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    Hilltop Deli

    4.4 (147 reviews)
    InexpensiveSandwiches, Delis, Bagels
    Closed Closed
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Order Hilltop Deli Takeout or Delivery

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    HILLTOP DELI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Hilltop Deli

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    Hot pastrami with melted cheese and potato salad! Delish
    Tammy T.

    In All honesty, I have wanted to try this deli for months and finally had the opportunity. Walking through the door my first impression....CLEAN! Wow, like that is a priority here. Then came my pastrami sandwich best one yet in San Diego. The potato salad was the best as well. Amy, very delightful and very welcoming. I would love to give ten stars but that isn't possible so I give it 5. Here is SUCCESS.

    The California Specialty Sandwich- turkey, cheese, avocado, bacon, lettuce, and mayo. W/ side salad
    Andrea V.

    Hidden gem off the beaten path in Santee. Would have never known this place existed without Yelp. It's a family owned deli tucked away in an industrial area. I've grabbed lunch here a few times and always been greeted with a smile. Friendly customer service, large portions, good quality and amount of deli meat used on their sandwiches. Reasonable prices, indoor and outdoor seating, and delicious lunch items. They serve hot and cold sandwiches, wraps, salads, parfaits, chips, drinks, and all kinds of snacks. The sandwiches are made with fresh ingredients and are filling. Everything I've ordered has been good and hit the spot. Worth checking out if you're in the area.

    California with potato salad
    Lynda M.

    "I had the pleasure of visiting Amy's Hilltop Deli this past Sunday with a friend, and it was such a treat to see them hosting a fundraising event. It's clear they really care about the community! I ordered 'The Californian' special and it was delicious--the bread was incredibly fresh and the ingredients were so tasty. I also have to give a shoutout to the potato salad; it was perfectly creamy and not dry at all. Such a hidden gem in El Cajon with a great atmosphere!"

    california
    Nicky P.

    Great neighborhood deli . New owners are super nice, portions are huge and I like the pasta salad and potato salad . They have kept up the recipes from previous owners. My favorite is the Californian sandwich . I usually eat half of the sandwich and save the rest for later . Bread is super fresh . Amy and her husband are super friendly . They do lunch drawing giveaways . Come by you won't be disappointed .

    Italian Sub with Pasta salad
    Bob G.

    Very friendly staff, great interior, and really outstanding food! My sandwich was packed to the brim! Felt like I got so much food considering I got a sandwich and salad for $15. TWO MEALS IN ONE! One of the better deals I've had for takeout in awhile. Great place and will start coming more often!

    Kristi C.

    Lettuce write this review--because the owners are just as great as the food! From the service to the portions; I will be returning! Thanks, Amy & Joe!

    Amber Z.

    Great food, great prices, great service!! If you're smart, you'll visit!! Nice Idoors and patio bonys!

    My friends with Amy!!
    Jeannie L.

    Went to visit Amy's Hilltop Deli today to check out their sandwiches. We each got different sandwiches and they were all good. Well-portioned (which is very important to us) and tasty!! We only ate half and took the rest home. The owner Amy is such a sweetheart! She just took over ownership and I know to expect even greater things. They cater too!!!

    Egg salad sandwich  Egg Salad
    Tanya E.

    Cozy deli with great atmosphere. I got the egg salad 9n Squaw and I was stuffed halfway through! Great variety and drink options galore. Service is friendly and welcoming, I'll be back many more times. I saw they have catering options available too!

    Sourdough turkey with pasta
    Brandie D.

    So good, big servings, great service, owner Amy is amazing!!! 10/10 recommend. Servers were very polite and considerate, clean and very friendly atmosphere. Will definitely be stopping by again.

    Deli
    Christy R.

    My "The California" sandwich from Hilltop Deli was so delicious! The lightness of the sprouts, mouthwatering bacon and fresh avocado made this meal a pure delight. To top it off with the perfect pasta salad and tangy pickle, my order was big enough for two meals. I can't wait to eat the rest tomorrow! I'm headed back to Hilltop Deli ASAP!

    Drinks
    Gilberto L.

    This family run business is definitely a hidden gem for your breakfast and lunch needs. Generous portions, delicious sides, and quick service. It's my new go-to spot for breakfast burritos and deli sandwiches. I ordered the Italian sub with Mac salad and was stuffed afterwords. I appreciate the thick cut deli meats, and think you will too. It's mostly an in-and-out spot, but there's always seating available if you need to eat there. And options? This place has it all. Definitely planning on trying their protein smoothies soon, and will update afterwords. If you're in the area for lunch, check it out.

