James (Big Jim) is super friendly and knows how to make a sandwich. Steak bomb is plentiful and full of flavor. The cheese and bell peppers our fav parts about it. It's packed with meat and we like the bread he uses Junior beef is also packed with meat, it's messy w/ bbq sauce. This was really really good. Can't wait to come back! read more

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Big Jim's Roast Beef in Pacific Beach delivers the kind of sandwich that lingers in your mind long after the last bite. Quite honestly, this may be one of the best roast beef sandwiches I've ever had. The bun is exceptional--flavorful, soft, and structurally perfect for the sandwich it holds. The roast beef is sliced paper-thin, cooked beautifully, and layered with an ideal balance of lean meat and richness. Every component feels deliberate. What truly sets it apart is the flavor pairing. The zesty house sauce brings a bright, tangy punch that plays perfectly against the mellow bite of the horseradish. Nothing overpowers; everything complements. It is a sandwich built with restraint and confidence. Beyond the food, Big Jim's has the kind of charm that makes you want to stay awhile. The service is friendly, the experience is quick and easy, and parking nearby makes stopping in refreshingly convenient. In fact, I had to go back two days later because I couldn't stop thinking about it. Big Jim's earns 5 stars without hesitation. There is real passion behind this product, and it shows in every detail. From the first bite to the last, the bun-to-meat ratio is spot on--satisfying, easy to eat, and expertly composed. This is roast beef done right. read more

Awesome experience. I'd highly recommend getting your beef gang banged by Big Jim. That was without a doubt the best roast beef sandwich I've ever had. The man behind the counter knows what he's doing. This place is everything it claims to be. The food is big, Jim is big, the sandwiches come quick. I split a Junior beef with my wife and it was delicious. The crispness of both the fried onions and the toasted onion bun added the prefecture texture contrast to the moist beef and ample sauces. Wow. Jim took us to flavor town and boy we were soooo happy. 10/10 would come back to flavor town again. We finished the meal with a fantastic biscoff cookie butter cheesecake! I'd come back here for that alone. If you are by the beach - do yourself a favor and try something different than any other random taco shop nearby. This place is worth it read more

Big Jims Roast Beef - Junior Beef - Sandwiches Near Me - San Diego, California

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I honestly do not understand how this place has near-perfect reviews. We paid $19 per sandwich expecting premium, high-quality sliced roast beef. What we actually got was an absolute mess. The meat had zero distinct grain or muscle texture--it was completely pasty, mushy, flavorless and clumped together like reconstituted deli meat. It lacked any real chew or quality. To make matters worse, when we tried to warm it up, the heat completely broke down whatever binders were holding it together, and it literally smelled like a cheap fast-food hamburger patty. We paid $50 after tip for what feels like processed, low-grade meat trimmings is ridiculous. Total tourist trap. Save your money and go somewhere else. read more

Big Jims Roast Beef - Sandwiches Near Me - San Diego, California

Quick and friendly service! Real deal tender roast beef with a side of mustard horsey sauce hit the spot. Enjoyed the beefy flavor that wasn't over seasoned and salty. Be back for subs! read more

Big Jims Roast Beef - Froze their Strawberry nana cheesecake for my midnight snack! - Sandwiches Near Me - San Diego, California

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They have some really nice seating outside to make up for how small the place is. Sadly, it was pouring the day I came by, so we had to enjoy our meal in the car. The owner was awesome to talk with and we didn't mind having to wait a while for our food since you could tell it was fresh. We were quite hungry so we ended up trying the following: - Super Beef (no mayo) - this was really enjoyable and I can see why they are known for having good roast beef. Only downside is that I wish it had more vegetables and provided a more fuller sammich. The bread to inner ratio was off. Would get again. - Pepper Steak (sub white american cheese for provolone) - The meat was soo good! It was extremely upsetting how much sauce they put on it because everything was just soggy and messy and hard to eat. We got the cherry pepper relish on the side to try and it was surprisingly good. I would get it again if it wasn't soo wet. - 5 Cheese Grilled Cheese - honestly, very greasy and heavy and made me feel gross eating it. It had a great crisp to the outside, but the cheese blend just didn't taste right or enjoyable. Would not get again. - Tomato Soup - good with the grilled cheese, but very bland on it's own. Would not get again. - Tortellini Pasta Salad - I'm not always a fan of pasta salad, but this one looked too good to pass up on and I was right. I really enjoyed this side dish and would happily get it again. Out of everything we tried, I would only get the roast beef sammich and their tortellini pasta salad again. I can see why people like their sammiches and wouldn't be opposed to coming back, but I don't think it's top 100 worthy. read more

