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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to La Mesa

Sandwich spots

A quick sandwich is the only thing that keeps the day moving when there is no time to sit down.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
I QUE BBQ image 1
I QUE BBQ image 2
I QUE BBQ image 3
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Barbecue restaurant

Cozy space with southern comfort and friendly hospitality creates a warm, welcoming vibe. Multiple TVs add a casual, lively touch for sports fans. Clean, well-maintained interior supports a family-friendly atmosphere perfect for relaxed meals.

Food offers true Southern cuisine with flavorful dishes and generous portions. Wings, ribs, and mixed plates stand out for their taste and size.

Pulled pork and burnt end brisket sandwiches stand out with rich BBQ flavors. The sandwiches offer a hearty, smoky taste that defines the menu.

People are saying

"The Durty Mac was cheesy, flavorful, and had a homemade touch."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"I thought the sandwich was amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended for larger groups.

2

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during peak dinner hours.

3

Parking is available on-site, but it can fill up quickly.

02
Petrinos Greek Restaurant image 1

Small, cozy space with nice murals and a quiet atmosphere. Offers fresh, flavorful Greek dishes like gyros and chicken shawarma with affordable prices. Popular for quick lunches and takeout, with curbside pickup available.

Food here is consistently delicious and fresh with generous portions. Prices are reasonable and the quality stands out compared to similar spots nearby.

Massive gyro sandwiches stand out for their size and flavor. The chicken shawarma sandwich is also large and packed with taste.

People are saying

"The food here is always delicious and fresh."

"I thought the gyros here were the best I've ever had."

"The gyro sandwich here is massive and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy on Friday early evenings.

2

Curbside pickup is available for orders.

3

Expect a wait during peak hours due to preparation time.

03
Submarina California Subs La Mesa image 1

Sandwich shop with freshly sliced meats and squaw bread offers a clean, friendly atmosphere. Staff stay for years, creating a small town deli vibe with quick service and consistently fresh sandwiches. Prices sit between typical chains, with a focus on quality over cost.

Food comes out fresh and delicious with fast, accurate service that feels personal. The bread stands out as better than other shops, and the quality stays consistent every time.

Sandwiches come out simple and fresh with options to customize cheese choices. Staff delivers friendly service and makes sandwiches exactly to order.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches were great and super fresh."

"I thought the food was consistently good and super fresh."

"The staff here is so friendly and nice."

Good to know

1

Ordering ahead makes it easy to run in and out quickly.

2

The restaurant is open until 8pm for evening visits.

3

The Cali Turkey sub is a popular item among customers.

04
Lunch Box Cafe & Deli image 1

Small, quaint restaurant with a homey, rustic vibe and fresh flowers adding charm. Atmosphere stays friendly and relaxed, with pet-friendly outdoor seating that invites enjoying fresh air. The place feels like a cozy local spot where conversations flow easily.

Food comes out fast and hot, always cooked to order. The menu features delicious dishes with consistent quality and excellent service.

Sandwiches come in big portions that fill you up fast. The breakfast sandwich with bacon and ham stands out for flavor, while the curry chicken sandwich has a generous filling. Mini sandwiches arrive fully prepared, not DIY as advertised.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches to be delicious and a huge hit."

"This lunch spot's food tasted amazing and homemade."

"The food here tasted fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 2 pm.

2

Parking is tight with limited spaces, but street parking is available.

3

Prices range from $15-$17 for an omelette.

05
Greek Gyros II image 1
Greek restaurant

Small family-owned Greek spot inside an empty food court offers generous portions of fresh gyros and falafel with vegan options. The atmosphere feels quiet and subdued due to the setting, while the food stands out for its crispy fries and flavorful Mediterranean dishes.

Mediterranean food here stands out for its flavorful dishes and amazing quality. Vegan options are available, and the staff remembers orders and checks in on how the food is.

The vegan gyros sandwich features perfect seasoning and a well-balanced flavor that leaves nothing missing. It comes with crispy French fries as part of a lunch special priced at $10.99.

People are saying

"This vegan gyros sandwich is perfectly seasoned and amazing."

"The Greek food here is served by the friendliest, most welcoming staff."

"The food here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

The meal costs under $20, making it a great value.

