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Pearson Deli

4.3 (83 reviews)
InexpensiveDelis
Closed 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Pearson Deli Photos

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PEARSON DELI ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Quiet
Good for groups
Outdoor seating
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Pearson Deli

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Claire L.

Cute small deli shop by the bay :)) we ordered a grilled cheese and one of the torpedo sandwich and was super happy with both! The torpedo sandwich was pretty massive and did not skimp on meat. The bread was nice and soft too. I would say though that it could use a bit more lettuce! Either way, super happy with the sandwich and the vibes were so cute too. There's tables nearby facing the water! Service was super friendly too :))

Italian Sandwhich
Ash N.

Stop by to buy a sandwich before going on a boat. The Italian sandwich was delicious and the staff was very friendly!

Jocy C.

Pearson Deli is a hole in the wall deli - located in Shelter Island area of San Diego. It was a Sunday morning, and I wanted to walk around (get some steps in on my FitBit). My manfriend suggested Pearson Deli to go eat, so that we can go right into walking around Shelter Island afterwards. There were 2 guys behind the counter at Pearson Deli. When I asked how long they have been around - the older gentleman said 21 years. I tried their Deviled Eggs (some other Yelp review said it was "worth the occasional drive from LA"). I also tried their Pastrami Sandwich (with everything). I'm usually not a fan of pickles or mustard in my sandwich, but for some reason, the combo worked. Bread and meat were really fresh! I had a nostalgic moment (like I was having some fresh pastrami from NYC). There is a little seating area outside the Deli to enjoy the San Diego weather / breeze. I also might add - GOODNESS. The bathroom (at least the ladies one) was REALLY clean. I was preparing myself for a gas station type of cleanliness and was pleasantly surprised. ENJOY!! SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES!!

Dock views
Krystal L.

Love this cute little mom and pop deli on Shelter Island. Located near the fuel dock for boats in the area, this deli is a tucked away gem that guests/travelers in the area might miss if they aren't paying attention. We were lucky to spot it while walking around Shelter Island and since I'm always a big fan of a good sammie, I figured we'd try them out! Look for the white sign with an arrow that says deli and you'll know you're headed in the right direction. The business is ran by a sweet older couple who promptly greeted us when we walked in. I ordered the pastrami and cheese on sourdough and my boyfriend went with the Italian hero. Let me just say their sandwiches are MASSIVE and worth every penny. They were so tasty and so filling, I almost couldnt finish mine! They also have snacks and beverages for purchase and a few side options as well if you are looking for something to pair with your sammie. I was glad we tried this place out and would be happy to try one of their other sandwiches on another occasion.

PEARSON DELI TUNA MELT W JACK CHEESE. MY FAVORITE SANDWICH EVER. Perfection.
Michelle N.

Don't listen to the complaints from these bougie yacht owners. Its a fuel dock and deli. You get what you get. Don't expect the atmosphere or customer service of a waterfront restaurant. DO expect some fucking delicious and satisfying food. A few days ago my friend got a tuna melt from here and let me have a single bite of his sandwich. From that ONE BITE days ago I was hooked. I could not stop thinking about it. Last night I woke up dreaming about it and just had to get my hands on that tuna melt. I called in my order today and they had it ready for me when I arrived. It was just as delicious as that one bite I had days ago. The bread had the best golden crust I've ever seen on a piece of toast. I don't know how they do it. It was crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Per someone else's recommendation, I ordered it with jack cheese. It was all nice and melty on the sides of each slice of bread. The tuna inside - the heart of the sandwich - is so well seasoned. I didn't even like warm tuna before this experience but now this is my favorite sandwich of all time. The only downside is I am now physically and emotionally dependent on this tuna melt and will need to eat it regularly so I don't have withdrawals.

Betsy M.

My bestie always hits this place when visiting from Colorado so we thought we would give it a try for our make shift picnic on the island. The couple that owns the place are so cute. He told me they had been there for 20 years making sandwiches. We ordered a turkey/cheese on white with everything on it and a pastrami/cheese on sour dough with the works. The sandwiches are very hearty, I could have easily split mine. They sell the "Dirty Potato Chips" brand there which I love. I also would like to call out that they have clean restrooms which is a huge bonus along with an outdoor seating area on the dock over the water/harbor. Dog friendly!!!

