Submarine Center

I've been getting sandwiches from sub center for pretty much my whole life. i went to an elementary school that was only a few blocks away, and my dad would take me there all the time. when i was big enough to walk there, I'd go there almost every Friday with my friends. I'm 46 now, and I've eaten thousands of their subs. every single one of them has been incredibly delicious. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. I've never been let down. and while they are very straightforward, classic sandwiches compared to other places like ike's, they are still memorably superior. every person I've brought into the sub center fold has become a repeat customer. they're simply so, so good.

Fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced—this West Portal sandwich spot nails it. Crisp veggies, tender meat, and artisan bread come together in a seriously satisfying bite. Quick service and cozy vibes make it a go-to lunch gem.

Meatball sub was so good I almost cried. Not even joking- get extra meat and you won’t be sorry. I think I’ve ordered here no less than 15 times and every time it’s amazing (also the macaroni salad is BOMB)

You can smell their oven from just a block away. I order their G1. Turkey, Swiss and avocado. It’s always my top fave! I love to order the sandwich extra toasty! Thinking about the sub just makes me drool!

Good sandwiches and delicious recommend people like sandwiches

Best pastrami sub, ever! My favorite local place for a hot pastrami with cheese, closed down during the pandemic. A friend told me about Submarine Center. They featured a hot pastrami with cheese but with shredded lettuce and tomato. I wasn't sure about putting veggies in with my pastrami and cheese but decided to have their super sized version, delivered, as it was pouring rain. By the time I got done with tax, tip and the Door Dash delivery charge, I was in for $25 and change! Sub Center is not cheap but their quality is top notch. That sub sandwich was awesome and the lettuce and tomato added another set of flavors I didn't know I missed! What also made the sandwich worth every penny, is their secret sauce. Idk what's in it but it sure is mighty tasty! I've been back for pick up, many times since then but occasionally still pay for Door Dash delivery because their pastrami and cheese sub is just that good! 👍

I ran across this place one day mountain biking, and had no clue as to where it was for a later visit. Found them on DoorDash coincidentally and had it three days in a row. Not sure what they put on the sandwiches, but whatever it is, makes it the absolute best submarine sandwich I’ve ever had and I’m not a sandwich liking person typically

The best pastrami sandwich I have ever jad!!!

You got experience the sandwiches , 40 years , great family business, wow.

They have some of the best sandwiches I've ever tasted go here on a regular basis

Been going here since High School back in the 80s. STILL the best Sub shop in SF.

I was craving a pastrami and found this place was within biking distance so I went out and ordered ahead on doordash for pick up. It was ready by the time I got there. The pastrami sandwich was good and juicy though it's not a traditional pastrami I had in mind, I'd still come back for this. But is a sandwich really $17 these days?

My 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. I had the avocado with turkey, and my boyfriend went with the pastrami. Both were fresh, flavorful, and packed just right. We devoured our subs — definitely hit the spot! Great little gem for a satisfying sandwich fix.

One of the best subs I’ve ever had! The pastrami, Swiss, bacon, and avocado is simply incredible. The staff recommended it as it was my first time there. Sandwich was incredible. Perfectly cooked pastrami, delectable bacon, huge chunks of avocado, melting Swiss cheese, balanced mustard, and topped with a crispy bun toasted to perfection. I want to go back and get this again. A+ will be back.

The to go mighty sandwich shop! Such a great variety (and generous with Avo!). We split the Italian super sub, and it was great! Ratios were perfect, and bread was nice and crusty. There were plenty of staff here ready to make fast and fresh sandwiches during the lunch hour. Nowhere to eat or sit, so ger your order to go and enjoy!

this is hands down the best sandwich i’ve ever had in my life. i got the avocado turkey swiss with everything and it was delicious. i plan to come back and order the roast beef (“everyone’s favorite”). we are at a nearby park and the vibe was immaculate. they don’t have indoor seating but there is a park and various benches located nearby where you can enjoy your decadent sub.

Got the mini G7 — but I brought my own vegan meat and they were so sweet and accommodating to add it to my sandwich 🥰 the sandwich itself was soooo delicious and fulfilling… you can tell it was made with LOVE. I would highly recommend this spot!

