Local Classic: Molinari Delicatessen

Molinari Delicatessen dates back to 1896, when P. G. Molinari founded a salami factory at 433 Broadway. In 1913, he moved the business to 373 Columbus. In 1962, the factory moved to the Bayview District (where it's still in business), and the Columbus St. location became strictly a deli. For most of that time, Molinari was just one of many Italian delis in North Beach, but since its last competitors, Panelli Brothers and Florence Ravioli, closed in 2002 and 2003, it has been the last of its kind.

Molinari seems in no danger of closing: people line up for the old-school sandwiches ($6.50-9.75), house-made pasta, ravioli, and sauces, and Italian staples such as cheese, pasta, salt cod, canned tomatoes, coffee, wine, prosciutto, and of course salami, pancetta, mortadella, hot coppa, and other cold cuts from P. G. Molinari & Sons. There are a few tables outside if you want to devour your sandwich immediately. (Click the image below for a larger version.)