Wexler's - San Francisco

Wexler’s hearty sandwiches served on Acme bread are full of flavor and inspiration, and are definitely worth a trip to the Financial District, if you don’t already work/live around there. The flaked yellowfin tuna with braised kale, black olive aioli and celery root remoulade is my favorite so far. The mesquite and applewood smoked “pulled” pork sandwich with watermelon vinegar and green peach and cabbage slaw is a close second. The one and only 4505 Meats Mission Dog $9) is a popular item, served with bacon, pickled Fresno chilies and carmelized onions. Wexler’s has only been open for a month, but service is, in one word, impressive. Tim, our server, is talented and classy, knowing how to balance friendliness with professionalism. He knew every key ingredient in every dish and was charming as well as informative. He was attentive but didn’t hover. When our beverages ran low, he replaced them with new glasses without our having to ask. And, despite the fact that by 12:15 p.m., the small dining room was packed and people were actually lined up to get a seat, he kept his cool. While it is nice to know that so many people in the Financial District have already discovered this place, it got quite noisy with a roomful of people chattering at once. I suppose the euphemism would be “lively.” Certainly, this is not the ideal venue for stuffy business meetings. Rather, it’s a happy place to break bread with friends and enjoy ‘cue infused with chef Kleinman’s innovative style and fresh, seasonal, local ingredients.