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Today we went with Big Jim's May Month Special: Chicken Sundried Tomato Pesto. WOW! Mozzarella infused with marinate peppers. Homemade beef tallow garlic bread seeded semolina bread. Aged Parmesan cheese and healthy drizzles of balsamic glaze. You done did it again Big Jim! Always top notch service, conversations and the best sando shop in San Diego. Much love!!! read more

Big Jims Roast Beef - Sandwiches Near Me - San Diego, California

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If you're looking for an amazing roast beef sandwich, come here! The Super Beef - is OMG amazing!!! Shared this with my hubs and I couldn't get enough! Next time... sorry hun, I'm not sharing! Simple, tasty, piled high with a ton of tender juicy roast beef atop an onion roll! Absolute LOVE!!! The hubs also got the Toasted Italian. He loves Italian subs, not usually my thing cause of the pepperorcinis. It was not bad. This is a tiny place next to the Square Pizza Co. in PB. We got Big Jim taking care of us the first time we visited. All of his employees were out for the day and Big Jim himself was handling everything! I felt horrible since he was holding down the fort on his own, but he was on top of everything! We ate it right away and it was soooooo good! I know our sandwiches were made with love! He is beyond awesome! Give Big Jim's a try, you'll fall in love and won't regret it! Simply the best! Series: 5 2025: 62 read more

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I should've started with the Super Beef for my first visit, but I couldn't pass up the French Dip, stuffed full of meat and delicious. I also doubled up on horseradish, because my friend didn't want hers. And I appreciated a bun that didn't cut the roof of my mouth like so many French Dips seem to do. The sandwich plus the small fries, which was enough to share, meant I had part of it leftover to take home. I like a place that keeps it simple and focused to what they do best and will need to tackle the Super Beef next time. read more

Growing up in Southern California and before I was able to travel was tough becuase all I knew of Roast Beef was Arby's and I loved Arby's, but becoming a well traveled foodie had me searching far and wide for the best foods in many categories. About a decade ago was when I first traveled to Boston and soon after having had seafood there I decided to travel north to the source. On that trip to find lobster, clam bellies I found where the roast beef all started. Since seafood in the north only hits different in the summer, the North Shore Beef hits year round. I've been coming to see Jim from the pop up days. I mean who else is gonna order James River Sauce and slow roast beef for hours and hours and warm it in a jus and smother it in white cheddar (I do prefer Cooper Sharp). I mean it's like like traveling to the source when he cooks. It's not just authetic. The picture don't do it justice, the beef is red/pink, rare. You can order it true with catch phrases. I used to prefer cheese on top and now I get it cheese on bottom. Time in bag is to be kept a minimum, eat it right away, not that it doesn't travel well, but to savor the "thingness of the thing" requires immediate consumption. Like produce picked at peak of freshness it loses it in car rides home. Why do those punk kids in PB get this in their backyard. They've probably never even been to Mass. If I'm willing to take a flight for food the least I can do is drive 40 minutes for it. The French Dip is good, but it's no Coles/Phillippe, but him being a Beef connoisseur makes it better than most. Probably the 5th best Philly in SD, but i'm more of a seeded semolina guy and I like the extra fat from ribeye. Amazing onion rings go good with everything. I actually like getting a super beef and a jr beef, becuase each has it's own type of bite. The JR is like an appetizer to the supers main course and the onion bun on the super and extra everything makes the ratios better, but eating 2 feels like overkill. Unlike many burgers there is no need for the Japanese burger technique becuase it all melds together and doesn't shoot out the back. You don't need to go to Mass to try and good 3 Way, not to be confused with a 3 some, which to me can be just as good. read more

I took my team here for lunch last week, and this place is 100% legit. I grew up in Massachusetts and I've had my fair share of North Shore style roast beef sandwiches-I would put big Jim's up against any of them! Big Jim himself was behind the counter, so he is all in. When David Portnoy does his Pizza reviews next in San Diego, the guy should visit this place because he does North Shore beef reviews as well. I'm sure he'll be blown away. If you haven't tried this, you should. There are also some other amazing sandwiches on the menu. read more

Big Jim's "Super Beef" is the pearl of PB -- scratch that -- of San Diego! For $14.65, you get a heaping 8oz pile of juicy roast beef, a slathering of horse-radish-esque BBQ sauce, mayo, and white American cheese between two buttered and grilled caramelized onion buns. I'd actually recommend to get the BBQ sauce on the side so you can experience the tasty meat to full effect. Add the crunch from the grilled onion buns and you'll find yourself in heaven. I share the Super Beef with the mister and then we also get a side of mac salad from the fridge. Eat outside no frills at the benches while drinking in the PB salty air and sunshine for a peak San Diego experience. They do have other sub sandwiches, but the beef sandwich front and center does distract. Just know that the hype is real and it's really the only thing to care about! read more

