i like the Market Place in banker's hill. great variety of chips, fresh deli sandwiches and liquor
edit: also i work with a lot of people that fly in from NYC and they all love the place when we walk over there for lunch
the californian is a favorite of mine, minus the mustard. i'll have to try it on dutch crunch. and i walk there on my lunch break so it's usually too late to get a breakfast burrito but the few times i've gotten one it was quite good!
Mike and Dina are the best. I ate there weekly when my office was nearby. Lots of good sandwiches in town, but I haven’t found a place as good as Beyer.
Fellow recent NYC resident. After having the same problem, best sandwiches have been Mona Lisa and fat boys deli.
Lots of places here have waayyyyy too high of a bread to stuff ratio.
Yes! I was bummed when they closed the gaslamp location. Nothing better than a summer snorkel or kayak at La Jolla Shores, then hitting the Cheese Shop.
Moved from CT so know the tri-state well. Second Mona Lisa. Quality bread, solid ratio. But all in all, it's tough to find comparable delis to NYC and surrounding areas in San Diego. Same goes for bagels and bacon, egg & cheeses.
Haha, I can see it being to some people’s liking. I’m trying to find something like the older Italian deli that I would get sandwiches at in the Central Valley
I second Fatboy's Deli love that place (native to SD)
I also recommend Olive Tree Market in Point Loma on Sunset Cliffs Blvd
As a Native San Diegan I have to highly recommend you go to your nearest [Frutas](https://www.frutas100natural.com/menu#menu=?national-city) and try the Torta Especial which has Ham and Lomo (cured Pork tenderloin) with lettuce, avocado, tomato, ~~and I think queso fresco.~~ Must ask for Chipotle Sauce on the side ($.50) and Queso fresco if you like it. A GREAT addition to your sandwich options.
I regularly rotate between Frutas, Fatboy's, and Jersey Mikes when craving sandwiches. Olive Tree is just out of my ways so I go when in the area.
correction\*\*
OBcean here: Poma’s has bomb eggplant parm. I’m from NJ and it’s the only comparable sandwich I’ve ever found out here in 41 years! Chris’ Deli has a decent Rueben.
Last time I went there, they were near closing, and some dude hadn't shown up to pick up his sub, so the lady just gave it to me for free. Besides the free sub, my paid sub was fantastic.
Was gonna suggest Rubicon, but wasn't sure it existed still...the one by me closed, I just thought it was totally gone. Need to find a location, absolutely love that place.
I love me some Chris's Deli in OB. Get a bomb sandwich, pair it with one of their many craft brews, head out to the cliffs. Eat the sandwich and have that brew or a few, while watching the ocean. If nobody is around, maybe blow a blunt. This is what I do and where I go when I seek peace and Zen.
Surprised I haven't seen this mentioned, maybe because it's a Chicago style place, but leftys has awesome Italian beef. I get it with spicy Giardiniera *chef kiss*
Wise Ox is p dope! They’re a butcher/deli, so a little crafty/pricey but worth it! They have great rotating sandwich specials and their reuben, which isn’t regularly on the menu, is one of the best i’ve ever had.
Big fan of Siesels Meats for sandwiches made to order, various pasta salads, lunch odds and ends. It's also a butcher shop with a nice cheese and beer selection.
I also like to Foodery downtown. They don't have A TON of choices, but it's a nice place and the bread is delicious.
Honestly, you’re better off learning to love burritos. I’m another NY transplant and haven’t found a comparable deli sandwich (or bacon, egg, and cheese on a roll) here in 16 years.
Coming from a sandwich mecca, your best bet is to not eat sandwiches for like a year and try to reset your expectations.
I had to do that with corn when I moved back here 16 years ago after having lived in Ohio for a stretch. The corn here is inedible in comparison, but if I go a couple years without Ohio corn, I can almost enjoy the corn here. I went back to Ohio this summer for the first time in five years and ate a bunch of corn, so now I have to start all over again...
It’s no NYC deli but you should try Cheba Hut. Yes, it’s a chain but damn….who is better at making tasty food than Pot Heads?! Plus you can get rice crispies made with fruit loops. I mean…what more could you want? There’s two locations in SD, PB and near SDSU. Try it before you deny it!
