SF Grill Castro

Quick Bite To Eat While Wandering Through The Castro
SITREP
I was killing time while waiting a couple hours for my friend to get off of work. Was hungry and saw the sandwich list in this shop.
MENU
From cold cut sandwiches to cheese sandwiches to veggie sandwiches, the list went on. I could see the diversity would benefit the vast demographic hitting the Gold’s Gym next door.
I settled on a cold cut sandwich for $ 5.50, and that filled the void. It was nothing spectacular but it was what I needed so that I could continue to do some random shopping and wandering until I met up with my friend.
THE LOWDOWN
A good sandwich spot for a quick hunger fix.

Closed. No surprise to anyone that ate there.
The owners and employees were earnest, cute, friendly and nice. But had no idea how to prepare food or run a restaurant. Tried multiple times to find a reason to return, but oy. Total fail.
This is a tough location to turn a profit, given its size. But the foot traffic is a definite lure. Hopefully one day, someone will figure out the right formula.
Maybe this location is actually best as a gym clothing/​supply store and the vacant vitamin place on the other side of the gym entrance should be the healthy prepared food place? #justsayin

This place is terrible and will be closed within 2 – 3 months. Do not eat hear unless you enjoy terrible food/​food poisoning from spoiled/​rotten/​rancid low quality ingredients.

I gotta send a shout out of Thanks! The gentleman who helped me was awesome! I ordered on GopaGo and my order was cancelled but didn’t push a notification thru to me. So, I get there, no food, no salad, no drink, NO PROBLEM! He promptly offers me anything on the menu, anything I want, as I want it. Then, he gives it to me for free. That’s right, in 2012, at a place I am trying for the first time using a redemption code basically, and the dude gives me the whole meal for nada, nothin, not even a hug. I’ll be coming back to try this again. The salmon salad sandwich and salad were GREAT! Many thanks for the customer service, way above and beyond for a dude just walkin in on a Saturday morning after yoga.

If I could I’d give it zero stars. We just grabbed lunch from here.
Lamb sandwich was a ‘D’. Very fatty cut of meat. Poor value. Mediocre taste.
We also got the salmon burger. That’s a definitive ‘F’. Smelly fish. Bland taste. No way the funky tasting cheese on it was Monterrey Jack.
Never again.

My salmon was like microwaved, fishy, and COLD. YUCKY. BEWARE OF THAT. The rest of the salad was good. I’ll give them another try.