I'm not gonna lie the prices scared me at first... HOWEVER after receiving our food it was so very clear that these sandwiches are frickin' stacked. I could only get through half of the junior. The mini fries? Bigger than a fast food large. It takes a little bit of time to get the order, but it's because they are fresh slicing the meat! The flavor lies in the sauce and it is a tangy little bit spicy barbecue. The curly fries are well seasoned. It's a messy sandwich but also very delicious.. sauce on the side if you don't want sauce everywhere. Outdoor seating and meh parking, worth it if you like meaty goodness tho! read more

We had lunch catered here for a work birthday. My coworker chose this because he's been wanting to try it- I thought it was a new place, but there are reviews from 2 years ago! I chose the Big Jim roast beef sandwich and others opted for the French dip, Italian sub, or salad. I tried the Italian sub, which was pretty good! The onion rings were too greasy for me. The roast beef sandwich had so much meat! I wish it came with some sort of lettuce or pickled veggies. The sauce for it was good though. read more

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This has been on my list for so long but a trek into Pb always takes more effort this the delay. But I'm very happy to have made it here on a Saturday right at opening. Because we were hitting up a bunch of spots, we got a super beef to share. I could have easily eaten a whole one myself. Love the onion bun flavor. The outside and bottom bun got soggy fast but the inside was nicely crossed on the griddle. First bite with no sauce so I could truly get the flavors. The beef could have used a little more seasoning in my opinion, but with the bread and cheese and ultimately the BBQ sauce it was delicious. The beef was also super tender. Nowhere to sit inside but there were a few tables outside with umbrellas. Would definitely come again and try some of their other items. read more

Big Jims Roast Beef - Super Beef. - Sandwiches Near Me - San Diego, California

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This place has the best roast beef sandwich I have ever gotten. I always take my order to go. They have tables outside the restaurant to eat there. The portions are huge. I split a super beef roast beef sandwich and mini onion rings. That is plenty of food for me. The onion rings are nice and crispy. I can bit through the onion every time without pulling it out. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Street parking out front. Located in PB. Not much else to say but try their roast beef sandwich. read more

Big Jims Roast Beef - Front - Sandwiches Near Me - San Diego, California

WOW! best steak and cheese I have had in San Diego. I had to stop mid meal to write this review because I can't believe how delicious this sandwich is! Staff is super friendly! read more

I don't miss the winters in New England, but I do miss a good roast beef sandwich. I'm in LA now, and the West Coast isn't really known for good roast beef, but I saw this place named Big Jim's in San Diego on Yelp's Top 100 list. It was worth the wait and the hype! I talked to the owner, and he's from Massachusetts. I asked him about Kelly's, which is also known for its roast beef sandwiches. He asked, "What year," and then we both chuckled because it's nowhere near as good as it was back in the day. Most of my family ordered a junior beef, but I ordered a Super Beef 3 Way. I don't remember if that's what they call it at Big Jim's, but that's what we call it back home on the North Shore. A three-way refers to the combination of James River BBQ sauce, Cain's Mayonnaise, and American cheese and is often served on a griddled onion roll. This combination is considered a North Shore specialty and a classic way to enjoy a roast beef sandwich. Big Jim's also makes some banging onion rings! I started eating them and couldn't stop. The portion sizes are humongous, we got a half order and couldn't finish it. There were some big bellies at the table and even they couldn't finish their onion rings. I don't think we had enough omeprazole handy. Big Jim's makes an authentic Super Beef Three-Way. It was very nostalgic eating this sandwich and it brought back so many fond memories from my childhood. This Mass-hole from Swampscott gives Big Jim's two thumbs up for their authentic Super Beef Three-Way. read more

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Jim is the best!! I planned a holiday party for 80+ people. Jim took my order personally and provided all the insight and details I needed. Food was fantastic! Everyone raved about the taste and we had more than enough food. I would only note that it was off putting that the a jus was red colored rather than typical a jus brown. read more

YES !! all i can say is Yes!!! came here to see what all the hype was about and boy did it not disappoint. rich, savory, tender, intense. everything you'd hope for from a place called Big Jim's Roast Beef. We got the steak sandwich as well as the super beef. The steak was tender, the cheese gooey, the bread slightly crisp. The bread on the roast beef was soft and pillowy. We got the sauce on the side which was definitely the right decision. While it might have taken the slaughtering of a cow, these sandwiches are the delicious proof that this cow did not die in vain. Easily the best beef sandwich i've had in San Diego. I warn, it is extremely intense. But the heartburn was undoubtedly worth it. read more

