The Refuge has been providing protection for many East Coast street food classics since 2008. The hand-carved, ultra tender, boldly flavored navel pastrami sends shockwaves throughout the gastronomic …
Upon first inspection, the sandwich presents an aesthetic that is both rustic and inviting. The pastrami, thick-cut to perfection, offers a tender resistance to the bite, indicative of a slow and deliberate cooking process that respects the integrity of the meat. The butter-soft texture of the pastrami is a testament to the culinary expertise employed in its preparation.
The coleslaw provides a refreshing counterbalance to the richness of the meat. Its crispness is a sensory delight, while the inclusion of salt-roasted pepitas introduces a subtle complexity to the palate. These pepitas, I must emphasize, are not merely a garnish but a thoughtful addition that elevates the dish.
The 1000 Island sauce, often dismissed as commonplace, in this instance, is anything but. It harmonizes the disparate elements of the sandwich into a cohesive whole, its creamy tanginess accentuating the flavors rather than overwhelming them.
In conclusion, this sandwich is not merely sustenance but an experience—a symphony of textures and tastes that pays homage to the deli tradition while boldly asserting its own unique identity.
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Mark P
7 contributions
5/26/24
• DoorDash order
while the food is good, the portions are outrageously small for the price. The Orange-Bourbon Hot Wings and Hot Wings each only had 5 not huge wings in the order, and a New York deli would have never served such a skinny Reuben - and certainly not for over $30. If the prices were better, and portions better, I would order here a lot.
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Christopher L
2 contributions
11/10/23
• DoorDash order
DoorDash service was good, this review is for the restaurant. Brussel Sprouts were bland and flavorless. Short Rib Barbacoa Nachos were cold and meat was dry Im most disappointed in the Mac & Cheese $12 for a small scoop of what tasted like craft Mac and cheese that was more of a kids menu item than an appetizer. For the $70+ this cost me I will never be eating here again
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Lisa B
2 contributions
10/15/22
• DoorDash order
Definitely not worth $30 plus taxes and fees. Over $40 for a small sandwich. Pastrami was boiled and more like corned beef without the spices/flavor of traditional pastrami. Sandwich comes alone with NO fries or sides. Wayyyy too much. Would not order again.
K
Konstantinos T
Local Expert • 181 contributions
3/15/25
• DoorDash order
The Pastrami #19 is, to put it simply, an opus in the culinary symphony of the Bay Area. Each element, precisely curated and masterfully executed, contributes to an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Thick cut pastrami, robust and tender, serves as the cornerstone of this architectural marvel. The Swiss cheese, uncompromising in its natural state, avoids the sacrilege of melting, thereby maintaining its integrity and allowing the full flavor profile to shine through. The coleslaw crisp and refreshing intermingles with the salt roasted pepitas, a delightful textural juxtaposition that nods to the chef's understanding of balance. And then there is the Russian dressing, a concoction so delightfully eccentric it transforms every bite into a revelation. Encased in perfectly toasted rye, the sandwich does not merely feed, it elevates.
The Refuge itself is a sanctuary for those who take their food seriously a beacon for the discriminating palate. An institution in the Bay Area, it has cultivated an atmosphere that respects both the art and the science of gastronomy. The meticulous attention to detail, from the careful selection of ingredients to the symphony of flavors in each dish, is evident and appreciated. The Refuge is not simply a restaurant it is an homage to the pursuit of culinary excellence. Whether you are a local or a visitor, a meal at The Refuge is not merely recommended it is imperative.
In conclusion, the Pastrami #19 transcends its humble classification as lunch and emerges as a testament to the genius of The Refuge. For those who appreciate the meticulous, the artful, and the unapologetically indulgent, it is an experience not to be missed.
