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oChef » The Boys’ Deli – San Francisco
The Boys’ Deli - San Francisco
Photo from The Boys’ Deli
The Boys’ Deli at a glance
San Francisco Polk Gulch
- 🥪 Sandwich Shop
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 49 of the guests
#592 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#18 Sandwich Shop out of 65 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
404
Reviews
82.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious sandwiches
- Friendly staff
- Deli atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- No seating
- Inconsistent service
- Long waits
The sandwich shop The Boys’ Deli in San Francisco’s vibrant Polk Gulch neighborhood is your go-to spot for a quick and satisfying bite. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed lunch, whether you’re grabbing a sandwich to go or enjoying it onsite.
This popular local eatery offers delicious options, making it an ideal choice when you’re craving quality food without the wait.
Overview: Introducting The Boys’ Deli
The Boys’ Deli offers a robust sandwich experience, often praised for its hearty portions and fresh ingredients. While the staff generally provides a friendly service, some patrons have noted concerns regarding the limited seating and occasional inconsistencies in customer interaction.
This establishment captures an authentic deli atmosphere, reminiscent of classic New York spots, which many find appealing. Despite some comments about increasing prices, the overall sentiment points to a place delivering on its core promise of satisfying sandwiches.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
404
Reviews
82.2%
Satisfaction
56
negative
16
neutral
332
positive
The Boys’ Deli earns a solid 8.1 overall score, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 82.2%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 404 customer observations, with 332 positive remarks outweighing 56 negative ones. The Food (8.6) is clearly a standout, receiving excellent marks for its quality and preparation.
The Ambience (7.7) also scores well, contributing positively to the visit, while Service (6.9) is rated as good. However, Value (5) presents a more average picture, suggesting mixed opinions on pricing.
What people like
- Delicious, hearty sandwiches
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Authentic deli atmosphere
What people don't like
- Limited seating options
- Inconsistent service experience
- Potential for long waits
For those seeking a substantial and flavorful sandwich, The Boys’ Deli is certainly worth considering. With a strong 8.4 recommendation score, it delivers on its core offering, making it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
Just be prepared for a potentially bustling environment and plan for takeout, as seating is scarce. If you prioritize excellent food and a classic deli feel over a sit-down experience, you’ll likely find it a rewarding stop.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Boys’ Deli
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the food! It seems like this place is really hitting it out of the park, with an impressive score of 8.6 and customer satisfaction soaring at 90.3%. Folks are absolutely raving about the delicious sandwiches, praising the fresh ingredients, the amazing Dutch crunch bread, and the sheer variety of options available.
With 251 positive remarks out of 278 total, its clear the culinary experience is a major highlight here! However, its not all perfect, as a few of the 20 negative comments point out some areas for improvement. There were some concerns about soggy sandwich bread, and a couple of folks werent thrilled with unseasoned chicken or paper thin meat in certain offerings.
While these are minor points in the grand scheme, they're worth noting for a truly stellar meal.
Food
278
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
20
negative
7
neutral
251
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Killer sandwiches
- Fresh ingredients
- Dutch crunch bread
What people don't like
- Soggy bread
- Unseasoned chicken
- Sparse meat
Often praised
- sandwichesMy experience here was fantastic, primarily due to the huge, delicious sandwiches. They are truly the best sandwiches in the city. However, the atmosphere is lacking as it's located in the back of a convenience store with no seating.
- sandwichThe bread is delicious and the ingredients are fresh. One sandwich is enough for even an adult man. When picking up, go into the store and turn right and you will see the pick-up zone.
- breadMy experience at this restaurant was hands down the best for sandwiches in the city. The quality of the fresh bread from Boudins and the amount of unique sandwiches on the menu truly make them stand out. I particularly enjoyed the rotisserie chicken and the rotating specials.
- foodThe food was good
- ingredientsThey serve the best sandwiches on Polk St. These guys do deli sandwiches the way they should be, with tons of meat and quality ingredients. While they no longer make my favorite sandwich (due to a name change on the old menu), you're still guaranteed to get something great.
- Dutch crunchboth toasted on Dutch crunch. Over the past 10 plus years, we have never once been disappointed.
- FoodFood:5
- deli sandwichesMy experience at this place was fantastic! It's a real sleeper, offering awesome deli sandwiches from a full-service deli during the day. They also have a great selection of beer and refreshments.
- rotisserie chickenrotisserie chicken, cheese, pesto and all the veggies
- Dutch crunch breadthe Dutch crunch bread adds the perfect crunch
Frequently criticized
- chickenpulled cold chicken that's UNSEASONED
- NY delisThe food is mid and overpriced. I've been to a hundred NY delis better than what they offer. Get over yourselves, you hawk sandwiches out of a hole in the wall.
- Philly cheesesteak sandwichasked him what was the most popular cheese for the sandwich
- SandlotThe Sandlot was a let down
- breadThe bread was soggy, and it was hard to eat.
