Ike's Love & Sandwiches — Restaurant in El Cerrito

As a long-time patron of Ike’s, I'm deeply disappointed by the recent decline in both portion sizes and quality. In the pre-pandemic era, Ike’s sandwiches were renowned for their generous portions, often providing enough for two meals. However, my recent experiences have left me feeling like I've received nothing more than a snack.

Even opting for the gluten-free option, which one would expect to be of comparable size to other sandwiches, yielded a portion that was shockingly small. Comparing them to sandwiches from Safeway only exacerbates the disappointment.

Furthermore, not only have the portions shrunk, but the quality has also noticeably declined. The ingredients no longer seem as fresh or flavorful as they once were. The sandwich I received today lacked the taste and satisfaction I've come to expect from Ike's.

While I initially noticed a reduction in size six months ago, the sandwiches I received today were even smaller than before. With prices exceeding $15, the value proposition has significantly diminished.

Ike's, once known for its hearty sandwiches and reasonable prices, now leaves much to be desired. Unless portion sizes are restored to their former glory and the quality of ingredients improved, I can no longer justify the expense for what feels like an inadequate and...

This now "corporate" chain is a far cry from it's humble beginnings. The portions have been significantly reduced, and I expect more for a $15 sando. I can hit other places for less $ and a better offering.

There are two things/"policies" that don't sit well with me: 1) they have no paper menus to take away. I'm sure the are being environmentally conscientious (they COULD use recycled paper) or they mistakenly assume that EC's older population is tech savvy enough to deal. I see this as a missed opportunity for them, unless they don't feel that is a demographic worth catering to. 2) I paid cash, and did not have any $1 bills to use for the tipping bucket. I asked to change a $5,and was flatly told "we don't give change". Shocked, I begrudgingly dropped a $5 in the bucket.

These may seem like trivial things, but to me seem like a lack of customer focus.

That being said, the staff were polite.

They probably deserve more than a 3, but I'm OK giving this score. I am in no...

I am surprised by some of the not so positive reviews on Google. Ike's is my favorite sandwich shop. I contacted their PR multiple times begging for them to open a shop in El Cerrito. This is the only place I can order different vegan sandwiches and not the same one choice like other sandwich shops. The staff has always been friendly. The service has always been fast. I prefer a hot sandwich over a cold one. The Dutch Crunch is the best. I never order other bread. I really only need to eat half of a sandwich for a meal but I usually overeat because it's so good. 😭. It's the only reason I can't buy Ike's sandwiches all the time. I put it on my rotation schedule...