SD: sandwiches

[ginael]

Mom is in town from AZ and wants a good sandwich. I am drawing a blank. Any suggestions other than Urban Solace?

[Dagney]

Clem's Bottle House on Adams. A Chau on El Cajon Bl.

[normalheightsfoodie]

We like K Sandwiches on the corner of Linda Vista Road and Mesa College Drive. They are constantly baking the fresh bread for the sandwiches. They are a French/Vietnamese style shop. They make what is called the Bahn Mie sandwich. They are loaded with all kinds of pickled and slightly spicy vegitables.

[berliz]

4.0 Deli near SDSU has great sandwiches at a very reasonable price - the only negative is the names - you may have to talk hip-hop to order.

[ginael]

I ended up taking Mom to The Cheese Shop in LJ.

Wow does that place get busy! Surprisingly so, considering it was a Wednesday at 1:30. Never underestimate summer tourist season at the beach.

The lady taking our order was pretty rude. Lots of heavy sighing and eye rolling apparently because we didn't give our order fast enough or in the right order.

As for our turkey and avocado sandwiches....they were good. Nothing special. Honestly, it tasted like the turkey sandwiches you'd find at an average local deli. Also, $9 for a sandwich? They are definitely generous with their turkey, but the price seemed a bit high.

Completely forgot about my favorite sandiwich spot: EZ-J's in PB!

[stevewag23]

"Lots of heavy sighing and eye rolling apparently"

Welcome to san diego service.

"Nothing special."

Cheese shop really isn't anything special. It is ok. Passable.

Unfortunately, san diego is pretty weak in the good sandwich places category so Cheese shop get mentioned a lot.

[Josh]

To reiterate: Bread & Cie.

[honkman]

The problem with Bread & Cie is their bread which is nothing really special.

[stevewag23]

Josh and honkman,

Have you tried Con Pane in Point Loma?

I thought it was really a standout.

I would be interested in both your takes.

[Josh]

No, haven't. Read many good things about it. One of these days I will check it out.

[Josh]

I find that comment to be funny. I quite like Bread & Cie's bread. Their rye is the one good rye bread I've had in San Diego.

[honkman]

I guess it is similar as you lived your whole life in Mexico and ate outstanding tacos and then you move to an area where the only source of tacos comes from Taco Bell. Due to the long history of beer breweries in Germany bread has a similar long history. Germany has by far the highest ratio of bakeries to citizens of any country in the world. (They are virtually on every corner). And because of this competion (and history) the quality (and variety) of any kind of bread in Germany is outstanding, e.g. many people in Alsace come everyday to the Germany border region because the baguette is much better than in their french bakeries. If you come from this background the quality (and variety) at Bread & Cie's is just a sad joke and you feel like you are only surrounded by Taco Bells.

[stevewag23]

That kind of experience has to make bread in san diego tough to stomach (so to speak).

That being said, what is at the top of your list?

[ginael]

Funny. Tonight Mom and I got pretty snotty service from a waitess at C-Level. I love it. A server is going to give me attitude. Whatever.

As for "Cheese Shop", it was definitely subpar. I do like EZJ's in PB, and random deli shops across SD county. I come from the Phx area, which ostensibly lacks in good sandwiches.

Will I go back to "Cheese"? Nah. Not worth the money, the parking nausea, or having to put up with the annoying crowds. Man when did I become the grouchy local?

[stevewag23]

"I got pretty snotty service from a waitess at C-Level."

Yeah, I wouldn't worry.

Poor San Diego service comes from peoples insecurity.

It is really as simple as that.

The best thing about cheese shop in la jolla is ordering it there and eating it on the sea wall.

Which if it is not already, I sure will be banned in Ban Diego.

[thirtyeyes]

DZ Akins has some good sandwiches. I like the pastrami reuben. They also have the full line of humongous jewish deli sandwiches. I've always thought DZ Akins was a bit pricey for what it is, but you can't deny it's tasty.

-----
D Z Akin's
6930 Alvarado Rd, San Diego, CA 92120

[Captain Jack]

DZ Akins does not make their own pastrami or corned beef. I belive the pastrami is an Armour product. This is a cardinal sin for a Jewish style deli. If Katz's in NYC and Langer's in LA can make their own pastrami, why can't DZ?