BLT with Avocado
Sergio G.

Prices are a little higher but not too high. I was impressed for my first time. The BLT with avocado, was very good and all the veggies were fresh. Good amount of bacon and Mayo. They portioned the amount of food well. My brother had the ham and cheese sandwich and he said it was simple but definitely delicious. I will be coming back. I would highly recommend this place. It's near a great view so why not!

Look how big the sandwich is!!!

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6 months ago

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2 months ago

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15 days ago

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

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11 months ago

We loved our sub. Delicious and authentic. We found the deli by chance and happy we did because it was tucked away and easy to miss.

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4 years ago

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5 years ago

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1 year ago

Just a simple deli with amazing subs and it sits over the water. They also make great deviled eggs

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2 years ago

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4 years ago

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7 years ago

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5 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

Great sandwiches! Speedy and everything was fresh. Service was good. We called and picked up.

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2 years ago

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3 years ago

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5 years ago

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7 years ago

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

Love these sandwiches, Order ahead of time pick up. Alway delicious and I am picky.

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6 years ago

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6 years ago

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4 years ago

The old man running this place isn't very friendly, but his team puts out a pretty damn good sandwich

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6 years ago

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9 years ago

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10 years ago

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Rubicon Deli Mission Hills

Rubicon Deli Mission Hills

4.4
(1.5k reviews)
3.1 mi
$$

I'd give them 6 stars if I could. Best sandwich I've had in San Diego!…read more I work at a venue right down the street & we cater here for events all the time. All of my co workers rave about this place. It's INSANELY good! Cute little spot with some outdoor seating. Would highly recommend this place if anyone asked for a good sandwich around here.

I really was looking for something to hit the spot today. I started the day with my homemade…read moresmoothie which was perfect. Then, as the day progressed I wanted to have a good lunch so I would not be that hungry for dinner and just lightly snack. So, I was craving a deli sandwich. I decided to try Rubicon Deli in Mission Hills area. I kept hearing how their sandwiches were so good. I ordered a tuna sandwich, and the girl behind. the counter was helpful and friendly, but did inform me they were out of a few bread types. I order a Dutch crunch type of bread for a tuna sandwich. They serve half and whole sandwiches so I just ordered a half which was still a good-sized portion . I wish I would have liked this sandwich because I drove 20 minutes to try this place. The bread was too dry and super messy because it was so dry. The rest of the sandwich was okay. The tuna was bland tasting as it did not seem like it was seasoned. The veggies on it were the only thing that made the sandwich decent tasting. It was nothing to write home about or drive out of my area to try it . I was hungry and paid so I had to eat it. Although, I threw away the other half of it . It was not horrible, but it was not tasty either. The service was good and they had plenty of tables to sit down inside. But, I also noticed the tables were not being wiped down and under the tables there were food crumbs all over. Luckily, I had my trusty sanitizer for the table. The fact no one was cleaning as it needed to be done was a turn off. Restaurants and places of businesses need to take it serious and keep it clean everywhere so no one gets sick. Lastly, keep in mind when you arrive at this place, you have to pay the City of San Diego parking which I paid 2.50 extra just to come here .

Photos
Place is bomb af!!
Place is bomb af!!
(Lunch Box) The Stallion
(Lunch Box) The Stallion
Rubicon Deli Mission Hills

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Fatboy's Deli & Spirits

Fatboy's Deli & Spirits

4.5
(912 reviews)
6.0 mi
$$

Coming back to send my love to my favorite sub place…read more I've sadly moved to a different part of town so Fatboy's is no longer a few blocks away. I still try to stop by every few months as this place holds a special place in my heart. A no frills spot. Solid and consistent. To the point but friendly customer service. Fantastic drink, chip and snack selection. Sandwiches are always bomb asf. The hot momma and BLT loaded up is my favorite. My husband still loves their Ruben (it is his favorite place to get it.) You get a small potato or macaroni salad on the side with a pickle (perfect crunch.) I personally think it's a great little add on. Their chili is also simple but delicious. I personally think their chili pairs perfectly with any of their sandwiches. It's not a heavy thick chili. Which is why I think it pairs so well. I won't lie it's a bit pricey but you get what you pay for. It's loaded up and good quality. I never feel gross or overly bloated after eating here. I will be coming back to Fatboy's until I move out of San Diego or die. lol. One of my favorite gems in SD. Always will be worth the drive or walk. Thank you for always delivering even years later.