The hot pastrami is the love of my whole entire life. I get one a week. Couldn’t recommend enough.

Literally my favorite sandwich spot in all of the Bay Area. Grew up eating here and now drive from San Jose just to get my sandwich fix. This spot is on west portal right by the underground entrance to muni. Let'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 used Grubhub and DoorDash). But believe me when I say it is WORTH THE WAIT EVERY TIME! They have a bunch of sub options and even pizza subs. It 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! Nice people and great sandwiches- what more do you need?

For more than 20 yrs, sub center has been serving up amazingly delicious Italian subs. Nostalgia hits every time I bite into these subs, bringing me back to grade school days. Hot pastrami is a classic with all the fixings piled high on a crunchy roll.

I was out with Luigi Pasconi and Piper Trousdale all night, we hit every joint worth hitting and even forced one to stay open until the day crew arrived. All that Luigi could talk about all night long was getting a Submarine Sandwich from the Submarine Center! Well, we lost Piper's car around midnight, and we have no idea in what part of the city it's in or for that matter ...what city it's in! It was coming up on 10am and Luigi announces..in a deep Italian accent..It's Submarine time, Road da Tortidos! So, we took an Uber and had an Amazing Submarine Sandwich! 5 stars all day long ☆☆☆☆☆

A West Portal institution, everyone who's tried this place out loves it, which explains the perpetual line out the door. Getting subs from here as a group will start fights over whose sub is the best. And the aroma of the freshly toasted subs is what I imagine heaven smells like. Definitely can't go wrong here. Plus the prices are reasonable. Only criticism I have is the slathering of mayonnaise, but even that ordinary deal breaker for me is meaningless for these sublime, fantastic subs.

My favorite for sandwich. Their hot pastrami is soooooo amazingly good. Been here for years & no other sandwich shops can beat their hot pastrami. Crunchy french roll with hot & juicy pastrami inside. Yum.....

Harry

I was craving a pastrami and found this place was within biking distance so I went out and ordered ahead on doordash for pick up. It was ready by the time I got there. The pastrami sandwich was good and juicy though it's not a traditional pastrami I had in mind, I'd still come back for this. But is a sandwich really $17 these days?

Louise

My 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. I had the avocado with turkey, and my boyfriend went with the pastrami. Both were fresh, flavorful, and packed just right. We devoured our subs — definitely hit the spot! Great little gem for a satisfying sandwich fix.

Hoshun Lam

One of the best subs I’ve ever had! The pastrami, Swiss, bacon, and avocado is simply incredible. The staff recommended it as it was my first time there. Sandwich was incredible. Perfectly cooked pastrami, delectable bacon, huge chunks of avocado, melting Swiss cheese, balanced mustard, and topped with a crispy bun toasted to perfection. I want to go back and get this again. A+ will be back.

Connie Kwok

The to go mighty sandwich shop! Such a great variety (and generous with Avo!). We split the Italian super sub, and it was great! Ratios were perfect, and bread was nice and crusty. There were plenty of staff here ready to make fast and fresh sandwiches during the lunch hour. Nowhere to eat or sit, so ger your order to go and enjoy!

Spencer Browning

this is hands down the best sandwich i’ve ever had in my life. i got the avocado turkey swiss with everything and it was delicious. i plan to come back and order the roast beef (“everyone’s favorite”). we are at a nearby park and the vibe was immaculate. they don’t have indoor seating but there is a park and various benches located nearby where you can enjoy your decadent sub.

Amiñya Milaniya

Got the mini G7 — but I brought my own vegan meat and they were so sweet and accommodating to add it to my sandwich 🥰 the sandwich itself was soooo delicious and fulfilling… you can tell it was made with LOVE. I would highly recommend this spot!

Sarah Waggoner

The hot pastrami is the love of my whole entire life. I get one a week. Couldn’t recommend enough.

Katie Collins

Literally my favorite sandwich spot in all of the Bay Area. Grew up eating here and now drive from San Jose just to get my sandwich fix. This spot is on west portal right by the underground entrance to muni. Let'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 used Grubhub and DoorDash). But believe me when I say it is WORTH THE WAIT EVERY TIME! They have a bunch of sub options and even pizza subs. It 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! Nice people and great sandwiches- what more do you need?

