Introducing Dish Of The Week, a new food column where we profile some of San Francisco’s best cheap eats. Every dish we feature will cost less than 10 bucks, the perfect price range for the financially challenged diner, and is guaranteed to be delicious.

DOTW: The Warrior
PLACE: Irving Subs 1298 12th Ave @ Irving
PRICE: $8.50
LOWDOWN: Irving Subs is a brand new addition to the Inner Sunset. Just three blocks away from the bustle of 9th Ave, this cramped sandwich shop opened so recently that the awning outside still reads “Cheese Shop”, a leftover from the previous tenant. So far, the sandwich-loving public has been undeterred by the incorrect signage. This place is packed on weekends, when families and couples on dates picnic with their subs in Golden Gate Park, just a block away.

The sandwiches themselves are magnificent: the Dutch Crunch comes nicely toasted, and the the meat and cheese is always supported by a bright layer of fresh veggies (I am convinced that the owner of Irving Subs must have sold their soul to the devil, Robert Johnson-style, to ensure that every tomato tastes like it was picked in July). The Warrior, an Italian-ish sub with spicy salami, mortadella, hot coppa, provolone and roasted red peppers, is probably the best sando the place offers. Try it with pesto; on a recent visit, the ladies behind the counter threw some on free of charge.

This sandwich may come in just $1.50 below our price cap, but trust us, you’ll get your money’s worth. These sandwiches are massive, heavy things, and eating an entire Irving Sub in one sitting is the kind of horrible decision that’ll keep your cardiologist up at night. Maybe save half for a brown bag lunch.

Photo courtesy of David L. Garcia/Foghorn