Grove Grinder located in the heart of Lemon Grove. They offer indoor and outdoor seating. Not ideal for large crowds but, definitely a location to try for amazing sub sandwiches! When you see the entire store front packed with City Workers enjoying their meals...IT'S A MUST TO STOP AND TRY THEIR FOOD! That speaks volume in itself! I just love "MOM AND POP" locations! I believe this shop is a mother and son ran operation and they are an amazing duo dishing out amazing subs for reasonable prices! Watch out other sandwich chains out there cause Grove Grinder IS WHERE IT'S AT!!!! They have been in business since 1972...NUFF SAID! I ordered the Ann Special with everything on it. They do not skimp on meat and the proportion of bread to meat to veggie ratio is spot on! A full size sandwich is enough to feed two people easily or one very hungry person. I did not try any of their side items or large selection of root beer drink options to choose from but, I will be back many more times to try all they offer! Thank you Grove Grinder for amazing eats and allowing me to snap all my photos of your small shop for my review! If in Lemon Grove, show some love to Grove Grinder and grab you one of their amazing affordable, delicious subs...YOUR WELCOME IN ADVANCE! read more

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I'm a little heartbroken about this because I had a 5-star review drafted up for this place that read: "Grove Grinder is the GOAT of neighborhood sandwich shops. Over the years that I've been coming here, I've been pleasantly surprised to find that the quality, portion size, and price point has kept pace with inflation and remains the best sandwich option in East County." I'm certainly not the longest-running customer of this spot, but I have been coming to Grove Grinder ever since I moved to the area four years ago. I kept coming back, wrote rave reviews in San Diego food-related social media groups and threads, bugged food influencers about them, and sent many of my friends and family their direction because I was that big of a fan. My husband and I have taken these sandwiches on roadtrips and plane rides, grabbed them in the middle of household chores, and picked them up for each other when the other is too tired or sick to cook. The reason why I'm ultimately knocking this review back and heavily questioning whether I should return has to do with a disappointing experience from my last visit with my husband that we now think was part of a larger pattern. The past couple of times we saw this person at the register, we used my name for the order. This time, though, my husband gave his name instead and the person at the register gave him some attitude about it and asked "You're *really* going with that?" I don't understand what their problem was with his name, but both the person in the front and the staff in the back refused to use it. They called out everyone else's names (and they usually call out mine when I order) and we noticed that our sandwiches were looking skimpy compared to how stacked we know they can come. My husband uses a nickname that might not be the name he was given at birth, but is a name he has used for over 20 years and might as well be his "real," name. We don't want to make assumptions, but most of the staff has always been at least a little cold towards us at best, slightly rude at worst, and even though this experience might seem relatively small to some, it's ultimately the straw that broke the camel's back. We suspect that their distaste for us might be politically motivated. We know it can't be personal because we've been nothing but polite. It sucks, but it seems to be that if they perceive you to not be "their people," your money isn't as green at their establishment, even if it spends all the same. I loved this place and felt lucky that they're close to my house, but feeling disrespected and like the staff are trying to fire us as customers is enough motivation to take our business elsewhere. read more

The Anne sandwich is my favorite!! It's a little hole in the wall but aren't those the best kind!? You will not be disappointed with the grinder no matter what sandwich you choose and lots of variety on drinks too!! read more

Not sure if they are under new ownership but the sandwich quality has gone down badly! This used to be a quality staple but my last visit was disappointing. Especially skip the potato salad that was really not good. read more

Yummy first visit! We had the salami sandwich and the spicy Italian. The young lady who took our order was very bubbly and helpful. We sat in the small dining area filled with family mementos and fun collections. Our sandwiches were very tasty! The bread was fresh as were all the sandwich ingredients! We washed them down with some vintage sodas-Bubble-Up!! There was a steady stream of customers the entire time we were there. Don't sleep on this yummy sandwich shop! read more

Been here B4, LOVED it, but unfortunately for me I'm too far away. Best Root Beer selection in all San Diego County. (See photos). Now pay attention Yelpers, they have the one on the wallet, another on the table as you walk in to your left and the third that you can plainly see, and the other is plastic Sealed, located by the cash register for the HOT offering i.e. Meatballs, Philly, etc. Clean and plenty of available parking. Always easy on the wallet and btw, the sandwich are absolutely delicious as well as the two salads I purchased, Mac. & Pot. Best sandwich spot in Lemon Grove 4 Sure! read more