Marcus Lee

For more than 20 yrs, sub center has been serving up amazingly delicious Italian subs. Nostalgia hits every time I bite into these subs, bringing me back to grade school days. Hot pastrami is a classic with all the fixings piled high on a crunchy roll.

American Angler

I was out with Luigi Pasconi and Piper Trousdale all night, we hit every joint worth hitting and even forced one to stay open until the day crew arrived. All that Luigi could talk about all night long was getting a Submarine Sandwich from the Submarine Center! Well, we lost Piper's car around midnight, and we have no idea in what part of the city it's in or for that matter ...what city it's in! It was coming up on 10am and Luigi announces..in a deep Italian accent..It's Submarine time, Road da Tortidos! So, we took an Uber and had an Amazing Submarine Sandwich! 5 stars all day long ☆☆☆☆☆

Jason Galek

A West Portal institution, everyone who's tried this place out loves it, which explains the perpetual line out the door. Getting subs from here as a group will start fights over whose sub is the best. And the aroma of the freshly toasted subs is what I imagine heaven smells like. Definitely can't go wrong here. Plus the prices are reasonable. Only criticism I have is the slathering of mayonnaise, but even that ordinary deal breaker for me is meaningless for these sublime, fantastic subs.

Been coming here since I was a little kid. Hands down my favorite turkey sandwich. Just the right amount of turkey to bread ratio and oven toasted taste.

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. Number one is bread that isn’t something that can be bought at your local grocery store. Check that box- 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. Number two 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/meat. Here it’s thinly sliced and perfectly married to the importance of sauce…which they also nail. All I can say is WELL DONE!

G2. If you know, you know. This place is classic. Just be sure to navigate the line correctly. Line up on the left, order, then step away until your sandwich is ready. Once it's ready you pay and go on your way.

Android

G2. If you know, you know. This place is classic. Just be sure to navigate the line correctly. Line up on the left, order, then step away until your sandwich is ready. Once it's ready you pay and go on your way.

Erin Camarena

Been coming here since I was a little kid. Hands down my favorite turkey sandwich. Just the right amount of turkey to bread ratio and oven toasted taste.

Jason Faragher

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. Number one is bread that isn’t something that can be bought at your local grocery store. Check that box- 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. Number two 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/meat. Here it’s thinly sliced and perfectly married to the importance of sauce…which they also nail. All I can say is WELL DONE!

A solid neighborhood sandwich spot! They do a great pastrami with avocado. The center size is enough for two meals. I wouldn’t necessarily suggest trekking across town for it, but if you find yourself in West Portal or St. Francis Wood, swing by and grab a sandwich.

A must try Deli. The sub comes nicely toasted, flaky crush! Small setting and crowded during lunch rush hour.

Don’t come here if you have food allergies. I was just there a few hours ago and ordered sammies without mayo and sauce. The person consuming is highly allergic. We specifically told the woman taking our order. We repeated it too. To our dismay, our order came with mayo! I loved this place for years but for one potentially life threatening mistake, I can’t advocate them anymore.

Very small deli near the west portal station of SF. My sandwich was just okay, nothing special. Heavy on the mayonnaise. The shop has zero seating inside so you must take to go. Glad to have tried it but won’t be back.

6/20/23: I like going here. The subs taste great. The workers wear gloves & don't handle cash & then touch the food. 7/1/23: It's usually busy. The subs are tasty.

Its been years since i last visited this place, came back until today, ordered a avocado, pastrami, with everything sandwich, not bad, what i do like about this place is the size of their sandwiches, there big! you don’t feel entirely full with half of the sandwich but you’ll be satisfied with half & can save the other half for later. (if you decide to get their biggest sub, forget how they call it.) The 49ers memorabilia on the walls is a plus! love it! This place hasn’t changed since i last visit it so that also is a plus for me! gonna be coming back when i’m in the neighborhood, don’t know why i stop coming to this place in the first place. It seems like it does get busy for lunch but service is quick.

