Welcome to Say Cheese
At "Say Cheese," nestled in the heart of Cole Valley since 1976, the passion for quality cheese, sandwiches, and wine shines brightly. This beloved local gem boasts a curated selection of artisanal cheeses from both domestic and international sources, giving patrons a delightful exploration of flavors. Known for their fast service and friendly staff, Say Cheese also offers an impressive array of specialty sandwiches that cater to every taste. With a charming, no-frills atmosphere and an exceptional wine selection, it's a culinary haven for quick bites or picnic goodies. Every visit to Say Cheese is a celebration of taste and community.
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856 Cole St, San Francisco, CA 94117 Hotline: (415) 665-5020
Welcome to Say Cheese: A Culinary Treasure in Cole Valley
Nestled in the heart of Cole Valley, Say Cheese beckons cheese aficionados and sandwich enthusiasts alike. Located at 856 Cole St, San Francisco, CA 94117, this charming cheese shop has become a neighborhood staple since its inception in 1976. With a reputation for quality and creativity, Say Cheese has successfully blended the world of fromages and delightful deli sandwiches into a culinary experience that keeps customers returning time after time.
A Sandwiched Delight
Say Cheese isn't just about cheese; it’s also celebrated for its expansive selection of remarkable sandwiches. Patrons have raved about the customizable menu, which allows guests to mix and match gourmet meats and cheeses. The smoked turkey on sourdough has become a fan favorite, a delicious combination that many have lauded for its flavor and freshness. Roberta D. encapsulates this sentiment perfectly, stating, "No matter who is working behind the counter, sandwiches are great."
- Signature Specialty Sandwiches: The offerings are varied and imaginative, with many choosing to personalize their meals.
- Magical Pâté: Don't miss the renowned Pâté Campagne sandwich, nicely paired with Gruyère and Dijon, making for a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Cheese and Wine Pairing
Equally impressive is their array of cheeses. Whether you’re after exquisite international selections or high-quality domestic artisanal varieties, Say Cheese has what you need. Juan V. notes that the store houses "some of the best fromage (cheese) foreign and domestic," which wonderfully complements the shop's impressive wine selection. This thoughtfully curated wine list offers excellent pairings for your cheese choices, with owner Roger often on hand to provide personalized recommendations.
A Cozy Neighborhood Charm
With its inviting atmosphere and attentive service, Say Cheese provides a delightful escape for food lovers. Its charm lies not only in its delicious offerings but also in the community feel it fosters among locals. Sadie E. highlights this sentiment perfectly, praising the store's "kind and quick" service and assuring patrons that "there is a reason it has stuck around for this long."
Takeaway Experience
As a delightful bonus, Say Cheese offers takeout, allowing customers to enjoy their feast in nearby Golden Gate Park. Picture it: a sunny afternoon, a freshly made sandwich, and a carefully selected wine providing the perfect picnic experience. Kunal K. aptly describes this transformation from a simple lunch spot into "a full-blown culinary toy store."
Final Thoughts
Whether you're in search of the perfect sandwich, a unique cheese for your next gathering, or a hidden gem to explore in San Francisco, Say Cheese has something for everyone. From their thoughtfully crafted menus to their inviting environment, it’s easy to see why this local gem continues to thrive. So next time you're nearby, make sure to swing by and Say Cheese!
For more information or to place an order, feel free to contact them at (415) 665-5020.
We've been coming here since forever and it just gets better and better. No matter who is working behind the counter, sandwiches are great. The specialty sandwiches are always wonderful but you can pick and choose whatever meats cheeses, etc. that you like. It's often missed is the great wine selection. It's all to go - there's no seating - but their choices of wines and prices can't be beat. If Roger, the owner is there, he is happy to give you advice about what wines might make your occasion very special. The neighborhood jam that we go to all the time.
A staple of Cole Valley since 1976 - there is a reason it has stuck around for this long. The service is kind and quick, the selection is unbeatable, and the sandwiches are fantastic. I order the smoked turkey on sourdough. A chic and adorable small business, with available seating outside and convenient location.
Great food, amazing service from knowledgable staff, elegant ordering from the owner for wines, and selections are thought off. The ambience- beautiful without feeling pretentious. Invest in this local gem in Cole Valley. We are all lucky to be a part of the experience.
