Best place in Old Town! Rust is a 1800s styles general store with great gifts including stuffed olives, salamis, chocolates, spices, sauces and tons more. The owners are extremely nice and very helpful. They are very knowledgable about their products. This place also has some amazing Bavarian sausages and root beers. read more

I've been going here during my breaks from my shop at Old Town and every experience for a good couple of months now have been pretty good. The workers are the bistro are always so helpful and friendly. Their cute little salami and cheese sandwiches are an awesome and tasty snack!! They also have a really good Caprese sandwich and potato salad, which the salads are in the nifty fridge thing on the side of the counter. I also tried their bavarian sausages the other day and for that price...PRETTY DARN GOOD. It is hard, but tempting, to order that each and every break! ((Haha)) Their drink section is quite impressive. From glass soda bottles to their yummy lemonade. I recommend trying their ice teas!!! read more

Absolute gem of a little store with super sweet staff. Make sure you take home of the Sugar Mamma caramels...they're phenomenal!

I always come here, especially since they put the kitchen in. Their sandwiches are one of a kind and made gingerly. If I had to recommend a sandwich I would say the beef and manchego or heirloom caprese. I usually call my order in and they have it ready by the time I'm there. Both owners are nice and work to make everything of quality. read more

Rust General Store - Heirloom caprese, their organic vegetarian sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Very cool old fashioned general store packed with all kinds of goodies. Just walking in and smelling all the goodies made me want to stay awhile. Lots of cool things to see and purchase and they had some food and drink available for sale as well. I had to buy a bag of the butter toffee nuggets (think Kelloggs Corn Pops with Toffee), they were very good. The staff was helpful and prices were what you would expect for a touristy spot in Old Town San Diego. read more

Just had the tri tip sandwich. It seriously doesn't get much better than this. So juicy and flavorful with an epic au jus. You've got to do it. Rust is proving time and again to be a true gem in the heart of Old Town where things can sometimes be a hit or miss. read more

Rust General Store - Rust EPIC Tri Tip Sandwich with Au Jus. Mouthwatering! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

I really want to like Rust, but they make it so difficult. I'll begin by letting everyone know that Rust General Store does not open at 9am, According to the person behind the counter, it's been like that for over a year on the web now. Don't hurry to get there when they say they open. Then when you do get in there and order, you'll wait at least 15-20 minutes for your sandwich to come out. The breakfast sandwich I waited for today, was the smallest sandwich I've even seen. It tasted marginal at best, and I question whether the egg was microwaved, as it was rubbery. They should call it a breakfast bite, that would be more appropriate. The extra star is for the crinkle cookies, the one thing they do right. If that's all you go in for, your golden. read more

It's a cool old time little place that has a large variety of items. They have spices to cook that are good. They also make food inside that really good. Me and my girlfriend had some sausage hotdogs oh my god they are good. I recommend you come and try it. read more

I'm a 70-year-old San Diego native and am deeply proud and interested in the fascinating history here. As such yesterday I "attempted" to again visit our beloved Old Town and specifically the Rust General Store, which their website indicated was very near the site of the old "French Bakery" and grocery of 19th-century owner Vincent Llucia Sr. (who I am researching) and (supposedly, but not actually) sold an array of sandwiches specifically *named after* said Mr. Llucia & many of his peers! Nice! But, MUCH to my disappointment the dark and dank Rust General Store NO LONGER offers said sandwiches. This was disappointing, but *not nearly as disappointing* or *alarming* as the shoddy, run-down, and quite *INADEQUATE SIGNING* and PUBLIC MAP debacles going on there. Please understand I've been to Old Town several dozens of times for well over half a century, and *I* couldn't find my way around!? What a complete *SH*T SHOW!* The street signs are missing, unclear, and in disrepair! Ditto the "You Are Here" Site Maps for the Fiesta Square! They are grossly inadequate, and (not surprisingly) the crowds were meager and seemed confused. The Old Town Family Hospitality Corporation responsible for the upkeep of this beloved and historic location REALLY need to *STEP UP THEIR GAME IMMEDIATELY*! This is *disgraceful* "as is", Covid or no Covid..., get it together or get under New Management, ASAP!!! read more

Amazing sandwiches and baked goods. Go eat you goodies under the trees in the back, it was perfect.

