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Subway - San Francisco

Sandwich Shop Subway in San Francisco
Photo from Subway
How do the guests rate it?
Subway at a glance
San Francisco Hayes Valley
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 22 of the guests
#2383 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#60 Sandwich Shop out of 65 in San Francisco
Poor
3.8 out of 10
5.5
Food
2.9
Service
4.1
Ambience
4
Value
150

Reviews

26%

Satisfaction

Often praised
  • Fresh Food
  • Friendly Staff
  • Good Value
Frequently criticized
  • Poor Service
  • Unpleasant Environment
  • Skimpy Ingredients

The restaurant Subway, a popular sandwich shop in San Francisco’s vibrant Hayes Valley neighborhood, offers you a convenient spot for a quick and satisfying meal. You’ll find a range of healthy options to customize your perfect sandwich or salad.

Whether you’re grabbing a bite on the go or looking for a casual dine-in experience, this location caters to your needs. It’s a great choice for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast, ensuring you have access to fresh ingredients throughout the day.

Overview: Introducting Subway

Subway offers a quick meal option where the fresh baked bread often sets a positive tone. Many appreciate the generally clean and safe environment, contributing to a pleasant experience.

The food itself is frequently described as tasty and fresh, making it a reliable choice for a quick bite. However, the experience at Subway can be quite variable.

While some encounters highlight friendly staff and efficient service, others point to significant inconsistencies. Issues like uncomfortable temperature inside and concerns about overall cleanliness in certain areas have been noted, impacting the dining atmosphere.

Poor
3.8 out of 10
150

Reviews

26%

Satisfaction

97

negative

14

neutral

39

positive

Subway receives an overall Restaurant Score of 3.8 out of 10, placing it in the poor category, and its Customer Satisfaction stands at a low 26%, also indicating poor sentiment. This suggests a significant number of patrons are leaving less than satisfied.

With 150 customer observations, including 39 positive and 97 negative remarks, there’s a clear lean towards areas needing improvement. Looking closer at specific aspects, Food scores an average (5.5), often praised for being tasty and fresh.

However, Service is a notable concern, rated poor (2.9), with many experiences detailing inconsistencies and unhelpful interactions. Ambience is also average (4.1), with cleanliness and comfort issues, while Value is similarly average (4), despite some finding prices reasonable.

What people like
  • Fresh, tasty food
  • Friendly staff
  • Good value options
What people don't like
  • Inconsistent service
  • Unpleasant environment
  • Ingredient skimping

Given the Recommendation Score of 3.6, Subway presents a mixed proposition. While it can be a convenient stop for a quick, customizable meal, be prepared for potential inconsistencies.

If you prioritize fresh ingredients and a budget-friendly option, it might serve its purpose, but temper expectations regarding the overall experience. Ultimately, whether Subway is worth a visit depends on your priorities.

If you’re seeking a consistently smooth experience with attentive service and a comfortable dining space, you might find it disappointing. However, for a straightforward sandwich without high expectations for service or atmosphere, it remains a functional choice.

Similar Restaurants in San Francisco

Verdict: Our expert take on Subway

Food (5.5 out of 10)

mentioned by 58% of the guests

When it comes to the food, many customers praise the fresh baked bread and find the quality good, with some calling it delicious. Specific items like the classic tuna sub and cookies also get shout-outs. With a score of 5.5, the food is average, and customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 41%, based on 16 positive remarks out of 39 total observations.

However, not everyone is thrilled. Some diners feel the restaurant tends to skimp on ingredients, leading to a perceived drop in ingredient quality. Complaints also mention the food being standard processed or even having a hard, dry bun.

These concerns are reflected in 13 negative comments, suggesting there's room for improvement.

5.5 Food

39

Reviews

41%

Satisfaction

13

negative

10

neutral

16

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Fresh baked bread
  • Delicious food
  • Good quality
What people don't like
  • Skimp on ingredients
  • Poor ingredient quality
  • Hard, dry bun

Often praised

  • food
  • Cookies
  • baked potato soup
  • classic tuna sub
  • cream of broccoli
  • foot long sub
  • fresh baked bread
  • quality
  • quick dependable meal
  • sandwich

Frequently criticized

  • bags of chips
  • bun
  • food
  • good food
  • hiding things
  • ingredients
  • ingredients quality
  • instincts flying over food
  • meat side
  • poison

If you're looking for a quick, dependable meal with fresh bread, you might be pleased. However, be aware that some experiences point to inconsistent ingredient quality and portions, so it could be a hit or miss.

