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Creative Deli

4.4 (74 reviews)
InexpensiveDelis
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CREATIVE DELI ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Quiet
Good for kids
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Creative Deli

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Reviews With Photos

Chicken Chipotle
Ashley S.

Well, this is certainly a first for me... never in my life have I felt so impassioned by a sandwich that I knew I needed to leave a review... while still eating the sandwich. Came in here midday, got overwhelmed by all of the options and the very friendly cashier recommended the chicken chipotle. I could go back in there and kiss that man for that recommendation because wow... got the sandwich to go because I needed to get back to work. I'm walking down the street with that sandwich in it's to go bag... the thing is arm's-length away and I could smell how absolutely delicious it smelled... let's just say I did not make it back to work before I ate that sandwich. Nope, instead, I sat in my car and stuffed half of that sandwich like my life depended on it and I'm about to stuff that other half but knew I had to leave this review first. What a sandwich!!

Bomb
Arleen A.

I'm reviewing this sandwich place even though I've never been there myself. My coworkers always rave about it, so I'm always happy to place an order for them to pick up. The sandwiches are huge and affordable! Personally, I love the Bomb sandwich because it's thick and has just the right amount of cream cheese. The BLT is also solid, simple but satisfying for a hungry belly. Sometimes, they seem to go a bit heavy on the onions, though. And if you're not a fan of mustard, make sure to mention it when you order.

Chipotle Feta Fries! Soooo good!

The old guy at the counter was so helpful, I told him what I was craving and they made it! Food is so good and they don't skimp on the portions, so much meat and avocado! I didn't know they have such a wide variety of food and will for sure try the carne asada fries next time.

Turkey sandwich on white bread
Kurt S.

I ordered a turkey sandwich. It was very good. Service is good, and the price is fair. It was quite busy inside when I went, but I would expect that to be the case during normal lunch hours.

The Bomb sandwich on sourdough
Jason C.

The Bomb sandwich is appropriately named. Quality ingredients in balanced proportions come together beautifully in a perfect coupling of texture and flavor. The soft bread and crunchy lettuce complimented by tender meats are delivered perfectly through the smooth cream cheese. To sum it all up, it's The Bomb.

Chicken Salad sandwich on sourdough with cheddar cheese...good flavor!
Shelly S.

The photo doesn't do the sandwich justice. It doesn't look like a lot, but you can tell the first half I ate the chicken was dropping out. Bread was warm and fresh, and overall the sandwich was good tasting. Few things I didn't like were (#1) the tables were dirty and (#2) it was raining outside and they had a commercial grade fan going inside so it made for a cold and uncomfortable environment to eat in. I was miserably cold and scarfed down my sandwich just to get out of there.

ATC on French roll
Joey V.

Just found this spot after years of being just down the road. This is legit the best deli I've ever been to so far. Hidden gem! Matt and crew are all friendly and I've been here way more times than I've checked in... but the food has never disappointed yet! Burrito is so much better than the neighboring spots, sandwiches are on point! The prices are so good and well worth every penny!! There's no need to go to any fast food spot during work hours. Call in your order and you've already set yourself up for success! They wrap the food so it's well stored when you arrive. Seriously the food quality is either better or competes with each alternative! My goal is to try everything in the menu at least once! Great job Creative Deli!

The sandwich was beyond delicious. Bread was warm and soft, avocado tasted in season and meat was full of flavor. Definitely will be back!
Joshua B.

The sandwich was beyond delicious. Bread was warm and soft, avocado tasted in season and meat was full of flavor. Definitely will be back!

Carne Asada Torta

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3 months ago

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17 days ago

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18 days ago

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10 months ago

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2 years ago

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9 months ago

little pricey for the sandwich quality but the guy there has always been friendly and they make a good egg salad.

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10 months ago

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2 years ago

Carne Asada Torta is bomb! Awesome bread, guacamole is great. Delicious flavor in the asada. If your thinking about it? Do it

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1 year ago

Best sandwiches around! Service is always so fast and outstanding! One of my favorite go to spots!

