Ever take a quick whiff of your fingers just to remember a sandwich after it’s gone? No? You haven’t been to Ocean Subs in Excelsior, have you? The small sandwich shop, fittingly on Ocean Ave., serves just four sandwiches, each peerless in the SF area and swollen with cold cuts (or, in the case of the Veggie Sub, roasted peppers). 

photo credit: Erin Ng

Before changing hands, Ocean Subs was Deli World for nearly 20 years and the neighborhood ties are still strong. Even when the place is full, longtime locals stand around sharing the latest round of the can-you-believe-whose-son-is-doing-what-now gossip with the chef-owner, who grew up nearby. Around lunchtime, it’s hard to find a table, so have a backup plan for where to eat—even if that’s your nearest driver’s seat.

By sticking to just four sandwiches, Ocean Subs ensures every component is calibrated for success—like a bread-based Mars rover. First-timers should start with the Original Sub, a thick stack of Italian meats, crisp vegetables, mustard and mayo, and, crucially, a tangy herb vinaigrette that’ll linger on your hands and remind you of the sandwich that once was. Get this on dutch crunch roll and ask for it to be toasted. After a perfectly timed romp in the oven, the roll gets an even cracklier suit of armor while still keeping its chew, and the heat means the sauces and cheese soak into the fillings.

photo credit: Erin Ng

photo credit: Erin Ng

If those four options aren’t calling your name for some reason, there’s also a build-your-own option. (Anyone skipping land animals will be very happy with the tuna melt in particular.) But the fine-tuned, pre-built subs are the only options on the menu for a reason. After the first time, you won’t be compelled to try anything else. 

Food Rundown

photo credit: Erin Ng

The Original Sub

The neat stack of thinly sliced Italian ham and salami is just large enough to require a short warm-up exercise for your jaw. And the dutch crunch gets even cracklier in the oven, but still keeps its satisfying chew.

photo credit: Erin Ng

Atomic Sub

With five types of meat, this is a sedative in sandwich form. It’s delicious, but the Original is more balanced and won’t force you into bed right afterward.

photo credit: Patrick Wong

Tuna Sub

If you're going to do the build-your-own route, make it this very good tuna melt. Ocean Subs' tuna salad is creamy without feeling wet, and the included vinaigrette and sprinkling of pickles offset any overwhelming fishy richness.