Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Grinder

    3.6 (317 reviews)
    InexpensiveDelis, Sandwiches
    Open 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Order The Grinder Takeout or Delivery

    The Grinder Photos

    Business Info

    THE GRINDER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Grinder

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    What the hell, man? Where is the meat!?!
    Phillip W.

    Classic San Diego deli.. they've been here forever, why are they cheaping out on the meat at these prices!? not worth the time, not worth the wait

    tables and chairs in a restaurant
    Tony A.

    You gotta be crazy not to visit this place WOW old school vibe and the flavor is off the hook you will not be disappointed highly recommended

    Turkey Sandwich
    Tom C.

    I got a turkey sandwich to go, but when I got home and opened it. Check out the picture. The top piece of bread was way too small! IMO, the price and quality of the sandwich just don't match up.

    Tuna Salad
    Rocky R.

    What makes a great deli? Freshly sliced meats, great bread and really good service. This is a perfect description for the Grinder, who's been in business for 60 years. Today was the COMBO and date I say world famous tuna salad. Add peperoncini and it's perfect. Did I mention how nice they are. We had fiona and they brought out a little deli treats.

    Danielle F.

    Absolutely love this sandwich shop. Service was fast and everyone was super friendly. I love that it's been around for so long, they are clearly doing something right. I got the James special, and my friend got the combo sandwich. The James special was sooooo yummy. I ate almost the entire sandwich and I usually can only eat half. The pastrami in the sandwich is absolutely amazing. 10/10. I will be back soon. Also the seating area is comfy and cute.

    Turkey Bacon Avocado Sandwich

    Absolutely loved the old school experience coming into The Grinder! Had a great interaction with the staff and made my turkey bacon avocado sandwich so fast. Picked up the sandwich for a picnic date and it held up great for the drive and was a 10/10 sandwich to share! Will definitely make this a regular spot anytime I'm craving a sandwich. Cannot recommend this enough!!

    Dinning room
    Sarah S.

    This place has been here for YEARS so obviously they are doing something right . I used to come here when I was younger , but haven't been here for many, many years . It's close to where we were so why not , they are known for good sandwiches . And yes the sandwiches are good , however choices are limited . Maybe I never noticed that before . But only provolone cheese ( for just a sandwich place , should be more choices ) . Bread comes not toasted , but is fairly fresh , just a bit mushed . Not much meat on the Turkey sandwich. For the price I paid . Was it good ? Yes ... amazing ? Not for the price we paid . Two full sandwiches and one half sandwich was $48.00 . I felt like that was overpriced for what we received. I have them 4 stars because it is a decent sandwich , but with all factors involved , more than likely I won't return .

    The James Special Sandwich
    Dom M.

    Not gonna lie, a little let down that my orthodontist up the street didn't tell me about this spot lol THE GRINDER IS IN FACT, A MEAL IN ITSELF. If you solve an homemade, old school, local sandwich shop, this is the spot! I got the James and was not disappointed one bit! The bread was soft, the ingredients fresh, the meat choices, chefs kiss! The perfect balance of mess and precision, is what will keep me coming back here. Last but not least, the employees smile! Friendly, prompt and dialed in. Shout out to big man in the back running up the sandwiches during the lunch rush too! Locked in and kept the wait time down!

    Inside area
    Erika P.

    Got the combo sub and the James special and they were soo good! I love a good deli sandwich and this place did not disappoint. Quality & fresh ingredients! Service was great, the staff was super friendly and helpful!

    Awaiting the Godfather Sub
    Marleen R.

    Got lucky with a parking up front right before the lunch rush! Customer service was good, nice gentleman took our order quickly and subs came out quick too. They have fountain drinks and some nice signature root beer. We got the GodFather and the Deluxe subs. Really good portioned off the bat- bread is super soft and fresh Ingredients are perfectly arranged and portioned in its place almost strategically so that nothing falls out as you squeeze the sub between your hands and fingers. Veggies are also fresh and delicately chopped The oil and vinegar salt and pepper compliment every bite, I would have liked more mustard and pickles and olives - but that's just cuz I love a messy sub! This definitely reminded me of a heartwarming meal straight from your Nonnas kitchen ! Will definitely be back!

    Combo Sandwich
    Marlene C.

    Nothing better than a delicious stuffed sandwich that was ready in, I kid you not, less than 3 minutes. I got the ham and salami with all the veggies, added avocado for the perfect touch and a Mexican bottled Coca-Cola (the best soda ever). Hands down one of the best sandwiches I have had in a very long time. Quick service, delicious food and very friendly staff! 11/10 recommend this place!

