Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Lou's Cafe

    4.4 (233 reviews)
    InexpensiveSalad, Soup, Sandwiches
    Closed 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Order Lou's Cafe Takeout or Delivery

    Lou's Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    LOU'S CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Lou's Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Roma's Club Sandwich
    Valerie Z.

    Love these sandwiches--appropriately priced at under $14. The people taking the order at the counter have never messed up my sandwich but I do get a little upset at how long it can take to get your food. There are a lot of online orders which seem to be prioritized and sandwiches can take as long as 15 minutes to get if you're ordering at the counter during the lunch rush. I love that there is a comfortable outdoor eating area with comfy chairs and set off from the street.

    Carmen G.

    A small cafe serving up salads and sandwiches in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Hopped in here to grab some lunch with some teammates and they had a cute patio seating just outside of their storefront. The patio itself was all the vibes, with heaters and clean tables. The cafe was small but had a lot of people waiting around for their food. Food did take a while to come out, understandable though, since it was prime lunch rush during a weekday. I opted for their Asian salad that came with iceberg lettuce, clementines, wonton chips, and almonds. The salad was tasty and fresh, portions were huge! I wanted something light for lunch but felt like I should have ordered a sandwich instead since everyone else's sandwich looked so much better than mine! Overall, a solid spot if you're looking for a light bite during your workday!

    Exterior
    Sarah C.

    I'm not sure you could call Lou's Cafe a hidden gem, given the number of nearby office workers that get lunch here. However, it is tucked back off the street so you might not see it, and is certainly a gem. The shop itself is quite small, with grab and go fridges and a bustling staff behind the long counter. Place your order to the right and wait for it to be prepped. I wouldn't say they're particularly fast, but given the volume they're dealing with they're not slow either. There is standing room inside, or you can enjoy their awesome exterior patio, which includes tables as well as outdoor couches AND heaters (!). I got the tuna melt on dutch crunch bread and it was absolutely perfect, nailing my craving. I think it was $12.50, which seems like a heck of a deal for SF. My lunch group got various other sandwiches and salads and also seemed to be pleased. I'd definitely come back!

    Tuna Melt Sandwich
    Alex Z.

    The definition of a 'hidden gem', Lou's is tucked away in a small alcove that's easy to miss. In the middle of the Financial District, it's the perfect place to grab a lunch - just make sure you come before noon to avoid the rush. Due to the small staff, it can take a bit of time to get your food. The sandwiches themselves are fantastic, with a wide range of options from classics like the Roma Club and Tuna Melt to the more adventurous Hot Link and Loquito sandwiches, you can't go wrong. Make sure to get everything on it, including the Lou's special sauce, which is what elevates the sandwiches above your standard fare by adding a savory/sweet/spicy kick to every bite. With each sandwich being around $13, it's also a great deal for the size you get, especially in SF. If you're looking for the next lunch spot to impress your friends and coworkers, this is it.

    Suraj P.

    Really delicious sandwich and super fast service. I ordered ahead on DoorDash and it was done well before the estimated time. Make sure to go up and ask someone as they keep the online orders in a different area. I loved how much toppings they put inside, will definitely be going back!

    Turkey and avocado on Dutch crunch
    Steven W.

    I had a turkey and avocado with everything on Dutch crunch. The flavors were great. I liked the little kick of heat from the jalapeno spread, and everything worked well together. But the Dutch crunch bread was more chewy than crunchy. The top of the bread was soft, not crisp. And bread is an important part of a sandwich. (Dutch crunch should have a crunch.) Lou's makes a good sandwich. But not a great sandwich. If I worked in the area, I could see eating here regularly. But while I had a perfectly good lunch, this wasn't a destination sandwich. Service was friendly. There is some seating outside, which looked nice, but I took my sandwich to go.

    Arthur L.

