Ike’s is a popular sandwich chain that originally started in San Francisco. As a result of its overwhelming popularity, it now has several locations in Northern California and a one in Southern California. I tried their sandwiches on a recent trip home.
Because they are so busy, you can’t even call in an order during peak hours. Luckily, we were eating a late lunch, so we were able to phone in our order and pick it up.
There are dozens upon dozens of sandwiches to choose from, with most of them priced between $9-10. The sandwiches all have very unique names and there is a good variety of vegetarian options. For each sandwich, you can choose between wheat, sourdough, French roll, or Dutch crunch (a white roll with a crackly top that is commonly offered in the Bay Area). The Dutch crunch is by far their most popular bread.
I’m sorry I forgot to take a picture of the Dutch crunch bread. I was with my family and only had a few moments to snap pictures as everyone was starving.
Spiffy Tiffy
Avocado, Halal Chicken, Mushrooms, Pepper Jack, Pesto, Provolone
Each of the sandwiches are served with their “dirty secret sauce.” It’s a creamy, bold and flavorful sauce that makes the sandwiches quite tasty. Unfortunately, it can also soften the bread if not eaten right away. This sandwich was massive, but between the avocados, mushrooms and the sauce, this sandwich bread got quite soggy.
Matt Cain
Godfather Sauce, Provolone, Roast Beef, Salami, Turkey. This is their most popular sandwich and my personal favorite. It held up quite well on the French roll.
Menage a Trois
BBQ, Cheddar, Halal Chicken, Honey Mustard, Pepper Jack, Real Honey, Swiss.
We’re JUST Friends
Avocado, Halal Chicken, Pepper Jack, Sweet Orange Glaze.
Overall, I thought the sandwiches were pretty good here. I was slightly disappointed though because after all the hype, I was expecting something more. While I would eat here again, I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit.
Ike’s Place/Lair (multiple locations)
You’re wrong when you said Ike’s has a few locations in Southern California. On their website, they only have one and it’s in LA
right, they have one in LA. My understanding was they had planned for an additional one in LA that didn’t work out.
I recently tried Dutch crunch bread (during our Labor Day road trip to SF)…It tastes better fresh. We bought a sandwich at a local deli near our motel and after an hour or so, it wasn’t as crunchy. There are so many choices at Ike’s, I would be overwhelmed.
Oh I haven’t had it after it’s been sitting around. that’s too bad that it didn’t stay crunchy. I just chose the popular ones because the menu overwhelmed me as well.
To me, they are just okay. For almost $10 a sandwich, I can certainly get
a better one from many other restaurants. I’m kind of disappointed when I tried. I’d expect more from the reputation.
I did think they were a little pricey too