Grab a sandwich at these delis near BART
Enjoy a gourmet Italian sandwich at Heroic Italian. Photo courtesy of Heroic Italian.
It’s time to pick your favorite to-go fare because summer picnic season is in full swing. Forego the fancy feasts and fill your hands with sandwiches built by some of the Bay Area’s most beloved delis and casual lunch shops near BART. Sometimes piling it on thick can be a really good thing—especially when it happens in between two pieces of bread. Hot, cold, meat-filled, or vegan, tasty (and often towering) sandwiches will stir up envy from those around you weighed down by utensils.
Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.
Photo courtesy of Yelp.
Heroic Italian | Downtown Berkeley
Living up to its name, Heroic Italian inspires plenty of “chef’s kiss” responses from patrons. The “Lunch Box” meal features your choice of sandwich with cookie and green salad or chips—making take-out easy for your next visit to a Berkeley park or university campus lawn. Ride BART to Downtown Berkeley and head 0.1 miles to 2020 Kittredge Street.
Photo courtesy of Yelp.
The Sandwich Place | 16th St Mission
You can’t miss this casual Mission favorite that sits across the street from 16th St Mission Station. The straightforward name says it all. You know what you’re getting at The Sandwich Place, and loyal locals keep coming back to fill daily lines. Freshly baked bread (even gluten-free) bookends each combination of paper-wrapped subs overseen by a dedicated owner who’s become a neighborhood celebrity. Take BART to 16th St Mission and The Sandwich Place is steps away at 2029 Mission Street.
Photo courtesy of Yelp.
El Mexicano Deli y Taqueria | Richmond
When you want a picnic sandwich but still crave flavorful Mexican cuisine, a hearty torta will satisfy your needs. And El Mexicano Deli y Taqueria is where Richmond locals go to feast on its popular version. Tasty bread spilling with saucy pork, avocado, and veggies will fill your hands and your belly. Find these delicious tortas 0.7 miles from Richmond Station at 779 23rd Street.
Photo courtesy of Yelp.
The Lunch Box | 19th St/Oakland
Unsurprisingly, The Lunch Box is especially popular during the weekday lunch hour when Uptown workers come out in droves. It’s no wonder why. The no-frills counter-service locale with a signature red storefront serves up more than a few subs. Choose between juicy BBQ beef brisket, pastrami, pulled pork and more meat options. Friendly and fast staff are used to the lines so you’ll be in and out quickly. They're located at 1720 Franklin Street, 0.3 miles from 19th St/Oakland.
Photo courtesy of Yelp.
Relo Banh Mi & Coffee | West Dublin/Pleasanton
Relo Banh Mi & Coffee in Dublin proves that you don’t have to BART into the big city to get a good Vietnamese bánh mì sandwich. Check out this East Bay spot for its coveted combos of crispy French bread, grilled or cold meats with pate, pickled veggies, cilantro, and peppers. And don’t forget to pair your choice with a Vietnamese coffee sweetened with condensed milk. Take BART to West Dublin/Pleasanton and find delicious bánh mì 1.3 miles away at 7323 Village Parkway.
Photo courtesy of Yelp.
Southie | Rockridge
The offshoot of Wood Tavern next door, Southie keeps it real with its ever-popular sandwiches and salads. Try the Spicy Hog’s pulled pork sando with “Southie Slaw” or the Grilled Asparagus & Burrata pairing for a unique veggie alternative. While it’s known as a casual sit-down restaurant, take-out orders are always available. Take BART to Rockridge and Southie is 0.5 miles away at 6311 College Avenue.
Photo courtesy of Ike's Love & Sandwiches.
Ike’s Love & Sandwiches | Walnut Creek
Owner Ike Shehadeh has made his name famous with this chain of sub spots that started garnering lines on both sides of the Bay Bridge—and has since expanded beyond. At the Walnut Creek shop amidst the bustle of Main Street Plaza, freshly baked bread stuffed with massive fixings and layered with that iconic secret “Dirty Sauce” will keep your napkin busy. Need protein? Try the Giants-celebrating “Matt Cain” sandwich with roast beef, salami, turkey, Godfather Sauce, and more. Take BART to Walnut Creek Station and walk 0.9 miles to 1159 Locust Street.
Photo courtesy of Rhea's Deli.
Rhea’s Deli | 16th St Mission
What might come across at first glance as a standard liquor store and deli harbors a famous Korean steak sandwich on its menu. While that signature soy-marinated rib-eye steak ensemble is the star, Rhea’s Deli has plenty of options to put everyone in a happy food coma at Dolores Park. Chicken katsu, turkey, vegetarian options, and more find their way into your to-go bag via Acme bread. Take BART to 16th St Mission and go 0.4 miles to 800 Valencia Street.
Where's your favorite spot to grab a sandwich?
Let us know where to go! Tell us on social media at SFBARTable and #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Facebook and Instagram to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and where to have fun around the Bay.