    Lou's is of my office's favorite sandwich spots near and comes highly recommended. Lou's is on the ground floor of an office building with easy access from the street. The server was super nice and helpful. Most recommended the Risky Bizness sandwich, and with my favorite crust of all time, Dutch Crunch, it was an easy decision to make. The sandwich itself was packed with everything and super delicious. It was so good, that the next time I went, I just automatically choose the same!

    Kelly H.

    This is a solid sandwich place for sure. We got the veggie sandwich and it was really tasty and satisfying. It was packed with a lot without having to widen your mouth a bunch for a bite LOL

    Roma's Club Sandwich
    Angel L.

    Affordable delicious lunch spot for people who work in downtown sf or want to grab a quick bite! You can also call ahead to order if you're in a hurry. It's nestled in a spot that might be hard to find. There's plenty of outdoor seating. I had the Roma's club sandwich and their house sauces are so delicious! Adds a creamy and spicy kick to the sandwich. Love their Dutch crunch bread too. Will be back everytime I need a lunch spot :-)

    Chicken Pesto Sandwich
    Andrea T.

    I got the chicken pesto sandwich and it was so good that I accidentally ate the whole thing even though I was only going to eat half. I was sooo full afterwards but didn't regret it. They put a sauce in the sandwich that gives it an extra kick. The part I like most about this sandwich is that even though it is large, the bread is not too thick, and it is toasted to perfection. I like this location because the cashier is very friendly and the ambiance is modern. You may need to wait awhile for your food because they have many orders. Seems like they might let you order ahead, but I haven't tried that yet.

    See all

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 day ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nina S.
    113
    101
    5

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eric P.
    21
    30
    6

    4 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Good food, fast service and reasonably priced. They are busy so call ahead. They are in a kind of strange location but worth hunting down.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gene X.
    529
    1222
    957

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Angel L.
    1144
    518
    2093

    2 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ethan C.
    13
    159
    6

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kitty T.
    115
    38
    54

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jacob M.
    30
    270
    324

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Delicious, consistent and reasonable! Great seating area outdoor and your sandwich is ready fast.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Young S.
    4
    59
    185

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Marc D.
    19
    42
    69

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Camille D.
    474
    24
    29

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Had the hot pastrami. Prices are fair and portions are good. Food was very enjoyable; would go back

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Taylor B.
    171
    79
    90

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Aman M.
    2
    17
    15

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Lou's Cafe

    I believe this location is temporarily (possibly permanently?) closed? Can anyone confirm?

    They Re-open for business On June 7, 2021

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Irving Subs - Giants sub ... Love it

    Irving Subs

    4.3(560 reviews)
    4.3 miInner Sunset
    $$

    This is a really wonderful sandwich spot that I have come to love for their kind accommodation to…read morecustomization- be it adding weird, hot stuff (the Tajin spice and ghost pepper sauce really add to the sandwich)- or holding the typical stuff (I'm allergic to onions and really hate most lettuce). The sandwiches are creative and well balanced. There is always a harmonious balance of ingredients. The Ms. Spicy is wonderful, as the Tajin spice is unique and adds to the flavor. Alma's Hot and Spicy was also a winner, as was the Giants. Kudos for having simple sandwiches with the option to make as weird and customizable as is reasonable! I have only ever gotten delivery because it is far away, but I am very happy with the accuracy of the orders and artistry in each sandwich. Thank you!

    In the city and decided to drop by this spot off a friend's recommendation and it did not…read moredisappoint. Friendly staff and highly recommend to order online as it can get busy on a weekend afternoon. Pictured: the Masonic -- a grilled chicken breast sandwich with their signature house garlicky mayo and the usual sandwich toppings. There are many ways to customize as you please. The sandwich was extremely fresh and flavorful but the star was the Dutch crunch bread. Definitely one of the best I've tried and just elevated the sandwich as a whole. 10/10 might have to grab two next time I'm in the city!