I really like the sandwiches here, and that I can get craft soda and Cravory cookies while I'm…read morethere. I also like that the sandwiches come with a macaroni salad or potato salad. I used to frequent Fatboy's because it was close and convenient for a long time, but I am rarely able to visit anymore... parking is a bigger challenge every day in North Park, and finding even a 15-minute spot takes way longer than the drive for me now (but the walk is too far to pick up a quick meal). Today I was down the street for something else so decided to order a sandwich. I was excited, then my jaw dropped when I saw the price increases. It's $18 for the North Park Club now, with no extras. I already had a hard time justifying $15 for a sandwich but I'm officially, 100% priced out now. I know it's not necessarily on the business owners; rent is exorbitant in NP, profit margins are small in the food service industry, and operating costs are high. Our city is eating itself alive, but thank you for the years of sandwiches!

Photos
Tons of beverage/soda/beer options
Tons of beverage/soda/beer options
Good meat, but nit a lot of it
Good meat, but nit a lot of it
Outside.

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Outside.
DZ Akin's

DZ Akin's

3.6
(2.2k reviews)
11.0 mi
$$

Captain's Log, Stardate 21509.7…read more This past Friday I set my course for Did Z Akins in La Mesa -- a roadside star on I‑8 that my crew and I had passed a thousand times but never boarded. At long last we beamed down, and the experience surpassed every expectation. From the moment we entered, the atmosphere felt like coming home to a welcoming starbase. The staff treated us with genuine warmth and patience as we navigated a menu full of storied classics. Their attentive service turned a simple meal into a memorable mission. My first officer aka wife enjoyed a superbly composed salad, and chose the Turkey Club -- both delivered with thoughtful care. I began with the biscuits and gravy, a traditional hit that tasted like comforting shore leave. But the true highlight was the patty melt: perfectly seared, with lush caramelized onions and melted cheese that achieved harmony at warp speed. It was, without hyperbole, the best patty melt I've encountered in this quadrant. Each bite was a cascade of flavor that felt like discovering a thriving new world. This kitchen knows how to respect ingredients and execute classics flawlessly. No extra condiments were necessary -- the craftsmanship spoke for itself. DZ Akins is now a plotted course for every future convoy through I‑8. Highly recommended for anyone seeking honest, stellar diner fare and service that treats you like family among the stars. Captain 619, stay salty my friends!

Service: 5 stars Food: 2 stars…read moreDrinks: 2 stars Sadly, won't be coming back. Pancakes were so bland. Beef hash was so salty. Iced coffee needed a little more sweetness

Photos
Crowded!
Crowded!
Matzo ball soup
Matzo ball soup
Swiss Patty Melt add mushrooms, Homefries add fried egg and jalapeño

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Swiss Patty Melt add mushrooms, Homefries add fried egg and jalapeño
Beyer Deli

Beyer Deli

4.8
(893 reviews)
13.8 mi
$$

The service was friendly and very helpful, as it was my first time ordering from Beyer Deli. They…read morewelcomed us like family and I could see that their long time customers felt the same way. Additionally, the food was delicious. I ordered the New Yorker and I just loved the pastrami included in the sandwich. I would highly recommend coming for a sandwich and will love to come back. Thank you for the experience!

Visit July 2026…read more Ironically I was in NYC last week and ate at a deli there. That visit was a so-so experience and made me miss Beyer Deli so ta-dah! Still incredibly huge sandwiches. Hefty enough that half will fill me and I'm fat. The torta bread is the way to go for your sandwiches and yeah I know it's not a NYC thing but ewwww I had stale white bread with my NYC meal. I don't get here often but it looks like the menu has expanded with smoothies, pasta, and iced coffees. Still incredibly amazing prices (seriously the price for a pastrami sandwich at the NYC deli was twice the price here). Still the MOST INCREDIBLE AMAZING WELCOMING service you will ever experience. Dina, the owner who runs the front, makes you feel like you've pulled up a chair at her own kitchen. Loves to talk and gets to know you. I'm always a fan of seeing a restaurant acknowledge their regulars it just makes such a positive vibe and Dina welcomes them by name so tells you how often they frequent. Still located in a tiny business mall and if it weren't for the red on the sign you might miss it. Still cash only. Still the safest place on the planet as it is frequented by every form of law enforcement possible from BP, SDPD, CVPD, to the MIB (seeing if you're still with me). Its great that they support and receive support from first responders. If you want a satisfying deli experience stop by. I suggest....well everything.

