Captain's Log, Stardate 21509.7 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! read more

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

We came here to eat dinner as we were excited to try the food. We came in and were sat immediately. We met our waiter who was very nice. We were brought fresh half sour pickles. That was very nice of them. However, they were just ok. We then ordered our food. I got the Reuben and my wife got a Reuben with pastrami. We also ordered the potato's latkes. The food came fast and we were excited. The Reuben was good. Corn beef was fatty how it should be. Pastrami was good not better than the corn beef. The meat size was ok. However, again for 20 plus dollars I expected more than meat on 75% of the bread and the other parts empty. The fries were good. Not seasoned much. The potato latkes were a let down for me. They were extremely greasy. They were falling apart which means the oil wasn't hot enough before they put them in. We then went to the dessert side. We got 5 different desserts. We got a tiramisu, baklava, toffee brittle cream filled thing, cannoli, black and white cookie and blue berry scone. The tiramisu was a let down. Strong after taste. Not the best. The baklava was ok. But the best. Toffee brittle cream thing was good but little too sweet. The black and white cookie was dry and not much flavor. The cannoli was ok. Small and not bursting with flavor and the blue berry scone was good. I was kinda disappointed as a whole. The meal alone no dessert was over 104 dollars for 3 sandwiches and latkes. read more

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On 7 May this year, roughly somewhere in the late afternoon closer to the evening, my grandpa and I stopped by here because, well... we needed something to eat. We figured this restaurant would serve us well for what it's worth. We had since discovered that depending on which section you were seated on, you may or may not get lacklustre service. This visit was such the latter case. Our waitress, who I believed to be named "Charlotte", unless of course I absolutely misread or misremembered the name, did not seem to recognise nor care for us, despite the amount of dough we put into their entire business (outside of their souvenir shop). Long story short: she was incredibly slow to get our drinks, and even slower to take our order. Meanwhile, she was more than willing to give a much more expedient service and a pleasant conversation to other customers and even her co-workers. At first with the initial service, I was worried about when she'd get on over here within the first five or so minutes to take our drink orders. Heck, even when I requested a refill for my water, she told us "give me a few minutes" as loud and clear as it were. But it wasn't until we were eating where she promptly asked the table behind us for their drinks, AS SOON AS THEY WERE SAT DOWN. That's when I got absolutely infuriated, and felt that my suspicions about her unpleasant and passive-aggressive behaviour were proven to be true. Keep in mind: it was practically dead, not even remotely busy during that day and time of day, with only but about eight customers in TOTAL, including us. The food was okay, I will say, but this time, I just didn't feel like I could take on the whole food order like I usually had done in the past. Whether it was because I slurped too much of that shake, or because I was being treated very poorly with my friend, one would have to take a stab in the dark on that one. We left extremely bitter about the situation, and we even thought a $10 tip was far too generous for the terrible treatment we received from our waitress around that day; we usually tip much higher than that. I've since been very uneasy about coming here even to pick up some fresh bagels from the bakery. read more

I've been coming here for years and they never disappoint. The restaurant is an old New York style coffee shop with a bakery attached. I've tried so many different dishes here I can't remember them all but the biggest standout for me is their pastrami sandwich on rye. Good lord. So good. Tub of pickles on the table is perfect for a couple before your meal comes. Service is great, place is clean and busy. They have a deli where you can get sliced anything to take home. You can get treats at the bakery like cookies of ALL types, cream puffs, eclairs a multitude of cakes (chocolate, cheesecakes,etc) and loaves of just about any kind of bread you want. Exactly what you'd expect from a Jewish bakery. Oh, and they have a cute little gift shop as well. Love coming here for the food and atmosphere. read more

This was my 1st visit here. Often pass by it on the freeway. This place is huge with a large dining area, bakery, and deli. The hostess was friendly and quickly sat us. Our server Veronica was very friendly and helpful. She recommended the Reuben sandwich which I ended up going with with a side of onion rings. The Reuben was okay for me compared to some really good ones that I've had. The onion rings were really good. My husband went with the Ortega roast beef with a side of steak fries. He really enjoyed it. The roast beef had good flavor. After we stopped at the bakery and bought some desserts to go. I'm excited to try the homemade ding dong. read more