Service (2.9 out of 10)

mentioned by 91% of the guests

While the overall service experience here struggles, some customers did find bright spots. There are 13 positive remarks praising the staff and workers for their kindness and being friendly staff . It seems a few individuals really go the extra mile to make guests feel welcome and ensure orders are right.

However, the overall picture for service is quite challenging, with a 2.9 score indicating a poor experience and customer satisfaction sitting at a low 15.5%. A significant 68 negative comments frequently point to issues with customer service , rude employees, language barrier problems, and long waiting time . It seems there's a lot of room for improvement.

2.9 Service

84

Reviews

15%

Satisfaction

68

negative

3

neutral

13

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Friendly, kind staff
  • Accurate order taking
  • Hardworking individuals
What people don't like
  • Rude, unhelpful staff
  • Slow service, long waits
  • Online order problems

Often praised

  • staff
  • Filipina lady
  • fixing her order
  • friendly staff
  • gloves
  • kindness
  • lady making my me
  • orders
  • waiter
  • workers

Frequently criticized

  • service
  • staff
  • customer service
  • employees
  • order
  • line
  • waiting time
  • app
  • app/online orders
  • attitude

If service is a top priority for you, this spot might be a gamble, given the consistently low scores and numerous complaints. While some staff members shine, be prepared for potential frustrations with customer interactions and wait times.

Ambience (4.1 out of 10)

mentioned by 33% of the guests

Many guests appreciate the overall clean feel and friendly atmosphere of the place, often describing it as a pleasant experience. With 7 positive remarks out of 19 total comments, some even called it a perfect place with a good atmosphere, highlighting the pleasant environment and cleanliness. However, the ambience receives a somewhat average score of 4.1, with customer satisfaction sitting at a poor 36.8%.

This is largely due to 11 negative comments highlighting issues like roaches, unhygienic conditions, and a lack of AC leading to uncomfortable temperature inside. Several mentions also point to bathroom and front door problems, indicating a need for better upkeep.

4.1 Ambience

19

Reviews

36%

Satisfaction

11

negative

1

neutral

7

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Place is clean
  • Friendly atmosphere
What people don't like
  • Roaches present
  • Hot temperature inside
  • Broken facilities

Often praised

  • atmosphere
  • clean
  • clean and safe
  • place
  • pleasant experience
  • store clean

Frequently criticized

  • AC
  • bathroom
  • eat-in
  • fast food restaurant
  • front door
  • location
  • restaurant
  • restroom
  • roaches
  • temperature inside

If a clean and friendly atmosphere is your top priority, you might find some positives here. However, be prepared for potential issues like uncomfortable temperatures, unhygienic conditions, or even roaches, which significantly impact the overall experience. It's a mixed bag, so manage your expectations.

Value (4 out of 10)

mentioned by 16% of the guests

When it comes to value, some folks have found a sweet spot, noting that the price is good and you can definitely stick to your budget without breaking the bank. Based on 3 positive remarks out of 8 total customer comments, it seems a few savvy diners appreciate the pricing. However, the overall score for value sits at an average 4, suggesting its not consistently a standout feature.

On the flip side, a significant number of customers (5 out of 8 comments) have faced issues with promos and coupons not being accepted, often leading to paying full price. This has left some feeling that it can be quite expensive, especially when BOGO offers are unexpectedly unavailable. This mixed experience is reflected in a rather poor 37.5% customer satisfaction for value, indicating theres definitely room for improvement.

4 Value

8

Reviews

37%

Satisfaction

5

negative

0

neutral

3

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Good price point
  • Budget-friendly options
What people don't like
  • No promo acceptance
  • Coupons not accepted
  • Can be expensive

Often praised

  • budget
  • price
  • prices

Frequently criticized

  • BOGO offer
  • coupons
  • expensive
  • full price
  • promos

If youre looking for a budget-friendly option and dont rely on promotions, you might find some decent value here. However, be prepared for potential disappointment if you're hoping to use coupons or special offers, as many customers have reported issues with their acceptance.