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I visited the sandwich shop on a particular day and decided to try it. Upon my arrival, the establishment was busy with customers dining in and others waiting to place orders. After reviewing the menu and its various options, I chose the chicken Philly and a small cup of chili. The service was satisfactory, and the decor appeared to be curated by an antique collector. Unfortunately, both the sandwich and the chili were rather bland. I am considering a return visit as I had hoped to enjoy this establishment more. Additionally, I was surprised to find that my chicken Philly cost $19, despite a posted price of $15. The total for the sandwich and chili amounted to $30. read more

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I can't even think of a complaint. Sandwiches were so inexpensive for their size! My partner and I each got a full sandwich and easily could have shared one. The bread was soft and fresh, as were the veggies. The tuna salad was delicious and not fishy at all. Tons of old school soda options. Multiple Faygo options and Vernors in glass bottles are a Michigander's dream. Service was fast and friendly too. Parking was a breeze. read more

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One of my favorite foods is an Italian sub sandwich, so I'm always in the search for a good one. I saw a post on Facebook about Grove Grinder, read the Yelp reviews and decided to try this place out. As we all know the price for food has gone up in the past few years and for a sandwich to cost $15 seems pricey, but what you get it's well worth it. The quality of the meats is very good and you can tell from the pictures that they make what can literally be a torpedo! I didn't have a chance to weigh it, but it must have weighed 1 pound! To me one important part of a sub is the bread. There's wasn't bad, but I prefer a more traditional Italian style roll, harder or a more crusty outside, with a soft tender inside. This sandwich was so big that I was only able to eat half! But it's a better deal to buy a whole sandwich, it's only a couple more bucks more than the half sandwich. read more

Grove Grinder - 12"!!! Spicy Italian: pepperoni, capicola and cotto salami - Sandwiches Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

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Love the Grinder! It's always been the best local sandwich, they don't disappoint! My wife and I usually share a whole sandwich, they're gigantic and delicious! Service is consistently good and fast. read more

So I came here and ordered the pastrami sandwich my wife likes pastrami you can get a lot of different things on it and choose cheese if you want I got the pastrami with habanero cheese very good my wife got just plain pastrami with mustard she enjoyed it was it the best for stormy sandwich I ever had no but for the price it was very good will I come back absolutely want to try some of the other sandwiches the bread little saw I prefer Italian bread but that's okay. read more

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This place is a jewel and one of the owners Skeeter is fantastic. The menu is quite imaginative as well as classic for an Italian deli. I've had the Philly cheesesteak sandwich with peppers and it's awesome and various submarine sandwiches solid. Just love to support small business entrepreneurs that put their heart and soul into their business... Will be back to the Grove grinder many times. read more

Holy Moly that place is BOMB! Soooo cute and quaint the people who work there are sweeties and seem like they genuinely love their job. I went for the first time two weeks ago, where I had a turkey bacon, avocado sub as well as the potato salad. Despite getting half a sandwich, it was huge! I was able to take home half a sandwich and most of the salad for later. The inside is very dated but in the best way possible it feels like you're coming into a family owned business that's been around longer than most of us have been alive. I love sitting on the right hand side of the building where they have a couple tables and seeing all the vintage items they have out. I can't believe I've lived in lemon Grove more than half my life and I've never been here. But I will certainly be frequenting more often. :) read more

Love Grove Grinder! Every weekend I've got friends over at my house working on our race car, and one of the most common lunches we get for the group is Sandwiches from Grove Grinder! As an East Coast native the decor and vibe of the restaurant reminds me of an older sandwich shop in the Northeast. A good change of pace from the (fantastic) Mexican taco shops all over San Diego. read more

Excellent Italian sandwiches and very friendly service! Retro vibe feels like Chicago Italian. read more

Grove Grinder - Meatball and All Beef Sandwiches - Sandwiches Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

Easy to find sandwich shop. Purchased two sandwiches from Grove Grinder last month while in Southern California. Staff were friendly and patient. The sandwiches were huge and tasty. Two people could share. The only thing I would suggest is that they add a little more meat to them. I will definitely be back next time I'm in the area. read more

