There is nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a deliciously satisfying sandwich. If lately you’ve been stuck in a sandwich slump with the same old turkey or PB&J, these sandwich shops are serving up anything but your typical blandwich. And if you’re conscious of carbs, we’ve got you covered with our healthier fare menu options included below. Read on to discover some of the best sandwich shops since sliced bread.
Photo credit: Leah Singer
Boudin Bakery
While Boudin is not unique to San Diego (you can find the restaurants throughout California), their sandwiches have stood the test of time. The chain was started in San Francisco by the Boudin family in 1849. They are famous for their sourdough bread, which is today made from the sourdough starter recipe that was used more than 150 years ago. The turkey and Havarti sandwich is one of their most popular eats. But we think you’ll really like the grilled cheese offerings. The Great Grilled Cheese includes Havarti and sharp cheddar on a Parmesan-crusted sourdough bread. You can elect to have it with or without bacon. Believe us when we say kids go crazy for it! If you want a spicier version, try the new Jalapeño Grilled Cheese; or go savory with the Grilled Brie with Apples and Fig.
Hot Tip: Want a free kids meal to go with your purchase of a grilled cheese? Click here and claim your deliciousness.
Locations Throughout Southern California
Online: boudinbakery.com
Photo credit: Jane K. via Yelp
Board & Brew
Specialty sandwiches and craft beer at its finest! With locations in Del Mar, Scripps Ranch, Carlsbad and coming soon to Pacific Beach, Board & Brew is quickly becoming the new sandwich hotspot. Each shop offers a relaxed surfer atmosphere that is perfect for a no-fuss family-friendly lunch or dinner. All sandwiches are made from scratch with real ingredients — no preservatives, no substitutes, and no frozen meats — just pure, healthy deliciousness! The Turkado is arguably their most popular sandwich, piled high with juicy turkey breast, jack cheese, and tons of avocado! Make sure to say yes to a cup of their special sauce on the side- it is the definition of “awesome sauce” and you’ll be begging for their secret recipe! Quench your thirst with one of their refreshing local micro brews on tap. Your little surfers will surely dig the Big Ripper (grilled cheese) or Chase Quesadilla from the Groms menu, with the option to add a fruit cup and juice box to make it a full meal. Board & Brew also offers free Wi-Fi and USB plugs so you can charge up or surf the Web while you’re chowing down.
Healthier Fare: Cut the carbs with one of their fresh salads or daily soup specials.
Del Mar
1212 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, Ca 92014
858-481-1021
Scripps Ranch
9880 Hibert St. Ste. E-3
San Diego, Ca 92131
858-689-2739
Online: boardandbrew.com
Photo credit: Kelly Powell
Rubicon Deli
If a day at the beach has left your family feeling famished, head over to Rubicon Deli in Mission Beach, or to their second location in Mission Hills. The portions are so huge that everyone will leave happy, not hungry! You can build your own sandwich or go with one of their popular specialty sandwiches such as The Stallion, Dom Pastram, or The Dapper Dipper, served on your choice of six different breads that are baked fresh every day. All sandwiches are dressed to impress with their gourmet homemade sauces. You can also combine a half-sandwich with a half salad, soup, or fresh acai bowl. If your kiddos aren’t quite ready to try venture out of their comfort zone just yet, the kids menu has two standards that can’t be beat: grilled cheese or a turkey sandwich. Wash it down with an iced cold Shirley Temple from their craft soda fountain machine. Make sure you save room for a sweat treat because you’ll get a free mini cookie with every meal. They are such a yummy bite, you may need to take a dozen home with you for later!
Healthier fare: Try the gluten-free rosemary focaccia, or order your meal Lean & Green: any sandwich will be served in a lettuce cone!