2

Expect generous portions with every order.

3

Credit cards are accepted for payment.

06
Gus's Subs & Pizza Place image 1

Old school diner atmosphere with cozy indoor seating and an easy-going patio offering pleasant outdoor dining and gorgeous street views. The vibe is local and chill, attracting those who appreciate classic breakfast and hearty sandwiches in a small, unassuming space.

Big portions come with perfectly seasoned meat and consistently delicious food. Service stays outstanding every time.

Hearty sandwiches come loaded with plenty of meat, cheese, onions, and mushrooms. The pastrami and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches stand out for their generous portions and rich flavors.

People are saying

"I discovered Gus's has great breakfast options, even though the name doesn't suggest it."

"I thought the food was great and the portions were big."

"I thought the pastrami sandwich was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The credit card machine doesn't always work, so bring cash as a backup.

2

Gus's serves large portions, often too big to finish in one sitting.

3

There is plenty of parking available for customers.

07
Frank's Pizza Joint image 1

Restaurant offers family-oriented atmosphere with warm, welcoming vibe and rat pack music playing softly. Booths and bar area create a comfortable setting that feels like a classic New York pizza joint. Space stays generally quiet unless busy, encouraging guests to linger.

Food comes out freshly made and well prepared with a strong Italian influence. Dishes are consistently delicious and flavorful, making it a solid choice for tasty Italian-style meals.

Meatball sandwiches come with extra cheese and stand out. The Italian bomber sandwich offers a rich, satisfying flavor. Overall, sandwiches here are consistently delicious.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, hot, and delicious."

"I considered this the best pizza in San Diego."

"I found the Italian bomber sandwich to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of about 30-60 minutes during peak dinner hours.

2

Cash payments receive a discount, so bring cash for savings.

3

Pizza orders typically take 15-20 minutes to prepare.

08
BMH Italian image 1

Deli space combines clean modern design with cozy lounge areas and a work-in-progress atmosphere. Sandwiches come wrapped in old-school brown paper, evoking classic deli traditions. The place draws people who appreciate authentic Italian ingredients and exceptional house-made bread.

Authentic Italian food shines here with fresh, flavorful sandwiches made on perfectly baked bread. Prices stay great while delivering delicious Italian comfort food served with genuine kindness.

Old-school brown paper wrapping holds fresh sandwiches that smell like a true Italian deli. Hot sandwiches come with condiments in to-go cups to keep bread from getting soggy.

People are saying

"I loved the old-style Italian sandwiches here."

"The bread here is crusty on the outside and soft on the inside."

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Take-home meals and sandwiches are available for quick dining options.

3

Prices are reasonable, with meals averaging around $41.

09
Vine Ripe Market image 1
Gourmet grocery store

Bright, clean gourmet grocery store with an in-house bakery, deli, and butcher shop. Offers a phenomenal spice wall and a wide selection of Euro and Middle Eastern products. Outdoor seating and weekend BBQ create a relaxed atmosphere.

Mediterranean and halal foods stand out with grab-and-go deli items and a wide selection of produce. The market offers a culinary journey through global cuisines right in the neighborhood.

Offers gourmet halal sandwiches with high-quality toppings at prices lower than most pizza places. Three handmade sandwiches come with two free sides for about $18.

People are saying

"Martin's pizza service is friendly and accommodating."

"The food here is really fresh and good quality."

"I've been dreaming of their tri tip sandwich."

Good to know

1

On weekends, they grill tri-tip and chicken outside.

2

A dozen large brown eggs cost $5.99.

3

Every Friday, they offer New York strips or porterhouse steaks for $4.99 a pound.

10
West Coast Smoke and Tap House image 1

Small, intimate spot with three large TVs always tuned to sports creates a chill, fun vibe for families and locals. Dog-friendly patio adds to the relaxed atmosphere, while rotating craft beers and standout BBQ dishes draw a steady crowd.

Food features Pozole, Reuben with pickled Brussels sprouts, and banana bread pudding as standout dishes. The menu offers consistently delicious and excellent options with attentive service.

