Chicken salad. You think you know what it is, but there’s actually a surprising variety of ways to enjoy this humble, down-to-earth favorite.
Maybe you like your chicken salad to be traditional with mayo, celery and lots of herbs and spices. Maybe you like yours a bit more exciting with curry, raisins or other fruity toppings. Maybe you want something with a bit of Greek flair or a chicken salad with some crunch?
See also: The 6 Best Nachos in San Francisco
Whatever you’re craving, San Francisco’s top delis, sandwicheries and fast-casual spots are serving up some truly delightful scoops. Here’s where we recommend getting the best chicken salad in town.
1530 Haight St., 415-255-0643 / Website
Gus's community market has served the San Francisco Haight for more than 40 years, offering locals incredible produce and deli items made fresh and grown locally. Whether you're looking to stop by for a bite or want to have an occasion catered, the chicken salad here is a must-try. Folks love the curry chicken salad with chicken thighs marinated in curry powder-based marinade tossed with currants, toasted almonds, green onions and a house dressing of honey, lemons, curry powder and mayonnaise. Don’t miss it!
3960 Irving St., 415-681-9569
This unassuming spot just south of Golden Gate Park doesn’t have a website, but those who know are always in for a treat. The deli sandwiches are not to be missed, and the chicken salad goes fast every day. Whether you order it as a stand-alone, as its own sandwich or as part of the very popular Rodney sandwich that pairs the chicken salad with pastrami and smoked gouda, you’re going to be glad you came early!
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2120 Chestnut St., 415-921-7873 / Website
Nestled in Pacific Heights, this true establishment has been a local favorite since it first opened its doors in 1929. Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Lucca's offers authentic Italian goodies, including a delightful chicken/chutney sandwich that includes house-roasted chicken salad with mango chutney, mixed greens, red onion and black pepper on Acme Ciabatta bread. You can also build your own sandwich with the roast chicken salad, and good news! Lucca's is also available for catering.
5392 Mission St., 415-444-6350 / Website
With a name like “The Salad Place & Rotisserie,” a chicken salad must be a no-brainer. The standard chicken salad is delicious on its own with fragrant herbs and the perfect amount of dressing, but you can also enjoy it as a chicken salad melt with cheese, lettuce and tomato on ciabatta bread.
Various Locations / Website
If you're feeling something a bit more Greek, lots of folks really love the Mediterranean chicken salad from Souvla. This fast-casual eatery serves Freebird all-natural chicken dressed with Granch dressing (that’s like ranch but with Greek yogurt), fennel, navel orange, pickled red onion, pea shoots and mizithra cheese. Enjoy it as a pita or a salad presentation, in the store or to go.
Ready for something completely different? Check our list of the best steakhouses in San Francisco for a fine night on the town.
Photography by: Getty
Chicken salad. You think you know what it is, but there’s actually a surprising variety of ways to enjoy this humble, down-to-earth favorite.
Maybe you like your chicken salad to be traditional with mayo, celery and lots of herbs and spices. Maybe you like yours a bit more exciting with curry, raisins or other fruity toppings. Maybe you want something with a bit of Greek flair or a chicken salad with some crunch?
See also: The 6 Best Nachos in San Francisco
Whatever you’re craving, San Francisco’s top delis, sandwicheries and fast-casual spots are serving up some truly delightful scoops. Here’s where we recommend getting the best chicken salad in town.
1530 Haight St., 415-255-0643 / Website
Gus's community market has served the San Francisco Haight for more than 40 years, offering locals incredible produce and deli items made fresh and grown locally. Whether you're looking to stop by for a bite or want to have an occasion catered, the chicken salad here is a must-try. Folks love the curry chicken salad with chicken thighs marinated in curry powder-based marinade tossed with currants, toasted almonds, green onions and a house dressing of honey, lemons, curry powder and mayonnaise. Don’t miss it!
3960 Irving St., 415-681-9569
This unassuming spot just south of Golden Gate Park doesn’t have a website, but those who know are always in for a treat. The deli sandwiches are not to be missed, and the chicken salad goes fast every day. Whether you order it as a stand-alone, as its own sandwich or as part of the very popular Rodney sandwich that pairs the chicken salad with pastrami and smoked gouda, you’re going to be glad you came early!
View this post on Instagram
2120 Chestnut St., 415-921-7873 / Website
Nestled in Pacific Heights, this true establishment has been a local favorite since it first opened its doors in 1929. Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Lucca's offers authentic Italian goodies, including a delightful chicken/chutney sandwich that includes house-roasted chicken salad with mango chutney, mixed greens, red onion and black pepper on Acme Ciabatta bread. You can also build your own sandwich with the roast chicken salad, and good news! Lucca's is also available for catering.
5392 Mission St., 415-444-6350 / Website
With a name like “The Salad Place & Rotisserie,” a chicken salad must be a no-brainer. The standard chicken salad is delicious on its own with fragrant herbs and the perfect amount of dressing, but you can also enjoy it as a chicken salad melt with cheese, lettuce and tomato on ciabatta bread.
Various Locations / Website
If you're feeling something a bit more Greek, lots of folks really love the Mediterranean chicken salad from Souvla. This fast-casual eatery serves Freebird all-natural chicken dressed with Granch dressing (that’s like ranch but with Greek yogurt), fennel, navel orange, pickled red onion, pea shoots and mizithra cheese. Enjoy it as a pita or a salad presentation, in the store or to go.
Ready for something completely different? Check our list of the best steakhouses in San Francisco for a fine night on the town.
Photography by: Getty
