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    Creative Deli

    4.3 (72 reviews)
    InexpensiveDelis
    Open 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

    Creative Deli Photos

    Business Info

    CREATIVE DELI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Creative Deli

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
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    Reviews With Photos

    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
    Cynthia B.

    I ordered the Carne Asada Torta while my hubby order the Chicken Diavolo Sandwich so we could share halves. We were definitely pleased with both! Food was filling, tasty, and they are VERY generous with avocado (my fav)! We come here often and try something new each time! We've never been disappointed!

    Grenade Sandwich

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    5 years ago

    Amazing vege burritos!!! And service is quick 5 out of 5!! They also have sandwiches and home made brownies!

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    16 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Love coming to creative deli on my lunch break. Always quick and great food!! They have specials every day too!

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    8 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    17 years ago

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    13 years ago

    Chicken pesto is OK. But the brownie is rock solid. This has become my go-to for lunch.

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    16 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    17 years ago

    I love this little place. They have really good sandwiches and wraps! It is a great place to grab lunch when you are at work.

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    16 years ago

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    15 years ago

    Chicken club sandwhich was terrific! A bit too much mayo but good.

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    10 years ago

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    13 years ago

    The quality of meat is not the greatest, which is critical at any sandwich shop. Otherwise OK.

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    10 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Very good sandwiches with a wide variety of options to choose from. You don't leave hungry.

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    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - Creative Deli

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    The Girls Deli

    The Girls Deli

    4.7
    (469 reviews)
    9.4 mi
    $$

    I wanted something quick for lunch and saw that this had good reviews so decided to check it out…read more It's located in the back of the liquor store and once you place your order you can pay up front. I went with a godfather sandwich and the first thing I noticed is that the sandwich is absolutely stuffed. They are not shy about putting meat in here which I appreciate as sometimes sandwich spots give a less than desirable amount. I was also surprised at how good the Dutch crunch I chose tasted (it had a slight chew but was also fluffy at the same time). It definitely wasn't the cheapest sandwich (after tax it was around 19 bucks) but based on the ingredients and amount of meat I'd say it's fair value!

    Street parking only. Some metered and others 2 hour parking. Located in the back of a liquor store…read more Order at the back and walk to the front to pay at the register. Prices do not include tax or credit card surcharge which was 75 cents. Staff at the deli were friendly. Some seating outside. Very long wait due to massive amount of mobile orders. I wish staff would have mentioned the long wait. Sandwiches are advertised as $16.99 but after tax and credit card fee they are $19. Tried: Godfather - Dutch crunch bread tasted raw/undercooked. I wish I would have picked a different bread as it ruined the sandwich. There was very little meat compared to pictures posted on their instagram and by influencers (must have gotten double meat). Overall flavor was just okay but I would avoid the Dutch crunch bread or maybe ask for it toasted?

    Photos
    Owner making our sandwiches and chatting with us
    Owner making our sandwiches and chatting with us
    Godfather Sandwich
    Godfather Sandwich
    San Diegan Psycho

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    San Diegan Psycho
    Fatboy's Deli & Spirits

    Fatboy's Deli & Spirits

    4.5
    (908 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.

    Street parking only, some metered some free w/2 hour limit. Walk in and order at the deli counter…read more Pay at the register and pick up next to the register. They have signs that say 'order' and 'pick up'. Each sandwich comes with a pickle and either Mac salad or potato salad. This is a grab and go place, small exterior seating. Was quoted 15 mins but it was done in about 5. Lots of interesting chip and drink flavors sold here. Tried: North Park Club on sourdough $15.99 - the sourdough was amazing. Get it toasted! Brought the sandwich home and it was still good and not soggy. Pickle spear was good. Can't rate the potato salad cus I'm not really a fan but it was a little crunchy. This is a must try. Avoid other deli's in north park area. This one was less expensive and tasted better! I'll be back.

    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
    $$

    The menu is huge and has something for everyone! So good. Love the feeling of the Jewish deli…read morerestaurant. One of my favorite places!

    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!

    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
    (890 reviews)
    22.6 mi
    $$

    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.

    Delicious sandwiches and great price! Very generous portions and everything tastes fresh…read more You gotta try their New Yorker- one of the best pastrami sandwiches in San Diego. Hot and delicious is one of the best turkey sandwiches we've had. Definitely recommend! Lots of parking in the plaza. Cash only! Family owned and very kind people.

    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
    (903 reviews)
    9.4 mi
    $$

    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.

    Big Front Door has quickly become a new favorite for sandwiches, and visiting two days in a row…read moremade that very clear. On the first visit, Zack provided exceptional care and attention while helping navigate food allergies. Zack took the time to carefully check ingredients, double-check preparations, and personally come back out to verify everything to ensure safety. That level of care made the experience feel genuinely welcoming and stress-free. The chicken sandwich was fresh, satisfying, and thoughtfully balanced. Juicy chicken, ripe tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a bright splash of oil and vinegar came together beautifully on Big Front Door's roll, which had a great texture and held everything together well. The flavors were clean and vibrant. A little extra salt would have pushed it over the top for a salt-lover, but that came down to personal preference rather than any shortcoming. A dining companion ordered the avocado sandwich and could not stop raving about it, praising both the flavor and the freshness. The outdoor seating area deserves special mention. The shaded space was perfect as I do have sun allergies, especially for anyone who prefers relief from direct sun. The care taken in food preparation added an extra layer of comfort and trust. The second visit somehow raised the bar even higher. Micah went above and beyond to accommodate physical ability needs with patience, attentiveness, and genuine kindness. That effort did not go unnoticed and made the experience feel deeply respectful and inclusive. The roasted chicken sandwich ordered on the second visit was phenomenal. The roasted chicken was tender, savory, and full of depth, elevating the sandwich even further. Adding a bit of extra salt brought all the ingredients into perfect harmony, making every bite more satisfying than the last. This sandwich has officially earned a spot as a new favorite sandwich. Big Front Door was amazing not just for delicious, thoughtfully prepared food, but for the people who work there. Zack and Micah created an environment where care, kindness, and respect were clearly prioritized. No moment felt rushed, dismissive, or uncomfortable. At no point did anyone make the experience feel like a burden or inconvenience. A sincere thank-you also goes to the team members who prepared the food. Even without knowing names, the care taken to keep guests safer while serving delicious nourishment was evident and deeply appreciated. Big Front Door comes highly recommended for the flavorful sandwiches, the shaded outdoor space, the welcoming atmosphere, outstanding customer service, and the genuine kindness shown at every action.

    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
    (505 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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