[Josh]

I don't even really consider them to be a real Jewish deli, honesty. They're closed on Christmas, for starters, and their rye bread is awful.

[JRSD]

Katz's rye bread is pretty bad as well.

The turkey breast and roast beef sandwiches there are good, since you can get actual turkey and the roast beef is generally pretty rare, but I stay away from the corned beef and pastrami.

The 1/2 sandwich and soup for 8.95 is a lot of food and the matzoh ball soup is pretty good.

[cstr]

They're the Mickey D's of a Deli.

[thirtyeyes]

Funny. I mentioned DZ Akins to my boss (who's Jewish and from New York) and he said, "It's not a real Jewish deli" However, he couldn't name a "real" Jewish deli in San Diego just a bunch of, "Well, XXX is okay". So, if you don't know from Jewish deli, then I still say DZ Akins is just fine and I liked their pastrami reuben(Yes, I know they didn't make it). Again, it is more expensive that you're expecting, so the budget conscious should look elsewhere.

[ginael]

I never understood the allure of DZ. When I first moved here several years ago, seemed many locals recommended DZ's sandwiches. The first few times I tried them, was turned off by the gargantuan servings of meat. Didn't find the soups particularly good either.

[El Chevere]

Con Pane in Point Loma makes excellent sandwiches--Turkey Cobb on Kalamata bread is awesome.

Azucar in Ocean Beach for something unique--their Cubano pressed sandwich is the best I have had outside of Miami--delicious.

[stevuchan]

A recent favorite is the muffaletta at Prep Kitchen in La Jolla.

[sdnosh]

The concept of the Prep Kitchen intrigues me but I haven't been yet. From what I've seen on the web site, it seems like restaurant quality food for take out which I think is sorely missing here in San Diego. Have you tried anything else from there ?

[foodiechick]

You hit the nail on the head in terms of their concept. But the prices are really not you would think of as "take out" prices. Decent products but really on the pricey side.

[stevuchan]

Had some other items, I posted here

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/626715

I thought prices were reasonable. I'm overdue for a visit, I will update the post above soon. Seriously most expensive thing on the menu is $21 (cutting board of meats and cheese) Entrees top out at $17.75.

-----
Prep Kitchen
La Jolla, Ca, La Jolla, Ca

[stevewag23]

Con Pane in Point Loma is excellent.

Went there today.

They could easier charge way more than they do.

[ginael]

Thanks, everyone. We ended up at PLS and tried the scallop sandwich. It hit the spot for both Mom and me.

I am keeping these recommendations in mind because many times I find myself craving a good sandwich.

Salud.

[Josh]

George's Bar/Terrace makes a killer fish sandwich, as does El Pescador in La Jolla.

[daantaat]

Tender Greens at Liberty Station does a pretty darn good angus steak sandwich on ciabatta. They also have ahi, chicken and all veggie sandwiches.

[foodiechick]

I'm with Captain Jack -

The Cheese Shop La Jolla: House roasted pork loin or turkey, cheese & avocado on wheat. Grab a soda and walk 2 blocks to the beach at LJ Shores.

Mona Lisa - anything there.

[lawyerbriefs]

Is a wrap a sandwich? If so, will you be downtown? If so, try Salad Style. Not much of a place, with a couple of small tables on the sidewalk, but the wraps are awesome and any wrap can be ordered as a salad, as well.

www.saladstyle.com

[Fake Name]

I like grab-n-go on India (they have other locations). Italian Village Special, no peps.

[stevewag23]

I can never get myself to go to grab-n-go.

Mona Lisa is far superior.

Mona Lisa KO Round 1 over grab-n-go.

[Josh]

Grab-N-Go has options Mona Lisa doesn't. The tuna w/ olives, roasted red bell peppers, and lemon juice; the grilled feta/mozzarella cheese; the California steak w/ avocados. I liked Mona Lisa better for the traditional Italian-styled subs, no sopressata or caprese at Grab-N-Go, but they both have their place.

[stevewag23]

Gotcha.

I typically get the same things always at Mona Lisa (not to mention the deli aspect, which more me puts it far and away at a higher level than grab and go).

I thought the quality of meats at grab and go were subpar.

