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    The Grinder

    3.6 (319 reviews)
    InexpensiveDelis, Sandwiches
    Open • 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    THE GRINDER ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - The Grinder

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    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

    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

    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 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.

    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!

    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!

    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!

    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!!

    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!

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    3 months ago

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    4 months ago

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    3 days ago

    This place has amazing sandwiches, great portions, and friendly service. 10/10! I recommend you try it out

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    2 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    30 days ago

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    3 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    7 months ago

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    3 months ago

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    4 months ago

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

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    7 months ago

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    4 months ago

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    6 months ago

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

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    3 months ago

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

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    3 months ago

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

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    6 months ago

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    8 months ago

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

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    6 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    8 months ago

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

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    3 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    6 months ago

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

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    2 years ago

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    6 months ago

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

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    9 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    Page 1 of 8

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    Crafted Greens - Spicy Asian with Salmon blackened

    Crafted Greens

    4.8(1.5k reviews)
    1.9 mi
    •$$

    Outstanding customer service from the moment we got there to the very end. The food was absolutely…read moredelicious. I highly recommend this place.

    Came into Crafted Greens for the first time and wasn't totally sure what to expect, but it ended up…read morebeing such a great experience. It's a walk-up, order and pay first kind of place, then you grab a seat, which was super easy and casual. The person taking my order was incredibly nice and patient while I figured everything out. Honestly, all the food I saw coming out looked amazing, which made it even harder to choose. They have plenty of seating both inside and outside, including a really nice covered patio, which I loved. The service really stood out to me. Even though you order up front, the servers were very attentive and came by multiple times to check on us and offer drink refills, which you don't always get in this type of setup. I ordered the steak plate with mushrooms and mashed potatoes, and everything was cooked perfectly and full of flavor. The mushrooms were especially good. The only small thing was I wish the food had been a little hotter when it came out, but the taste definitely made up for it. My only other note is I wish they had unflavored iced tea. All the options were flavored, and since I'm not a soda drinker, that would've been nice to have. Overall, such a great first visit. Great food, great service, and a really comfortable atmosphere. I'll definitely be back.

    Photos
    Crafted Greens
    Crafted Greens - Steak chimichiuri

    Steak chimichiuri

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    MammaMia Deli Market - Gino & Gianni's Pizzeria - Homemade Hoagie made with MammaMia's Prosciutto Cotto, Salami (Finocchiona), Capocollo, and Caciocavallo

    MammaMia Deli Market - Gino & Gianni's Pizzeria

    4.3(370 reviews)
    6.1 mi
    •$$

    Mammamia Deli Market - Gino & Gianni's Pizzeria located in La Mesa borderline Spring Valley. Let's…read morejust start off with... WOW, the BEAUTY of this market as well as the pizzeria! The market specializes in AUTHENTIC ITALIAN items. From fresh pasta to exotic cheeses and homemade sauces! A wide range of beverages (I have never heard of or seen before) as well as gelato! They have their own parking lot but, it can still be challenging as this appears to be a very popular spot! Customer service was good on the deli side which is located on the market side of the venue. We ordered a Specialty Sandwich as well as a sub from their Sub Menu. Besides sandwiches, the deli offers meats, cheeses, and antipasta choices. We ordered: Octopus salad - perfectly cooked octopus Pasta salad - A tad bit too al dente for my liking Mammamia torpedo sub from Sub Menu - delish... The Godfather from Specialty Sandwich Menu - AMAZING flavor if you enjoy that sweet and savory flavor profile! Gino & Gianni's Pizzeria is a seperate area of the market which is accessible while in the market or directly from the parking lot. They offer inside dining as well as patio dining. Customer service was AMAZING at the pizzeria! Pizzas were phenomenal! Although I did not try them, the garlic knots looked amazing as well! We ordered: Mushroom pepperoni slice - good in flavor Sicilian style Honey-Roni pizza - Square in shape and appeared to be deep dish style. AMAZING in flavor! Gino & Gianni's Vodka-Roni special slice - AMAZING!!! Something about that touch of hot honey that just elevates the flavors to a whole other level!!! So sad I am barely finding out about this place yet so happy I FINALLY DID and plan on being one of their regulars. If in the area... do yourself a favor and treat yourself to some AMAZING eats! YOU'RE WELCOME in advance!

    This is just another 5-Star experience! I needed to have lunch and also dinner combined so I…read moredecided to head to Gino and Gianni's Pizzeria by Momma Mia. I had to order a slice of Margarita and another type of white pizza for my Mom. The pizza was so awesome! I also bought sausage to go so I can make sausage sandwiches tomorrow night. I also grabbed some food to go for the rest of the family . They serve pizza by the slice and whole pies also if you so desire! If you want the best pizza, Italian dishes, homemade bread, homemade sauce, wine, Italian cookies, candies, and everything. Italian come to "Mamma Mia!"

    Photos
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    Wine and Beer Cave

    MammaMia Deli Market - Gino & Gianni's Pizzeria - Inside of The Godfather

    Inside of The Godfather

    MammaMia Deli Market - Gino & Gianni's Pizzeria - Building front

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    Building front

    The Grinder - delis - Updated September 2026

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