Ike’s Place

I like the original one in S. F. better but this spot in Oakland seems to beckon back to the original. Although its pricey they take their time to develop sauces and flavors and not just slap some meat between two pieces of bread with mayo. I had double meat on my pastrami sandwich with Dutch crunch and was thoroughly satisfied.

Dang I wanted to give a 5 but they messed up my order. They left the chicken out! Really good otherwise.

Generally, I try to order online ahead of time when I go to Ike’s. I really don’t like waiting in line, especially when I’m hangry. Good thing I was in great company, otherwise… I would’ve moved on to the next.
I usually order Spiffy Tiffy’s but decided to change it up. I got the Bakesale and I don’t think I’m ever going to get anything else. Who doesn’t want a chicken tender and ranch sandwich? Smothered in just the right amount of ranch + dirty sauce?
There’s no where to eat inside but they have a lovely little outdoor seating area where you can catch a few rays.
Pro tip:
Check in on Unilocal and claim your free bag of chips!

No comprehensive review needed. The food is better than average and the price is average when compared to other sandwich chains considering the portions one gets. Accessibility is an issue with car and even bike parking at times. Perhaps a couple more tables might help or a loyalty program to keep customers engaged. If I could I would prefer to give this place 3.5 stars since it is better than average, but honestly I mostly go here because it is the closest sandwich shop to me. With a loyalty program I would be more inclined to go more often (assuming the price does not rise) and would probably give this place 4.5 stars for appreciating its customers base.

This would be at least a 4 star review if I had not experienced such horrible service! The food, awesome, the app convenient, the service CRAP.
I’d heard such great and wonderful things about this place so today was the day I was going to see what all the hype was about. I mulled over the menu a million times once I’d downloaded the app. I settled on the number 97 Pastrami-​Charmed Life. My coworker chose the Barry B and we pre-​ordered at 10 something a.m. for a pickup at 12:30. We walked in went to the pickup area and stood there until someone walked up, it was at least 7 people behind the counter working their butts off by the way. Anyway she told the guy that we’d placed an order and he responds ok you have to wait… Umm ok. So we’re standing there in a huge crowd, just waiting. We’d never been there so we’re assuming that’s the way things work. Meanwhile, name after name is being called, still waiting. Delivery guy comes in we get out of his way, it’s really crowded, we’re getting very acquainted with strangers rubbing up against them because we have to move around for the delivery guy. Still waiting. Finally my coworker goes back to the counter and says once again, we placed an order through the app this time and the guy goes oh your order been ready, we don’t call names for app orders. REALLY??! Can you just let me know how we would have known that? Keep in mind my lunch is ONLY half an hour. Very disappointed!

I don’t get all the praise that this chain gets. Their Sandwiches aren’t any better or worse than any other gourmet sandwich spot. It’s pretty expensive for what you get. I do like some of the names of their sandwiches tho. Very clever.

Probably one of the best sandwiches in the Bay Area.
There is an endless selection. Even if you’re not quite a sandwich person, it is likely you will find something that catches your attention and makes you lick your lips.
The sandwich takes a while to make, but that is with the understanding that it’s being made right then and there, and it’s totally worth it! These sandwiches are not screwing around. They are giant.
The staff is also friendly and engaging. Offering little tips as you go along.
Speaking of tips, if you like veggies on your sandwich like I do, don’t be afraid to ask for lettuce tomatoes and onions. They are free additions.
I just ate mine, so now it’s time for a nap. A food coma is almost obligatory. Night!

Amy just made this my most favorite visit of all time. Best service from a place that already provides amazing service!!!
I highly recommend signing up for the belly card and stacking those points.

Simply the best sandwiches in the world. I’ve never been disappointed. I’ve ordered only from their vegetarian menu (DEFINITELY look online or at their app for the full menu). My go-​to is Purple B’s Veggie CA-​BLT (on Dutch Crunch, obviously), but I also like the GS Warriors, Love Triangle, Holy Name Tigers, and Everett Middle School. I always add free pickles. Zapp’s chips are good, too. Every other deli and sandwich place is lacking in comparison – Ike’s has ruined my ability to enjoy lesser sandwiches. You need to go.

