Wise Sons Jewish Deli — Restaurant in San Francisco

I have been wanting to try the classic pastrami from Wise Sons for some time. In my opinion, the pastrami sandwich was handed down from heaven above. I don't indulge in this Jewish-deli deliciousness very often, but when I do, I try and head to a "real deal" establishment that

Wise Sons is just that. Authentic, no frills and delicious. The meat has just the right amount of fat without tasting greasy, and was wedged between some of the best rye bread I have ever tasted. Brown mustard is the perfect condiment partner to pastrami, and was conveniently on the table so I could squeeze to my heart's content. I opted for the cole slaw and the dish was completed with a few sour pickles.

That's the good news. To be fair, I have to say the portion size was very dissapointing. For a $14 sandwich, I should not leave hungry, and unfortunately I did. It really isn't the cost, it's the principle of a Jewish deli sandwich. Again, in my opinion, this delicious meat should be piled double high, and I should have left stuffed and satiated.

I also had an issue with the traditional-style cole slaw. It was rather bland. I am not into a creamy slaw experience, and it doesn't even have to be vinegar based, but it should be seasoned correctly. Bottom line, it lacked salt and flavor. Finally, I LOVE pickles. They should be a major food group. They should roll your socks up and down. I make my own pickles at home. Wise Sons pickles were just "eh."

Overall, I had big expectations going into this highly touted deli. I was happy but not estatic. Would I go again? Good question. Again, the pastrami and bread were mouth watering. With that said, until Wise Sons piles that meat on thick till it's spilling out the sides of the bread, and improves the sides (I hear the potato salad rocks), I don't think so.

I want to, I really do, but I also like my socks to roll...

The food is good but the service is questionable. Mainly because there'sa server there that thinks it's ok to yell at customers. Maybe the guy was having a bad day but really there's no excuse if you're in the service industry. Maybe he's one of the"wise sons" so he thinks he can get away with that kind of rudeness. So here's what happened, my 73 year old mother was cold so she went inside and found an empty table despite the line going out the door. The rest of our 6 person party including two little kids were sitting outside. So my mom had to be told two times that she couldn't reserve a table until we had ordered but my mom's English is spotty at best so she probably didn't understand. So that was the first thing that guy under our server's skin. While we were waiting for our food outside a little while later, my mom was cold and complaining so my brother went inside to look for a table. Our server told him to not "worry, that he'll take care of us" meaning he'll find a table for us inside. A couple of minutes later, we got thirsty. So my nephew and I went inside to look for water. Another server was clearing a table, and I asked her where we could get some water, that's when our server saw us, and lost it on us thinking we were again looking for a table inside. He reprimanded us as if we were little kids in front of the entire line of people waiting to order. It was quite humiliating. I confronted him later after he came to check on us once we were done eating and it took some talking before he finally apologized. In any case, it definitely ruined our lunch experience. I had never been talked to by someone in the service industry like that. Don't think I'll be going back...

A story of three friends including one focused on how Food ties into social interaction and cultural understanding Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen began in 2010, their expansion from The Mission flagship all the way down to Culver City thanks to “California-inspired Jewish deli food with roots in tradition and an eye on the future; for Jews who like food and food lovers who like Jews.”

Founded by Evan Bloom, Ari Bloom and Leo Beckerman, each bringing unique skills to an operation focused on making nearly everything in-house, it was minutes after 9:00am on Christmas Day that the Deli on 24th Street was found quiet, the lack of queue seeing everything served within ten minutes at prices far below the Bay Area average.

Using good ingredients, natural Beef Pastrami with complex spicing layered between real Jewish Rye just $15.50 with a Kosher Pickle, guests are also encouraged to order Matzo Ball Soup with a big Dumpling floating in Broth laced with Dill.

No Babka on this morning, all of it committed to pre-orders, 72% Bittersweet Guittard Chocolate instead finds itself suspended in Cookies with flakes of Salt while Rugelach for $2 a bite is fairly basic considering the rest.

Not forgetting a Bagel, well made with a good skin and plenty of chew, Cream Cheese comes complimentary just as good Butter, real Maple Syrup and Jam do with Challah French Toast cooked golden but still custardy...