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2 years ago

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

Great menu! Sandwiches are some of the best I have eaten. Good size as well. Gigantic and delicious burritos. Highly recommend it.

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4 years ago

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3 years ago

Hidden taxes and fees on every order. Food is of the lowest restaurant depot quality. Greasy and unsettling. If you can avoid going do so.

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4 years ago

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5 years ago

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2 years ago

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5 years ago

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6 years ago

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4 years ago

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4 years ago

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6 years ago

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5 years ago

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4 years ago

Great portion/price ratio. Definitely recommend. Ive had a few different sandwiches and wraps here and they were amazing.

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4 years ago

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11 years ago

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7 years ago

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13 years ago

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15 years ago

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7 years ago

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5 years ago

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6 years ago

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6 years ago

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4 years ago

Very good food. Customer service is great. Price is honoring to the stated above. Well done guys.

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4 years ago

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9 years ago

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16 years ago

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Page 1 of 2

Ask the Community - Creative Deli

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Rubicon Deli Mission Hills

Rubicon Deli Mission Hills

4.4
(1.5k reviews)
9.9 mi
$$

I'd give them 6 stars if I could. Best sandwich I've had in San Diego!…read more I work at a venue right down the street & we cater here for events all the time. All of my co workers rave about this place. It's INSANELY good! Cute little spot with some outdoor seating. Would highly recommend this place if anyone asked for a good sandwich around here.

I really was looking for something to hit the spot today. I started the day with my homemade…read moresmoothie which was perfect. Then, as the day progressed I wanted to have a good lunch so I would not be that hungry for dinner and just lightly snack. So, I was craving a deli sandwich. I decided to try Rubicon Deli in Mission Hills area. I kept hearing how their sandwiches were so good. I ordered a tuna sandwich, and the girl behind. the counter was helpful and friendly, but did inform me they were out of a few bread types. I order a Dutch crunch type of bread for a tuna sandwich. They serve half and whole sandwiches so I just ordered a half which was still a good-sized portion . I wish I would have liked this sandwich because I drove 20 minutes to try this place. The bread was too dry and super messy because it was so dry. The rest of the sandwich was okay. The tuna was bland tasting as it did not seemed like it was seasoned. The veggies on it were the only thing that made the sandwich decent tasting. It was nothing to write home about or drive out of my area to try it . I was hungry and paid so I had to eat it. Although, I threw away the other half of it . It was not horrible, but it was not tasty either. The service was good and they had plenty of tables to sit down inside. Keep in mind when you come here, you have to pay the City of San Diego parking which I paid 2.50 extra just to come here . There will be no reason to come back .

Photos
Place is bomb af!!
Place is bomb af!!
(Lunch Box) The Stallion
(Lunch Box) The Stallion
Rubicon Deli Mission Hills

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Fatboy's Deli & Spirits

Fatboy's Deli & Spirits

4.5
(912 reviews)
9.8 mi
$$

Coming back to send my love to my favorite sub place…read more I've sadly moved to a different part of town so Fatboy's is no longer a few blocks away. I still try to stop by every few months as this place holds a special place in my heart. A no frills spot. Solid and consistent. To the point but friendly customer service. Fantastic drink, chip and snack selection. Sandwiches are always bomb asf. The hot momma and BLT loaded up is my favorite. My husband still loves their Ruben (it is his favorite place to get it.) You get a small potato or macaroni salad on the side with a pickle (perfect crunch.) I personally think it's a great little add on. Their chili is also simple but delicious. I personally think their chili pairs perfectly with any of their sandwiches. It's not a heavy thick chili. Which is why I think it pairs so well. I won't lie it's a bit pricey but you get what you pay for. It's loaded up and good quality. I never feel gross or overly bloated after eating here. I will be coming back to Fatboy's until I move out of San Diego or die. lol. One of my favorite gems in SD. Always will be worth the drive or walk. Thank you for always delivering even years later.