Okay give me a minute, I need to gather myself and figure out where to begin.
For the record: I am a seasoned cook with years of experience working in professional kitchens all over the country. This may be considered a rant but I promise it is completely truthful and after reading you’ll understand why. Alright… here goes!
Anyone who has given this place more than 1 star is either, connected to this business in some way (friends of the owner or employees) or is missing their taste buds, sense of smell and has never eaten any fresh, decent food.
So I am a big meat/​wild game lover; I often salivate when I see those shows where a big cat is eating a gazelle. I work in the castro and have noticed there are a lot of pretty good lunch places around here, even though most of them are over priced. So i one day I was walking back to work and I noticed this place; I saw all these signs saying ostrich, buffalo, salmon, kobe beef burgers, paninis, grass fed, blah blah etc… I thought… oh nice something exotic. I did think it was kinda strange that it was attached to the golds gym. At first I was like ehhhhh its probably on of those bland health food gym connected cafes, then a few days later I was craving some wild game so I decided i’d give this place a shot, a decision I’m still regreting.
I looked at Unilocal and saw the «reviews», looked at their menu, and walked over there. Once I got there I decided to try the «ostrich burger», something I’ve enjoyed in the past. I asked the guy what came on it he didn’t really know, he just uttered about some roasted purée of peppers and stuff, I pay $ 16.00, no drink, fries, or chips, I already got those. Then he says it will be ready in 5… that’s right 5.minutes. First red flag, who makes a fresh burger in 5 minutes. So I’m sitting there and I was kinda curious about how they made it so fast, so I move and sit in a place where I can see the prep line. I was amazed, I thought maybe this guy was a magician, he kept opening this magic silver box and armed with tongs and a knife began poking around. I soon realized this was no magic box, it was a commercial grade «convection oven»…glorified microwave like the kind at mccdonalds. I was kind of shocked but I held out hope that he just used the microwave to melt the cheese on top, which would have bad in its own right. I ask him for some ketchup and mustard to go… they didn’t have any… but figured how to put something together for me.
I get back to my work and sit down for what, at this point, seems to be a sketchy encounter. I took a bite of the «salad» that comes with it… no dressing ahhhhhhhhh. I then decided to see what this burger looked like… I removed the rotten wilted lettuce (see pic) and tomatoes. There was none of the «we’re pretentious and trying to sound fancy but in truth just crappy» stuff he said was on it… purée thing he tried to describe. There is no way in hell they make their food fresh… I’d bet my left, no both arms, legs, eyes, ears and any if i ever have them, children, that they buy pre-​prepared patties, cook them initially somewhere else, then bring them to the «bistro» and slowly let them rot and fester in a tub of their own putrid bacteria. It was like a hockey puck…
I made the mistake of biting into this petri puck of nastiness… my nasal passages were overwhelmed with the aroma of rancid meat (no joke it took me 1.5 hours and 2 bags of salt and vinegar chips to get the taste out of my mouth). I couldn’t push myself to continue to go further… there are just some things your body isn’t meant to handle/ingest…crack, heroin, household bleach, and this death sentence of a meal.
Bottom line… this place has the façade that it is a boutiqe-​ish bistro with oooohhh exotic, fresh food. It is another one of those places in the castro that is more concerned with the look and idea than actual substance, fake classy — but real trashy. This place should be shut down… if you are looking for an unconventional way to «check out early» and arent into blood, pills, and/​or heights I highly recommend this place for you… GOOD LUCK… sorry it was soooo long and maybe harsh but you get what you pay for… unless you’re the customer here… ps…i did take the food back minus a bite and he gave me the money back and when asked, he did confirm that the patties are not made or cooked in the «bistro».

Hold on — is the cardio class in the gym next door, or is it in here? Because this sure is a whole lot of run-​around for what seemed to be a low-​voltage atmosphere.
A boxed meal is sitting behind the counter. Some dude’s texting on a stool. (This information will be important later.)
My group of 5 starts ordering. I order my sandwich, and the cashier trots from behind the counter and goes up to the window to pull off the menu to see how much to charge me. Apparently 1) the price of the food is unknown to him and 2) there are no other priced menus. After a wait and a few near mix-​ups of orders, my group has its stuff. My sardine sandwich is forgettable.
I see the cashier tell the texting guy that his box of food is now ready. …Wait for it… It’s the box that’s been sitting there the entire time.

I’ve had the burgers at their other location and am happy to report that they are equally awesome here as well. The Kobe burger was nice and juicy, cook just right and the wheat bun was very fresh. This shop is considerably smaller than their place on California St but they offer outdoor seating, perfect for people watching on a sunny day.

Lamb sandwich with spicy sauce = YUM!!!
The owner (I’m assuming) is awesome. I love his enthusiasm and passion for what he is doing. It really shows!

I basically staggered in and yelled, «I’m so hungry I’m about to pass out! Do you have anything vegetarian?» and the guy was all, «Yeah, I’ll make you a sandwich.» It only took a couple of minutes and it was delicious. It was full of both fresh and grilled vegetables on warm crunchy bread with some tasty sauce. And it came with a decent salad. But one star off because even though the two guys were really nice, I think the one at the register took advantage of my daze to upsell me on juice. It was damn good juice and it made waiting for my sandwich tolerable. But still.