Bay Area Reviews

Very small deli near the west portal station of SF. My sandwich was just okay, nothing special. Heavy on the mayonnaise. The shop has zero seating inside so you must take to go. Glad to have tried it but won’t be back.

Webster, NY

6/20/23: I like going here. The subs taste great. The workers wear gloves & don't handle cash & then touch the food. 7/1/23: It's usually busy. The subs are tasty.

Kevin Davila

Its been years since i last visited this place, came back until today, ordered a avocado, pastrami, with everything sandwich, not bad, what i do like about this place is the size of their sandwiches, there big! you don’t feel entirely full with half of the sandwich but you’ll be satisfied with half & can save the other half for later. (if you decide to get their biggest sub, forget how they call it.) The 49ers memorabilia on the walls is a plus! love it! This place hasn’t changed since i last visit it so that also is a plus for me! gonna be coming back when i’m in the neighborhood, don’t know why i stop coming to this place in the first place. It seems like it does get busy for lunch but service is quick.

Not what I expected, maybe because it was a pastrami sandwich and small portion of salty Pastrami…..would like to come back and try the roast beef sandwich ;-)! only one option for bread. And be expected to order fast.;-))

The bread was way overtoasted. Charred. This caused lacerations to the roof of my mouth. The pickle had a tough, leathery skin that was difficult to tear through and the inside was mush. This happens when a pickle is very old. However, the potato salad was pretty good.

If this place hadn’t used miracle whip, the sub I ordered would’ve been incredible. Instead, it was covered with it and really killed the vibe. In general, the service was great and the customers in the shop mentioned visiting for years. Unfortunately it just wasn’t for me.

Lamarrathon

If this place hadn’t used miracle whip, the sub I ordered would’ve been incredible. Instead, it was covered with it and really killed the vibe. In general, the service was great and the customers in the shop mentioned visiting for years. Unfortunately it just wasn’t for me.

saudadic_prolepsis

The bread was way overtoasted. Charred. This caused lacerations to the roof of my mouth. The pickle had a tough, leathery skin that was difficult to tear through and the inside was mush. This happens when a pickle is very old. However, the potato salad was pretty good.

Stopped and bought 3 sandwiches and the service was extremely slow and poor. I asked for a hot pastrami with just mayo, mustard, and pickles and got a soggy mess with everything in it. The bread was burnt and you could taste it. My wife had the G3 and the bread didn't taste fresh and again soggy from all the condiments. I spent $53 in total and totally regret it.

I had high expectations of this place and unfortunately they fell short, my sandwich was okay (I got The Atomic). Generous portions but I found it lacking flavor, not sure if they had red wine vinegar or any other sandwich seasonings but I said I wanted everything so I assumed I was gonna get the works. Also my friend got a center and I got a super, they were pretty much the same size even though the super is a couple bucks more.

Poor quality turkey, cheap bread , and tons of mayo and mustard...way to much. I hated the sub. Never again

The owners son is the worst!!! Horrible, customer service. I said my allergic to all dairy and to ensure you cut the break with a clean knife. He proceeded to heat up our sandwich mines with cheese and my mother without it. As he took the Sandwhich out of the oven, I noticed a small piece of cheese touched my mother’s bread. I pointed this out to the owners son & he picked up my mothers Sandwhich & said where. I showed him on the side, he laughed. I ended up telling the owners son never mind to both sandwiches and explain to him you should never laugh at someone who is allergic to an item & take their request seriously. Worst service will never go back and my family has been coming here for years.

I realize this place is popular, but it’s not for the Veggie Sub. A few slices of cucumber and tomato, some avo, no toppings (I asked for everything) and soaked in oil/mayo so that it was completely soggy. And this was the SuperSize …So nearly $18 for a few mayo soaked veggies. Very poor …I will not be standing in the long line again for this!

pete

I realize this place is popular, but it’s not for the Veggie Sub. A few slices of cucumber and tomato, some avo, no toppings (I asked for everything) and soaked in oil/mayo so that it was completely soggy. And this was the SuperSize …So nearly $18 for a few mayo soaked veggies. Very poor …I will not be standing in the long line again for this!