    Photos
    Irving Subs - The   Turkey Bacon  Avocado  Lettuce Tomato    Pure awesome

    The Turkey Bacon Avocado Lettuce Tomato Pure awesome

    Irving Subs - Turkey, avocado, bacon, lettuce, tomato on Gluten free bread. Yummy.

    Turkey, avocado, bacon, lettuce, tomato on Gluten free bread. Yummy.

    Irving Subs - Giant's Sub (left) 
 Fratellino (right)
 with Potato Salad
 Yum :)

    See all

    Giant's Sub (left) Fratellino (right) with Potato Salad Yum :)

    The Boys’ Deli - Sanfranpsycho Sandwich

    The Boys’ Deli

    4.5(518 reviews)
    1.3 miRussian Hill
    $$

    The Boys' Deli is a small market stocked with snacks and grab-and-go treats, but the real highlight…read moreis the sandwich counter in the back. Service was efficient and friendly, and the ordering process is straightforward. You choose a base sandwich, pick your bread, and customize it with their selection of veggies. We got the Sanfranpsycho with all the veggies and it was phenomenal. Highly recommend the Dutch crunch bread. Everything tasted incredibly fresh and well put together, exactly what I look for in a great sandwich.

    The restaurant we planned to grab lunch at was closed, so we walked a few blocks and ended up…read morefinding this deli. Ordering takes a minute to figure out. You start in the back toward the center to place your order, then move to line up on the left side to pick it up and add toppings to hot sandwiches. After that, you bring everything to the front to pay. Quite few people, us included, were a little unsure where to go next. The sandwiches made up for it. I got the tri tip special with garlic butter and swapped the Swiss for pepperjack. The meat was sliced thin and really tender, and the garlic butter a perfect addition. I'm not usually big on sauces, but they have a good variety of house options if that's your thing. We'll definitely be back. I was also happy to see they have another location in San Bruno.

    Photos
    The Boys’ Deli
    The Boys’ Deli - Sanfranpsycho Sandwich (No Bacon)

    Sanfranpsycho Sandwich (No Bacon)

    The Boys’ Deli - Sandwich with all fixings!

    See all

    Sandwich with all fixings!

    Dolores Deluxe - Call Me Serg

    Dolores Deluxe

    4.6(78 reviews)
    3.0 miNoe Valley
    $$

    Came by around closing time, but everything was still super fresh and honestly so good. The bread…read morewas amazing, warm, soft on the inside, with just the right amount of crisp on the outside. I got the breakfast sandwich which was delicious, and my friend ordered the turkey sandwich which they also loved. One thing to note is that they don't allow substitutions or modifications, so just be aware of that going in. It's more of a deli/grocery-style spot, so there isn't much seating, just a few tables and chairs outside. But it's super close to Dolores Park, so we usually just grab our sandwiches and head there to eat. The chocolate chip cookie was also a standout. It's more of a brown butter, dark chocolate situation, rich but really well balanced, and the perfect sweet treat after the sandwich. Since we came right before closing, they even gave us the last cookie for free, which was such a nice surprise!! The staff was friendly and made great conversation. Would definitely go back.

    Dolores Deluxe has some interesting sandwiches here including sandwiches with pork shoulder, pulled…read moreBBQ chicken, carmelized eggplants, etc. What makes this place further unique is some of the bread options. For example, some sandwiches are served on a crunchy focaccia bread. My only critique is that the sandwiches are kind of small for the price you pay and the meat portions are small.

    Photos
    Dolores Deluxe - Market

    Market

    Dolores Deluxe - Ode to Barber (rotisserie chicken breast, homemade toum, lebanese pickles, crispy potatoes, parsley + sumac on acme green onion slab)

    Ode to Barber (rotisserie chicken breast, homemade toum, lebanese pickles, crispy potatoes, parsley + sumac on acme green onion slab)

    Dolores Deluxe - Slower start to our Thursday morning

    See all

    Slower start to our Thursday morning

    Lou's Cafe - salad - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...