I really like the sandwiches here, and that I can get craft soda and Cravory cookies while I'm…read morethere. I also like that the sandwiches come with a macaroni salad or potato salad. I used to frequent Fatboy's because it was close and convenient for a long time, but I am rarely able to visit anymore... parking is a bigger challenge every day in North Park, and finding even a 15-minute spot takes way longer than the drive for me now (but the walk is too far to pick up a quick meal). Today I was down the street for something else so decided to order a sandwich. I was excited, then my jaw dropped when I saw the price increases. It's $18 for the North Park Club now, with no extras. I already had a hard time justifying $15 for a sandwich but I'm officially, 100% priced out now. I know it's not necessarily on the business owners; rent is exorbitant in NP, profit margins are small in the food service industry, and operating costs are high. Our city is eating itself alive, but thank you for the years of sandwiches!

Photos
Tons of beverage/soda/beer options
Tons of beverage/soda/beer options
Good meat, but nit a lot of it
Good meat, but nit a lot of it
Outside.

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Outside.
DZ Akin's

DZ Akin's

3.6
(2.2k reviews)
10.6 mi
$$

Captain's Log, Stardate 21509.7…read more This past Friday I set my course for Did Z Akins in La Mesa -- a roadside star on I‑8 that my crew and I had passed a thousand times but never boarded. At long last we beamed down, and the experience surpassed every expectation. From the moment we entered, the atmosphere felt like coming home to a welcoming starbase. The staff treated us with genuine warmth and patience as we navigated a menu full of storied classics. Their attentive service turned a simple meal into a memorable mission. My first officer aka wife enjoyed a superbly composed salad, and chose the Turkey Club -- both delivered with thoughtful care. I began with the biscuits and gravy, a traditional hit that tasted like comforting shore leave. But the true highlight was the patty melt: perfectly seared, with lush caramelized onions and melted cheese that achieved harmony at warp speed. It was, without hyperbole, the best patty melt I've encountered in this quadrant. Each bite was a cascade of flavor that felt like discovering a thriving new world. This kitchen knows how to respect ingredients and execute classics flawlessly. No extra condiments were necessary -- the craftsmanship spoke for itself. DZ Akins is now a plotted course for every future convoy through I‑8. Highly recommended for anyone seeking honest, stellar diner fare and service that treats you like family among the stars. Captain 619, stay salty my friends!

Service: 5 stars Food: 2 stars…read moreDrinks: 2 stars Sadly, won't be coming back. Pancakes were so bland. Beef hash was so salty. Iced coffee needed a little more sweetness

Photos
Crowded!
Crowded!
Matzo ball soup
Matzo ball soup
Swiss Patty Melt add mushrooms, Homefries add fried egg and jalapeño

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Swiss Patty Melt add mushrooms, Homefries add fried egg and jalapeño
Beyer Deli

Beyer Deli

4.8
(892 reviews)
22.6 mi
$$

The service was friendly and very helpful, as it was my first time ordering from Beyer Deli. They…read morewelcomed us like family and I could see that their long time customers felt the same way. Additionally, the food was delicious. I ordered the New Yorker and I just loved the pastrami included in the sandwich. I would highly recommend coming for a sandwich and will love to come back. Thank you for the experience!

Visit July 2026…read more Ironically I was in NYC last week and ate at a deli there. That visit was a so-so experience and made me miss Beyer Deli so ta-dah! Still incredibly huge sandwiches. Hefty enough that half will fill me and I'm fat. The torta bread is the way to go for your sandwiches and yeah I know it's not a NYC thing but ewwww I had stale white bread with my NYC meal. I don't get here often but it looks like the menu has expanded with smoothies, pasta, and iced coffees. Still incredibly amazing prices (seriously the price for a pastrami sandwich at the NYC deli was twice the price here). Still the MOST INCREDIBLE AMAZING WELCOMING service you will ever experience. Dina, the owner who runs the front, makes you feel like you've pulled up a chair at her own kitchen. Loves to talk and gets to know you. I'm always a fan of seeing a restaurant acknowledge their regulars it just makes such a positive vibe and Dina welcomes them by name so tells you how often they frequent. Still located in a tiny business mall and if it weren't for the red on the sign you might miss it. Still cash only. Still the safest place on the planet as it is frequented by every form of law enforcement possible from BP, SDPD, CVPD, to the MIB (seeing if you're still with me). Its great that they support and receive support from first responders. If you want a satisfying deli experience stop by. I suggest....well everything.