Cons: ** (Get them out quick as they wont keep me from coming!) The only constructive critiques I have to say are (1) that the tables used for eating our delicious meals outside on the front porch are not the greatest. They are unstable and rock while you eat. Spilling a drink is completely possible. We had to place a utensil underneath to stop it from shaking. (2) The other critique is that the prices are a little high and that is why I had to give it only 4 stars. But to their defense, they are a third party, having to buy these special items to sell to us, the customers. Being they are not a large chain or have multiple stores I imagine they dont get a big break in prices nor buy in bulk for the only one store. They do have to make a profit to stay in business. I did check some of the prices from the actual websites of products they sell and they aren't making it too high but enough to stay in business . . . and that is what we want them to do! PROS: Rust is everything everyone else shares in their reviews. What makes them special is that somehow the people working there just naturally seem to be of that time period of easy going and pleasant while looking and acting the part they dress. I know someone mentioned in the only negative review Rust has that he wasn't greeted when he walked in and how when he asked for help the guy said someone would be right out. That happened to me as well but I took it another way. The young man behind the counter was busy and the young lady was in back. He is in charge of the food area and taking orders and making sure we get our delicious meals. The young lady is in charge of the store and she is the one who can answer any questions about products. They were both lovely and helpful. Our food was delicious and I love how they prepare it. You get your main entree of a big, tasty sandwich which also comes with a little desert of a chocolate or caramel. Everything was yummy. The prime rib is especially good here and I do suggest it if you eat meat. I would heartily recommend Rust General for a meal as I believe the food quality and quantity are both of the highest level. read more

I have been here twice. The first time I went I had a brown butter cookie and prickly pear lemonade. I don't remember much about the lemonade, but I remember I really enjoyed the brown butter cookie. The second time I went I didnt get the brown butter cookie because it was a cayenne flavor and i was worried it would be too spicy for me. What i did get was the chili dog and i was NOT dissapointed! It was a good quality dog with wild boar chili, cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onion, on a soft pretzel bun. I think it was like $10 or $11, but definately worth it. The chili dog was large, filling, and tasty. Definately a gourmet hot dog. It also came with a little side of old time gummy candy which was a cute little touch. My husband got the green olive tapenade which was tasty as well. He also got a drink and i cant remember what it was called, but it was some kind of sassafrass spritzer with mint. It had a flavor similar to root beer, but was a lighter flavor and very refreshing. I will definately be back to buy some of their flavored salts. read more

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I loved walking in the door and walking back in time. I've followed these guys on Instagram for a long while and had to stop by when we were close. The shelves are staked with lost leaf tea, bulk favoured salts, legit pickles, and spices. The friendly, knowledgeable staff in period dress just can't be beat. We were too late in the day for lounging on their shady back patio but it looks like an inviting place. I mean a place where you can get a Bavarian pretzel, a pickle on a stick or a sausage on a stick is worth wading into tourist-ville in the summer... read more

Rust General Store - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

BAD SERVICE Not Knowledgeable... About the different products they sell and herbs ... I heard they change management, too bad and these type of shops really need somebody that knows what they're selling, knows what they're doing but they don't have that here also if you eat in the outdoor patio area they have a lot of extra junk appliances laying around the area where people are supposed to eat and enjoy their time in Old Town. The people that work here seem to not like their job they're not happy and sassy with customers, and most of all they do not have knowledge of the products that they're selling. read more