How are the prices at Subway?

You’re looking at roughly 14 per person – reported by 22 diners. That puts it squarely in the $11–$20 category. For a Sandwich Shop, especially in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.

Most folks seem to agree, with the vast majority of recent reviews showing spending clustered right around that $11–$20 sweet spot, indicating a pretty consistent pricing experience.

Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 22 reviews.

Comparing this Sandwich Shop’s value for money against similar places in San Francisco.

We think the pricing here feels quite fair for a quality Sandwich Shop, especially considering its San Francisco. Its a solid mid-range option that delivers good value.

Customer Reviews: what people think about Subway

Visit Type
  • Casual Outing
Group Type
  • Friends
Group Size
  • Small Group
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Grace S.
Review date: 09/13/2025
9
Delicious Food and Great Atmosphere!
I had a great experience with my friends at this place. I highly recommend it! The food was tasty, delicious, and fresh. The atmosphere was good, and the staff had a good attitude towards us. I loved it!
  • food10
  • atmosphere8
  • staff9
Visit Type
  • Casual Outing
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Rachana A.
Review date: 09/13/2025
9
Excellent Food, Friendly Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful! The food was very good, and the waiter spoke to me politely. It's a perfect place with an excellent atmosphere. I just love this place and will definitely visit in the future too.
  • food10
  • waiter9
  • place10
Visit Type
  • Delivery
Service Type
  • Takeout
Wait Time
  • Long (31+ min.)
Jason G.
Review date: 06/11/2025
1
Online Order Nightmare
My experience with this restaurant was extremely negative due to their online ordering system. I was told they wouldn't start my order until I arrived, and they prioritized in-store customers. After waiting for over 30 minutes, the staff member told me to cancel my order because they wouldn't complete it. This was a frustrating experience with their service.
  • online order1
  • waiting time1
  • service1
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Quick Meal
Group Type
  • Solo Dinner
Group Size
  • Solo
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Jason S.
Review date: 04/03/2025
2
Unsettling Incident at Subway
On April 3, 2025, around 12 PM, I visited this Subway for lunch. There were two employees, a man and a woman, and two other customers waiting. During my meal, an individual entered and began taking bags of chips with the intent to steal. The female employee asked the person to leave, and the male employee then swung a broom at the shoplifter and threw a stapler, nearly hitting another customer. I hope the owner sees this; I will not be returning.
  • employees2
  • bags of chips1
Visit Type
  • Delivery
Service Type
  • Takeout
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Catherine T.
Review date: 02/14/2025
2
Shady Practices with Online Orders
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. Similar to other customers, I found that they refused to honor online order promotions, which makes them seem shady and unethical. I suggest reporting your experience to Subway corporate via their website if you have the time.
  • online order promotions2
  • shady and unethical1

What Subway offers

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible seating

Crowd

  • Tourists

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Children

  • Good for kids

Popular for

  • Solo dining
  • Lunch

Offerings

  • Healthy options
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian options
  • Quick bite

Dining options

  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Lunch
  • Breakfast

Service Options

  • Curbside pickup
  • Dine-in
  • Takeout
  • Delivery

Atmosphere

  • Casual

FAQs

Is Subway in Hayes Valley accessible for all visitors?
Yes, this Subway location prioritizes accessibility for you. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring easy access for everyone. Additionally, you will find wheelchair accessible seating available, making it a comfortable dining option for all guests.
At Subway in San Francisco, you can enjoy various dining options including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also offer catering services. For those seeking nutritious meals, you’ll appreciate the healthy options available, alongside vegetarian choices and quick bites.
Subway has an overall Restaurant Score of 3.8 out of 10 and a Customer Satisfaction of 26%. While Food scores an average 5.5, Service is poor at 2.9, Ambience is average at 4.1, and Value is also average at 4.
Customers frequently report issues such as having to repeat orders multiple times, staff being unhelpful, long waiting times, and problems with online or promotional orders not being honored.
Many customers enjoy the food for being tasty, delicious, and fresh. Specific items like the classic tuna sub, baked potato soup, and soft cookies are often highlighted for their quality.
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Location
1400 Mission St Suite 131, 94103 San Francisco
Opening hours