We loved the sandwiches we got!! They were huge and really well made. We definitely recommend this spot!! Subway got nothing on them!!!

Refreshing ingredients very great service would recommended to anyone who hasn't tried it. The BLT and hot Pastrami is amazing!

Meatball sandwich 4/10- not toasted & Meatballs were so mushy.. I ended up throwing it away. I thought the quality would be the same as lemon grove, not quite... I mean I did get my sandwich in the same time it took me to order, soooo efficient or poor quality? 4:41pm Thursday 9/25/22 read more

The Grinder - Meatball sandwich - Delis Near Me - El Cajon, California

First time trying this place from a post in the Next Door app. Hubby and I were trying to decide what to eat for lunch while I was scrolling through ND and Boom! The Grinder was mentioned. I always wonder3d how the food was at this establishment as I have driven by it for years. Since I was onikited timez I called the order in. Hubby got the Ham & Turkey and unfortunately, he scarfed it down before I could take a pic but he said it was delicious! And he said that I won't have to cook dinner tonight because hes eating the other half later. Win for me lol I ordered the Roast Beef, and it was delicious! The standard condiments are provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, S&P and oil. I added pepperocinis and black olives. I think we just found our new sub shop! read more

Like many of the reviewers I've been coming here since I was a kid. I avg at least one sandwich a month prior to their roof fire shutdown, so when they reopened a few months ago I was ecstatic! I've gone back twice since and have been under satisfied each time. The first time I ordered my usual Turkey sandwich with all the fixins' to-go, brought it home and took a bite of bread. I was confused as to where the stuff in the middle had gone. After further investigation it was clear that they had merely sprinkled a few veggies on my sandwich. This week I had the craving again, but this time I was going to outsmart them. My sandwich was ordered with Extra lettuce. Once again, I get home and Grrrrrr(pic attached). Was there a veggie shortage in the time span of your closure that nobody else heard about? Common Grinders, please do better! read more

The Grinder - Turkey sandwich w/ "extra lettuce" - Delis Near Me - El Cajon, California

The mini has only one very thin slice of meat. The footlong has just two thin slices of meat. Got a drink. Bill came to over $30. Overpriced. read more

I got the godfather sandwich, the combo sandwich, and a bag of chips my whole order was 44$ which was okay, but I did get extra meat on the combo . I expected the godfather sandwich to be a lot bigger meat wise cause it said it had 5 meats including Italian sausage. They ground up the Italian sausage so it was like half a sausages for a whole footling ground up which I thought was pretty lame . I was just overall disappointed with the quality of the meat, and the sloppiness of the way it was put together. The ham in the sandwhich is wider than the bread which is also pretty large. But it's those cheap quilt ham slices you get from like Walmart. Definitely not a real grinder sandwich. The service was goood though and the inside of the restaurant looked very nice. I think if they upped their meat brands and quality just even a little it would be 100 times better. Mostly upset with the godfather sandwich. Barley had the amount of meat listed which I was really looking forward too. read more

Is it just me or what? I'm used to my sandwiches having the ingredients INSIDE the bread, not hanging all outside the bread by an inch all around. Fold the freakin' meat for crying out loud. Are you truly that fucking lazy? Stop by Jersey Mike's or Subway if you need further lessons. read more

The sandwich are pretty good and good size. I always get either the ham or turkey footlong and the you end up with a sandwich that's straight forward read more

The Grinder - Ham Sandwich - Delis Near Me - El Cajon, California

The Godfather is the absolute best sandwich I have ever had. Been eating it for 30 years

I've loved this place for years. Their sandwiches are delicious. Just a simple no bs, simply yummy! I used to live down the street 8 years ago and now I'm downtown, I still go all the way there to get me one! Their place is sooo cute to eat at with their old school collectibles, like a mini museum. read more

I have not been here in a couple years and was craving a pastrami sandwich. In the past they were pretty good but yesterday it was absolutely aweful. Use to be the pastrami was nice slices with a little fat and yummy. I got little tiny pieces all shriveled up and hard. Kind of like cat food. I'm thinking do to end of the day they just let it over cook all day and i got the bottom of the barrel. Such a bummer, my craving is so gone now thanks grinder. read more

Great sandwiches! I like to order on their app. Very easy to get your favorite torpedos or eggplant parm quick! If you are interested in the app just look up Grindr and make an account. read more

