Imagine a Jewish deli that whispers nostalgia but screams innovation. That’s exactly what Super Mensch brings to San Francisco’s Marina District. Co-owners Adam Rosenblum and Elmer Mejicanos haven’t just filled a culinary void—they’ve crafted a love letter to East Coast deli culture with a bold, modern twist. Rosenblum, a self-proclaimed deli enthusiast, draws inspiration from iconic spots like Katz’s Delicatessen, even adorning the walls with sketches of legendary deli storefronts. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this a faithful homage or a daring reinvention? You decide.
What to Devour
- Sandwiches That Spark Debate: Whether you’re Team Pastrami or Team Reuben, these sandwiches are personal. But the real star? The latke. Forget everything you know—this isn’t your bubbe’s recipe. It’s a crispy, layered masterpiece topped with crème fraîche, salmon roe, and apple butter. The salty pop of roe against the starchy crispness? Pure genius.
- Za’atar Flatbread & Dips (Because Sharing is Optional): Perfect for groups—or not. The honey bell pepper and cucumber labneh dips are showstoppers, but don’t be surprised if the flatbread disappears before you can say shmear. And this is the part most people miss: the dips are so good, you’ll want to order extra.
- Chocolate Cake That Defies Logic: Inspired by Harold’s New York Deli, this three-layer behemoth is slathered in chocolate buttercream and anchored by a crumbly base. It’s not just dessert—it’s an event.
Best For
Casual dates or friend catch-ups. Pro tip: Everything’s shareable, from the Super Mensch sandwich (a pound of pastrami, no less) to the dips. Just don’t fight over the last bite of cake.
Insider Tip
Don’t let the cocktail names scare you. Elmer Mejicanos, the beverage director, is a wizard. The Babka Old Fashioned and Matzah Ball Soup Margarita sound wild, but trust us—they work. And the boozy egg cream? Gin, cacao liqueur, cold-pressed cacao juice, egg foam, and seltzer. It’s like a childhood treat grew up and got a passport. But here’s the real question: Are these cocktails genius or sacrilege? Let’s debate in the comments.
Download the Eater App (https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6469005148?pt=541474&ct=EaterCityDiningReportSF&mt=8) for more dining adventures like this. And if you’re in San Francisco, Super Mensch (https://sf.eater.com/venue/915188/super-mensch) is a must-visit. Just don’t blame us if you dream about that latke for weeks.