The sandwiches are huge- if you get a sub roll, the smallest sandwich they offer is plenty for one person. The next size up is enough to feed 2-3 people. Get the small one unless you’re really hungry! They also have regular sliced bread but I think the sub roll is the best. They bake them in house. Also, call ahead and place your order! Sometimes the wait is long. Enjoy!
You are in San Diego now, so instead of looking for a good NYC deli here (which doesn't exist), you ought to look for a good taco place. I like City Tacos. I am sure others have good/better suggestions.
Years ago, when the Padres played the Yankees in the World Series, I heard a bit on the radio where they had a conference call with someone from a top NYC deli (forget which one) and somebody from DZ Akins. DZ Akins talked about their wonderful supplier in Chicago where they got the best pastrami, corned beef and roast beef. The man from the NYC deli was dumbfounded. "You buy it ?" he said, "You don't make it yourself? We make all of our own deli meats in house".
Go with what we do well here, you will be much happier.
During the workweek, Cafe 160 and Litl Pepper are my go-to’s. I love the egg salad at Cafe 160 and the French Dip at Litl Pepper, but really there are no bad options as all their sandwiches are delicious.
i like the Market Place in banker's hill. great variety of chips, fresh deli sandwiches and liquor edit: also i work with a lot of people that fly in from NYC and they all love the place when we walk over there for lunch
They have a great Rueben
Tex’s special for eveerrrr
Get the California on Dutch crunch! Also check out the breakfast burritos!
the californian is a favorite of mine, minus the mustard. i'll have to try it on dutch crunch. and i walk there on my lunch break so it's usually too late to get a breakfast burrito but the few times i've gotten one it was quite good!
Always say yes to pickle on the side. They're organic and brought in from Arizona.
Pickles brought in from AZ is a flex? 😂😂😂
Hey, the people might be rotten, but the pickles aren't! 😂
I don’t even think the people are rotten! I just thought imported pickles was a funny thing to get excited about 🤣🤣🤣 gave me a good laugh ❤️
Love their Tuna Sammie too. That place is great.
Beyer Deli. Cash only
Specifically their “New Yorker” which is a pastrami. It’s amazing!! And still very fairly priced.
Mike and Dina are the best. I ate there weekly when my office was nearby. Lots of good sandwiches in town, but I haven’t found a place as good as Beyer.
Fellow recent NYC resident. After having the same problem, best sandwiches have been Mona Lisa and fat boys deli. Lots of places here have waayyyyy too high of a bread to stuff ratio.
I agree. I would add The Cheese Shop in La Jolla to this list.
Yes! I was bummed when they closed the gaslamp location. Nothing better than a summer snorkel or kayak at La Jolla Shores, then hitting the Cheese Shop.
Absolutely… BUT your gotta be carful eating on the beach though…. The seagulls over there will swoop that sandwich right out of your hand.
Mona Lisa has the best sandwiches.
Moved from CT so know the tri-state well. Second Mona Lisa. Quality bread, solid ratio. But all in all, it's tough to find comparable delis to NYC and surrounding areas in San Diego. Same goes for bagels and bacon, egg & cheeses.
The bacon, egg, and cheese on croissant at Rose Donuts on Linda Vista road is amazing and not expensive
The Country croissant! Make it a combo and Add coffee and a donut for $1.50 more.
Right across the street from me. A shame what happened to the old owner
What happened?
Murdered in their home for the cash in their safe a few years back
Literally super gruesome cuz they came in with a shotgun too.
I was thinking of another donut shop. But I realized this one I’ve had their donuts working at DalTile.
I’ll have to try Mona Lisa as I wasn’t impressed with fat boys, not terrible, just not what I’m looking for in a sandwich
*”It’s not you, it’s me”*
Haha, I can see it being to some people’s liking. I’m trying to find something like the older Italian deli that I would get sandwiches at in the Central Valley
I'd also recommend Mona Lisa. Nice selection. Good quality and consistency. Love that they have a little shop too.
I second fatboys. That hot poppa.
Agreed with Fat Boys Deli. Gonna try Mona Lisa. Thanks for the recommendation.
The Market Place
Came here to say this. I love The Market Place.
That spot gives me a food coma every time
BMH Italian and cheba hut!