Cute place with a unique and interesting set of products! I especially love their bakery, sandwiches, and their drinks. The cookies here are amazing, the chocolate chip here is great. I've tried just about all the sandwiches and drinks as well, and they're all delicious. The employees are all dressed up and the atmosphere takes you back in time. Great service and great food...definitely a place you need to stop by and visit whenever you're in the area. read more

WORST customer service I've ever experienced..!!! The UNHAPPY girl working @ the counter was completely rude & unfortunately I'll never go back because of her. It looked as though they had some good stuff 2. :( read more

Great place! You'd miss the real food here and mistake it as merely a store if you don't do the research. We tried the salad, the sausage platter (with the Balvarian and the second on the menu), the beef sandwich and the turkey sandwich. Not a single one was a disappointment. I especially like the different kinds of sauces they make. Definitely a hidden gem. read more

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We stopped in because we were walking through the park and saw someone with a sauerkraut and bratwurst and had to have one! It was delicious. I saw the cook and told him that we don't get these often but when we do, it is really good! He said that he only buys the best and doesn't offer it when the supplier is sold out. It was fun to browse in the store while we waited and felt like a step back in time! Once it was ready, we set on the porch and watched the tourists walk by. I tasty experience we hope to repeat soon! read more

I bought a $40 voucher on groupon, I was not disappointed. We arrived to a quaint little shop in the heart of old town. I felt as though I was walking into a time capsule. It was like a scene from Little House on the Prairie. Great food, great atmosphere! A fun place to take a date , kids, a picnic. read more

This is s hidden gem for locals. The Wild Boar Chili is amazing. It comes with sour cream to top and delicious pieces of garlic bread to dip. It is absolutely perfect if you're in Old Town visiting for the day. The sandwiches are also amazing. Made fresh to order. My favorite is the Bacon Caprese sandwich. The baked goods are great too. Wash it all down with some old fashioned sodas. Don't miss this hidden spot to get some quality deliciousness! read more

I have been here many times and I have never been disappointed with the food here. It is masterfully crafted, delicious, and very affordable. They honestly taste twice as good for half the price compared to all the table service restaurants surrounding it. The eating area behind the shop is always peaceful, and a great place to relax for a few minutes away from the bustle of Old Town. I come here whenever I eat out on my lunch breaks. read more

Food, service, experience... all great. This is a fun western themed general store with costumed staff and bavarian themed menu. They have slightly elevated prices, but their location in old town explains that. Recommended for both tourists and locals... and especially sandwich fans! read more

Great food great service. Had the roast beef sandwich called Titus Heikel. Mrs. Lopez was very kind and offered great service. I will definitely come back here for lunch the next time I am in town. read more

There are no prices on these cookies and my girlfriend asks to buy them and im under the presumption that they are 4 dollars or so and then she takes my money and says they're 12$ for serious five cookies; no price tags no refunds complete bs. Never again. Everything is overpriced and no price tags. read more

Rust General Store - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Has a little bakery inside with the most amazing chocolate chip cookies! I'm not a big cookie eater but Every time I'm in Old town SD I go there to get my cookie fix and take one for the road. They are thick fluffy and probably the best cookie I ever had. I can't wait to plan another trip just for these cookies read more

they are running down. new staff is horrible. don't go. Don't know what happened but it's clearly not the same anymore.

Oh, this store is so cute. Good selection of teas, some old fashioned candies, really good cookies, old fashioned soda pop, and some pretty good food for a small, unassuming, general store frozen in time! If you're in Old Towne within the park, definitely stop by. read more

mmmmm, thats the tastiest hot chocolate ive ever had... warmy chocolatey yummy goodness in a cup. read more

My family went into this shop while visiting Old Town San Diego last week and LOVED it! We had been in years ago under a different owner and liked it, but I was really impressed with all of the speciality foods they had now. We bought some cute old-fashioned syrups to make our own sodas and their Fleur de Sel is on my Christmas wish list! The woman working the counter was super helpful and sweet. Will definitely go again. read more

Pickled stuff, boutique soda pops, candy, aaaand sausage. Yum. Friendly folks. Definitely worth a stop by.