    The turkey and bacon sandwich at The Grinder is seriously next-level. Everything about it was done right--from the thick, fresh slices of turkey to the perfectly crispy bacon that added just the right amount of smoky crunch. You can tell they don't cut corners here. The service was excellent and efficient, made sure to add any toppings I would like and offered chips, drinks, and even had one of my favorite ice creams (chocolate malted crunch). The ambiance gives a good diner feeling and I see they are making some great improvements !

    meatball sub, potato chips, vanilla cream soda

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tony A.
    14
    137
    119

    21 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tom C.
    1
    19
    37

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    This place is the best! 10 times better, fresher, and friendlier than any subway or Jersey Mike's.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dom M.
    9
    80
    52

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    29 days ago

    My meat ball sub wasn't even balls, and why did it stink and now I have a stomach ache

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 2
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Friendly staff, reasonable prices, casual seating, and a darn good BLT... glad I stopped in!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Staple east county. All above average sandwiches. Starting to get pricey but always been pretty fair. A very solid spot.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Please when I order a hot sandwich can you please make it hot. Every single time. I have to heat it up !!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    6 months ago

    The Torpedo Sandwich is my favorite and no other place seems to top their food. Service is excellent to go.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    One of the best sandwiches in east county. I tried the combo and it was great. I'll be back.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Loved they're sandwiches, best in town! Great spot to come for lunch breaks/take out.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eric V.
    18
    35
    11

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Aja M.
    1
    26
    3

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Khash F.
    19
    50
    16

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    10/10. Great sandwiches. I've been going here since I was a kid. Friendly people with a classic feel

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 8

    Ask the Community - The Grinder

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Delis 27,737 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Fatboy's Deli & Spirits

    Fatboy's Deli & Spirits

    4.5
    (31 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$

    Good golly these are some crazy sandwiches. We asked to do the fat bastard in the pickle and it…read morecame out looking gorgeous. Worth the wait of roughly 20-25 min. Potato salad side was a good bite to refresh the palate before diving back in. The hot poppa in the onion roll fatboy style was a delight with every bite

    These guys have been a reliable place to get a very good sandwich for some time now. I did not know…read morethat they had one available in East County too, however. I ordered the Sky Park Sandwich on Wheat. It comes with EverRoast Boar's Head sliced chicken breast, Pepper Jack Cheese, and bacon. You can add more ingredients if you like off a list. I added red onions, tomatoes, and lettuce with oil and vinegar for $13.49 plus tax. You can choose from a little side of macaroni or potato salad. The sandwich was very good, but they did add alfalfa sprouts in the sandwich. There must have been a miscommunication when I said now way to the sprouts. I picked out the most I could. The deli chicken was very tasty and so was the Pepper Jack Cheese. I liked the wheat bread but it was a little on the dry side. I expected it to be a little moister, but it did tasty good. Overall, the sand was good. The service was good, too. The young man did a good job explaining the process and did a good job putting the sandwich together with the exception of the sprouts. The older gent, who I learned was his grandfather, was very friendly. The deli is inside a liquor store. They offer three tables out in front with chairs.

    Photos
    Counter
    Counter
    Italian
    Italian
    Seating

    See all

    Seating
    Cajon Pass Deli

    Cajon Pass Deli

    4.7
    (266 reviews)
    2.5 mi
    $

    Hands down, this is one of my absolute favorite deli spots. It's a small mom-and-pop place, but you…read morecan literally feel the love when you walk through the door. The customer service is always friendly, welcoming, and genuine -- the kind of neighborhood energy you just don't get everywhere anymore. It's not a huge space inside and the decor is a little outdated, but honestly that's part of the charm. This is a small business with a BIG impact, and the community clearly supports them because the food quality speaks for itself -- everything is fresh. My go-to order is the Big Chomp on a lettuce wrap when I'm trying to cut carbs but still want to be full. They split open a head of crisp iceberg lettuce and pack it with meats like turkey and beef, plus all the sandwich veggies -- onions, tomatoes, pickles -- and whatever condiments you want. It's crunchy, refreshing, and so satisfying that you honestly don't even miss the bread. Now when I'm extra hungry, their breads are fresh and the sandwiches are top-notch across the board. You really can't go wrong. Just a heads up -- they close at 3 PM daily, so if you're not there by then, you'll have to catch them another day. You can call ahead or stop in, but either way you won't be disappointed. PSA: Don't forget to grab a sandwich punch card. Rack up those punches and you'll earn a free sandwich. Thank me later

    Just moved here and was craving a comfort sandwich. You guys..... Chef kiss. Such a cool menu and…read morelove all of the homemade salad options. Will be back for sure!

    Photos
    Drinks and chips
    Drinks and chips
    Cajon Pass Deli
    Menu 2

    See all

    Menu 2
    Antonelli's Deli

    Antonelli's Deli

    4.3
    (987 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    Free Lunch Friday from my employer was from Antonelli's Deli in El Cajon…read more I brought my lunch but took advantage of the offer and ordered a sando knowing it was going to feed me at home over the weekend. It was a phenomenal sandwich! I mean, easily one of the best I've ever had. The #12: Capocollo & Provolone Sandwich on Marble Rye. I asked for mayo and mustard only. The capocollo was sliced wafer thin and piled high. The provolone was thick sliced. Both were of excellent quality. The capocollo was like butter, it just melted in my mouth. It was peppery and had a superb rich flavor. The provolone complimented it extremely well. And that marble rye! Wow. Soo good. Excellent sando. Antonelli's, get some!