In my continuation of the Summer stroll of Cole Valley it came to my attention that usually the opening night kickoff of the NFL season ritual is to get a pizza with cheese especially on National Cheese Pizza Day for Thursday Night Football. I decided to start a different ritual in 2024 but it didn't mean that I couldn't still Say Cheese at a boutique cheese place on Cole street called " Say Cheese". This place has some of the best fromage ( cheese ) foreign and domestic. First is the foreign cheese . Inside you will find a Fromagerie with a variety of cuts of cheese representing different countries. Then you have domestic Artisan cheese like the Detroit cheese brick , Wisconsin , and Vermont cheese. Then there is the deli which has a variety of sandwiches but I decided to get the Pate Campagne sandwich which came with Gruyère , Dijon, and Cornichon. The pate was smooth and tasty. I am particular about my pate and it was delicious and tender along with the cheese which made it a good overall favorable combination texture. One if not the best pate sandwiches in San Francisco.Then there is the wine. You can't say cheese without saying wine by design . The selection of wine at Say Cheese has some deep cuts mixed with some regional greats. I particularly liked their selection of Pinot Noir by the bottle ( pairs well with the pate). There are wines which will pair well with the cheese varieties .This is a good place to get wine and cheese to take home or go nearby to Golden Gate Park and savor the moments. Visualize and picture this like a camera and focus then say cheese with ease and build memories By pairing wine and fromage ( cheese) variety on Cole street from the USA and overseas
I'm updating my review to reflect the fact that their sandwiches are absolutely delicious, but so are the rest of their offerings. say Cheese has evolved from my sandwich lunch spot and into a full blown culinary toy store with awesome selection of cheeses, meats and wine. Definitely worth a visit!
Love the staff here. I'm terrible at making decisions, and they always make the best ones for me. I've had three of their sandwiches (roast beef (amazing horse radish sauce) turkey, and jamon), amazing. I can't wait to try the vegetarian ones. Great selection. Cute neighborhood, the only obstacle was parking. Plan on waking a block or four for this treat
loveloveloveeee this place! Went on a Monday afternoon when there was no line. Ordered a custom made turkey make your own sandwich. It was DELICIOUS. Huge and perfect size. Highly recommend the sourdough roll as your bread. Super fast service--no waiting around for a sandwich (like only took five mins!) unlike Luke's on the next block. Very reasonable price too especially since they give you so much (mine was $13.50 as opposed to $17 or $18 which is what I typically pay at other shops)! Next time I'll have to try/buy some cheeses and prosciutto. This place has been around forever and now I understand why! My new go-to in Cole Valley. Keep in mind that they don't toast the bread, but it honestly doesn't need it. Can't wait to return!
A non assuming store front which I've walked past many times till a friend suggested this place for their sandwiches. After walking in you see their large selection of wines, walk further back to the deli and you realize they have a great selection of olives, meats and to the right of the register a fabulous selection of cheeses. This place has everything you need for a perfect afternoon outing or offerings for a dinner party. It is walkable to GG park and off the N line to head to the beach. Decided on the prosciutto caprese sandwich that Moses, who was a great help, sliced fresh in front of us. The mozzarella tasted fresh and the bread was soft. You could easily share a sandwich but once you take a bite you may not want to share anymore. They seem to have a lot of local wholesome products which makes me want to support them even more. Grabbed some chips and limonata and it was a perfect lunch. Oh and those lemon cookies by the register worth every calorie!
Say Cheese was a solid spot if you're looking for a deli Sandwich or some quality cheeses/Italian ingredients. The store had a classic deli vibe, with kind service they made you feel like you belonged in their shop and were making the right decision. The taste of the meats were very flavorful and their ingredients were all on par. The price was decent as well.
When in doubt, it'll do great! Hard to believe within a 4 block radius you have 3 sandwich shops you really can't go wrong with, and Say Cheese is one of those! I want to try their specialty sandwiches (I think I saw an in-house roast turkey & beef?) when next in the 'hood and in need of something hearty, fresh, and satiating. I had the classic Italian on ciabatta and no complaints other than I wish I asked for extra peppercinis + added a pesto or mustard.