Reuben sandwich stands out as a favorite with a rich, satisfying taste. The prime rib dip sandwich pairs well with crispy onion rings, and the loaded bacon meatloaf sandwich offers a hearty, flavorful option.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the pulled pork and ribs, is amazing."

"I loved their extensive and well-curated beer selection."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Wings are available for one dollar each on Monday nights, in multiples of six.

2

The restaurant offers daily specials that may change the menu options.

3

The large tap list frequently changes with special events and guest taps.

11
Gold Coast Bagel Co image 1

Small bagel shop offers fresh, top-tier bagels with specialty cream cheese and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor seating in the shade complements a cozy, community feel with books available for children. Early morning brings a crowd of coffee drinkers enjoying a peaceful, home-like setting.

Food comes out quickly even when busy, with great quality and reasonable prices. The menu offers consistently excellent dishes paired with solid service.

Bagel sandwiches come with generous portions and a homemade spicy salsa. Options include jalapeรฑo cheese bagels with egg, sausage, and cheese, plus a club sandwich and a veggie breakfast sandwich.

People are saying

"The service here is so friendly, it makes getting bagels a joy."

"I thought the food here was seriously great."

"Their breakfast sandwiches are delicious and generously portioned."

Good to know

1

Gold Coast Bagel Co offers a variety of bagels, sandwiches, and grab-and-go items.

2

Parking is easy and plentiful near Gold Coast Bagel Co.

3

They accept credit cards and mobile payments for convenience.

12
Mastiff Kitchen La Mesa image 1

Restaurant offers loud, lively atmosphere with many TVs showing live sports, creating a friendly, energetic vibe. Seating is comfortable and the space feels clean and welcoming after recent remodeling. Known for excellent smash burgers and deep dish pizza, it also features a wide selection of local draft beers.

Delicious food comes from a casual atmosphere where the owner cooks. The menu offers a variety of dishes that look and taste great, making it a solid spot to enjoy a meal and watch football at the bar.

Chicken sandwiches feature mustard and sometimes bacon, though the bacon can be thin and have a strange texture. Options include a Chicken, Bacon & Ranch sandwich and a standard Chicken Sandwich, with some wishing for fried chicken versions.

People are saying

"They have a great beer selection with lots to choose from."

"The food here is delicious, creative, and well-presented."

"The double smash burger sandwich meat was on point."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday with $5 bites available.

2

The happy hour includes options like Brussels sprouts, sliders, and pizza slices.

3

Parking is available onsite but can be limited.

13
The Honey Baked Ham Company image 1

Counter service offers fresh, warm ham and delicious sandwiches with a crystallized candy coating on the ham's exterior. The atmosphere is busy and fast-paced, especially near holidays, with occasional shortages of popular sizes and sides. Staff includes newer employees, and the store provides easy parking and quick pickup options.

Food varies from delicious to ice cold on arrival. Prices run high, with one ham costing more than a family's monthly food budget.

Ham sandwiches stand out with fresh preparation and solid flavor. Sandwiches come made to order but lean toward the pricier side.

People are saying

"I thought the ham sandwiches they made were amazing."

"I thought the food here was great and delicious."

"I thought the sandwiches here were amazing."

Good to know

1

Preordering the ham online two weeks before Thanksgiving does not guarantee the specific size.

2

Expect long lines and busy conditions during peak holiday shopping times.

3

Parking is easy and there are no long lines at the store during off-peak hours.

14
Habit Burger & Grill image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Hamburger restaurant features self-serve kiosks and a menu with high-quality ingredients and varied options. Atmosphere is loud due to kitchen noise and conversations, with a cool interior temperature. Burgers and sides like onion rings often come fresh and tasty, attracting a mix of diners.

Food arrives hot and fresh with a consistently delicious and great taste. Quality stays excellent across visits.

Offers a sushi-grade Tuna Steak sandwich that is rare to find elsewhere. The BBQ chicken sandwich comes with raw onion and pickles, while the club sandwich stands out as very delicious. Some orders may get mixed up, like receiving a chicken sandwich instead of tuna.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really fresh and delicious."

"I found the burgers here to be fresh and hot."

"I found the sandwich to be delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Self-serve kiosks help reduce wait times for ordering.

2

Parking can be tight, especially during lunch and dinner rushes.