Never ate here before. Now I know why. I will never do it again. What a bummer. I would have gotten a much better sandwich from Subway and I don't even eat there anymore! Despicable amount of beef for a $10 half sandwich super disappointing! I will tell everyone it's disgusting I took two bites and can't even finish it it's basically a bread and lettuce sandwich. read more

This had to be THE WORST meatball sandwich I've ever tried! Have you ever been feeding your dog or cat and wondered what it actually tastes like? These meatballs had my imagined texture, smell and taste. It was so gross I threw it away. It pains me to waste both money and food. I won't go back and give them another try. read more

The Grinder - Meatball sandwich - Delis Near Me - El Cajon, California

Great sandwich but they use cottonseed oil as their oil of choice instead of olive oil. As an Italian this would take the grinder to the next step of being more authentic and olive oil is much lower in omega 6 fatty acids which is a lot better for your health. read more

Great sandwiches, have been around since I've lived here and that is over 43+years.... way better than any SubwY...

This place never fails! The hot pastrami is beyond delicious! Keep up the good work guys!

The Godfather... large... everything on it and add bacon! I will be back for more! Nomm! read more

Such an amazing place. Been going many years. All sandwiches made to order and delicious always a full belly after eating.

My son threw his sandwich away before I got a chance to take a picture, but his The Combo (no cheese no onions) had a ton of pepper literally dumped on one of the tomatoes and sprinkled nowhere else, and a huge glop of mayo on one end of the bread not spread out. We normally love this place, but whomever is making the sandwiches this afternoon just doesn't care. We won't be back again, just so disappointing. read more

This is far from home, but is always worth the drive. The Grinder is about the James Special to me. Ham, salami, metball, cold pastrami, provolone on a soft french roll - lettuce tomatoes, salt, pepper & oil. I also get onions, pepperoncinis, mayo, and mustard. It's massive, so be hungry - or just love food! Bread is always fresh tasting, ingredients always manage to be optimum temperature and texture. Service has always been good, even if it's busy I never feel like I have waited too long. They have a nice selection of bottled/canned beverages - as well as chips. There are a few parking spots out front and have always to find at least one. It's really one of those places that once you try - you just know that it won't be your last visit. I have yet to pull myself away from my standard order - but if you have something you become passionate about, let me know! read more

The Grinder - James Special - Delis Near Me - El Cajon, California

Been going here for years. I love their sandwiches. The owner is awesome she's been there for years and continues with great quality of food. Delicious read more

This was my first time visiting The Grinder. I have driven by it so many times just saying "I need to try there sometime." I can't believe I waited this long! I got their vegetarian sandwich and it hit the spot! Their staff was very nice as well. They even included a little cold cut snack for my dog!!! They tried to tell me at the window but I couldn't hear them (lots of traffic). I wish I could've said thank you at the time, but if they see this... Thank you! Please go grab a sandwich or two from The Grinder! You won't regret it! read more

The Grinder - Vegetarian sandwich - Delis Near Me - El Cajon, California

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First time trying this place today and it was very good. My husband and I split a combo sandwich. It was delicious! The service was excellent, too. I asked to have the order to go as our pups were in the car. They gave us an extra treat for them... two baggies of some turkey slices. The four of us will be back! read more

The service were good people are nice, but the sandwich quality has went way downhill. I don't know if it's new ownership or what but we used to get tons of lettuce bread was fresher feel like I'm eating a meat sandwich because there's no fresh veggies on it. I remember when you could even hardly fold the thing Because all the lettuce and veggies I've been going there for 30 years and I'm not coming back read more

I've been eating at the grinder for 25+ years. Definitely my go to sandwich shop in East County! Best hot pastrami sandwiches! Lots of meat! All the sandwiches have plenty of meat! I love how they leave it hanging off the edges!!l Fresh bread Fresh Meat Fresh Veggies!! Great staff!! Always clean and neat!! read more

So, either it was a bad day or they are now skimping on meats and fillings. The Godfather with everything is our favorite so we called in an order for pickup. After about 10-15 minutes we arrived. There was quite a crowd so we got to the window and paid for our call in order. Three people that showed up after us placed orders, received numbers, and also received their orders before my wife and me. Finally get our order and head home. Unwrapping The Godfather was a huge disappointment. They have cut way back on meats and veggies on their subs. While it was good, it was quite disappointing. Been going here for years, first time being disappointed. read more

Great food and customer service! Very nice people working. I ordered three trays of sandwiches. Best thing I ever did.

