Across San Diego’s sun-drenched neighborhoods, you’ll find our very own sandwich paradise—everything from family-run delis and classic sub shops to artisanal spots perfect for a beach picnic. Here are the top places to grab a sandwich in San Diego.
Grater Grilled Cheese
$ | (619) 458-9611 | WEBSITE
San Diego has no shortage of sandwich spots, but none deliver a perfect grilled cheese like Grater Grilled Cheese. This welcoming shop, which feels like a neighborhood gem, serves cheesy sandwiches that have the consistency of pure comfort. The basic grilled cheese maintains an ideal chewiness as you make your way through each bite, and options like buffalo chicken or smoked belly with sweet sauces add even more depth to every meal.
Just know that it’s a popular spot for quick bites, so be prepared for a lively atmosphere during peak hours.
Chris’ Liquor & Deli
$ | (619) 222-0518 | WEBSITE
Chris’ Liquor & Deli is the only spot in San Diego where you can grab a legendary pastrami sandwich and a craft beer from their impressive wall of bottles before settling into a cozy corner. The deli counter offers classic combos (around $16) with standout options like the Harpoon pastrami or the Green Flash, there to satisfy you with soft onion rolls and perfectly cooked meats after you’ve worked up an appetite.
It’s easily one of the most satisfying sandwich experiences in the city, and one you should hit for your next lunch break or casual hangout.
The Deli Llama
$ | (619) 295-4666 | WEBSITE
At The Deli Llama, you can grab a quick bite with your whole crew and dive into some seriously impressive sandwiches. This unassuming spot is smaller than most city apartment kitchens, and is easy to pop into on a whim when everyone in the group forgot to pack lunch. Get anything involving rye: the Acrobat loaded with roast beef and piled high on chewy rye is a must-order, along with the bacon-infused options stacked with crispy pork and fresh veggies.
Big Jim’s Roast Beef
$ | (858) 352-6762 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of sandwich spots in San Diego, but we love the unpretentious charm (and the fact that there’s a walk-up counter and outdoor seating) of Big Jim’s Roast Beef. The small place, decked out with a simple, welcoming vibe, has a menu as straightforward as it gets. It’s filled with impressive classics like the Italian sub, the Super Beef, and the buffalo tender sub.
Start things off with the tortellini salad, which comes with fresh pasta tossed in a bright dressing before ordering the standout roast beef sandwich piled high with rare, tender beef on a toasted Sweet Onion bun.
Beyer Deli
$ | (619) 428-4704 | WEBSITE
Beyer Deli is one of the many cash-only sandwich shops in town—but it’s the only one in the south bay area focusing on a mash-up of generous portions and friendly service. The $12 sandwiches, which range from classic to specialty, include things like the Man-Eater or the turkey avocado alongside fresh bread and chips.
There are only a handful of tables available daily, so it’s easy to make conversation with the staff behind the counter as they share personal anecdotes about regulars like the police officers who frequently visit.
Board & Brew – Scripps Ranch
$ | (858) 689-2739 | WEBSITE
If you crave generous sandwiches that cost less than your lunchtime smoothie, Board & Brew is your spot. This lively sandwich shop serves hefty portions of tender Beef Dip and flavorful chicken club that could satisfy you for the whole afternoon. Most sandwiches cost less than $12—including the excellent Veggie Supreme for $9—and the spacious indoor-outdoor seating means you won’t have to scramble for a table.
Cheers Deli & Liquor
$ | (619) 463-9991 | WEBSITE
Don’t let the simple, no-frills setup at Cheers Deli & Liquor fool you. Wait a few moments and someone will greet you with a menu of the best sandwiches in San Diego. You’ll want a hot sandwich, but prioritize The Godfather. When asked if you want it with potato or macaroni salad, the answer is potato. A hefty sandwich arrives with top-notch ingredients and serious craftsmanship that satisfies with just a bite. You’ll likely find us here at least a few times per month for lunch.
Little Nap Cafe
$ | (619) 432-1140 | WEBSITE
Bubble tea bliss is on full display at Little Nap Cafe. The small charming spot does coffees, teas, and milkshakes with chewy boba pearls, and is peaceful at most hours with folks stopping by for a fix of the refreshing cold drinks. If you’re having a hard time narrowing down the dozens of options on the menu, go for the mango passion fruit lemonade. The flavors blend perfectly together and get even more vibrant while they chill in all the ice.
Oasis Snack Shack
$ | (760) 747-8702 | WEBSITE
This welcoming spot serves one of our favorite breakfast scrambles. The smoked salmon scramble comes with perfectly cooked eggs, fresh dill, and a generous portion of smoked salmon. Fluffy and served with crispy hash browns, this restaurant is the right choice for a satisfying morning meal—but if you’re looking to make it a full-on feast, upgrade to the Australian Hot Stone Prime Rib that includes a big side of roasted vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes.
Mad Munch Grilled Cheezer Co.
$ | (619) 822-1972 | WEBSITE
There’s fantastic grilled cheese with some unexpected ingredients at this small sandwich shop. Go face-first into sandwiches of melted cheese dressed in pesto and topped with jalapeños or hidden underneath a pool of tomato soup. But our favorite is the Hot & Heavy which is served with a rich and savory flavor similar to a classic comfort food with a seemingly never-ending supply of gooey cheese and crispy bread.
Despite the generous portions, we always try to save room for the equally as tempting cheddar bombs and an order of the secret menu After School Special. Mad Munch’s daily specials are also worth cutting out of work early for, with solid $6.50 sandwiches and $2 off all milkshakes and soups.
Cheba Hut “Toasted” Subs
$ | (619) 269-1111 | WEBSITE
Cheba Hut “Toasted” Subs serves the city’s best sandwiches. The toasted subs are just the right amount of crispy, have a little bit of chew, and, most importantly, feature sauces that could convert any condiment skeptic. Options range from traditional favorites to less-expected creations like the Kali Mist and White Widow. The garlic bread is always a safe bet. And, if for some reason you’re not craving a sub, there are also fantastic, shareable size options to choose from.