The Lunch Box

Ashley Lawless

Ok this was my first time and I had doubts but I must say the first bite I fell in love definitely will return oh and I ordered the brisket

Īeshia Shep

When I walked it, I received such a warm welcome. They have soooo many options to choose from that it took me a minute to decide. The gentleman at the register was kind and patient… and made fantastic suggestion about adding the garlic spread. I ordered the hot pastrami sandwich on Dutch crunch, and it really hit the spot. My total came to just under $15, and it was totally worth it. My wait wasn’t long at all— I had ~4 people in the queue ahead of me— he quote me 7 minutes and I think it took 5. I definitely plan to go back and would absolutely recommend this sandwich spot to a friend.

Dustin Largusa

First of all, Ann at the counter is just a lovely person to be greeted by. It was a pleasure and she was warm and welcoming from start to finish. Okay, I ordered The Pastrami to go. My thoughts, being a first timer, were to go with a classic. Something that shouldnt be made wrong in any sandwich shop. They didnt disappoint. It was everything I expected in a pastrami with one caveat: I had it on Dutch Crunch bread.(first time having it on that kind of bread) They had a bunch of other options, not just pastrami. If youre in the mood for a good sandwich in The East Bay, head to Oakland and hit up Lunch Box.

Lea Marie Dandan

The Lunch Box probably makes the best sandwiches in the world in my opinion. I live right around the corner and always pass by them. There's always a crowd waiting outside their storefront. They have picnic benches for those who are waiting or want to eat outside. It's a great place to pick up lunch and go somewhere to eat like Lake Merritt. All the sandwiches I've gotten are delicious and the meat is also fresh. They're also vegetarian friendly by the way. I'm looking forward to try their Roasted Eggplant Sandwich. I've had them almost every weekday the last 3 weeks. I've had their Roasted Turkey Sandwich, Pastrami Sandwich, Ruben Sandwich, Chicken Salad Sandwich, and their BBQ Brisket Sandwich. They roast their own meat everyday. They also have hot plates like turkey, mash potatoes and gravy, soups, and salads which are delicious too. They have fridges for drinks and snacks like chips and cookies to grab. You can order online. The wait to pick up is usually around 10 minutes if you order in person and 20 minutes if you order online or over the phone to pick up. I honestly look forward to coming here most weekdays especially when I'm busy with work. I bring my two dogs here, Lily and Kevin and they love the owners Jeff and Ann. They spoil them with fresh deli meat like beef and turkey. Jeff and Ann are amazing to talk to and they remember their customers names even after the first time time you order. They say hi to their customers right away as soon as they walk in and they're extra friendly to dogs. I have yet to try their other restaurant Dinner House down the street which are open Thursday-Saturday I believe in the evening. They know the menu by heart and you can trust that they can make a great recommendation for you especially if you're the type to be overwhelmed by menus. Sometimes, I come in and ask them to surprise me which has been my go to recently. They have different toppings and tapenade which I recently discovered which is by the way a total game changer! Jeff and Ann don't know how much they make my days a little easier and my days brighter every time I see them and order lunch. It's a small gesture but they're definitely a hardworking business who know how to operate it well. Please support them and order plenty I promise you won't regret it and you'll likely be a regular like me. Enjoy!

Denise Renee Johnson

The best place for a hearty sandwich in Uptown Oakland. Great down-to-Earth staff and the finest ingredients are used for one worth-every-penny sandwich. This is the place to go if you want to be full. For me, one sandwich covers my lunch and dinner. Excellent! Photos of the Meatball sandwich. Huge meatballs covered in melted Provolone with veggies and a fine wheat roll. Healthy and hearty!

Bethany Elliott

Super delicious, even for the vegetarian! I got an avocado and cheese on dutch crust and wow, so good. They even have my dog a few slices of turkey for being cute. Can't wait until I'm back in the area!

Hugh Rutherford

Apparently the Lunch Box has been around for a while, but as a lunch only establishment I hadn't had a chance to try it until recently. I'm glad I did, because Lunch Box has some of the best sandwiches in Oakland and is a great deal! As a vegetarian, the roasted eggplant is my go to (pictured below). People in the office have also gotten the turkey and like it as well. They have a huge selection of chips, drinks and other snacks to compliment a fully customizable sandwich menu. Staff are all friendly and approachable, really cool spot overall. Highly recommend. Pro tip: call in your order, it gets busy!

Mike Warren

Classic deli with great sammies. There's soup and salad options, and cold drinks, too. It's a small place, so best to get your order to go. Stays busy at lunchtime, so get there early!

Great spot for lunch! I ordered the roasted turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce and it was delicious. The people working there were also so sweet, they told us a little about the local restaurant scene and how it has evolved in Oakland.

What a find. I got a brisket sandwich on a hard sourdough roll. Soooooo good. Warning, ask for extra napkins:) Such a good sandwich and my tummy is happy. The lady up front is so happy, direct and talkative. I will be back!!

I've been coming here for lunch for years. I love that the sandwiches and wraps are high quality, but also that it's a family business run by great people who are committed to Oakland and their staff. And they remember your name after a few visits and treat you like you're valued.

