Sam’s 2 U

This place is known for two things that seemingly don’t go together: subs/​sandwiches … and Persian food. I haven’t tried the former, but the latter was good … very good. My friends and I were initially interested because the meat was halal, but we thought the quality of the food was good, especially the fesinjoon, which is kind of a delicious chicken dish made with pomegranates and walnuts. The kabob platter was good too, and the best part is the sumac spice, which we liberally sprinkle on everything. I am just sad that I have lived in the area for 1.5 years without knowing there was good Persian food just a few miles away.
P. S. The parking situation is a hot mess.

The Persian chicken kabob was so bad, it’s ridiculous. Extremely overcooked and overpriced. A massive disappointment, because I usually like their sandwiches.

Expensive. Bready sandwich. Skip this one unless you want to try the Iranian food. I didn’t. Sandwich contents were not evenly distributed, quality ingredients, but bread dominated the experience.

Stopped in on a busy day. Parking looks a bit challenging but I was on a bicycle so I locked it up by the front door. I had a pastrami sandwich and really enjoyed it. What looked even more interesting was their Persian menu. I can’t wait to bring the family so we can give it a go.
As I ate my sandwich in a nice, clean booth, I watched a stream of regulars come in. The owners seemed to know their orders and the transactions happened with very few words.
The TV was on with a loud volume. I don’t know if anyone was watching it.
I’ll add to the review once I’ve tried the Persian food.

I’ve worked in Old Town Goleta for some years now, and over those years I’ve really gotten to know the friendly owners (family) of Sams 2 U.
A side note, this was formerly Sams 2 Go, but had to change their name due to unfortunate issues with other Sams 2 Go locations. From what I understand the family who runs Sams 2 U were looking to expand and change the menu up a bit but the other locations were not very happy about their change in direction.
This being said, Sams 2 U is now much more than just sandwiches. They have a daily Persian menu, and I believe I’ve had just about everything on it. It’s all very good and something a little different. They also offer some Persian dishes that need to be ordered a day in advance, those are all very good as well.
Most of this Persian menu (perhaps all of it?) is gluten free friendly.
As for their sandwiches, well they are still doing the Sams 2 Go sandwiches that you may know from any of the other locations around town… But seriously, go for the Persian.