Years ago, on my first trip to CA, I had ostrich in Pasadena and liked it. I kept seeing emails and blogs about the new sandwich shop in castro, Castro SF Grill, having ostrich sandwiches, so I wanted to try. It’s always closed when I go by, I think it closes at 7. Sunday I was right next to there so I decided to make it my dinner. It’s small inside, I guess one or two people could eat there, but it’s more a take out or quick place. They do have outdoor seating if it’s nice out. The counter guy (owner?) was super nice. There was no ostrich. I guess their menu changes around. Oh well. I had a lamb, eggplant, feta and spicy eggplant sandwich instead, with a peach smoothie. Their smoothies are made with real fruit, yogurt and honey, no sugar. He asked me to make sure he’d put enough honey in, since people are used to smoothies being super sweet. I told him how I got it BECAUSE there was no sugar in! After drinking half at home, I think maybe it could have used a bit more fruit in the fruit to yogurt ratio, but it was certainly sweet enough. Love healthy tasty things! The sandwich was also good. It wasn’t pre-​made. The roll was crusty but not stale. The mixture of meat and veggies and cheese was great yum. These came with a side of greens. It all seemed healthy and yummy and friendly. I would return to try their other sandwiches, I just wish they’d stay open later, maybe till 9, so I could go on the way home on a weekday.

I really like their sandwiches and their prices are very reasonable for a good quality food they serve.
They use fresh ingredients and everything tastes great + a very good service what makes this place a gem in the Castro!

Good sandwiches — friendly service. The cashier was very helpful in making my choice. I went with the Sonoma — Lemon Chicken panini with a salad for 6.50. That’s a pretty good deal. I had to laugh at one the reviewers giving it one star (all I can say is high maintenance LOL). Healthy food located right next to Gold’s Gym. :-)

Let’s talk about something Fresh & Tasty!, finally a great eatery in the Castro location, I know the Castro was on the Brink! and mean brink for good food to find,
It seems the Castro has many places to eat but most of them are expensive,
un-​tasty and never fresh, or heavily preserved.
But if you want a very healthy & fresh panni sandwich then step up order and relax for the day, these guys (Hasim & Seni) always give you the friendliest «HI-​FIVES» or «HAND SHAKES», they really know how to welcome you in!
Finally a reasonable & tasty food selection place has been formed in the Golds Gym location next door, (formally beautiful) 2301 market Street @ Noe.
WOW! this place is amazing, it’s pure organic, grass fed, healthy & super delish with hints of flavors from around the world. NO ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS, PRESERVATIVES, COLORS OR FLAVOURS, ANTIBIOTICS OR HORMONES.
I had the Ostrich with Cabernet Cranberry Sauce, Brie Cheese, and Caramelized Onions on Four– Hour Baguettes $ 9.50 WOW, was I blown out of the water, it was super fresh not gamey just amount of FRESHNESS!, dam I need seconds on this one!
later in the week I have had the chance to eat the Buffalo, Jalapeño Peppers, Aged Cheddar, and Red Onions 100% Gras Fed Organic Buffalo –Durham Ranch on Ciabatta Rolls $ 8.95 this was just another WINNER! this one is very tasty with the soft ciabatta roll pure delite.
If you really want to try something truly «AMAZING» you definally have to try the Merguez Lamb, Eggplant, Feta Cheese, and Medjool Dates onCiabatta Roll
Kosher lamb mixed with spicy Harrisa (Tunisian hot chili sauce commonly eaten in North Africa whose main ingredients are piri piri (type of chili pepper), serrano peppers and other hot chili peppers and spices such as garlic paste, coriander, red chili powder, caraway, and olive oil. It is a standard ingredient of North African cuisine) $ 7.50
This place also «ROCKS» for Organic Salads they are all made FRESH & to order nothing ever frozen or boxed, just the right amount of greens, veggies and beets. you can’t go wrong! another winner in my book,
You should even try the homemade soup’s they are truly amazing and very well planned out. Organic and fresh and the bowls size is very well given.
If your also wanting something cold and blended I would also recommend the Protein drinks they make them border fresh with oranges, banana’s, peaches & a scoop of porting powder by request. it’s a plus for active body builders that want something for the way out or coming into the gym for a powerful workout. Smoothies made with organic bananas, local berries $ 3.95
Add serving of protein powder $ 1.00
Last but not least lets talk about the décor, it’s designed with a beautiful red and the counter is a semi-​polished black kick-​counter, with the table top seats they make you feel right at home, and with the local artist artworks it gives the place a «POP» of the right color. it really works for the space given it the home vibe feel.
Lets not to mention the outside seating area it’s really given you the local vide but with a european flare! it’s a Castro staple and given some fresh love & life to the area, Thank You.
SF Grill Castro Almost Famous Panini Grilled Sandwiches is «Highly» recommend go pull up a chair have something cooked fresh & made with love and given to you and explained what your about to eat by Hasim or Seni or the other staff memebers.
I would go here again and again because I know the food is fresh and organic but made with care and love even when it’s grass fed. it’s a [+] to have something in the area I know that is healthy, fresh and the price is just on spot. most places in the area can’t beat this,
It’s amazing and good to enjoy something truly with fare prices & servings.

