It starts with fresh baked sourdough bread, warm chicken and melted Swiss cheese, juicy slices of bacon, mayonnaise and lettuce, even avocado and tomatoes, if that’s what you’re into.

You take that first bite and immediately know you will be satisfied by the Chicken Club, one of three hot sandwiches on the menu at Boudin SF located at 2573 Fair Oaks Blvd.

From its modest start in 1849 as a single bakery in San Francisco, Boudin has grown to over 20 locations in nine cities, including Sacramento, San Francisco, San Diego and Lombard, Ill., according to www.boudinbakery.com

FoodSince it started as a bakery, many of Boudin’s meals begin with its homemade bread. From the breakfast sandwiches and soup in sourdough bread bowls to the Traditional American and Signature sandwiches, there is a wide selection for breakfast, lunch or dinner. To suit those with more adventurous tastes, some of the Signatures sandwiches, such as the Bavarian Ham and Swiss or the Turkey Cranberry, are non-conventional, but still well-made.

If you’re looking for a lighter meal, Boudin’s menu offers six salads as well.

Or, you can go the other way and try one of the entrees. Surprise, surprise, all entrees are served with bread, including Joe’s Special and Crab Macaroni and Cheese, two of “Boudin SF favorites.” I recommend the Baked Chicken Rigatoni, which is prepared with sautéed mushrooms, white wine, garlic and Alfredo sauce.

For those in the mood for something more familiar, Boudin also serves pizzas on stretched sourdough and sells fresh bread a la carte.

PricesThe food is fairly-priced with the sandwiches ranging from $5.79 for an egg salad or grilled cheese to $9.99 for a hot crab cake sandwich, another restaurant favorite, with the prices including chips or organic greens.

Pizzas are about $8, soups and salads range from $3.79 to $7.29 and the most expensive entrée is $9.99.

Breakfast is even more reasonable ranging from $1.59 for toast to $5.99 for the breakfast pizzas.

ServiceWhile the wide selection of tasty foods brings in large crowds and will likely tempt you to future visits, the service is a bit informal. Your order is taken at the front register, right when you walk in and the drinks are self-serve at a soda fountain, which gives the restaurant a bit of a fast food vibe.

If you decide to stay and eat, a server will bring your food out to the table or booth based on your number, but that is the last you’ll see of him or her. Considering the lines are to the door during lunchtime, service is pretty quick and there is not a long wait for the food.

Warning: use your napkins sparingly because the few you are given are not adequate for normal wiping purposes, and it is hard to come by more without leaving your table to go on a hunt.

Atmosphere/DécorInspired by its San Francisco beginnings, the interior has a Fisherman’s Wharf feel to it, with its portrait of the Golden Gate Bridge, red and black trimming and black and white photos.

Boudin’s simple design creates a professional, but inviting atmosphere, which seems to be geared towards a middle-aged and older crowd since the majority of the diners were about 30 years old and up.

Overall VibeAll in all, Boudin SF is a good lunch spot, but I would recommend taking your food to go if you’re into traditional restaurant style dining or a more upbeat atmosphere. A quick call to place your order ahead of time will ensure your food is ready to pick up when you arrive, and will also help you avoid the line.

However, one of the outdoor tables would be a great alternative to the indoor atmosphere on a nice day.

But wherever you eat, as long as you have the food, you are good to go.

Tygenae Harris can be reached at [email protected]