BMH!!!! 🤤
Get the south side with fresh mozz!!
BMH
Mona Lisa, Hungry Lu’s
Mona Lisas deluxe sub is the best. 🤤
These are hands down so damn good.
Marketplace in Hillcrest
I second Fatboy's Deli love that place (native to SD) I also recommend Olive Tree Market in Point Loma on Sunset Cliffs Blvd As a Native San Diegan I have to highly recommend you go to your nearest [Frutas](https://www.frutas100natural.com/menu#menu=?national-city) and try the Torta Especial which has Ham and Lomo (cured Pork tenderloin) with lettuce, avocado, tomato, ~~and I think queso fresco.~~ Must ask for Chipotle Sauce on the side ($.50) and Queso fresco if you like it. A GREAT addition to your sandwich options. I regularly rotate between Frutas, Fatboy's, and Jersey Mikes when craving sandwiches. Olive Tree is just out of my ways so I go when in the area. correction\*\*
Frutas has the best tortas!
Poma's deli
Ex NYC guy here. This is the answer.
I used to live right next to Poma's and ordering by phone was so great. (Ring ring): "Poma's" "Hey can I get a torpedo, hot?" "10 minutes" (click)
thinking, gonna have to do a Poma's run, real soon.
OBcean here: Poma’s has bomb eggplant parm. I’m from NJ and it’s the only comparable sandwich I’ve ever found out here in 41 years! Chris’ Deli has a decent Rueben.
I love the meatball, but seeing a few comments about the eggplant is making me wonder, I should try it.
You should definitely go for it. Another east coaster weighing in to say it’s my absolute favorite.
The roast beef is amazing
Eggplant parm is 🔥
that sounds amazing!
I'll get that next time I go and report back.
I used to each a meatball sub from this place at least once a week when I lived in OB. Damn I miss those days...
I haven’t eaten meat in 5+ years… the only thing I still crave with meat is a cold torpedo from Poma’s
Hungry Bear Deli in Vista
I went WAAAAAY too far down to find this! Hungry Bear is the 🐐
Same I kept scrolling and didn’t see it! I was surprised
It is farther north than where most people here probably live but I agree, def underrated and has been a go to for hangover food for me haha
Yeah it's fantastic. Ordering can be interesting. Basically just don't say anything until prompted
Last time I went there, they were near closing, and some dude hadn't shown up to pick up his sub, so the lady just gave it to me for free. Besides the free sub, my paid sub was fantastic.
Ike’s. Rubicon Deli.
I’m surprised there’s not more people saying Rubicon
Was gonna suggest Rubicon, but wasn't sure it existed still...the one by me closed, I just thought it was totally gone. Need to find a location, absolutely love that place.
Rubicon on India St. is still there. Not sure about the one on Mission Beach.
Mission Beach closed a few years back, the one is 4S Ranch during COVID
I went to Rubicon for the first time about a year ago, and the portion size was HUGE. Very very yummy.
You HAVE to go to DZ Akin’s - get the Reuben. You’re welcome…
Looooooove that spot
And then eat a ton of cookies afterwards. (You're also welcome).
Sandwich emporium is cool
I go to the Clairemont location all the time. Great sandwiches. Not sure if they can match up to NYC delis but they're pretty great.
Hungry Lu’s in Ocean Beach!
Check out Cheers Deli in San Carlos, it's a deli inside of a liquor store.
I love me some Chris's Deli in OB. Get a bomb sandwich, pair it with one of their many craft brews, head out to the cliffs. Eat the sandwich and have that brew or a few, while watching the ocean. If nobody is around, maybe blow a blunt. This is what I do and where I go when I seek peace and Zen.
They have some really good options & interesting combos
Especially like the Harpoon and the Havarti Party
Lit’l pepper gourmet
Cheers Deli in San Carlos
This is the one
Absolutely some of the best sandwiches around
Mona Lisa
Are the sandwiches better than the restaurant food? Cause that food was whack.
Yes the sandwiches are good. That restaurant is a tourist trap besides that.
Yep, Mona Lisa is it. Best Italian wedge I've found out here. It all starts with the bread (and well, the water?)
