SFReview
photo credit: Carly Hackbarth
Sandy's
Included In
SF takes sandwiches seriously—as seriously as we take the fog, dog parks, and complaining about new transplants. So checking out a sandwich spot is a momentous occasion. Will this one be a one-night stand or firmly in situationship territory? Sandy's in the Haight is the dream date, the quintessential sandwich spot. Their heavenly sandwiches will turn you into a muffuletta devotee.
There are two muffuletta options here—a meaty original and a mushroom—and they’re both awe-inducing and not exactly typical of the New Orleans classic. For one, Sandy’s uses mayonnaise—a big no-no to purists—but the Duke’s mayo adds an essential layer of eggy fat that takes the sandwich to the next level. More importantly, their sesame bread is specially made for them by Firebrand Artisan Breads over in Oakland. And it’s coated with a thick swath of spicy olive spread that has us under its fermented cauliflower and carrot giardiniera spell. They’ll suggest you make your sandwich toasted (another controversial move), and we do too—if you want maximum melted cheese satisfaction.
photo credit: Carly Hackbarth
As juicy as the original is, piled high with imported soppressata, mortadella, prosciutto, and provolone piccante, the vegetarian muffuletta is actually Sandy’s best sandwich. It’s also one of the best vegetarian sandwiches we’ve had ever, and well worth any journey. The roasted cremini mushrooms and scallions bring a rich earthy flavor to each bite.
But the true sleeper hit at Sandy’s isn’t a muffuletta at all—it’s the fermented egg salad sandwich. It’s light and chunky egg salad on pillowy sourdough bread, which is then coated with Zapp’s potato chips. This one will take you back to your potato-chip-sandwich-stuffing middle school days.
photo credit: Carly Hackbarth
photo credit: Carly Hackbarth
While this counter-service place is designed for takeout, we always prefer to live life at a slower pace and stay for a while. The space is full of light, and the staff is welcoming, to the point that we feel like a member of Sandy’s extended family every time we leave. So whenever it’s a tough day, or just because you feel like you need one of the city's best sandwiches, run to Sandy’s.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Carly Hackbarth
Muffuletta
photo credit: Carly Hackbarth
Pickled Egg Salad Sandy
photo credit: Carly Hackbarth