Every time I go to Ike’s, I leave feeling a bit like the cat that got the cream. These sandwiches are not normal – they’re like *luxury* sandwiches.
My favorites:
The Bakesale (which, outside of Oakland, is called Coreeepy’s or something like that) — because your fried chicken sandwich should be good enough it makes you feel a *little* bit guilty.
The Pee Wee — to DIE FOR vegan ruben.
Every Ike’s location I’ve ever been to is staffed by the friendliest folks, and they work HARD, but since this was my local spot for years, they deserve all the credit for making me a diehard fan.

Yum!!! My sister brought me here and omg, these sandwiches are so good!!!
I can’t remember the exact name of the one I had, but it had sauteed mushrooms, cheese and I think guacamole. SO good!
I can’t wait to go back and try more!

Love the food.
My problem lies in the lack of attention to detail.
I used to order through the phone app to make it easier. After many times of arriving and the app order not even started. Or people who ordered at the counter getting food prior to app order from an hour ago. I stopped using the app. I also had 3+ orders made incorrectly. Add on’s missing etc.
I moved to only ordering in person. Yet I still find my order wrong often. Today I ordered a Cpt. Kirk. Get back to work to eat it and it’s missing avocado. Not an add in, this is in the base sandwich.
I’ve sat on writing this review for at least a year, but out of all the places I frequent for lunch, this is the only one who messes up frequently. I keep coming back because it’s good and where else in the area can I get a veg meat sandwich. But damn, for the price, I’d like better attention given to the order placed.
Staff is friendly.

This was my first time here. I’m a big fan of tuna when it comes to sandwiches, so I tried theirs, which is called Chippers Fave, and it was very good. All the different names of the sandwiches are interesting, and this place has outdoor seating only. I will be coming back again!!!

Finally, FINALLY, I went to Ike’s. After a seven-​mile hike thru Redwood Regional, one builds up a hearty appetite for meat, or in my case, meat substitutes. Ike’s offers several vegetarian options, all of which can be made vegan for no additional charge. I opted for the Pilgrim; vegan turkey, siracha, Havarti, and cranberry sauce, which I added on tomato, lettuce, and dirty sauce. Now, I’m not quite sure what’s in the dirty sauce as it was masked quite a bit by the siracha, but I can tell you this: it’s freakin’ delicious.
This is hand’s down the best sandwich place I’ve found in the Bay Area. The dutch crunch is on point.

Ike’s has an amazing selection of veggie sandwiches — I’m used to the normal 1 or 2 sandwiches that consist of various types of lettuce and maybe some hummus — not Ike’s! You get to select your bread and add ingredients if you’re about that life. The place is very laid back but also really popular, with fantastic customer service (my friend: «you don’t know about Ike’s? They’re really famous apparently»). I beat the lunch rush and came a bit later and sat outside, swatting pigeons and trying to finish my voodoo chips and Meatless Mike in peace.

This place has the best sandwiches ever! I’ve tried a few different ones but my favorite by far is the Spiffy Tiffy on dutch crunch — halal chicken, avocado, cheese, dirty sauce… I’m drooling just thinking about this yummy goodness. Biting into this sandwich fills my heart and soul… and belly with happiness.
It gets pretty busy, especially around lunch time so I would recommend trying to beat the rush. The line can be pretty long. They have tables outside the shop but I usually take mine to go because it’s either too cold to enjoy my sandwich out there or because there are too many pigeons tryin’ to nibble at my food.
A must try! They have multiple locations so stop by whichever one is closest to you. I’ve been to the one in SF, Oakland, and in Walnut Creek. If they don’t have the sandwich you want listed on their menu, all you have to do is ask! Chances are, they’ll still be able to make it for you.