Grove Grinder - Sandwiches Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

Consistent quality and reasonable prices, combined with their mom and pop shop charm, make the Grinder our go-to lunch spot in Lemon Grove. It should honestly be designated as a town landmark at this point. I tried one of their hot sandwiches for the first time today and it hit the spot. I will always come back to my old friend, the Combo though! read more

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The best sandwiches in SD bar none. You will slip into a coma after eating these puppies. Excellent supply of gourmet and niche sodas sourced from across the country and no frills service. Skip subway, submarina or any other chain if you want a good sandwich. My go too. read more

Omg the subs are to die here ! Love a small mom and pop shops . My favorite go to is the meatball sub ! Love all the soda selection they have !! read more

Grove Grinder - Meatball sub - Sandwiches Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

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Best sandwich that I've had in a long time! The building is definitely a hole in the wall, and the man at the cash register had the vibe that he came straight from Brooklyn, but the sandwich was so good that I forgot to take a picture! read more

Still the best deli in the area. Excellent service and consistent quality. I've never had an error in my order or any issues with service in all the times I've been here. read more

After a morning full of errands I decided to try the Grove Grinder. I ordered their full turkey sandwich on wheat with all the fixings. Let me tell ya, it was a very good sandwich! Lots of flavor and super fresh. If you're in Lemon Grove and want a very well made and delicious sandwich, this place is it! Cool ambience and the staff is super friendly! read more

Grove Grinder - Root beer selection and menu up above. - Sandwiches Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

Unassuming little joint but they make good sandwiches - I'll definitely be back! Great lunch spot - FYI minimal seating and no restrooms.

While visiting from Florida, I visited this joint and they didn't disappoint. Wicked awesome smoked steak n cheese grinder! Thanks again. Highly recommend everyone try this place. YOU WILL LOVE IT. read more

I drive by this spot pretty frequently. Little building tucked off the Main Street. Old school spot probably use to be a house. A great selection of bottle sodas and place definitely is a spot for regulars as it seems they expect you to already know everything about their sandwiches which is kind of off putting. Inside is small with a few tables; fits maybe 12 comfortably. I went with a pastrami Sandwich and the slices were tasty but you don't get a whole lot of meat, the bread is probably the best part of the sandwich as it's soft fluffy and not to dense. Chips, drink, while sandwich ran me $17.50. Overall a great spot with a home feel. Just maybe can up the customer service. read more

Grove Grinder - Whole pastrami - Sandwiches Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

Wow! This place is really good! Great service, reasonable prices, delicious food, and a super cute dining area. read more

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Grove Grinder is fantastic!! A family-owned and operated business makes the atmosphere and experience feel so homey. The food is always fresh and delicious and the service always comes with a smile :-) read more

Smoked Ribeye sandwich with habanero cheese is amazingly good! Hits the spot every time! Great staff as well!

Are you kidding me ?! How could I have lived in San Diego my ENTIRE life and have never eaten a hoagie from here ?! It's like a little-hole-in-the-wall slice of sandwich heaven !!! I'm going to regret writing this review because I secretly want to keep this place all to my self !! Grove Grinder has been on my "places to grab a hoagie" bucket list for quite some time-- and now that it's literally in my backyard, I knew it was a sign . I was deathly craving carbs today and decided to give in and grab a full Ann's Special based upon everyone's highly rated reviews here on yelp-- and boy, did it pleasure every salivary gland in my mouth and I was only able to eat a quarter of it cause this hoagie was MASSIVE . (I'm talking the hoagie of all hoagies lol) . The Ann Special comes with all the salty and savory fresh meats such as ham, pastrami, roast beef, and salami -- I got mine on wheat bread that was newly baked and bouncy, along with provolone cheese and THE WORKS -- loveee the pepperoncinis !! Don't forget to ask for mayo and mustard which is available upon request only . I wish I can meet Ann in person and thank her for creating this glorious mound of a sandwich--This sandwich satisfied every nerve in my body that I could've died happy . What type of monster would I be if I didn't get chips ?! Salt and Vinegar is by far superior to any other chip flavor . Don't at me . AND don't let me forget about the pickle that comes with the sandwich -- WOW . I don't know what it is about deli pickles, but this one was a garlicky vinegary addicting bite ! I wish it came with an extra double set ! Customer service was nice and quick-- ordered my sandwich with no olives and onions with ease ! Not sure if I had the owners here today, but they were great . Parking is okay, it's located in a busy plaza, so traffic is nonstop here . All in all, Grove Grinder is one of my newest go-tos if I'm craving a hoagie from now on . You're welcome for not gate keeping . read more

