Sandwiches of SLO

By Danica Krenson on May 19, 2013

I love sandwiches. I love them hot and cold, toasted and untoasted, meat and meatless. I don’t love them enough to protect them from a gunshot/car backfire, but I’d have to say they’re my favorite genre of food. That being said, I feel like I am always searching for the perfect sandwich shop both at home and here in SLO. So, for my fellow sandwich-lovers, I have compiled a list of the different sandwich places that my friends and I have tried and rated them based on levels of deliciousness. If I’ve left out your favorite sandwich place feel free to let me know in the comments, or just leave your own review of these delicious places.

1. Sal’s/The Sal Paradise: 1028 Chorro St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. (805) 541-1300.

I know it changed names, but my friends and I will always know it as simply Sal’s. This place is amazing and my #1 favorite place to indulge in my sandwich cravings. They have a huge list of different kinds of sandwiches as well as the create-your-own option, which is definitely necessary at any successful sandwich shop. Sal’s has combo deals and they recently added focaccia breads and beers on tap. I recommend going during happy hour (4-closing). I also recommend a sandwich on Back Porch Crunch bread. It’s gotten to the point where the staff know me and say “See you soon!” as I’m leaving. Simply said, this place is great and if you look at a certain promotional brochure, you might just recognize someone in the advertisement for happy hour…

Verdict: 10/10

2. High Street Deli: 350 High St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. (805) 541-4738.

I know a lot of people who are crazy about this place, and while I do like their sandwiches, the lack of parking and limited seating area is a bit off-putting. I usually do the create-your-own option and make it a combo. The verdict: it’s pretty good, but not my #1 pick.

Verdict: 8/10

3. House of Bread: 299 March St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. (805) 542-0255.

I just tried this place yesterday after nearly four years of driving past it and wondering what it was like. Simply said, House of Bread is delicious. Their sandwiches are unique and different, and if you don’t have an adventurous palate they do have the create-your-own option. I tried the Tuscan Chicken however, and it was great. They don’t have a lot of options for sides (just a few different kinds of chips and cookies), but they do have lots of bread-like items for sale as well, like cinnamon rolls and loaves of different kinds of bread. I would recommend it to a friend.

Verdict: 7.5/10

4. Mr. Pickle’s: 1075 Olive St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93405. (805) 545-9909.

Here’s where I’m about to get controversial. I haven’t actually tried Mr. Pickle’s, so I am relying on the review of one of my sandwich-loving friends. The verdict: underwhelming. Now, I know a lot of people just love this place and would defend it to the death, but their lack of diversity in bread choices just bummed her out and is the main reason why I didn’t order anything. I will say that they do have an extensive menu as well as the create-your-own option, which is good. In addition, they deliver late night for those who get midnight sandwich cravings.

Verdict: 7/10

5. Panera: 299 Madonna Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA 93405. (805) 547-1800.

I know Panera isn’t technically a true sandwich shop, but I love it. I love their You-Pick-Two combo, I love their bakery desserts, and their acai iced tea. They don’t have a create-your-own option, but their menu is so delicious and their staff is usually understanding of substitutions. I would recommend the Sierra Turkey (hold the mayo, because blech) and the little daisy-shaped shortbread cookies. As far as sides, Panera only has their own brand of chips, but as a bread lover I would recommend getting a baguette (white or whole wheat) as a side. As an added bonus, this location has a huge parking lot and is easy to get to.

Verdict: 8/10

6. Urbane Café: 952 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. (805) 541-5100.

I used to go here all the time, but since I discovered Sal’s my patronage has slowed, however I have a friend who used to go here at least once a week, and she loved it. Urbane specializes in unique sandwiches with lots of fun ingredients, like sun-dried tomatoes and different aiolis. I tried the Rosemary Chicken sandwich, and while I did enjoy it, it was very flavorful and kind of took over my mouth. Urbane Café offers a house side salad as well as fresh bread as sides. All in all, this place is good but not my favorite.

Verdict: 6/10

7. Ben Franklin’s: 313 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. (805) 544-4948.

I haven’t been here yet, but I’ve heard good things. Leave a comment if you’ve tried it! It’s on my list of places to try before I graduate.

Verdict: Unknown

8. Kona’s Deli: 977 E Foothill Blvd, Ste 301. San Luis Obispo, CA 93405. (805) 546-0369

For this review I am relying on my sandwich-loving friend again. I have two friends that have patronized this establishment, and sadly both of them were underwhelmed. The main issue they had were again the lack of bread choices. Basically it was “just okay” and nothing special. They wouldn’t recommend it to a friend and haven’t been back since.

Verdict: 5/10

 

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