- chicken bacon ranch sandwichchicken bacon ranch sandwich, and the chicken isn't even cooked
- custom sandwichunwilling to work with me to make a custom sandwich
- foodThe food is mid
- food standardsnot sure what they’re food standards are like
- meatpaper thin meat, barely any meat at all
If youre looking for a fantastic sandwich experience with fresh, high-quality ingredients and plenty of choices, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of your specific order to avoid any potential issues with soggy bread or sparse fillings, but overall, its a strong recommendation.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
The service here often shines, with many praising the friendly staff and great service that makes ordering a pleasure. With 52 positive remarks out of 80 total, it’s clear that many customers appreciate the attentive team and efficient process, contributing to a solid score of 6.9. However, the experience isn't always consistent, leading to a mixed customer satisfaction of 65%.
Some encounters mention rude staff attitude, long wait times, and poor customer service, with 23 negative comments highlighting issues like being ignored or facing an unhelpful guy at the counter.
Service
80
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
23
negative
5
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Efficient order process
- Welcoming owner/team
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Long wait times
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- serviceNajeb could not have been more helpful with making the order process as smooth as could be
- staffWhat really sets this place apart is their customer service. The staff is friendly, attentive, and efficient, making sure your sandwich is prepared quickly without sacrificing quality. They take the time to ensure every ingredient is fresh and your sandwich is layered perfectly.
- ServiceService and Atmosphere were excellent
- friendly peopleThe folk who work here are friendly people
- guys behind the counterThe guys behind the counter are always nice
- best possible serviceensure the very best possible service and it shows
- customer serviceWhat really sets this place apart is their customer service
- employeesthe employees were working hard
- everyone hereEveryone here is so welcoming and kind.
- family owned and runfamily owned and run for 30 years
Frequently criticized
- staffThey didn’t do anything to accommodate me
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by terrible customer service. I specifically asked if they could use a vegetarian knife to cut my vegetarian sandwich, and they refused.
- servicedisappointing due to the service
- attitudehaving a very poor attitude
- call ahead wait timeThe call ahead wait time on the weekends especially can be long.
- guy at the counterthe guy at the counter is super rude
- hold timeI had only 30 minutes for lunch and called The Boys Deli Sandwich to place an order. I was on hold for 15 minutes and 29 seconds. When I called back, I asked if they were still taking phone orders due to the long hold time.
- long linebe prepared for a potentially long line
- online menutold me that I can go look on the online menu
- online wait timeThe online wait time is also deceiving
If you catch them on a good day, youll likely enjoy friendly and efficient service. But be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or less-than-stellar interactions, especially if youre in a rush. It's a bit of a gamble, but often worth it for the food.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, with many customers raving about its hidden gem vibe and neighborhood feel. Its often described as having an "Old School style" or even an "elegant ambiance, " creating a fantastic spot for many. With a good score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction at a solid 75.8%, its clear most folks are enjoying the atmosphere, based on 25 positive remarks out of 33 total.
However, it's not without its quirks. Some found it a small place with no place to eat, leading to comments about a lack of seating space. These 6 negative observations suggest that while the overall atmosphere is often praised, the practicalities of the physical space can feel a bit cramped for some visitors.
Ambience
33
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Hidden gem vibe
- Great neighborhood feel
- Elegant ambiance
What people don't like
- No place to eat
- Limited seating space
- Small, cramped place
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere created by the guys preparing the sandwiches
- AtmosphereService and Atmosphere were excellent
- New YorkVery New York
- Old School styleOld School style!
- bodega feelIt has the feel of a bodega
- deliFeels like an old Chicago or New York deli
- elegant ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional! It truly impresses with its delectable cuisine, elegant ambiance, and top-notch service. This is a culinary gem worth savoring again and again.
- experienceThis place is a hidden gem, and I'm almost reluctant to share it. The experience was so good that I'm worried more people will discover it and make it even more crowded.
- fantastic spotFantastic spot
- hidden gem vibeThe place has that hidden gem vibe
Frequently criticized
- beef meat and chicken meat on the same traythey had their beef meat and chicken meat on the same tray
- place to eatNo place to eat
- potential hazard for contaminationI noticed potential hazard for contamination too
- seatingThey are truly the best sandwiches in the city. However, the atmosphere is lacking as it's located in the back of a convenience store with no seating. There's typically a line around lunchtime, which can be a bit of a wait.
- seating spaceFor sandwiches like these, I'm willing to return to SF. The only downside is the lack of seating space.
- small placepretty small place so it feels a little cramped
If youre seeking a charming spot with a unique, local feel, youll likely appreciate the atmosphere. Just be prepared that seating might be limited, making it potentially better for a quick visit or takeout if you prefer ample dining space.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a glimmer of hope, with 4 positive remarks out of 13 total. Many customers found the prices to be quite reasonable and a fair price for the quality, even praising specific items for their great value. The overall score for value sits at an average 5.
However, the sentiment isnt universally positive, as customer satisfaction for value is quite poor at just 30.8%, contrasting with the average score. A significant 7 negative remarks point to concerns about increasing prices, unexpected mystery extra fees, and the general feeling that items are overpriced or simply too high. It's definitely a mixed bag.
