Scott James

Ike Shehadeh, left, went to court Tuesday

Ike’s Place, the San Francisco sandwich shop that became so popular it devoured a neighborhood, has prevailed in a legal skirmish that could have immediately led to eviction.

At a hearing this morning, Superior Court Judge Paul R. Alvarado denied a motion for summary judgment against the restaurant. In a series of legal maneuvers, a lawyer representing landlord Dennis Drobisch tried to void leases on the property in an attempt to force Ike’s out.

The plan failed.

But it is just a temporary reprieve for Ike’s. Possible eviction still looms after four upstairs neighbors complained to the landlord that the eatery had attracted huge crowds of foodie fans who have been loud and disruptive.

Lawyers for both sides huddled outside the courtroom after the verdict. They plan to meet tomorrow to try to settle the matter. “We’re trying to be rational and work things out,” said Kenneth Fukuda, the attorney who represents Ike’s.

Does this mean Ike’s could stay? Fukuda said a June 10 meeting with San Francisco police cleared the restaurant of accusations that it has been a nuisance.

Ike’s owner Ike Shehadeh, dressed in a three-piece suit and surrounded by family, friends and supporters, parsed his words carefully after the hearing, saying only, “Thank you to everyone who showed up. I appreciate it.”

In the past, Shehadeh has maintained that he has abided by the terms on his rental agreement and is a good neighbor. “We're not in violation of our lease because we're successful.” Ike’s Place is located in the Castro on 16th Street. It started modestly but became a favorite of citizen restaurant critics on Yelp, which led to long lines, media coverage and sales of as many as 1,200 sandwiches per day.

Adding a layer of intrigue to the case was a recent offer by two of the upstairs neighbors to settle the case for $800,000. This led to questions about their motivations for moving against Ike’s. With the restaurant closing at 7 p.m., are they really kept up all night by the noise? Or do they simply want a piece of the action?