Grove Grinder - Ann's special with no olives or onions . (IG- Angiela.Eats) - Sandwiches Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

The best hoagie in San Diego! Excellent service, cute little inside dining area and very affordable!

This place is my favorite go to when I'm craving a sandwich. I've been going here for years This place has the best variety of sandwich! And it's made the way you like it. The service is fantastic! Always so nice and friendly. It's such a great place to eat and go. I love the old time vibe of decor. It's so comfortable. Thank you guys! I highly recommend this place to anyone that wants a great sandwich and food . Next time we'll try to take a picture of our food. It's just so good we forget to lol! Thank you all at the Grove Grinder ! read more

Love this little gem of a sandwich place! It was my husband and I's first time in this past Saturday. The food, customer service and shop were a really nice overall experience. The quality of food and freshness was great, we each got the an all beef combo and were more than satisfied with the flavor and taste. The prices were extremely reasonable across the board from the sandwiches, chips, drinks, etc. I totally love the collection of antiques in the dinning area. The customer service was also too notch, super friendly awesome staff!! We will definitely be back to try more of their sandwiches!! read more

We ordered the Godfather sandwich, a pastrami sandwich and a combo sandwich. Every one of them was delicious. A large sandwich was enough for two meals. Highly recommend this place potato salad was a little different. It had radishes in it and cilantro. Very very tasty. Will be back soon. read more

Best subs around! So many options and always hits the spot. Beware soloing the Godfather! It's basically a family sub or a food challenge.

The fact that I've lived less than a few miles away from Grove Grinder and just now discovering them is a real shame. Think if Jersey Mike's had better quality sandwiches, cheaper prices, larger portions AND an enormous root beer selection; that's what you get at Grove Grinder. The nostalgic, mom & pop, hole-in-the-wall shop gives vibes that you cannot find anywhere other than Grove Grinder and maybe Franconia, New Hampshire. The service is typically done by small team of people who are friendly, quick, and have great recommendations. Getting a giant grinder for $11 is unreal nowadays. Last week I got their roast beef grinder and that was under $15 and it comes with three portions! Definitely will become one of my go-to spots. 11/10 HIGHLY recommend! read more

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Best I've had in SD. Cool little shop cranking out great food at a good price! Definitely worth the trip, we will be back.

It's always a delicious sandwich. I personally have not tried to many myself . I stick to the original combo . I should try more . However it's just one amazing sandwich. Also their bread is always soft and yummy . Every time I go in always greeted with a smile . read more

This place is a Lemon Grove Classic! When you walk in you feel like you have stepped into a time machine! So much old vintage decor! The selection of sandwiches is just right many to choose from but not too many! A little secret if you just ask they can make pretty much anything (locals only) One of the best things about this place is the library of non alcoholic beers! From ginger beer to root beer they have all the unique flavors and brands! Choose wisely read more

Grove Grinder - Dirty chips and macaroni salad! - Sandwiches Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

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Had a steak and cheese sandwich here and it was an absolute 10, super great friendly service in a cute little old fashioned building. Can't wait to go back and try some of their selections of bottled root beers and other sandwiches. read more

First of all, I would like to apologize for my dog barking and scaring you. It was raining so I went outside to my car to wait with my dog. The nice lady brought my food out to my car, and my darn dog started barking at her. I've always driven to Kearny Mesa to buy food. But since it was raining, I want to find a hidden gem close to home. I definitely found it! This cute store has sodas and chips that I've never seen before. I was shocked by the many choices and great prices. I settle for the frito pie with everything, butterscotch beer, and half pastrami sandwich with everything. OMG!! There is so much flavor in everything!! It was soo good and great amount of food !! I'm definitely coming back for more! Great food, excellent drink choices, and very friendly customer service. read more

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