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Big Jim provided a ton of roast beef for our holiday party and it was fantastic. It was cooked perfectly. We took leftovers home and used it in beef stroganoff. We also made open faced sandwiches. read more

Okay, I grew up in the North Shore area of MA. This is a legit New England Roast Beef shop. Lean roast beef cooked to perfection. I got the jr beef with just sauce because that's my favorite way to have it. This was definitely a huge jr beef! Zero disappointment. We also got onion rings OMG so freaking good. Everyone in our party loved their meal. We will definitely do this again the next time we are in CA read more

Big Jims Roast Beef - J Junior Beef - Sandwiches Near Me - San Diego, California

It's pretty good but it's not as good as Massachusetts'. Haha It's tight for parking too. read more

I get the hype. We looked up best sandwiches in San Diego and this place popped up so we came to try! We got the Super Beef with Onion rings and it was phenomenal. The roast beef was so tender and melt in your mouth delicious. The onion rings were actually good, with just the right amount of batter. This is a down and dirty sandwich, your gunna get messy. BBQ sauce is Vinger based, just to note. We will be back! read more

Big Jims Roast Beef - The Super Beef - Sandwiches Near Me - San Diego, California

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I really wanted to love this. Damn. It was good but not great. Mainly due to the chunks of hard beef I found in a few bites. Not sure if they weren't sliced right or if there was meat that just got stuck together, but I found myself trying to be "normal" while pulling chunks out of my mouth and putting it in a napkin while having a conversation. Guess Im waiting for a real one in Boston or unfortunately hit Arbys in the meantime. read more

I honestly didn't know you could cook roast beef this way. The meat was almost silky....the best I've ever had before this was fillet mignon but this was way beyond that. I was shocked at the texture. We also got the onion rings and they were awesome. We bit into our first rings and looked at each other and said , "...wow..." Great flavorful batter and super crispy. Go with the understanding that aesthetically this place doesn't present its food well, but that's not why you're there. You're there for an incredible sandwich and some unbelievable onion rings. I'm salivating just now thinking about it. Pro-tip- if you must try the roast beef sando, go ahead because it's perfection, but now that I've had it, I'm REALLY curious about the sandwich the guy behind the counter recommended. If you've read my other stuff before, you know I love being surprised. This place had me gobsmacked. read more

Good morning to try this place for a long time I must say the roast beef was very tender it was delicious the onion rings were great the French dip was a very good sandwich was it a little pricey yeah but the roast beef was outstanding absolutely thin cut tender delicious will I be back you know it I want to try their cheese steak next time. Service was very good we ate outside that's where you have to eat and there were several restaurants around Big Jim so and a bank across the street so not bad just a nice place to go walk around after you eat. read more

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First off -- follow their Instagram. The specials they drop from time to time are next level. And the cheesecakes he makes?! Unreal. You can tell they're homemade and crafted with serious attention to detail. Every time I see a new flavor posted, I'm tempted to run over immediately. Now let's talk about the "Threeway" -- yeah, the name might sound inappropriate -- but it's just an onion roll, rare roast beef, mayo, and the AMAZING King James BBQ sauce. And let me tell you... it is the best. The roast beef is perfectly tender, the sauce is packed with flavor, and everything just works together. When they have onion rings, GET THEM. Crispy, golden, and done right. And even when it's just fries, they're delicious and straight fire. Great food, awesome rotating specials, and quality you can taste. Big Jim's does it right every time. read more

The vibes of this place were awesome! The staff is super chill, friendly, and efficient. The food is great and they give you awesome portions, I definetly recommend getting the onion rings and the pasta salad. This place is bussin! read more

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Super beef is very meaty and melts in your mouth tender. Onion rings super crispy and seasoned perfectly. Definitely worth the drive if you're in SD. read more

Big Jims Roast Beef - Steak Cheese - Sandwiches Near Me - San Diego, California

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We placed an order of 25 sandwiches for pick up at noon. They were ready at noon! On time! No waiting. We ordered 2 orders of onion rings, they are made fresh. The owner Jim made them himself. The Super Beef is super delicious, lots of meeting. Their sauces are spicy so would recommend to get all sauces on the side if you can't handle spicy. This place is amazing. Chris and Jim are the best. read more

