Forking Tasty

Ike’s was recommended to me by my buddy Amit. It has taken a few trips to SF for me to get here but I finally made it.

I intended to order some veggie sandwich but once I looked at the board I couldn’t help but go meat. I settled on a (name of the girl I am dating) which consisted of Halal Chicken Breast, Honey Mustard, Avocado, PepperJack.

From there I squeezed out of the tiny, cramped space and stood on the sidewalk in the Sunday sun to await my sandwich. Watching their sandwich making and serving system I realized that Ike’s put some makeshift seating along the wall of the sushi restaurant next door. They also threw a dishwasher restaurant bin next to a tree for the empty sandwich baskets. Very San Fran the way they nonchalantly extended their restaurant a half of a block. My attention was turned back to the inside of the shop because I heard the words “number nine” and “mix up” shouted a few times. My sandwich was a #9. Realizing I had already waited 8 minutes for my sandwich I got worried.

My big gripe with sf is efficiency. There is none. I know this is a NY centric view but I just can’t shake it. It’s part of the reason I moved back to NY, although I love sf. I just wasn’t ready to go at their pace. I hope one day I am.

The mix up doesn’t seem to get resolved. They just seem to stop talking about it. I can only hope it wasn’t my #9. After another 5 minutes on top of my original 8, a hairnetted hipster came outside sandwichless and called my name. I answered and he asked only if I had received my sandwich yet. A rehtorical question I thought, as I stood in front of him with nothing in my hands. He slowely turned and sauntered back inside. Saying “ohh” ok as he left.

Another 7 minutes later a pinstriped vest, timberlake hat wearing guy came out with a bag calling my name. I took the sandwich to Dolores park to indulge. I think I hoped the walk would shake my disappointment with the wait. The walk softened me up but the first bite wiped my mind of any bad experience. The sandwich was incredible with its crusty bread, warmed contents and fresh flavor. I failed to mention before that when I ordered I was asked if I wanted everything on it. I naturally respoded yes. Everything includes  Dirty Sauce, Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onions, Pickles, Banana Peppers. And, that was definately a good call.

About 10 minutes later the last bite left my fingers and was headed down the hatch. I sat for a while digesting, soaking in the sun and looking out at san fran’s downtown. One of the prettiest views in the city for sure. With a full stomach of an Ike’s sandwich, the view was infinitely better. I will certainly be back to Ike’s on my next trip. Amit, thanks for the reco. Boys of Ike’s, I know you don’t like to hear this, but just step it up a touch. You make a killer sandwich but you can use some extra effort on your prep and flow. Ohh yeah, nice touch with the lolli.

Ike’s Place
3506 16th St
(between Prosper St & Sanchez St)
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 553-6888