Deli Board

Adam at Deli Board is a master sandwhich maker. In the 15 years I've known him, I've never heard him actually call them sandwiches, but instead "sandos". Talk with him for 5 mins and you'll be sure to know that this is "Cleveland Jewish deli." No other place in San Francisco does sandwiches like this. And no other owner is as particular and hands-on about every single ingredient that goes into them.

I still remember the early days when he once told me "no pastrami today. It's no good." He HAD pastrami, but it wasn't good enough for him that day. I respect that. And the time I saw a huge flock of birds decending on the street out back becuase he chucked the bread to them. Again, "the bread was no good." He spent years finding the right baker to do the bread just right, and even longer on getting that pastrami and bricket perfect. And he has never stopped iterating on every single ingredient, and the process that goes into making it (which is a secret of his, BTW.)

Why I Love It

The pastrami here is seriously the BEST you will ever have. It's ruinous. Everyone I have taken here is stunned the first time they have it. They went in incredulous that this guy had a line on the "best pastrami", let alone "the best Jewish deli in the Bay Area." They never questioned it again.

As I write this, I am reminded of the time I almost got kicked out because I ordered too many sandwiches at once. I knew the rule, and he knew I knew the rule, because I helped him write it on the menu. Friends or not, he still read me the riot act, and deservedly solo.

"6+ sandos may not be accommodated, groups included. No phone or online orders." There's a reason, but let's not get into it.

And that tight, small menu! I love it because it makes it easier to decide. You will see about 8 sandwiches at any given time, rotating through his book of about 25-30.

What to Order

The Goldnbergnstein and the 49er are my fave! Stacked with corned beef, pastrami, brisket! If you are into a turkey, avocado, the Tenenbaum is what you are looking for. For the reuben lovers, you have to try the Rach' which is a variant of the Reuben, and substitutes pastrami for the corned beef, and creamy coleslaw for sauerkraut.

Don't sleep on the matzo ball soup, when he offers it!

Good To Know

• Sandos tend to sell out.
• All orders are take-out, and there is only one table (with a reserved sign) for special guests. Park across the street is a good spot to eat.
• Get there before noon to get the best selection.
• These sandos do NOT travel well as the bread will not hold up, so I highly recommend you eat them within 30 mins. This is one reason there is no delivery.
• And, do NOT order more than 6 sandos at once.