After seeing that it had been open for several days, I was excited to try this place. Friendly staff, albeit somewhat clueless… seems reasonable to expect the guys behind the counter to know what’s on the special board on the floor in front of the register so they don’t look baffled when someone orders a special. One guy came out and looked at the board, then told the guy making the sandwich to look at it. First guy goes back to ring me up and has to ask the sandwich maker how much to charge.
While I was deciding what to order, one of the guys told me that everything on the menu was «an explosion of flavors.» OK, well, that gave me high hopes. I had the mushroom/​tomato/​cheese sandwich on ciabatta to go. When I got home, less than two minutes after leaving the place, and opened up my «explosion of flavors» box, my first thought was that what I ordered must be a cold sandwich, even though I was sure I had seen the guy peeling foil off my sandwich after making it. Big roll, sad little mushrooms and tomatoes, and cold cheese. Then I realized that a tiny little bit of the edges of the cheese was actually melted, so I guess they attempted to heat it up, albeit unsuccessfully. Was it a cold sandwich? Not entirely. Was it a panini? Not really. It wasn’t awful, but it sure didn’t approach being as good as I had hoped it would be. The sandwich came with a side salad which, unfortunately, was so over-​dressed with some sort of acidic concoction that it was inedible.
I like the idea of a food establishment being in this space, and maybe they’ll get their act together. Will I go back? Probably not.

A CRAZY good sandwich that’s healthy??? YES, baby; it DOES exist!
In its 2^nd week of opening, SF Grill Castro is a gem just waiting to be discovered by the health-​conscious and adventurous foodies alike. Attached to the Gold’s Gym in the Castro and right across from Super Duper, SF Grill Castro serves up a plethora of cold sandwiches, hot sandwiches, paninis, salads, soups, pastries, and smoothies. The rotating, seasonal menu (online menu is not reflective of actual current sandwich offerings) has unique offerings like Ostrich, Buffalo, Lamb and Tilapia on your choice of freshly baked whole wheat, ciabatta, sourdough or gluten-​free rolls. Sandwiches are $ 6.50-$ 9.50 and are accompanied by a side salad.
Having an affinity for exotic meats, I came by SF Grill Castro yesterday hoping to get a taste of this new establishment. Upon entering, I was welcomed by the owner, Seni (pronounced Sunny) who was a total sweetheart. Trying to avoid refined carbs, I was crossing my fingers they would have wheat bread available. I needed to get my healthy carb fix BADLY as my insomniac nights have been spent counting grains of rice and loaves of bread instead of sheep.
I ordered the Ostrich Sandwich w/​Cabernet Cranberry Sauce & Spinach on Wheat ($ 9.50).
For those of you not familiar with Ostrich meat, it’s a heart healthy alternative to beef. With 40% less fat than beef (3.5 oz has 2.8 grams of fat), it still has the same taste and texture to beef but with a more profound sweetness. Growing up in the 80s and watching Looney Tunes daily, sorry, *beep beep*.
Damn you, SF Grill Castro for having an open entry way leading to Gold’s Gym. As I was waiting for my sandwich, I was left ogling all the hot gay men in wife beaters and chiseled arms. In the 5 minutes I was there, my eyes got more of a workout then I normally get in my 90 minute gym sessions. Ugh. Gay? REALLY??? Ok, I digress.
Five exhausting eye-​sweating minutes later, my sandwich was ready!
Ostrich Sandwich on a Wheat Roll & Mixed Greens w/​Orange-​Lemon Olive Oil
The wheat roll was grilled in the Panini press making it wonderfully crunchy on the outside. The meatiness of the ostrich paired well with the tart cranberry sauce and the subtle fresh sweetness of the spinach. Craving sourdough bread and burgers for the past two weeks, the hearty Ostrich sandwich thoroughly satisfied both my cravings without any of the guilt. My only gripe is I wish there was cheese in the sandwich to give it a little pungent pizazz.
The accompanying salad of mixed greens was delicately dressed in an orange-​lemon olive oil which was light and refreshing.
Can’t wait to come back to eye-​rape, err, I mean for the Prosciutto & Melon Sandwich. (^_​~)
OTHER NOTES:
*Contemporary retro mod décor

