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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to San Marcos

Salad and sandwich spots

A quick, fresh meal between meetings is exactly what the afternoon requires.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Que Tortas image 1
Que Tortas image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Small, clean Mexican restaurant with a welcoming, homey atmosphere and lively music. Tortas feature generously filled, toasted bread with fresh ingredients and a variety of authentic options. Parking is easy, and the place maintains a high standard of cleanliness throughout.

Fruit salad stands out with a twist and a creamy milk component. Vegetarian options include this fruit salad that mixes flavors well.

Tortas here stand out with crispy, fresh bread that enhances each sandwich. Flavors remind of Cuban sandwiches but offer a unique twist on traditional Mexican styles.

People are saying

"The ham torta is generously filled and bursting with flavor."

"You've got to try their fruit salad with the milk stuff."

"I thought the sandwiches here were some of the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and hassle-free at Que Tortas.

2

The restaurant is clean and well-organized.

3

Que Tortas has a unique menu focusing on freshness and quality.

02
Shores Bar + Kitchen image 1

Bar and grill with a beach vibe and multiple TVs showing sports creates a lively atmosphere. The space feels chill and welcoming, with an outside patio that offers a quieter alternative to the loud indoor area. It attracts a mix of people enjoying games, live music, and a dog-friendly environment.

Salads feature options like the Tri Tip Cobb and Cobb with Cardiff crack dressing. Portions come generous, with salads served alongside hearty sides like elote corn ribs.

Nashville fried chicken sandwich stands out with bold flavor and heat. The smash burger and Crack cheese steak sandwich deliver strong, satisfying tastes. Turkey sandwiches also come highly recommended and arrive hot.

People are saying

"You'll find a great selection of draft beer here."

"I loved the grilled turkey sandwich."

"I thought the Cobb salad was very good."

Good to know

1

Shores Bar + Kitchen is dog friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

2

Musical bingo happens every Wednesday night, a fun event to join.

3

Expect average wait times during busy hours like Sunday football.

03
Two Brothers From Italy image 1
Italian restaurant

Small space with limited seating and a few tables plus a bar top creates an intimate setting. Music features Frank Sinatra oldies, adding a classic vibe despite occasional loud kitchen noises. Offers pizza by the slice and homemade tomato sauce, with ice cold beer including popular local brands.

Salads feature fresh ingredients and pair well with calzones. Presentation is good but sometimes lacks a fork for convenience.

Italian style sandwiches stand out with rich flavors and fresh ingredients. The Paulo Special and tuna sandwich hold up well even after sitting, offering consistent taste and satisfaction.

People are saying

"I loved their pasta and homemade sauce."

"I found the calzones to be huge and yummy."

"I thought the salads were great and made with fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

Evening deals are available for seniors, making dining more affordable.

2

The restaurant offers large portions at reasonable prices.

3

Pizza is available by the slice from the hot case.

04
Felix's BBQ with Soul image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small dine-in area with cozy, dark interior and loud Motown music creates an informal, energetic vibe. Southern-style barbecue and soul food dominate the menu, featuring unique desserts and large lunchboxes. Atmosphere suits casual visits, though music volume can be intense.

Salads come very generous and crisp here. The Cobb salad is huge, and the house salad pairs well with other dishes like Gumbo.

Pulled pork and chicken sandwiches come tender and hefty, packed with plenty of sauce. The meat stays juicy without being fatty or stringy.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the brisket, is off the hook."

"The tri-tip salad was tender, juicy, and had a great smoke flavor."

"The pulled pork sandwich was so tender and tasty."

Good to know

1

The lunch special runs every day until 4 pm.

2

Lunchbox Meals are priced at $12, offering good value.

3

Prices for meals range from $12 to $15.

05
Money Pit image 1
American restaurant

Classic diner style with 50s vibes and walls covered in pop culture memorabilia creates a unique dine-in experience. Atmosphere feels fun and family friendly, drawing a local crowd with affordable prices and nostalgic music. Drive-thru option adds convenience to this popular spot.

Salads here stand out for their freshness and include options like grilled chicken salad and garden salad. They pair well with other comfort foods but hold their own as a solid choice.

