Kosher Goodness @ David's Delicatessen in SF
Touring around Union Square like a tourist is a favorite pastime of mine. I try to do this regularly for a nice review of what is happening in my lovely city, and to take trips down memory lane. My family has been a part of the city for generations and I am the current standard bearer.
One place special for me to walk past, and sometimes eat at, is David’s Delicatessen on the border of the Tenderloin, Nob Hill and the Theater District of San Francisco. It is across the street from the Clift Hotel, so you will see many locals and visitors alike at the deli’s famous counter.
David’s is one of those places that is clearly part of old San Francisco. Men wearing sharply creased fedoras and women wearing matching shoes and purses, both genders wearing smartly tailored suits. These were the typical customers found sitting at its counter and tables not long ago. My grandmother was one of them.
Today, David’s still sells a killer pastrami sandwich with a crisp dill pickle. It may not be as acclaimed as this Chicago sculpture, but it’s pretty close. It certainly is served with pastrami piled THIS high! Stop by David’s Deli for a real slice of old San Francisco. The food is a bit expensive and not as refined as its neighbor, Asia de Cuba across the street.
However, this is a true kosher deli on par with Katz’s Deli only not as big. Next time skip the Cheesecake Factory and grab a sandwich at David’s with your kids. Like the cable cars along Powell Street, you’ll experience the real San Francisco.
474 Geary Street
(at Taylor Street)
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 276-5950