I've ordered for delivery here a few times. Food is always made well and at a great price. The first time I ordered on doordash I got a call 3 minutes later from them asking if I wanted any extras on my sandwich not listed. No extra cost. They just wanted to make sure my sandwich was just how I wanted it. Awesome. One of the better sandwiches I've had in a long time

This place is fantastic. The food is superlative, I've had the Corned Beef and Roast Turkey sandwiches and they were absolutely delicious. The place is completely non pretentious but with top quality fresh ingredients that some hipster joints could only dream of delivering. I'm a stickler for corned beef, I'm from NY, they do it right here. No BS, good value. Only downside is it's take out only. Worth it.

This has become one of my go to spots for lunch. the staff is incredibly friendly and feels like a family, the sandwiches are delicious and filling, and the prices are great! I love the brisket and italian trio. try one of those once and you’ll keep coming back regularly like i did. highly recommend!

This place is exactly the spot you want to come to for lunch. The owner is super nice and you can tell it’s got regulars with how he greets everyone in the door. The menu itself is quite vast but he does a good job walking folks through it and running a tight ship. Sandwich itself was quite tasty. I went for the brisket which was juicy and tender. Certainly will fill you up as well. I would love to come back to this place to try it again next time I’m in town.

Tom M

This place is fantastic. The food is superlative, I've had the Corned Beef and Roast Turkey sandwiches and they were absolutely delicious. The place is completely non pretentious but with top quality fresh ingredients that some hipster joints could only dream of delivering. I'm a stickler for corned beef, I'm from NY, they do it right here. No BS, good value. Only downside is it's take out only. Worth it.

McKinley Peña

This has become one of my go to spots for lunch. the staff is incredibly friendly and feels like a family, the sandwiches are delicious and filling, and the prices are great! I love the brisket and italian trio. try one of those once and you’ll keep coming back regularly like i did. highly recommend!

Josh Lyman

This place is exactly the spot you want to come to for lunch. The owner is super nice and you can tell it’s got regulars with how he greets everyone in the door. The menu itself is quite vast but he does a good job walking folks through it and running a tight ship. Sandwich itself was quite tasty. I went for the brisket which was juicy and tender. Certainly will fill you up as well. I would love to come back to this place to try it again next time I’m in town.

Joseph Coates

I love this place the sandwich and bread are fresh. My favorite is the pastrami on French roll, light mayo,with provolone cheese and a dab of mustard, and onions. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED WITH YOU SANDWICH CHOICE.

Matthew Cottrell

What a find. I got a brisket sandwich on a hard sourdough roll. Soooooo good. Warning, ask for extra napkins:) Such a good sandwich and my tummy is happy. The lady up front is so happy, direct and talkative. I will be back!!

Lily Mirsepassi

Great spot for lunch! I ordered the roasted turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce and it was delicious. The people working there were also so sweet, they told us a little about the local restaurant scene and how it has evolved in Oakland.

John Thompson

I've been coming here for lunch for years. I love that the sandwiches and wraps are high quality, but also that it's a family business run by great people who are committed to Oakland and their staff. And they remember your name after a few visits and treat you like you're valued.

Good spot for sandwiches and hot plates. The folks behind the counter run a tight ship, yet are heavy with the sarcasm, which I appreciate.

Marlon Evangelista

Good spot for sandwiches and hot plates. The folks behind the counter run a tight ship, yet are heavy with the sarcasm, which I appreciate.

I'd have given a few more dollars for more. It was good but after eating the entire sandwich I was still relatively hungry. Was expecting one of those places where you get a sandwich, eat half and get full and have more for later. Not bad, just wanted more

Based on previous reviews I had higher expectations, was looking for a fried chicken sandwich and I stopped at Lunch Box to try one out. The sandwich itswelf

Roy Aguilera

Based on previous reviews I had higher expectations, was looking for a fried chicken sandwich and I stopped at Lunch Box to try one out. The sandwich itswelf

Howard Finfer

I'd have given a few more dollars for more. It was good but after eating the entire sandwich I was still relatively hungry. Was expecting one of those places where you get a sandwich, eat half and get full and have more for later. Not bad, just wanted more

I used to frequent Lunchbox as they have a solid variety of food options. Unfortunately when enjoying one of their hot plates I discovered an insect in my food. This is highly disturbing and concerning from any food establishment. Food containing fruits/vegetables should be thoroughly and carefully prepared to prevent insects, which may carry harmful diseases to humans, crawling about in the food. While mistakes do happen, I’m even more disappointed with Lunchbox’s response to the incident. They asked if I wanted my money back and showed an overall lack of concern, stating ‘that sometimes happens when we don’t wash our vegetables good enough’. I’m deeply concerned if you are routinely serving customers food with insects crawling inside of it. Hopefully this message will push Lunchbox to be more attentive when preparing food - nobody wants pay money to find nasty surprises in their cuisine.

Sean Maina

I used to frequent Lunchbox as they have a solid variety of food options. Unfortunately when enjoying one of their hot plates I discovered an insect in my food. This is highly disturbing and concerning from any food establishment. Food containing fruits/vegetables should be thoroughly and carefully prepared to prevent insects, which may carry harmful diseases to humans, crawling about in the food. While mistakes do happen, I’m even more disappointed with Lunchbox’s response to the incident. They asked if I wanted my money back and showed an overall lack of concern, stating ‘that sometimes happens when we don’t wash our vegetables good enough’. I’m deeply concerned if you are routinely serving customers food with insects crawling inside of it. Hopefully this message will push Lunchbox to be more attentive when preparing food - nobody wants pay money to find nasty surprises in their cuisine.