*Indoor seating (~10 people) and outdoor patio (~10−12 people) seating
*CC’s accepted

What a joke!
Ok, where to begin. Dont buy the story folks, this place is not good.
Went in after days of getting excited about what I saw passing by and hearing about it a bit. Original meats, organics and even a sign in the window advertising gluten free bread option-​who wouldnt be excited.
Reality = Nice guy fron spain couldnt understand anything we said although he looked super cute which I am sure was the hiring credential. When we asked if the «Feta» is real, ie, goat or sheep, he looked at me as though I was crazy. He finalyl went and got the «Feta» and showed me the cheapest grossest gathering of COW CHEESE you could imagine stuffed into a giant plastic bag. For anyone allergic to cow anything, this is a litigious wet dream for someone… but even if you like cow cheese, this is a cousin of the stuff out of the hair spray cans. Moving right along, when I asked for the gluten free bread option both the cashier guy and the sandwhich making person looked at me as though I had switched over to chinese. I had to point out the sign, in the WINDOW. Next… my friend ordered a sandwhich with goat cheese and we were told that they could go back and look for it but that they think they are out of it, mind you this statement was offered as a question. Very weird. We told them not to worry about it, as though that was not part of their job. At this point we looked at eachother and heard the people behind us express the decision to leave. We wish we could too but we were knee deep in at this point. We ordered and then switched to TO GO, to get out of there. Realizing we were exhausted by these two clowns we were gifted a bag of the potato chips on the counter.
We left laughing thinking that the sandwhich better taste good.
Nope. The meat sits in these bins and gets all dried out, the bread is like sandpaper, no moisture at all, the meat amount allotted to each sandwhich is embarrassing. Everyone knows about food costs but this is silly. I felt like I peeled back a regular burger at mcdonalds as a kid and found that paper thing thing on the bun… this is the same when you peer in but its ground and has no differentiating taste from any other meat.
There is nothing special about this place and there really could be. In truth, this business plan is not hard to execute, at all. To fail this place, well, to fail the customers at this place, is really lame. lame.
Please get it together or leave and let another business come in that will give a *.

Finally, an amazing sandwich in the Castro. Quality meats paired with delicious fixings reasonably priced. I had the ostrich sandwich at my last visit and was beyond pleased with the service, prices, prompt preparation, and great panini.
Highly recommend this place!

Found this little gem while walking around. It’s right next to/​inside Golds Gym… I mistaken it for a juice bar at first. To our surprise, it’s a sandwich shop with a much more sophisticated menu that goes beyond ham and cheeses. The prices were amazing, $ 6.50-$ 7.50 for the sandwiches we got. The manfriend got the buffalo with jalapeño and I got the tilapia with cilantro pesto (pictured), both on ciabatta.
Both sandwiches were huge and came with a side salad. We didn’t speak while we ate with the exception of pausing to breath and to tell each other how tasty these sandos are.
We’ll definitely be back!