    My wife and I visited Hilltop Deli and the experience blew us away. Huge fresh Italian sandwich big enough for two meals and the most delicious potato salad I've honestly ever had. My wife feasted on the huge salad. The new owners Amy and Joe are exceptionally friendly and helpful and the place is super honey and cute. We'll be back frequently.

    Sandwich Jason and owners Joe and Amy

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    8 months ago

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    Joe N.

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    8 months ago

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    5 months ago

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    Joe N.

    Thank you so much!!! Spread the word! :-)

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    2 years ago

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    6 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    Thank you SOOOO Much! Spread the word!!! :-)

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    10 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    4 months ago

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    Joe N.

    We are so happy you are pleased! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    11 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    Joe N.

    Thank you SO much! Thank you for giving us a chance!!!

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    1 year ago

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    Joe N.

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    9 months ago

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    Joe N.

    Thank you! Come back again!

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    2 years ago

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    8 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    Joe N.

    Thank you so much. Hope to see you again!

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    1 year ago

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    Joe N.

    Thank you Jason. Please come back again!

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    1 year ago

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    Joe N.

    Thank you so much. Hope to see you again!

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    1 year ago

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    Joe N.

    Thank you so much. Hope to see you again!

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    11 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    Joe N.

    Thank you and thank you for supporting Hilltop Deli!!!

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    I absolutely love this place. The food is top notch but I also come here for the service.

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Amazing service and delicious sandwiches, the Rueben was perfect. The smoothies are also worth a try

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Hilltop Deli

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    Daisy Deli

    Daisy Deli

    4.0
    (105 reviews)
    3.5 mi
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    This was my first time to visit Deli Belly. I'm from New York and a love a good deli sandwich. I…read moreordered the New York ham and Swiss on rye and I was not disappointed! They have a nice selection of rolls and bread. The rye bread was soft and fresh. They use Boar's head meat, so of course the meat was great. I usually only eat 1/2 a sandwich, but it was so tasty that I kept going for "just one more bite". So good. They carry Dirty brand potato chips and had my favorite, Maui onion. They carry bottles drinks as well as fountain drinks. There's a good selection to choose from. You can dine inside or out. I chose the inside. The deli was clean and organized. There are big windows that let in a lot of sunlight. Justine made my food. She was friendly. I enjoy good service! I'll be back!

    Food: ordered a Cobb salad. Just know that you don't actually get grilled chicken. My salad had…read morethat imitation chicken that is painted to look grilled, but tastes rubbery. I hear the sandwiches were good, so maybe just stick to that. It is a deli after all. Service: normal, fine, no complaints. Ambiance: you can hear the kitchen fan, and then you also have music. The place was perfectly clean. Menu: there's a lot going on there. If you tend to get visually overwhelmed, maybe look up the menu before coming in. This is why I got a salad to begin with. Two stars because I didn't really get what I paid for, the chicken.

    Photos
    Pistachio gelato bar yummy
    Pistachio gelato bar yummy
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    Beautiful day to sit outside & enjoy a yummy sandwich & gelato bar

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    Cheers Deli & Liquor

    Cheers Deli & Liquor

    4.6
    (411 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $

    It may seem a little odd to find a deli inside a liquor store, but don't let that fool you. This…read moreplace makes some really good sandwiches. I've never had a bad sandwich here. Everything is fresh, delicious, and a great value for the price. My favorite is the turkey on a roll. It's simple, but they do it perfectly every time. And the pickles are incredible. Id say some of the best I've had and the perfect addition to any sandwich. If you're looking for a great deli sandwich without spending a fortune, this hidden gem is definitely worth checking out. I'll keep coming back!

    This is one of my favorite delis. I love a solid sandwich, and Cheers Deli & Liquor consistently…read moregets it right. No gimmicks, no shortcuts -- just good bread, quality ingredients, and generous portions. My go-to is the BLT, and it never disappoints. Crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, good tomato, and the right balance so every bite works. Simple sandwiches are the hardest to mess up, and this one proves they know exactly what they're doing. They also always show a little extra love by including a small side salad with every sandwich. Sometimes it's macaroni salad, sometimes potato salad, and today was a first for me with coleslaw. All of them have been a perfect accoutrement and a nice bonus you don't see everywhere. If you're anywhere near Cowles Mountain and want a dependable sandwich that actually earns the calories, this is the stop.

