sit
- owner's haircutowner has same haircut 24 years ago
- seatingThe sandwich was nothing special, and it was heavy on the mayonnaise. The shop has zero seating inside, so it's strictly take out. While I'm glad I tried it, I won't be back.
- settingSmall setting and crowded during lunch rush hour.
If youre seeking a charming, established "hole in the wall" with great takeout vibes, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potentially crowded "small setting" and plan ahead for "parking" and the fact that theres no seating available. It's perfect for a quick grab-and-go meal, but not for a sit-down experience.
Value (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, some customers find things quite reasonable, praising good prices and even great prices that cant be beat. They appreciate the price per person and feel the quality justifies the cost. With 6 positive remarks out of 16 total, theres a definite upside to the pricing.
However, a significant number of diners find it very expensive for what you get, noting prices are a little high and questioning the cost of a sandwich. With 7 negative remarks out of 16 total, this contributes to an average 5.3 score and a poor 37.5% customer satisfaction.
Value
16
Reviews
37%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good/great prices
- Unbeatable price
- Quality is high
What people don't like
- Prices are high
- Expensive for value
- Regret total cost
Often praised
- pricesPlus the prices are reasonable
- priceSub Center is not cheap but their quality is top notch.
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
Frequently criticized
- priceeven though the super is a couple bucks more
- dental workcost me $2,500 in dental work
- expensiveVery expensive for what it is
- pricesthe prices are a little high
- sandwichI'd still come back for this. But is a sandwich really $17 these days?
- totalI spent $53 in total and totally regret it
If youre highly sensitive to price, you might find the offerings here a bit steep, as many feel its expensive for what you get. However, if you prioritize quality and are willing to pay a little extra, you might still find some items worth the price per person. Just manage your expectations on cost.
How are the prices at Submarine Center?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 52 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Sandwich Shop, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend right in that $11–$20 range, so prices are quite consistent around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 52 reviews.
See how this Sandwich Shop stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco when it comes to value for money.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Sandwich Shop, especially given its mid-range positioning. It offers good value for a quick, quality bite.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Submarine Center
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Favorite Turkey Sandwich Spot
I've been coming here since I was a little kid and hands down, this is my favorite turkey sandwich. The turkey to bread ratio is just right, and I love the oven toasted taste. The food and service are both excellent, earning a perfect 5/5.
While the atmosphere also received a 5/5, finding parking can be somewhat difficult.
- turkey to bread ratio9
- oven toasted taste9
- food10
- parking4
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
A Must-Try Deli with Great Subs
My experience at this deli was a must-try! The sub was excellent, coming nicely toasted with a flaky crush. The setting is small and it gets crowded during lunch rush hour, which is something to be aware of.
- sub9
- setting4
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
10
Best Sandwiches Ever!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I've tasted some of the best sandwiches I've ever had here. I go here on a regular basis.
- sandwiches10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Exceptional Sandwich Shop Experience
As someone raised on the East Coast, I consider myself a decent critic of what makes a sandwich shop better than what you can make at home. This place checks the first box: bread that isn’t something you can buy at your local grocery store. I don’t know exactly how to categorize their sub roll, but it’s crusty, chewy, and all the things that mass-produced bread can’t be.
The second key is the prep of the ingredients. At home, we can all put a lettuce leaf on a sandwich, but that just creates a barrier between bread, sauce, and meat. Here, the ingredients are thinly sliced and perfectly married to the importance of sauce, which they also nail.
All I can say is WELL DONE!
- bread9
- sub roll9
- prep of the ingredients9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Takeout
9
Delicious Sandwiches, Highly Recommended!
I've ordered food from this place several times now, and I must say, the sandwiches are truly very good and delicious. I 100% recommend it.
- sandwiches9
What Submarine Center offers
Crowd
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Lunch
Service Options
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Submarine Center?
When you visit Submarine Center, you’ll find convenient parking solutions including a paid parking lot, free street parking, and paid street parking. The establishment also ensures accessibility with a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it welcoming for all guests.
Can you get a quick meal at Submarine Center, and is it suitable for children?
Absolutely! Submarine Center is an ideal spot for a quick bite, especially during lunch hours. You can choose between takeout or delivery for your convenience. Plus, it’s considered good for kids, making it a family-friendly choice for your next meal.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Submarine Center?
Submarine Center holds a good overall score of 7.6 with customer satisfaction at 72.7%. The Food (8) and Ambience (7.7) are highly rated, while Service (6.7) and Value (5.3) are seen as more average.
What are the standout features of Submarine Center's food?
Customers frequently praise the exceptional quality of the sandwiches, highlighting the perfectly toasted bread, ideal sauce combinations, and flavorful fillings like pastrami.
What should I know about the dining experience at Submarine Center?
It’s a small, efficient space with limited to no seating, making it ideal for takeout. While service is generally quick, be prepared for potential waits during peak hours, and consider ordering ahead.