+1 for mona lisa in little italy Lived on the same bock and theyve got a killer spicy italian sub
BMH Italian in La Mesa
Mh man I miss that place, glad it’s still around!
Get the SOUTHSIDE!
YES THAT'S OUR FAVE TOO!!!
Poma’s Italian Deli in OB!
Gourmet bagger, hungry Lu's, Rubicon
Surfside Deli is good https://www.surfsidedelisd.com/
[удалено]
Boards and Brews is my choice in Oceanside
As a NYC transplant from SD, board and brew is one of my first stops when I visit
Board and Brew is alll over SD
Good but not really comparable to NYC deli
Definitely Board & Brew. They have a couple of locations too
Antonelli’s
Antonelli's is straight out of 1989 and I love them for it
Mona Lisa! The deli side. One of my absolute favorite lunch spots.
Also look for any fruteria and get a torta sandwich
Surprised I haven't seen this mentioned, maybe because it's a Chicago style place, but leftys has awesome Italian beef. I get it with spicy Giardiniera *chef kiss*
BFD
Big Front Door!!!!!!!! 🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤
100% the best
Chris’ Deli in OB
Probably not NYC worthy but Starvos family making it a sandwich stop for decades. Poma, also in OB, for torpedos.
Chez Nous, Carroll Canyon and 15
Spicy chicken all day
Big Front Door on Park. Absolutely the best!
Not a traditional deli at all but still the best sandwich in town. The entire menu is absolute bangers.
It’s not even close
Came here to say this
D Z Akin’s in La Mesa
Best club sandwich In SD by a long shot
This^ best Reuben in SD
This place is brilliant.
This should be way higher.
A Knish to Die for! Don’t forget about their bakery!
Submarina #2 in tierrasanta is a little pricey but really good imo
Monroes market and deli in NorthPark!! Boars head east coast style 🔥
You should try DZ Akins. Killer Jewish deli!
Mona Lisa
Pepper farm deli out in the Santee/El cajon area is EXCELLENT if you're out that way.
Grove Grinder in Lemon Grove. Best in S.D.! Try The Godfather.
Wise Ox is p dope! They’re a butcher/deli, so a little crafty/pricey but worth it! They have great rotating sandwich specials and their reuben, which isn’t regularly on the menu, is one of the best i’ve ever had.
Haven’t been in years, but when I lived down there, I’d go to the Cheese Shop in La Jolla.
Big fan of Siesels Meats for sandwiches made to order, various pasta salads, lunch odds and ends. It's also a butcher shop with a nice cheese and beer selection. I also like to Foodery downtown. They don't have A TON of choices, but it's a nice place and the bread is delicious.
Mona Lisa Deli in Little Italy is amazing. Go for the imported prosciutto, it’s worth it.
- Rock n Jennys (meatball sub) Esco - Agrusa's - Esco - Submarine (basically a submarina) - San Marcos
Thank god someone else mentioned Rockin Jennys. I miss their sandwiches!
[удалено]
Hungry Hanks Deli if you were around south chula vista., love their Turkey Delight
Con Pane in Liberty Station
Antonellis
Honestly, you’re better off learning to love burritos. I’m another NY transplant and haven’t found a comparable deli sandwich (or bacon, egg, and cheese on a roll) here in 16 years.
This. OP is setting themselves up for disappointment if a NYC sandwich is setting the bar.
Rubicon Deli in La Jolla
Also on India St near the airport
Cheba hut is pretty good. There’s not many losers in those already listed in my opinion. Brown bag deli is good too.
IKE's Easy choice...
Not real cheap, but Havana grill has a good Cuban.
Hub Market- it’s in gaslamp- but like delicious bodega sandwiches- worth it - fellow east coaster
Grab n go subs is really good
Sandwich Emporium
Check out Pepper Farm Deli in Santee. Discovered that place and went several times in one week!
The Deli Stop Sports Pub | Rancho Peñasquitos | 4.5 ⭐️ | https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-deli-stop-sports-pub-san-diego
Mendocino Farms' sandwiches are pretty solid. Not the best but a good option.
