There are two muffuletta options at the counter-service sandwich joint in the Haight—a meaty original and a mushroom—and they’re both awe-inducing and not exactly typical of the New Orleans classic. For one, they use mayonnaise—a big no-no to purists—but the Duke’s mayo adds an essential layer of decadence. Their sesame bread is made for them by a bakery in Oakland. And it’s coated with a thick swath of spicy olive spread that has us under its fermented cauliflower and carrot giardiniera spell.

This cash-only Tenderloin institution has been around for decades, and it’s earned legendary status for one simple reason: it’s home to the best bánh mì in San Francisco. Biting into the crackly, fresh-baked roll feels like a shot of serotonin thanks to the well-spiced meat, mayo, and pickled daikon and carrots that come in every sandwich. Plus, at around $5 each, lunch here is a deal that’s hard to beat.

The sandwiches are the main reason we return to this Italian deli as often as Adele sings a tear-jerking ballad. The fillings are classic Italian, from tissue-thin mortadella and hot coppa to eggplant parmesan and spicy marinara meatballs. We’re always pulled toward the Mafioso. Getting the stunner stuffed with mortadella, prosciutto, bacon, and turkey, plus pepperoncinis for added tang is the best decision you’ll make today.

It’s easy to take this Italian deli on Columbus Avenue for just another North Beach tourist trap. But Molinari is the real deal—you’ll find as many locals as visitors here ordering one of their hefty sandwiches with fantastic cured meats. Definitely add their basil-garlic spread to whatever you get, or roll with one of their pre-designed sandwiches like the Renzo with prosciutto, coppa, and fresh mozzarella.

Walk anywhere in the vicinity of Alamo Square and you’ll probably see a few people on a park bench, gazing lovingly at a tightly-wrapped sandwich from Lucinda’s Deli & More. The NoPa spot is SF sandwich royalty—their baguette sandwiches are stuffed with so much filling that they look like burritos, and each has expertly balanced levels of salt, sweet, and spice. Case in point: their spicy tuna melt with rainbow layers of pickled jalapeños, cheddar, arugula, and tomato. It’s also our go-to order.

It’s not that hard to make a good sandwich. But making a great one that’s worthy of planning an entire day around? That’s a feat—and no place does it like Deli Board. The SoMa spot cranks out tank-sized sandwiches that are well-stuffed with everything from corned beef to tuna salad and falafel. Whatever you order off of their usual menu or eponymous board of daily-changing specials will be fantastic, but get anything with pastrami when in doubt.

Palm City is a wine shop in the Sunset that also serves excellent Philadelphia-style hoagies. They’re gigantic, but the fresh toppings—like broccoli rabe or the mound of arugula—make these sandwiches taste light and almost refreshing. The one that keeps us coming back is the Italian American hoagie with thinly sliced mortadella, ’nduja mayo, and a long, sesame-covered roll. We love grabbing a seat at one of their big tables and drinking a bottle of natural wine with it.

Simplicity is the key to greatness, as proven by our trusty pair of white sneakers. SF Chickenbox knows this well. The takeout-only North Beach spot specializing in fried chicken sandwiches tops theirs with only house sauce and shredded lettuce. Add their flawless fried chicken breast and squishy buns to the mix and you have one of the best fried chicken sandwiches in the city. We also come here for the sides, like the refreshing macaroni salad or housemade ube mochi muffins.

The tortas at this Mexican restaurant in the Mission live up to La Torta Gorda’s oversized moniker. Sandwiches here come in two sizes (junior or regular) and both are monstrous. Don’t believe us? Kindly refer to the Mega Cubana, a behemoth featuring milanesa, sausage, pierna, ham, chorizo, eggs, turkey, queso fresco, and American cheese that’s large enough to feed five or six people. Share it with friends at a table inside the diner-inspired spot, or under an umbrella out in the back garden.

The hot pastrami sandwich at Submarine Center in West Portal is a tangy, toasted masterpiece overflowing with thin-sliced smoked meat. But don’t let it be the only thing you get at this counter-service spot. The meaty Atomic is stacked with pastrami, turkey, and corned beef, and we adore the mayo-y hot sub with avocado, turkey, and melty swiss. You have three sizes of sandwiches to choose from (mini, center, and the forearm-length super), and an assortment of chips to grab by the check-out line.