Photos
Fresh flowers on tables at Beyer Deli!
Fresh flowers on tables at Beyer Deli!
Fernando Special Quesadilla
Fernando Special Quesadilla
Indoor seating

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Indoor seating
Big Front Door

Big Front Door

4.4
(908 reviews)
9.4 mi
$$

My new favorite sandwich spot! Portions are proper, ingredients are fresh, and prices affordable…read more Tucked in University Heights there's convenient parking out front. There's and indoor/outdoor area so pet-friendly! They also have a dog treat they make in house as well David and all of the staff today were incredibly welcoming. The chicken salad sandwich was so full and toasted to perfection, the wasabi beef was flavorful and also did not lack protein!

This place is one of the top 5 best sandwich shops in San Diego hands down. They also serve salads,…read moresoups, and some awesome sides. I heard they're going to start serving beer and wine soon as well! *Best 1st-timer options*: The Keeper (if you like it spicy) or the L.G.B.T. My favorite hot sandwiches are the Cali Cubano, B3, and The Keeper, while my favorite cold sandwiches are the Avocado Highway, L.G.B.T. (lettuce, gouda, bacon, tomato), and Caprese. My favorite salads are the Grapevine and Duck Cranberry. For sides I recommend the potato salad and tomato basil bisque. The aioli they use is to die for -- can't hurt to get a side of it with any sandwich! The restaurant is situated on the corner of Park Blvd. and Polk Ave. (more generally, it's on the strip of Park Blvd. between University Ave. and El Cajon Blvd.). There is usually a good amount of parking on Park Blvd. and Polk Ave., which is nice. The space has a simple-yet-tasteful modern design and interior, is always clean, with friendly and helpful staff. Great for lunch hour or a weekend date. Update: Came back today with my friend and we ordered the B3 and the Turkey & Cheddar Mousse sandwiches, plus sides of potato salad and cucumber salad, and a double chocolate cookie with pistachio and sea salt. Everything was really good, but the Turkey & Cheddar Mousse sandwich was the star of the show. The cookie was great too. We both agreed the potato salad could use some salt, but besides that it was a solid meal all around.

Photos
Ordering area
Ordering area
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Checkout area

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Checkout area
Siesel's Old Fashioned Meats

Siesel's Old Fashioned Meats

4.2
(506 reviews)
7.4 mi
$$$

Been going here for years. Great sandwiches and always, always helped by a friendly team!…read more Their sandwiches are our go-to for picnics and beach days. They also have a great selection of potato salads and pasta salads. Love that it's a one-stop shop for our picnics and beach days!

I have been coming here forever. It is not cheap but the quality of everything here is fantastic…read more This is a real butcher shop. There aren't many left in San Diego. Other than its sister store, Iowa Meat Farms, Tip Top Meats in Carlsbad (yes, they have returned), and the Wise Ox, also in Carlsbad, there are hardly any real butcher shops around. But these guys know what they are doing. Try their burgers and meatloaf. They are easy to cook at home. Try their steaks. You can get a legitimately excellent steak here for a fraction of what you would pay at a steakhouse and it will be BETTER than the steakhouse version. Make sure you ask the counter guys to season it for you before they wrap it up. Try their freshly-made sandwiches. Make sure you try their beans behind the deli counter. Their pimento dip in the refrigerated area is legendary and more addictive than crack (or so I have read). They have interesting sodas, craft beers, different mustards, El Indio chips, fresh breads, and a small but very well-curated wine selection. Is there anything they do not do well here? "No," is the answer to that question. They do everything well here. They have their own parking lot but it fills up quickly. There is not much other parking in the area. In the past, I have walked several blocks away in the residential neighborhood to get to the store when there is no parking available. And it was worth it.

Photos
If ever the phrase "A little slice of heaven" were appropriate, this is it.
If ever the phrase "A little slice of heaven" were appropriate, this is it.
Siesel's Old Fashioned Meats
Siesel's Old Fashioned Meats

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Creative Deli - delis - Updated July 2026

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