23 Postcards
Wise Sons Deli delivers a fresh take on traditional Jewish deli favorites in the heart of San Francisco, where handmade pastrami and savory matzo ball soup reign supreme.
"Gluten-free bagels are tough to find, so cherish the ones you have: Wise Sons notably makes one such option, perfect for the schmear of your choice. This gluten-free bagel also means you have access to any of the shop’s bagel sandwiches with a simple swap. This is definitely not a wheat-free facility, so just be mindful that there is a possibility of cross-contamination." - Dianne de Guzman, Paolo Bicchieri
"The Bay Area’s most recognizable Jewish deli covers all the savory and sweet bases with a Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur menu that offers roasted brisket and apricot-braised chicken, carrots tzimmes, and schmaltz-roasted potatoes. In addition, there is also challah, chopped chicken liver, matzo balls, and potato latkes. A complete dinner for four people costs $110 and includes round raisin challah with honey, carrots, potatoes, roast chicken, and honey cake. Orders must be placed online by 9 a.m. two days beforehand, with pick up at select locations. Delivery is also available and starts at $26." - Dianne de Guzman, Eater Staff
"Before there was a Bay Area “bagel scene boom” to speak of, Wise Sons was steadily serving its baked bagels on 24th Street. Now the group has expanded to six locations, spreading the bagel love even further afield. If you’re looking for something heftier than a bagel with schmear, try the Crunchy Spice Bagel Sandwich, made with eggs, everything spice chile crisp, some greens, plus melted cheese and a garlic aioli spread." - Dianne de Guzman
"The popular new-school Jewish deli has one of the most extensive slates of Passover offerings, running the gamut from a full seder kit (which, at $196, even includes the Shabbat candles, along with a 2.5-pound brisket) to individual items like potato kugel and housemade gefilte fish. The Passover menu is available for takeout and delivery orders between April 7 and April 16; East Bay customers can arrange for pickup at Beauty’s Bagel Shop on April 8, noon–3 p.m. only." - Luke Tsai
"Museum food has a tendency to be about as edible as the art inside, but we’d go to the Wise Sons at the Contemporary Jewish Museum even if we weren’t here to check out an exhibit. They have everything from latkes to matzo ball soup, but if you’re in the mood for something more standard “lunch,” get the pastrami sandwich and load up on spicy mustard. Maybe check to see if your office gets discounted tours on the way out too." - will kamensky