Ike’s. My favorite sandwich shop, home of the messy and delicious Ménage a Trois sandwich! Always get it with Dutch Crunch bread, and any extra veggies you want. (I prefer extra tomatoes.)
If you’ve never been to Ike’s, just do yourself a favor and order that Ménage a Trois with Dutch Crunch. You know you’ve always wanted a threesome.
The best part is that it’s tasty and messy like one.
No indoor seating. Gets busy during lunch rush on weekdays. Check in on Unilocal first to get the free chips! Parking is a pain around here. Best if you Bart in.

This is a classic, there are only positive points, I didn’t have any negative experience at all except maybe the parking constraints but that’s a Bay Area issue
— fresh ingredients
— good sauce-​meat-​bread-​veggies ratio
— quick service
— smartphone ordering option
— outside seating
— the bald guy is not bad to look at while you wait
— cool names
— options for vegetarians

The legendary status of this sandwich shop is not exaggerated. I been itching to give this place a try for lunch for a month now and finally got my chance before going on Christmas break.
The popularity of this place makes me thought of ordering online for pick-​up instead of waiting in store, the Facebook app is handy for the busy lunchtimes. While I was choosing my sandwich and a timeslot, all of the pick-​up order times from 11:00 am (opening) to 12:00 pm was filled up for the day. (gives you an idea of how popular it is) The Elvis Keith sounded perfect, Halal chicken with teriyaki and wasabi mayo, just the flavor combination I was looking for. Ordered, refreshed on my ordering status, waited.
Got to the store about 12:05 for my 12:15 pm order, the shop is small and hence completely filled to the rim with people eagerly waiting for their sandwiches. I was a bit early and a few minutes before 12:15 pm my sandwich was ready as promised and good to go.
I have to admit I never been a huge fan of sandwiches since the combination of meat, veggies, flavors and bread was never quite right. My first bite of the Elvis Keith though — was magical. The dutch crunch bread, perfectly baked and the crunchiness adds just the perfect touch of texture without being hard, even with the plentiful of veggies and halal chicken inside, the bread did not get soggy. The chicken — tender, savory, warm, and crispy all at ones, and the teriyaki sauce/​wasabi mayo was just the perfect combination to give it an Asian sauce and spicy kick. My stomach probably only had room for half of the very generous portion of the sandwich, but my taste buds craved for more. The entire sandwich was finished and fingers were licked within minutes.
The perfect sandwich. Can’t wait to try more in the New Years.

Having growing up in the Bay Area, I feel more than slightly embarrassed to admit that I had never ventured to an Ike’s until a few months ago… Yikes!
Of course, Ike’s has been ranked as one of the top locations for those who enjoy eclectic yet delectable indulgent sandwiches.
I’d have to say that after two visits, I have nothing to complain about, just that I’d certainly hope to sample more of their sandwiches! I’d certainly be interested in meeting the person who managed to sample ALL of the over 20 or so, sandwich combinations.
Wild and yummy sandwiches, enthusiastic and sweet, employees, and a down to earth, humble Bay Area vibe, Ike’s certainly is a must try!

Sandwich shop with Zapp’s chips, a Pepsi fountain machine, and bottled sodas.
No room to eat inside. but there’s an area of tables in front of the shop.
They can veganize sandwiches, no problem. They even had two different lollipops to throw in your bag per sandwich and they threw in the vegan one! Yeah, it’s a big deal because I’ve ordered a vegan sandwich elsewhere and got the other lollipop. (Thumbs down). I don’t even want the lollipop but the fact that they were thoughtful enough to throw in a vegan lollipop when I order a vegan sandwich– I love.
These aren’t healthy options but it tastes great. In fact, they also have a ‘dirty’ option where you can add mozzarella sticks or jalapeño poppers in your sandwich. (not vegan).
They’re Dutch Crunch bread seems to be all the rage. In fact, their breads are fresh baked.
There’s locations all over the state and having a great experience here makes me look forward to hitting any of their locations up.