Photos
Fresh flowers on tables at Beyer Deli!
Fresh flowers on tables at Beyer Deli!
Fernando Special Quesadilla
Fernando Special Quesadilla
Indoor seating

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Indoor seating
Big Front Door

Big Front Door

4.4
(909 reviews)
5.2 mi
$$

My new favorite sandwich spot! Portions are proper, ingredients are fresh, and prices affordable…read more Tucked in University Heights there's convenient parking out front. There's and indoor/outdoor area so pet-friendly! They also have a dog treat they make in house as well David and all of the staff today were incredibly welcoming. The chicken salad sandwich was so full and toasted to perfection, the wasabi beef was flavorful and also did not lack protein!

This place is one of the top 5 best sandwich shops in San Diego hands down. They also serve salads,…read moresoups, and some awesome sides. I heard they're going to start serving beer and wine soon as well! *Best 1st-timer options*: The Keeper (if you like it spicy) or the L.G.B.T. My favorite hot sandwiches are the Cali Cubano, B3, and The Keeper, while my favorite cold sandwiches are the Avocado Highway, L.G.B.T. (lettuce, gouda, bacon, tomato), and Caprese. My favorite salads are the Grapevine and Duck Cranberry. For sides I recommend the potato salad and tomato basil bisque. The aioli they use is to die for -- can't hurt to get a side of it with any sandwich! The restaurant is situated on the corner of Park Blvd. and Polk Ave. (more generally, it's on the strip of Park Blvd. between University Ave. and El Cajon Blvd.). There is usually a good amount of parking on Park Blvd. and Polk Ave., which is nice. The space has a simple-yet-tasteful modern design and interior, is always clean, with friendly and helpful staff. Great for lunch hour or a weekend date. Update: Came back today with my friend and we ordered the B3 and the Turkey & Cheddar Mousse sandwiches, plus sides of potato salad and cucumber salad, and a double chocolate cookie with pistachio and sea salt. Everything was really good, but the Turkey & Cheddar Mousse sandwich was the star of the show. The cookie was great too. We both agreed the potato salad could use some salt, but besides that it was a solid meal all around.

Photos
Ordering area
Ordering area
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Checkout area

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Checkout area
Siesel's Old Fashioned Meats

Siesel's Old Fashioned Meats

4.2
(506 reviews)
4.5 mi
$$$

Been going here for years. Great sandwiches and always, always helped by a friendly team!…read more Their sandwiches are our go-to for picnics and beach days. They also have a great selection of potato salads and pasta salads. Love that it's a one-stop shop for our picnics and beach days!

I have been coming here forever. It is not cheap but the quality of everything here is fantastic…read more This is a real butcher shop. There aren't many left in San Diego. Other than its sister store, Iowa Meat Farms, Tip Top Meats in Carlsbad (yes, they have returned), and the Wise Ox, also in Carlsbad, there are hardly any real butcher shops around. But these guys know what they are doing. Try their burgers and meatloaf. They are easy to cook at home. Try their steaks. You can get a legitimately excellent steak here for a fraction of what you would pay at a steakhouse and it will be BETTER than the steakhouse version. Make sure you ask the counter guys to season it for you before they wrap it up. Try their freshly-made sandwiches. Make sure you try their beans behind the deli counter. Their pimento dip in the refrigerated area is legendary and more addictive than crack (or so I have read). They have interesting sodas, craft beers, different mustards, El Indio chips, fresh breads, and a small but very well-curated wine selection. Is there anything they do not do well here? "No," is the answer to that question. They do everything well here. They have their own parking lot but it fills up quickly. There is not much other parking in the area. In the past, I have walked several blocks away in the residential neighborhood to get to the store when there is no parking available. And it was worth it.

Photos
If ever the phrase "A little slice of heaven" were appropriate, this is it.
If ever the phrase "A little slice of heaven" were appropriate, this is it.
Siesel's Old Fashioned Meats
Siesel's Old Fashioned Meats

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Pearson Deli - delis - Updated July 2026

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