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    Beer cave
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    Cheers Deli & Liquor
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    Honey Haven

    Honey Haven

    4.5
    (159 reviews)
    3.5 mi
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    Stopped by after a Sunday hike and I'm so glad I did! I ordered the Queen, a latte made with…read moreespresso, cinnamon, coconut cream, and oat milk. The flavors paired together perfectly, but I think the coconut cream is what really made this drink stand out. It was incredibly creamy, smooth, and well balanced without being overly sweet. Even though the café was busy, the staff was welcoming, friendly, and happy to offer recommendations. The service never felt rushed, and the overall experience was excellent. There's only outdoor seating, which was perfect after a hike and made for a relaxing spot to enjoy my coffee. I'll definitely be back to try more of their drinks and their food menu. My go to spot after a hike!

    Woke up insanely early due to jet lag. 5 stars to Honey Haven for friendly service and great coffee…read moreand breakfast at 6:00am. Ordered a vanilla latte, pleasantly surprised it wasn't overly sweet and the espresso shot had depth of flavor. Wasn't sure I wanted to pay $14 for a breakfast sandwich but Morning Glory is huge and packed with tons of avocado! If you're dairy free and take out the Brie it is dry since there's no sauce but that's on me for being lactose intolerant. Excited to come back and try their specialty lattes and other food. There are 3 tables outside with 2 seats each. I was the only one there at 6:15am but can see how it gets crowded later in the morning. Flowers and plants are pretty + great view of Cowles mountain.

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    Inside Honey Haven
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    Submarina California Subs

    Submarina California Subs

    4.2
    (179 reviews)
    3.3 mi
    $

    I keep coming here for the meatball subs! They are so good. The staff is friendly. No other…read moremeatball sub has compared thus far.

    I really used to like coming here. But the customer service has become really bad. And I feel like…read moreyou have multiple people working here and the person taking your order gives it to the next person and the next person doesn't listen. I don't know the girl's name because no one here wears name tags, but they wear short shorts like if we're a hooters . But this has been the second time I've had an issue where the next person That gets handed what the sandwich actually is, isn't listening! I had to tell the girl multiple times while she's busy cutting avocados instead of just taking a minute to say, can you give me a second and having me repeat myself! And then I told her after she asked, anything else, I said, can I just can I get pepper? She gives me salt and I look at her and I said I didn't want salt. She said, do you want me to take it off? How are you supposed to take salt off a sandwich when one you cannot see it? Instead of just listening like when I'm speaking to you your too busy doing other things because you wanna be quick. You put salt on the sandwich when I asked for pepper. Those are not the same things. Their employees need to do a better job at focusing on what the customer is saying, versus doing 20 other things. I don't care about you taking longer to make my sandwich.What I care about is me not having to repeat myself three times because you are not listening. She asked me multiple times too. If I wanted anything else needed anything else? Well, I can't even get you to put pepper on my sandwich. And you expect me to believe that you're going to make my order correctly. What if I was someone cant have added salt or high cholesterol. Now, food has been wasted and I'd have to wait longer all because staff can't just slow down and listen to the customer. They also make no eye contact.They don't speak.They just pass the sandwich from person to person.I just feels very impersonal, and like you're just trying to make me a sandwich and get me out of there, and then your the machine wants to ask me to tip. What am I tipping for when i'm not even getting good customer service.

    Photos
    Storefront
    Storefront
    East Coast on Prairie bread
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    Business Hours
    Brew Coffee Spot

    Brew Coffee Spot

    4.5
    (640 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$

    I've been coming here for months and seriously love getting the cinnamon roll and cinnamon roll…read morelatte! The latte itself is so tasty, it has a good balance of strong and sweetness. I get it every single time im here. I'd also recommend the Mexican iced chocolate latte. It's also strong yet sweetened to perfection. The service here is always good and the employees always greet you. I like to come here to study and just sit outside to take in the morning air. I love the view of cowles mountain as well. It's a great spot if you wanna study, they have free wifi if you purchase something so that's a plus. I recommend trying the cinnamon roll latte!

    For a few years now, I've been buying my beans, five pounds at a time, from Brew Coffee Spot in La…read moreMesa. I like the roasting profile they use, and for a while, they've stocked a Costa Rica Sonora Black-Honey Natural that is just fantastic. Joe Paraiso, the owner, is a very experienced coffee purveyor, and he's been incredibly kind to me, sharing his time and knowledge to make sure I get what I want. And, not for nothing, when I'm at Brew Coffee Spot picking up the beans I ordered online, I always have a coffee. Joe either does a great job of training his baristas, or he's REALLY good at hiring talent, or both. Seriously... his folks make my coffees, usually a cortado or a straight espresso, with a downtown San Francisco or Rome level of competence.

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    Hilltop Deli - sandwiches - Updated July 2026

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