The Grinder

Reviews

• John F.

  star star star star star_border 1 October 2026

  I really liked this place. The sandwiches are great. Real classic my style sandwich place. Reminded me of an east coast deli/sandwich shop.

• Lisa N.

  star star star star_border star_border 30 September 2026

  I used to come here as a kid! It still feels the same! Everyone was friendly and the store is clean and offers up lots of beverage and chip options. I am taking a couple of stars off because of price, I paid $27.00 for two sandwiches and chips! One of those sandwiches was a veggie at that. Yes they are big sandwiches but I think that is crazy! Secondly, it would be awesome if they had some more veggies choices. Sprouts, jalepenos, pickle would all be good.
  
  I will come back but not as often as I would if the prices were a bit better. Overall it still tastes like nostalgia.

• David M.

  star star star star_border star_border 19 September 2026

  " It Was Just OK "
  
  We went to the Grinder in El Cajon and it was just OK. The Sandwiches were very big but the taste was just OK. Plus I'm a saucy guy and specifically told the employee to give me extra sauce on my sandwich, which he did not. It was very dry. My wife had the meatball sandwich and she said the meat did not taste that good. Everything was not bad but just OK ! And the sandwiches were fairly expensive.

• Tom B.

  star star star star_border star_border 7 September 2026

  I have been a long-time advocate of the Grinder.  In fact, I have been a customer for almost 40 years. Unfortunately, after a recent price-hike, I can no longer justify regularly patronizing the Grinder.  Their most basic sandwich now costs a whopping ten dollars after tax.  I gasped the last time they rung me up.  They asked me if I would like a to add a tip as they rang up my order on their brand-new, state-of-the-art Point of Sale system.  I felt guilty as I declined to add my usual tip.  It would have brought the cost of my sandwich up to over $12!  
  
  There is no arguing that the Grinder makes a great tasting sandwich.  But they aren't exactly known for being generous with their meat and cheese.   Regretfully, I feel that they are really pushing the envelope as far as being a competitive, yet profitable business goes.  I understand that operating in San Diego is an expensive endeavor... but so is living here.  People living here tend to be frugal.  They have to be if they want to survive.  
  
  Don't get me wrong.  I will still come to the Grinder.  I love their sandwiches.  I always have.  Unfortunately, it will only be a rare treat for a special occasion.  I can no longer justify regularly spending $12 for a sandwich.  Maybe they still have the demand to justify the higher price.  If so, good for them.  They've been in business for over 60 years.  They deserve it.  Sadly, that demand won't come from me.  What a shame...

• Michael P.

  star star star star star 6 September 2026

  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!