Big Jims Roast Beef - Onion Rings - Sandwiches Near Me - San Diego, California

Let me start off by saying this... Big Jim, you're the man! You work hard, and it shows. I don't even really know you, but every time I visit, you take care of me like family. You're prompt, consistent, and damn good at what you do. Big Jim's Roast Beef? Next level. I'm Mexican--I never even liked these kinds of sandwiches... But then I met Jim's roast beef... and that was it. Game over. I've been converted. God bless America... Merrrrrica ffffuuuuuuu yeahhhhh!!! Keep those roast beefs comin', Big Dawg. You're a legend. Much love and respect! read more

Big Jims Roast Beef - Caught this big guy off guard bustin his chops making delicious grub the man! - Sandwiches Near Me - San Diego, California

Obviously came for the roast beef sandwich. It was massive and loaded with juicy, tender pieces of meat. I wish I had gotten mine with the horseradish sauce because I feel like it really benefits from having that kick. I still got to enjoy the horseradish sauce though because it came with my order of onion rings. Loved that the onions rings come in a giant bag in a bunch of different sizes/pieces. I am pretty sure I ordered a mini, but the portion was massive. Uncertain if that's truely the size of the order or if they upgraded me. This is not a fancy spot. You order at the counter inside the small storefront and we grabbed a table out on Cass St. The guys running the shop were very helpful. read more

Big Jims Roast Beef - Onion rings - Sandwiches Near Me - San Diego, California

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I do not usually come to restaurants with high expectations despite ratings, I usually go in with the mindset of "if the place is extraordinary, it will taste extraordinary and my satisfaction will Be fulfilled". However for this case, Big Jim's Roast Beef was not extraordinary and I was not satisfied. For a $20+ meal without even counting a beverage, the food was quite tasteless with the sauces being overpowering instead of a compliment. The "barbeque sauce" isn't really barbeque sauce or anywhere close to the terminology, it's more like a sauce that is only there to remove the taste of anything and just add spice to it. With that being said, the food didn't have much taste to begin with. The cheese actually has no taste, like it was visually copied in Plankton's Chum Bucket. The roast beef tastes factory mass produced without any love or speciality. read more

Big Jims Roast Beef - Super Beef - Sandwiches Near Me - San Diego, California

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Amazing cheesesteaks and even better Roast Beef. Absolutely delicious food. The owner is a great guy as well. I have a sandwich shop of my own and still eat there. That tells you how good it is. Very nice shop read more

Big Jim's Roast Beef has been on my radar for a while. We decided to meet friends for lunch here! I ordered the Junior Roast Beef sandwich. I believe the Super Beef would have been too much for me! I also ordered the onion rings. They offer a half order or full. It is served in a paper bag. The half order was still HUGE for two people. The roast beef sandwich was FANTASTIC! While the onion rings were very tasty, it's on the greasy side. Speaking for myself only, I cannot tolerate that much grease. Big Jim spices the onion rings so it is tasty. It's best shared!! There's no seating inside, only outdoors. They also offer other menu items like hot subs, cold subs, sides, and drinks. It's street parking in this area. Come check this place out.... read more

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Came across this place on Instagram and had to try it. The roast beef is to die for, chicken parm also delicious. A little messy so don't wear white, but worth it! The guy at the front (also the cook) was super friendly and helped us newbies decipher some of the cleverly named add ons. He was personable and patient. You will not leave hungry! read more

Super delicious east coast style sandwiches! I've had the roast beef sandwich and it was very good but my go to sandwich is the Italian. It's hard to find sandwiches in San Diego that remind me of back east (I'm from Massachusetts) but this Italian sub is definitely legit. It's a tiny shop so I suggest ordering pick up online through their website and that makes it really easy. read more

Big Jims Roast Beef - Italian sub - Sandwiches Near Me - San Diego, California

Big Jim's Roast Beef is a hidden gem in Pacific Beach -- their Roast Beef sandwich is absolutely next-level. The roast beef is slow-roasted, super tender, and piled high, and the James River BBQ sauce gives it a perfect balance of sweet and smoky. The buttery grilled onion bun is a great touch. Absolutely the BEST sandwich I've ever had! It's a real East Coast-style sandwich shop, but with that laid-back San Diego vibe -- definitely worth the trip! read more

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This was so good! I've heard good things and seen ads and finally made it out. The guy at the counter could not have been nicer and even gave us an onion ring to sample while we were deciding on our order. The portions were massive and all of the sauces were homemade and flavorful. The beef was fresh and giant and everything we got was awesome! read more

Big Jims Roast Beef - Super Beef - Sandwiches Near Me - San Diego, California