Value
13
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Fair value
What people don't like
- Increasing prices
- Mystery extra fees
- Overpriced items
Often praised
- 12 dollar sandwichbest 12 dollar sandwich I have ever had
- fair pricereally fair price for the value too
- pricesYou can't beat the prices here either
- reasonable priceat a reasonable price
Frequently criticized
- priceThe sandwiches were fine, but the staff were unnecessarily rude about their unconventional ordering system. The food is mid and overpriced. I've been to a hundred NY delis better than what they offer.
- extra feemystery extra fee that brought my purchase higher than it should have been
- increasing pricesThe establishment is a small, quick-and-go shop, and the sandwiches are massive. The only downside I encountered were the increasing prices for the subs. In general, it's a great place to grab a sandwich.
- mystery extra feelater seeing that there was a mystery extra fee
- prices are highprices are high imo
This spot presents a real mixed bag for value, with an average score but poor customer satisfaction. While some find the prices fair, others are put off by increasing prices and unexpected fees. If youre budget-conscious, its wise to check current pricing carefully, as it might disappoint or pleasantly surprise you.
How are the prices at The Boys’ Deli?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 49 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.
Looking at what people actually spend, most of the 49 guests (40 of them!) landed squarely in the $11–$20 bracket. There are a few who spent a bit more, up to $31–$40, but the bulk of the pricing clearly clusters around that mid-range sweet spot.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 49 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Sandwich Shop in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It’s not the cheapest bite, but it offers good value for a quality meal in the city.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Boys’ Deli
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Incredible Sandwiches, Worth a Trip!
As someone who travels a lot and is quite particular about food, I was in shock when I tried these sandwiches! The bread was crispy, and there was an incredible amount of filling – simply top-notch! For sandwiches like these, I'm willing to return to SF.
The only downside is the lack of seating space.
- sandwiches10
- bread9
- filling10
- seating space3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
7
Loaded Sandwich with a Spicy Kick!
My experience at the restaurant was centered around their incredibly loaded and well-balanced sandwich. The combination of meat, sauce, and veggies was spot on. However, I'd advise those sensitive to spice, like myself, to ask to leave out the peppers 🥲.
- sandwich9
- peppers4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
7
Mixed Feelings on Sandwiches
My experience at this sandwich shop was a bit of a mixed bag. While the Service and Atmosphere were excellent, scoring a 5 out of 5, the food had its ups and downs. I ordered the Sanfranpycho and the Sandlot, one on Dutch crunch and the other on sourdough.
The Sanfranpycho was truly amazing, with delicious layers that made for a very solid sandwich. However, the Sandlot was a letdown. It had sparse chicken, paper-thin meat, and barely any protein at all, feeling more like a collection of toppings.
Despite the overall sandwich being hot and fresh, the lack of protein in the Sandlot makes me hesitant to return.
- Service10
- Atmosphere10
- Sanfranpycho10
- Sandlot2
- chicken3
- meat2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Overpriced and Rude Service
My experience was disappointing. The sandwiches were fine, but the staff were unnecessarily rude about their unconventional ordering system. The food is mid and overpriced.
I've been to a hundred NY delis better than what they offer. Get over yourselves, you hawk sandwiches out of a hole in the wall. đź’«
- sandwiches5
- staff2
- ordering system2
- food3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Amazing Pastrami on Dutch Crunch!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially if you love a great sandwich. I highly recommend trying the pastrami on Dutch crunch bread. The pastrami itself was super tasty and tender, and the Dutch crunch bread provided the perfect crunch.
It's a simple yet amazing combination that I truly enjoyed!
- pastrami on Dutch crunch bread10
- pastrami9
- Dutch crunch bread9
What The Boys’ Deli offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Beer
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What service options are available at The Boys’ Deli?
At The Boys’ Deli, you have several convenient service options. You can enjoy onsite services, grab your order for takeout, or have your delicious meal delivered right to you. This flexibility ensures you can enjoy their offerings however suits your day best.
Is parking available and is The Boys’ Deli wheelchair accessible?
Finding parking near The Boys’ Deli can sometimes be a bit challenging, with paid street parking typically available. However, you’ll be pleased to know that the entrance is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests.
How does The Boys’ Deli generally rate?
The Boys’ Deli holds a strong 8.1 overall score with 82.2% customer satisfaction. Its Food (8.6) is highly praised, followed by its Ambience (7.7) and Service (6.9). Value (5) is more of a mixed bag.
What makes The Boys’ Deli stand out?
Customers frequently praise the deli for its huge, delicious sandwiches made with fresh ingredients. Many also appreciate the friendly people and the authentic New York or Old School style atmosphere.
Are there any common concerns about The Boys’ Deli?
Some patrons note the lack of seating, making it primarily a grab-and-go spot. There are also occasional comments about inconsistent service and the potential for long hold time or long line during busy periods.