Grab and go always seemed to me like a touristy place for people that were intimidated by the hustle and bustle of Mona Lisa.

[Fake Name]

"Grab and go always seemed to me like a touristy place for people that were intimidated by the hustle and bustle of Mona Lisa."

Once again, got me pegged. Thanks, Stevie!

[stevewag23]

Ha.

Just an observation.

Don't take it personally.

[pickypicky]

Waters Catering -- Take out/eat in on Morena Blvd or very mom-friendly venue in the Sculpture Garden in Balboa Park in the Museum Horseshoe Cul-de-Sac. Best sandwiches I've had in SD. A little adventuresome for a traditionalist, but they always have ham and butter and mustard on baguette.

[Ewilensky]

Picky, hate to be the bearer of bad news but as of Friday Waters is no longer @ SDMA. Someone else is taking over. But yes, very mom friendly place.

Point Loma Seafood is my pick.

[DiningDiva]

I don't see that Bread on Market has been mentioned yet. Had a great BLT there recently.

[stevewag23]

Had a great chicken salad sandwich today at Bread on Market.

[Josh]

Bread & Cie. Great sandwiches.

[Beach Chick]

El Pescador makes a killer fish (sea bass) sandwich
Point Loma Seafood for the calamari or scallop sandwich
French Market Grille for a eggplant, turkey and brie on olive bread
Cheese Shop for turkey, cheese and avo on rye..
Antonelli's Deli for a turkey, cheese on rye..this one I lust for!
Studio diner for one of the best club sandwiches

[Green_Turtle]

Blue Water Grill on India St has good fish sandwiches, most are priced between $7-$8 ea. Sides are extra ($3-$3.50) but are large enough to share between 2 people.

[sdnosh]

I would definitely second both Point Loma Seafoods and Alex's Brown Bag. However, the best sandwich in all of San Diego, IMHO, is the Turkey Cobb and Con Pane Bakery in Point Loma. This sandwich ruined me for all other sandwiches, except when I'm in a cheezy place, then I get the Almost Grilled Cheese with Brie and Gorgonzola. DECADENT YUM.

[lovesfood11]

Gourmet Bagger either on Rosecrans or Miramar Road

[Captain Jack]

Scallop sandwich at Point Loma Seafood

The Cheese Shop in La Jolla Shores is my favorite for deli style sammies. My fave is the roast pork loin.

K Sandwiches in Linda Vista for Banh Mi (I like the dac biet).

Alexe's Brown Bag on 5th Ave. in Uptown for Philly style cheesteaks.

Mona Lisa in Little Italy for italian meats and especially the meatless Caprese.

[ginael]

Thank you for the prompt response.

I thought about K sandwiches, but my mom is not open to anything other than "traditional American" sandwiches. I know, I know.

PLS sounds good, she'd love the scallop sandwich.

[Captain Jack]

A few more thoughts:

The Fishery in Pacific Beach for their grilled Mahi Mahi with lettuce, tomato, and tartar on fresh sourdough. It's really good.

Cafe 976 in Pacific beach for their French Connection (grilled chicken breast, mozzarella cheese, sliced hard cooked egg, lettuce, tomato, & cilantro mayonaise on fresh baguette. Their patio is really nice this time of year.

Gaglione Brothers in Point Loma for their The Turk (house-made roast turkey breast, herb stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mayo. It's Thanksgiving on sammy roll.

Olde City Grill in Pacific Beach for their Tripple Bypass (American Wagu beef, pepperoni, Italian sausage, meatballs, American cheese, Cheese Wiz, grilled onions, and sauteed mushrooms. All of their Cheesteaks are good, but this one takes the cake.

[Captain Jack]

One last thought, if you can convince your mom that she will like it:

La Torta in La Mesa for their Super Natalia's torta (roast beef, ham, turkey, jack cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, beans, jalapenos, avocado, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and mayo on a telara roll). This thing is one of the largest sammies I have encountered in San Diego, I barely finished (with the mound of included home fries), and I am 6'5" and 260lbs. All the tortas here are good, this place in my mind, is a real find.

[DougOLis]

I think the La Torta in La Mesa closed awhile back but they do have a couple of other locations around (I know there's one kind of near State).