Lucinda's Deli & More — Restaurant in San Francisco

This is probably the BEST sandwich spot in San Francisco. I've had great sandwiches, but always felt like no place ever blew my mind. I always thought I could make a a comparable sandwich at home.

But then I tried Lucinda's, and I've never been more excited to spend $13-14 (before tax and tip) on a sandwich. It really is that good, and I wish I could eat there every day of the week. They are bringing a creative and vibrant energy to sandwich making, and I will stake my reputation as another internet reviewer on this place.

Take for example, the BLTA. It's probably the most sophisticated BLT I've ever had because of their in-house tomato jam (which flirts with the idea of being a ketchup). It's got deep slow-cooked tomato flavors which when paired with the smoky bacon and chipotle mayo, transforms into basically a BBQ sauce. All of this is balanced by the fresh juicy tomatoes, and the freshness from the arugula and avocado. The poetry is the taste changes depending on what you're focusing on.

Or the roast beef sandwich, wonderfully tender beef supported by a duet of tangy pickled red onions and crispy fried onions. Paired with a sweet Thai BBQ sauce and funky blue cheese mayo. It's chaotic, in your face, and somehow incredibly balanced yet satisfyingly indulgent.

Lastly, the mortadella sandwich is a case study for the fine details. Bagna cauda mayo with a few accents of rosemary provide a wonderful aroma. The paper-thin red onions are slightly tamed and provide such an incredibly crunch without the stink of an onion. The olive tapenade that sits on top of the sandwich ties it all together with its bitterness. Whereas the previous two sandwiches were innovative and groundbreaking IMO, the mortadella is an excellent option for someone who wants to try something more conventional, but still well-made and thoughtful.

I tried all 3 sandwiches across 3 weekends, so at the very least, they're consistently good. I regret not trying this place earlier, and highly recommend this place for anyone who lives in San Francisco.

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SANDWICH REVIEW # 6 (4-15-21) SCORE: 5/5LOCATION:@lucindasdeli­sf PICTURED: mortadella sandwhiches, Baja turkey, BLT, patrami and spicy tuna melt PRICE: $13-14

This hit the spot not just for me but for my friends too (John Dennis and Lisa Seeley thank you for the afternoon). One of the nice things building this list you get to eat with friends and show them cool spots by their places. But enough nostalgia let's dig in. We essentially ordered the menu. I was responsible for the mortadella and spicy tuna. So let's take a closer look at them. Mortadella and tuna were stacked high. Their Portions at this place are no joke. One of those hard to get your mouth around sandwiches. Juices are an understatement. I was glad to be eating this at @alamosquaresf located just a block from Lucinda's. Ingredients were freshly prepared. With a nice crunch on the bite and super red tomatoes. The bread of both vessels helped absorb as much juices as you could hope bread to do. The tuna had a nice spice to it but was not over bearing. And I'm a fan of the pepper relish they serve really catches your attention. All in all Lucinda I love you. Follow BridgesBangers for more...

Although I understand that the SF scene generally supports the addition of a gratuity for just about everything i.e. people doing their job, I disagree. I went in for the 1st time, ordered 2 sandwiches for nearly $40. The payment screen offered me multiple choices for adding a gratuity, 10,15,20%. I tip 20-30% in a restaurant unless the service is subpar. My "service" here was a counter person taking my order & payment, then a crew of 2 made the sandwiches. Seriously at those prices, in spite of the high quality, they're making money, enough to pay their employees a living wage, without the guilt trip of being asked how much you'd like to tip. Charge me $11-$14 for the same vs $16-$19, & leave a tip jar out for me to decide how much & IF I think a tip is appropriate. ENOUGH of the guilt trip to enrich the workers that should be, & probably already are being paid a living wage. In the end, they're just sandwiches, as good as they are, they're priced like you're in a sit down restaurant, not a "no atmosphere, walk up to the counter to order", no place to sit etc TO GO establishment! I'm in no way cheap but I know where & how to award those that actually...