Welp, I sure didnt taste the hype.
It was a good sandwich spot but nothing stood out besides the creative names of the selection of sandwiches coined after bay area sports icons and the such. The portions are healthy and the sandwiches are well made but it seemed to lack a signature flavor and it just didn’t connect with me.
With that being said, my friends love this spot so its worth another try and a possible reevalutation of this review. Until next time…

5 stars for the sandwich… docking a couple for the location.
I absolutely love Ike’s sandwiches. All of the options I’ve tried so far have yet to disappoint… especially being sandwiched between their epic Dutch crunch bread. I’ve never had anything like this bread before… crunchy on the outside and nice and chewy on the inside. It’s pretty epic.
This location, however, I was not very pleased with. The moment I stepped in, it wreaked of urine… which was kind of a turnoff. It definitely helped that the folks working the counter were pretty friendly and courteous.
I most likely won’t be returning to this location.

I just tried this place with my boyfriend and it was a really memorable experience. We had the fried chicken sandwich, which was absolutely amazing. I personally thought it was good, but my boyfriend loved it. He ate the whole thing from the rooty to the tooty.
I wasn’t quite on his level with the experience so two bites in, I started picking out the fried chicken bits which I found to be pleasing, but not over-​the-​top. And yes, that was a Sylvester Stallone reference for you 80’s diehards.
The highlight of our experience came at the tail end of our meal when my ex-​boyfriend surprisingly showed up with his new boyfriend. My boyfriend became upset and actually threw what was left of his amazing meal at my ex and had it not been for the excellent service staff, I’m sure a large-​scale altercation would have ensued.
Speaking of service, The two who were manning the register operation today were extremely helpful and sexy. They gave us a free bag of chips to try and they were absolutely delicious. As were the chips.
A must visit place if you’re in the area and in the mood for some great food & friendly service!

If you are in the Bay Area & you Unilocal a restaurant to eat at, Ike’s will be #1 with the most reviews (6000+!) I may be the only one that is not head over heels for their sandwiches but they are decent for the hype! My boyfriend & I ordered the:
111. Manage A Trois = Chicken, honey, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, pepper jack, Swiss, cheddar — Good but I was not a fan of the BBQ sauce mixed in.
18. Matt Cain = Roast beef, turkey, salami, godfather sauce, provolone — A sandwich for the meat lovers. Meh, just okay although this is their most popular sandwich.
Both on the famous Dutch Crunch which I love! Sweet & crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside.
Check in to get a free bag of chips!

At around $ 10 for a sandwich I expected something life changing. While the portion makes the price worth it, I personally found it to just be okay. I had the spiffy tiffy on dutch crunch.
Check in for a free bag of chips!

The «Awesome!» It Satisfies!
SITREP
Back in Oakland in the very early evening (6:15 pm), after passing through Napa Valley Wine Country and enjoying a few vinyard stops there.
The thing about drinking wine, it certainly *triggers* a hunger a couple of hours later (but I’m not too keen trying to satisfy that hunger with some meager cheese & crackers at the wineries).
THE SETUP
Ike’s still has one of the most incredible selections of hunger-​satisfying sandwiches, and my sweet partner-​in-​crime & I traded halves and dove right into these two gut-​busters in particular:
* The Paul Reubens, with French Dressing, HomeMade Poppy Seed Coleslaw, Pastrami, Swiss (oh hell to the yum!); and the,
* The Damon Bruce, with Beer Battered Onion Rings, Provolone, Steak Sauce, and thinly sliced rib eye (absolutely yum!)
The sandwiches are consistently «Mouthwatering Perfection!»
EXTRAS!
On this junket, we rounded out our sandwich combos with a great selection of Zapp’s chips (Regular and Voodoo Heat) and we opted for some drinks this time, including a Black Cherry Soda and one of Ike’s Soda:
Such a great treat!
DECOR!
I love looking at all the iconic memorabilia from my youth that decorates the walls of Ike’s. Some of the lunchpails I actually remember as a 70s-​era kid!
THE LOWDOWN
Ike’s is hands down THE BEST sandwich shop in the Bay Area. You passing through on your way to San Francisco or even San Jose? Well worth it to get off the freeway and a grab a sandwich (or two like we did!). Thank you, Ike’s! We will see you again soon! :D