Can I say... this store is a hidden gem! We had lunch in Old Town and decided to walk around after. We came across this store because I saw the sign coffee... but that is only one great thing this store has. I ordered a coffee which was so very fresh for $2, well worth it. I started to walk around and this store is just like the old school spice stores where they have jars all over the shelves and you just figure out what you want. I started to see some of the labels on the candy jars and saw cayenne... I had to get the cayenne dark chocolate candies... man... it was awesome. There's a lot of great choices in there, that's just one of the choices I made. But this store is definitely a cool place if you like to try different things. Not your average candy shop. read more

I have to buy something every time I go in. There are so many unique sauces, jams, etc and everything we've tried so far is delicious! My husband and I LOVE the apple candle (we've gone through 2 this year and will have to make a trip down to get another). Love the look of the store... they did an awesome job and you can tell a lot of time and effort went in to the decor. Great job Toni and Jonathan, love the place! : ) (Sorry this is so long overdue!) ; ) read more

What a great little shop! Rust has a GREAT selection of unique and hard to find items, food, candy and just great little 'treats.' I purchased some amazing hot pepper sauce and some equally amazing dilled green beans that were fabulous additions to a bloody mary. I also purchased some different candies from the vast assortment and was not disappointed. Rust has great service and very helpful advice. Did I mention the candy selection?!? totally kid in a candy store. :) Next time I'm in Old Town I will look forward to revisiting Rust. read more

Excellent hot chocolate :D It's such a cute little store, too. I loved just being inside so much that I forgot I was waiting for my hot chocolate haha read more

My son and I were just in there an hour ago and found this store to be under new ownership. The folks there were very friendly and I really wish the best for them. They will have my support. And the store still smells awesome! Haha. There will be a grand opening Oct. 1, you can bet I'll be there! read more

The staff was great and very helpful. We were visiting from Las Vegas and it was a shock to find the best beef jerky I have ever had sold there. It is from a company based out of San Luis Obispo, Ca named Cattaneo Bros. I have been trying to find anything comparable the last 20 yrs since leaving the Central Coast, but cannot find anything. Thanks again to the staff. I will definitely return every visit to San Diego for my fave and for the courtesy shown by the team at Rust. read more

I've been here twice and it's not that great. The first time I came I got some sort of a Caprese sandwich. It was tasty but was small and I remember it was really expensive. The second time, I got 1 chocolate chip cookie. It was $3 which is definitely on the pricey side. It was average size. Taste was not good. The cookie was dry and bad. It wasn't crunchy or soft... Just a weird dry, dense combination. Cookie was a huge disappointment read more

I come here mostly everyday, but once every week for sure. I work in the area and Im a regular, and I've tried mostly everything lol and they're all yummy! My favorite is the ham & cheddar hot sand which ;) they do phone orders as well. Convenient and fun spot read more

Love the store! Love the staff! I even love Titus! They have everything that you never knew you needed, and then some! They have so much knowledge about the history of old town and carry products that are authentic to that genera. They have something for everyone in my family! The little ones can get a nice warm cup of drinking chocolate, I can get my hard to find spices and husband can get his midnight snacks. The whipped peanut butter infused with white chocolate is amazing and so is the selection of bottled drinks. For our family it is not a stop in old town unless we swing into rust, and I am confident anyone who stops in will feel the same. read more

Rust General Store - Titus! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Came here with a Groupon. Good service and the food was ok nothing superb but it wasn't bad either. We enjoyed the nice quiet backyard atmosphere. The server was very kind. The prices are a bit steep but luckily we had the Groupon. The best part of my experience is the licorice selection inside. I'm from holland and they have many selections from Holland so I was very excited to see this. I'll definitely be back for the licorice. I'd say they need to add some flavor to their foods or something because they are competing with a lot of very good restaurants in the Old Town area. read more