3

Expect to pay around $6 to $8 for a meal with sides.

15
Trolley StopDeli image 1

Deli offers classic and specialty sandwiches with generous portions and a varied drink selection. Atmosphere feels welcoming and casual, suitable for quick lunches. Catering services provide an affordable option for groups.

Food arrives hot and fresh, with good quality and occasional rare treats. Hot food deals offer variety alongside consistently solid flavors.

Sandwiches come with fresh, high-quality ingredients and a great assortment of classic and specialty options. They are prepared quickly and pair well with a house-made pasta salad side.

People are saying

"The sandwiches here are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients."

"I thought the pasta salad was the best in town."

"I found the food here to be very good."

Good to know

1

Ask about pasta salad ingredients to avoid allergy issues.

2

The deli has a punch card for a free sandwich after ten purchases.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

16
Yum Yum Donuts image 1
Donut shop

Donut shop offers large variety of fresh donuts and affordable prices. Atmosphere feels friendly and clean with a menu that includes breakfast and lunch items. Donuts tend to be larger than typical brands and appeal to families with kids.

Food comes out fast with fresh ingredients and decent coffee. Service is quick and the overall quality is solid.

Bagel sandwiches and toasted croissant turkey sandwiches stand out among the varied sandwich options. The Italian sandwich offers a notably delicious flavor. Bread choices exist but require self-selection.

People are saying

"I found the donuts to be fresh and delicious."

"I found their Italian sandwich very delicious."

"The donuts here are super delicious."

Good to know

1

Yum Yum Donuts is open 24/7 for donut lovers.

2

The shop offers a large variety of both raised and cake donuts.

3

They also serve breakfast and lunch items beyond just donuts.

17
Chili's Grill & Bar image 1

Large TV screens create a family-friendly atmosphere with a lively energy especially during game nights. The place draws a mixed crowd enjoying affordable meals and popular margaritas. Noise levels can rise, making it a vibrant spot for casual dining and sports viewing.

Food arrives fresh and hot with excellent quality and affordable prices. Service is quick and attentive, ensuring orders are accurate and timely.

Crispy chicken sandwiches feature a golden crunchy coating with tender chicken inside and fresh toppings. Some sandwiches come very hot, with grease that can splash when bitten.

People are saying

"The food here is great and always served hot."

"The date spots here are so friendly and make you feel right at home."

"The crispy chicken sandwich was warm, fresh, and tasty."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait of up to 30 minutes for takeout during peak hours.

2

Parking can be challenging at this location, especially during busy times.

3

Chili's offers a $10 bonus for every $50 spent with coupons.

18
Frazier Farms Market image 1

Grocery store offers fresh juice bar, full service deli, and butcher counter with a wide variety of meats and fish. Atmosphere stays friendly and welcoming with a focus on quick shopping trips. Known for locally sourced produce and a strong selection of organic and gluten-free products.

Fresh produce and a wide variety of organic products stand out here. The selection focuses on healthier alternatives and natural foods.

Deli sandwiches stand out with fresh ingredients and the option to create your own. Breakfast sandwiches also feature on the menu alongside large pizzas and fresh sushi.

People are saying

"I've been a loyal, happy customer of this grocery store for years."

"I found so many great healthy food options here."

"I enjoyed the fresh, delicious sandwiches here."

Good to know

1

Expect a great selection of fresh produce and organic foods.

2

The meat and fish counter offers a wide variety of options.

3

Weekly specials on fish provide great savings.

19
Jersey Mike's Subs image 1
Sandwich shop

Mid-century design shapes the space with indoor and outdoor seating. Sandwiches come stacked high and larger than typical chains, offering a diverse menu including a standout Philly Cheese steak. Dogs inside add an unusual element to the atmosphere.

Food features great quality and looks fresh and clean. Service is excellent, with sandwiches standing out among food chains.

Sandwiches come made to order, fresh, and with larger size than typical chains. Quality proteins and generous ingredients make them delicious and flavorful.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches here to be always great."

"I found the food here to be of great quality."

Good to know

1

It is easy to order online or walk in for quick service.

2

The restroom is very clean, providing a pleasant experience.

3

They offer good weekly promotions that can save you money.

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La Mesa, California

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