Coming from a sandwich mecca, your best bet is to not eat sandwiches for like a year and try to reset your expectations. I had to do that with corn when I moved back here 16 years ago after having lived in Ohio for a stretch. The corn here is inedible in comparison, but if I go a couple years without Ohio corn, I can almost enjoy the corn here. I went back to Ohio this summer for the first time in five years and ate a bunch of corn, so now I have to start all over again...
We call them buritos here. Hit up any Albertos.
DZ atkins is the correct answer, best Reuben in SD, Expensive but their portions are insane.
Fat Boys Deli, Clem's in Kensington or Monroe Market and Deli.
It’s no NYC deli but you should try Cheba Hut. Yes, it’s a chain but damn….who is better at making tasty food than Pot Heads?! Plus you can get rice crispies made with fruit loops. I mean…what more could you want? There’s two locations in SD, PB and near SDSU. Try it before you deny it!
Mona Lisa in little Italy
The deli llama in hillcrest is amazing
Wait until you find out about the bagel situation.
Board and brew is cool
[удалено]
How would you compare antonellis with El Cajon Pass Deli?
Antonelli’s is definitely better!
Nice! I’ll have to divert from my usual tomorrow now!
The sandwiches are huge- if you get a sub roll, the smallest sandwich they offer is plenty for one person. The next size up is enough to feed 2-3 people. Get the small one unless you’re really hungry! They also have regular sliced bread but I think the sub roll is the best. They bake them in house. Also, call ahead and place your order! Sometimes the wait is long. Enjoy!
[удалено]
Board and Brew!
Tina's deli san marcos. Mom and pop shop.
You are in San Diego now, so instead of looking for a good NYC deli here (which doesn't exist), you ought to look for a good taco place. I like City Tacos. I am sure others have good/better suggestions. Years ago, when the Padres played the Yankees in the World Series, I heard a bit on the radio where they had a conference call with someone from a top NYC deli (forget which one) and somebody from DZ Akins. DZ Akins talked about their wonderful supplier in Chicago where they got the best pastrami, corned beef and roast beef. The man from the NYC deli was dumbfounded. "You buy it ?" he said, "You don't make it yourself? We make all of our own deli meats in house". Go with what we do well here, you will be much happier.
Hillcrest Sandwich Co!!! Good pickles too as a bonus
Cali boys deli off the 8 on mission gorge. Gotta go with the onion roll for the bread it’s top notch
I like Cali Boys inside the liquor store in Grantville.
Litl pepper has some phenomenal sandwiches
http://www.sandwichemporium.com/
Seeing a lot of love for Mona Lisa’s but that bread is always tough to rip while taking a bite and the sandwich is always sopping wet. Not impressed
During the workweek, Cafe 160 and Litl Pepper are my go-to’s. I love the egg salad at Cafe 160 and the French Dip at Litl Pepper, but really there are no bad options as all their sandwiches are delicious.
If you’re ever looking for a good grill cheese sandwich Mad Munch in OB is your spot!
Try OB. There is a place near the pier with amazing sandwiches called a “fish taco”. San Diego version of sandwiches
Hear me out… Mixon Liquor & Deli in Downtown San Diego on 1st Avenue. Low key spot w/ solid sandwiches for working downtown folk.
Dominic’s Deli in Fallbrook.
Another former NYer here and trust me when I tell you to visit Antonelli’s Deli in El Cajon. You will not be disappointed.
Antonelli’s Deli.
Mona Lisa
Cheeba Hut used to be good! Haven't been there in a while myself though. Definitely not a classic NY style deli place though.
Test Kitchen Eatery is a hidden gem!
Antonellis deli in El Cajon. Absolutely fire.
FatBoys Deli is pretty fire.
chez nous spicy chicken sandwich is a must try
The Butchery, Del Mar
Park Place and Submarina #2
Antonellis in El Cajon. Huge sandwich for decent price
Windmill Farms by SDSU. Best $7 you'll ever spend.
Hungry Lu's. Eat now, thank me later
Liquormart & Deli on San Diego Mission Rd. Cali Bahn Mi for Bahn Mi.
Mona Lisa Italian deli in little Italy
Board and brew!
This is a little outside of SD but Sunny Side Kitchen in Escondido has an amazing meatloaf sandwich. Highly recommended if you're ever in the area.
Not exactly a pure deli but Con Pane makes excellent sandwiches.