Highly modified sandwiches come on toasted sourdough or rye bread with fresh, crisp toppings like lettuce and tomato. Options include a Spicy chicken sandwich and a Turkey Avo packed with meat and avocado.

People are saying

"I found the food to be fresh and tasty for the price."

"I found the grilled chicken salad to be the freshest."

"I loved my delicious, highly modified sandwich."

Good to know

1

Expect limited seating during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Prices are very affordable, making it a great option for budget-conscious diners.

3

The menu offers a large selection of items to choose from.

06
Draft Republic San Marcos image 1
American restaurant

Large space combines arcade, bowling alley, and multiple bars with numerous TVs creating a lively, sports-focused atmosphere. Energy is fun and exuberant, appealing to both adults and kids with plenty of games and outdoor areas. Seating is ample but can be affected by minor issues like wobbly tables.

Salads come with lime cilantro vinaigrette and include options like citrus chicken and Caesar's salad. Side salads are small but flavorful, often paired with fries.

Brisket and Short Rib sandwiches stand out with beautiful presentation and rich flavors. The menu also includes a spicy chicken sandwich and poke tacos.

People are saying

"I found the food to be very tasty."

"The salads here are great for family meetups and friends get-togethers."

"I loved the sandwich and all the fun activities for all ages."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Whiskey and Wings Wednesday features special deals during happy hour.

3

Parking validation offers 4 hours of free parking with a receipt.

07
Panera Bread image 1

Bright interior and outside seating welcome dogs, creating a chill atmosphere despite some noise. Tables fill quickly with people on laptops, making seating scarce during busy times. Large parking lot with EV chargers supports easy access and convenience.

Salads come with lots of avocado and chicken, especially the southwest salad. Options include a strawberry chicken salad and smaller salads that pair well with soup.

Sandwiches feature generous fillings like turkey, bacon, and cheese, with options such as ciabatta chipotle egg chicken avocado and Italian varieties. Prices can be high for simple sandwiches, and some come on bagels or with sauces that stand out.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and good."

"The salads here are large and delicious."

"I thought the turkey, bacon, and cheese sandwich was excellent."

Good to know

1

Parking lot is large and includes EV chargers for electric vehicles.

2

The restaurant is clean and well-stocked with pastries and other foods.

3

Expect to pay around $17 for a small salad and a cup of soup.

08
Pita's Mediterranean Grill image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Tiny Mediterranean restaurant offers huge portions with family-owned charm and a menu featuring perfectly made falafel and spicy garlic chicken. Regulars often chat with the owner, creating a friendly, familiar vibe. The space feels cozy but straightforward, focusing on consistent flavors rather than elaborate presentation.

Salads come with options like falafel or Greek chicken paired with hummus and pita bread. Mediterranean salads mostly have lettuce with minimal toppings, often topped with chicken shawarma or lamb.

Chicken shawarma sandwiches come with generous portions and a filling, burrito-like wrap rather than a traditional pita. Lamb sandwiches are packed with spilling lamb, and spicy garlic chicken sandwiches offer a delicious kick.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is consistently delicious, especially the falafel."

"The chicken shawarma sandwich is delicious and filling."

"The falafel salad here is delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $14 for a meal after tax.

2

A side of baklava costs $3.

3

The portion sizes of the sandwiches are generous.

09
Boudin SF image 1
Bakery

Clean bakery with a focus on famous sourdough bread and bread bowls. Atmosphere suits friendly gatherings despite some concerns about cleanliness and maintenance. Menu changes include new salads alongside classic offerings.

Salads feature crisp and fresh lettuce with options like the Little Gem salad replacing the Cobb. They taste delicious and get remade promptly when needed.

Bread quality stands out in every sandwich, from the bacon grilled cheese to the Turkey/Cranberry with mixed greens and balsamic. Options like the chicken salad and short rib melt offer rich flavors and satisfying textures.

People are saying

"I tried the brie, apple, and fig sandwich; it was really good."

"I loved the sourdough bread here; it's famous."

"I found the salads here to be delicious and excellent."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Online ordering is recommended to avoid long lines.

3

The lunch special can easily feed two people for $14.

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San Marcos, California

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