An abundance of sammie shops are at hand in the North Beach neighborhood, according to Northside San Francisco Magazine. Priding themselves on an authentic delicatessen style, these spots deserve a visit from the taste buds.

Serving classic ‘wiches since 1926, Freddie’s offers a variety of sizes and combinations for every palette. With 6, 8, 12, and 25 inch loaves, guests can choose from a plethora of fresh breads, including soft and hard sourdough, sweet Dutch being a store favorite. The Freddie’s touch lies in their unique spreads, the mild pepper made with pepperoncini, and the hot pepper with jalepeno.

300 Francisco Street (at Stockton), 415-433-2882

The All-In-One sandwich was originated by the Primanti Brothers in the 30s for on-the-go truck drivers in Pittsburgh. At Giordano Bros., the stacker lives on. Meat, cheese, fresh-cut french fries and their tangy vinegar slaw are squeezed between soft but never soggy bread. Who could resist?

303 Columbus Avenue (near Broadway)

The owners of Macellato, a small shop with a small menu, is well known in Bay Area cuisine. Executive chef Andrea Froncillo has been involved with city favorites like The Stinking Rose, Franciscan, Crab House, Calzone’s, Bobo’s, The Dead Fish, and two new spots Salito’s and The Old Clam House. With his helpful son Vittorio, flavorful fried chicken and fish ‘whiches are made to order, perfect when finished with beignets and chicory coffee for dessert.

59 Columbus Avenue (near Jackson)

Residents and visitors alike are aware of the North Beach gem that is Mama’s, a homey corner eatery. Known for their hearty pancakes, eggs and toast breakfasts, they also hold the reputation for one of the best double-deckers in town, known as the Monte Cristo: with breasts of turkey, baked ham, and a combination of cheddar and Havarti cheeses, sealed in fresh bread dipped in egg and grilled!

1701 Stockton Street (at Filbert), 415-362-6421

The capo di tutti capi, or the “boss of all bosses” of Italian delis in North Beach has to be Molinari Delicatessen, bursting with Italian delicacies such as hot and mild Capicola, prosciutto, and imported bresaola (salt-cured air-dried beef), wrapped in hoagies that boast fresh cheeses, artichoke, sun-dried tomatoes, and a pungent garlic-basil spread.

373 Columbus Avenue (at Vallejo), 415-421-2337

The creative disposition of Broadway Street Sandwich shop Naked Lunch must have guests wondering whether it was named after the distinguished artsy William S. Burroughs novel. With the menu changing daily, titles such as the Artisan Foie Gras Torchon & Duck Prosciutto Sandwich with a side of savory 4505 chicharrones have guests only dreaming about more.

504 Broadway Street, 415-577-4951

Be sure to refer to

[Sources: NorthsideSanFrancisco, FoodGPS, Macellato, FoodNetwork, NakedLunch]

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