    If you're looking for a true deli style sandwich that's both high quality and huge, look no…read morefurther! I had to try the the #1 as it's the house special and a true hero/sub.... whatever you call it where you're from. I decided on the 8" since I wasn't "hungry enough" for a footlong. Well, it turns out I wasn't hungry enough for an 8" either. These things are huge! The bread is as fresh as it gets, spongy with just enough pull. Stays together without getting soggy and turning into a mess. The meats and cheeses are fresh as well and it's just an all around great sandwich. The interior is simple with a few tables and a big enough area to wait for your freshly made food. Be patient, they get busy and for good reason. It's not fast food, but it's good food! I'll come back when I'm in town. It's definitely worth a stop.

    Photos
    Antonelli's deli great service 11-2025
    Antonelli's deli great service 11-2025
    Antonelli's Deli
    Antonelli's Deli

    See all

    Severin Liquor Deli & Wine Cellar

    Severin Liquor Deli & Wine Cellar

    4.4
    (109 reviews)
    4.1 mi
    $

    Sandwiches were so good! Will definitely be back. The workers were all very nice as well.read more

    I stopped by on a Tuesday around 11:30 a.m. The deli is located right at the front of the store,…read moremaking it easy to find. They were running two back-to-school sandwich specials with one for $10.99 and another for $16.99. Personally, almost $17-$20 for a sandwich didn't really feel like much of a special. The service was definitely the highlight of my visit. The cashier was incredibly friendly, offered great recommendations, and the woman working behind the deli counter was just as welcoming. I ordered the: *Jerk Turkey Sandwich: you can choose from white, wheat, sourdough, a roll, or an onion roll for an additional $3. I went with white bread. I was expecting more of a deli-style hoagie or Subway-style sandwich, but it ended up being served on two slices of sandwich bread. It tasted good, but it honestly reminded me of something I could easily make at home. There just wasn't much of a wow factor. The sandwich came with pickle spears and your choice of macaroni salad, potato salad, or another deli side. The side portion was fairly small, a couple of bites worth, but the macaroni salad was great. My total came to nearly $15, which felt pretty expensive for a sandwich on sliced bread and a small side. While I really appreciated the friendly service and enjoyed the food, I didn't think it offered enough value for the price. Overall, it was a decent lunch, but not memorable enough to make me want to return.

    Photos
    Jerk Turkey Sandwich
    Jerk Turkey Sandwich
    Sides: Macaroni Salad and Speared Pickles
    Sides: Macaroni Salad and Speared Pickles
    Menu

    See all

    Menu
    Valley Farm Market

    Valley Farm Market

    4.4
    (385 reviews)
    5.7 mi
    $$

    A few weeks back I was hanging out with an old friend and as we started discussing lunch, poke came…read moreto mind. It sounded good but we also weren't really feeling like going "out" and something that could be delivered or that we could pick up seemed like the better play. All the typical poke places showed up when we searched but none of them really sold us. Well, good thing I remembered that Valley Farm's poke game is strong... really strong. Believe me, I know that those of you who don't know Valley Farm will likely say "really?" when I detail that this sleepy little Spring Valley market kicks out poke as good as anywhere else in SD, but it's true. It's a sleeper of a choice but the quality and price will make you a fan, trust me.

    Valley Farms Market is one of San Diego's hidden gems. From the moment you walk in, you can feel…read morethe difference. The store is clean, beautifully organized, and filled with high-quality products you don't always find at larger chain grocery stores. What I love most is their fresh selection, especially the produce, specialty items, and unique gourmet finds. Everything looks vibrant and carefully displayed. You can tell they take pride in what they offer. They also have a full butcher shop with everything you could desire. The selection is impressive, and it's wonderful knowing you can get high-quality cuts prepared fresh right there in the store. It adds such a personalized, old-fashioned market feel that you just don't see everywhere anymore. Another favorite of mine is their fresh-pressed cold juice blends, which I absolutely love. They taste incredibly fresh, and you can truly tell the difference in quality. It's such a treat to grab one while shopping. The staff has always been friendly, helpful, and welcoming. It truly feels like a neighborhood market where customer service still matters. Whether I am picking up everyday essentials or something special for a gathering, I know I will find something wonderful here. If you appreciate quality, variety, and a pleasant shopping experience, Valley Farms Market is definitely worth a visit. I always leave happy!

    Photos
    So many options in the drinks aisle!
    So many options in the drinks aisle!
    Valley Farm Market
    Valley Farm Market

    See all

    The Grinder - delis - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...