Mission Beach
3819 Mission Blvd.
San Diego, Ca 92109
858-488-3354
Mission Hills
3715 India St.
San Diego, Ca 92103
858-488-3354 ext. 2
Online: rubicondeli.com
Photo credit: D.Z. Akin’s Facebook page
D.Z. Akin’s Delicatessen
Since 1980, D.Z. Akin’s has been serving up sky-high sandwiches (134 varieties to be exact), soups, salads, and sundaes. The restaurant side is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but you can order sandwiches and even take some sliced deli meat home with you from their deli. Be sure to try the Reuben, with your choice of pastrami, corned beef, or smoked turkey, and you won’t be disappointed. Other New York-style delicatessen favorites like matzo ball soup and potato pancakes can be found here as well. Kids can customize their own sandwich at the deli or choose one of nine kids meals available on the restaurant menu. No trip to D.Z. Akin’s is complete without checking out the bakery, where you and your kids will drool over the huge selection of cakes, cookies, cupcakes, pastries, and some of the best cheesecake in San Diego!
Healthier Fare: The restaurant menu offers a huge selection of salads, homemade soups and fruit plates.
6930 Alvarado Rd.
San Diego, Ca 92120
619-265-0218
Online: dzakinsdeli.com
Photo credit: Jack M. via Yelp
Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
This is the place for real turkey lovers! Unlike traditional deli turkey meat- Capriotti’s whole slow-roasted turkeys are cooked in-house every day. Then the meat is freshly carved from the turkey and stuffed into your sandwich! Their signature menu item and nationally-acclaimed best seller, The Bobbie, is like having Thanksgiving Dinner (homemade turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing!) inside a delicious sandwich roll. Cap’s Kids Sandwiches are made on white or wheat bread and include Ocean Spray Craisins and a juice box. With so many yummy options to choose from, you’ll be coming back for seconds… and thirds and fourths!
Healthier Fare: Cap’s Salads are fresh and made to order along with a selection of vegetarian items like the Veggie Cheese Steak and Veggie Cole Turkey.
Mission Valley
1620 Camino De La Reina
San Diego, Ca 92108
619-542-1987
SDSU College Area
6011 El Cajon Blvd. Ste. 107
San Diego, Ca 92115
619-265-2113
Online: capriottis.com
Photo credit: Ainne M. via Yelp
Which Wich
If you are craving a completely custom-made sandwich crafted just for you, Which Wich is your soulmate sandwich shop! Grab a brown bag, a red marker, and ready, set, GO! With 60+ ingredients to choose from- you will be able to create your dream wich in a matter of seconds! Meats, cheeses, spreads and sauces, veggies, spices and more- use your red marker to check off any and all items you want, and then take your bag up to the cashier and listen for your name to be called out when your wich is ready. Your kids will get to customize all of their favorites on the kids menu like turkey or ham, grilled cheese, peanut butter and jelly, or a cheese pizzawich! With or without the crust- it’s all up to them! Your little artists can have fun doodling on the back their paper bags, and then hang up the completed masterpiece in the art gallery for all to see. If you’ve saved room for dessert, treat yourself to a delicious made-to-order, real ice cream milkshake or one of their other sweet treats!
Healthier Fare: Check off Skinny your wich and they will scoop out the middle of your bread, saving you about 90 calories. Or try a bowlwich or lettucewich for a completely carb-free option.
11 locations throughout San Diego!
Online: whichwich.com
Photo credit: Kelly Powell
Jersey Mike’s Subs
Come here for some of the freshest subs around, with meats and cheeses sliced right in front of you and veggies piled high! Jersey Mike’s offers a variety of freshly made cold subs or if you’re in the mood for something hot and melty, try a fresh grilled hot sub like the Famous Steak Philly, Meatball and Cheese, or Chipotle Chicken Cheese Steak. Try your favorite sub Mike’s Way with onions, lettuce, tomatoes, spices, and “The Juice” (red wine vinegar and olive oil blend). Kids will revel in relaxed beach-style atmosphere as they watch their sandwich being prepared right in front of their eyes. All kid’s meals include a kid-sized sub, drink, and a homemade cookie. In a hurry? You can order online, and your food will be ready for pickup when you get there!
Healthier Fare: For a lower-carb option, you can make any sub a wrap. If you’re looking for a completely carb-free and gluten-free option, order a Sub in a Tub, in which you can turn any sub into a salad.
20 locations throughout San Diego
Online: jerseymikes.com
Did we miss your favorite sandwich shop? Tell us about it in the comments below!
— Kelly Powell