I had a nice 12" turkey, bacon, and avocado sub from here for a little over $10 (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sgNv-cizh0KeLBMJZeL0DA?select=H-pqnbspvmYSmdlWkaCpWA#V8DmMZmtkIeajEy__XfWFQ). I thought the quality was good, but a little overpriced. The turkey was good and reminded me of a Hormel level quality, definitely not a Boars Head or Dietz & Watson Quality. If it were, the $10 would of been a little more of a acceptable. At any rate, the sandwich's bacon was good. It was crispy and had good flavor, but it could of used more. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sgNv-cizh0KeLBMJZeL0DA?select=H-pqnbspvmYSmdlWkaCpWA#UUUH_eBnDt1BsDGQbwsQdw) The provolone had a good nutty flavor and the avocado was skimpy. When it comes to fresh avocado on a sandwich, more is better, and I like to taste it in every bite. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sgNv-cizh0KeLBMJZeL0DA?select=H-pqnbspvmYSmdlWkaCpWA#D6JmvTVM-FJ7yJuuiWxYEA) One thing the sandwich had a lot of, was the shredded lettuce. The wheat bread was descent, but it lacked that nice chewy texture. The oil and vinegar helped cut through the large amounts of lettuce and was tasty. The service here was very good. The ladies behind the counter were very nice and helpful. The place was very clean and had some seating inside (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sgNv-cizh0KeLBMJZeL0DA?select=H-pqnbspvmYSmdlWkaCpWA#HYmP9xo4XzukZrSc1ItD2Q), but none outside. Overall an a-okay sandwich, but don't forget to load up that bacon and avocado... read more

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Amazing sandwiches,good service everytime I go. Inside dining has been closed since Covid but I never ate in there anyways. My family has been eating here since the 70s, because it's so damn good. read more

Went there today for my combo worst sandwich I have ever had. A thin slice of ham (some sort of mystery meat), turkey, cheese filled with lettuce. I did not finish it as it looked like a child made it. In reference I had been going here for over 40 yrs,never again. read more

This place is very clean and very good food. The sandwiches are very delicious. The workers there are super friendly. Best place to go to buy sandwiches. read more

This is the real deal hoagie place. If you're looking for authentic look no further. You better wear a bib because those delicious toppings go everywhere. read more

It was Saturday around lunch time, we finished shopping at the mall and decided to try ordering online. After placing our order we were given a time to pickup 20 in minutes. We arrived, 20 more minutes were added to our pick up time without explanation. We waited another 10 minutes and eventually were able to pick up our order. The line was not long, people who walked up to the window received their food fairly quickly. The sandwiches were not worth the long wait read more

the food was amazing but service was terrible on the phone with a girl named autumn and very rude and disrespectful and hung up on me will got back for sure but making sure she doesn't help me read more

Seriously?? One slice of ham for a 12 inch sandwich? That costs essentially $10? First time there, won't ever go back! read more

I bought the pastrami and the Turkey with Bacon. Bother were great and I'll be back before I have to fly back to ATL. I'm originally from San Diego and I think this shop maybe related to the one I grew up on in Lemon Grove. Not sure, but reminds me of it. I recommend requesting extra peppercinis and mayo (of you like mayo) for you Sammies. But you'll be full on a half and if you go full size, you WILL be in a food coma afterwards (happily). They have a website as well, so you can look at what you want to order before going. I believe you can call in orders as well, and of you can I highly recommend it. Enjoy this Sammie shop that still shreds their lettuce and makes a deli sandwich old skool read more

Today I stopped at my all time favorite sandwich shop to buy my all-time favorite sandwich, The Godfather. I have been eating there since the early 70's. For the second time in a row they put mustard on my sandwich after I specifically, unequivocally repeated back to them, NO MAYONNAISE - NO MUSTARD! For the second time in a row I get mustard on my $13 sandwich! What have you made, five million, ten, twenty, thirty million grinders or more over the years??? If you can't get my order right then you don't need me. Somewhere along the line you stopped caring. I'm done. read more

Great sandwich! I have been eating there since 1983 and I am never disappointed Very great service and very friendly