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Best Jewish deli ever!! A must eat at place. My go to every time I'm in town. Love the corned beef, matzo ball soup, pickles, and various bakery items!! Friendly staff. Fun music. Not too Lund. Family friendly. read more

DZ Akin's - Delis Near Me - San Diego, California

Stopped by DZ Akin's, a classic Jewish deli, because my boyfriend has a big sweet tooth and wanted to try their bakery items and wow, their menu is huge! He loved everything we picked out, especially the German chocolate ding dong, carrot cake, and cannolis. It does get pretty busy but you take a number and wait to be called to order. The line does move along pretty quickly. We also tried the lox bagel. It had a generous amount of cream cheese, just wasn't my personal favorite, but I'm definitely excited to come back and try more. The staff was friendly too. One of the ladies joked we'd be back the next day, and while it wasn't the next day, we did come back a week later for more goodies. I've got my eye on the tres leches cake next, but heads up, they don't serve it by the slice. If you've got a sweet tooth, this is definitely a spot to check out! read more

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Wow, it took us a long time to finally try this place! We are about 1hr 20min depending on traffic from this place. We arrived around 6:30-7pm on a Friday. It was quite busy, it almost looked like a full house. As soon as you enter you will see the gift shop off to the right and in front is a deli case and bakery case. Off to the left you will find the cashier. We were seated just after a few minutes waiting at the cashier. I felt this area was congested with people coming from the deli/bakery section and then people coming to the register to pay for their meal. The decor is dated and the walls are lined with pic's of celebrities who had visited the restaurant. We were a bit overwhelmed with the menu. After few minutes of looking over the menu I went with the country steak with over easy eggs, steak fries and a bagel with cream cheese. I saw the list of desserts! I was looking forward to dessert! I'm glad I had ordered the gravy on the side. The gravy was not a flavor I was expecting. My husband liked it, and I liked his gravy for his meal. Not only was my gravy not the flavor I was looking to try on my Country Steak, but my Country steak was not crispy. Although the country steak had great flavor! The egg was cooked perfectly . I never did get my bagel during my meal but I did request to go. I had it the next morning and it was soft and the cream cheese was basic, but good. We were stuffed so we decided no dessert this time around. Service was good, it could have been better. Our server was busy and catered to the table behind us but only after dropping our food and checking with us one time. He lost us I think even though he served the table behind us. Thankfully he was nice because that could have affected the rating too. read more

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From the moment we arrived, the experience was enjoyable. The atmosphere was welcoming, the staff was attentive without being intrusive. I had the Reuben and it was amazing. The pickles are INSANELY good. Jen, our waitress had my water filled before the ice had settled in the bottom of the glass. First Impression of San Diego food was a great one! read more

DZ Akin's - Specials. - Delis Near Me - San Diego, California

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Looking for Kosher treats?! DZ akins in it. Want a full meal to go with those treats just around the corner from the windows of snacks is a full sit down id say diner style good eats. The service for the most part is great. Catching them on a busy weekend lunch is expected so plan accordingly! read more

Always consistently great! Generous portions, friendly staff, extensive menu! Food is authentic/ great. A cute little gift shop worth a visit too. Loyal customer since it opened 1980, I think it was, I've never been disappointed. read more

DZ Akins of D.Z. Akin's Deli are Zvika and Debbie Akin, the married couple who founded the iconic San Diego Jewish deli in 1980. The "D.Z." in the name stands for their first names. This couple met in LA, where there are over a dozen Jewish delis but realized very few in San Diego and that's the beginning of the DZ Akins deli saga...from LA to San Deigo. This is my overdue review for my multiple visits to DZ Akins, a restaurant, deli, bakery and caterer in La Mesa, the eastern area of San Diego. Plenty of free parking in the lot. This deli has been here since 1980, has undergone some renovations to increase indoor seating but I did notice no windows and the low hanging ceiling which did not appeal to me and only heightened my claustrophobia. Although the diners were lively, it seemed crowded stuffy and lacked fresh air...not a particularly pleasant ambiance. I was glad there were umbrella shaded patio seating where I can enjoy the fresh air, blue skies and sunshine with my baby Fendi was a lovely ambience. Service staff and waitress were all accommodating, nice and helpful. This deli's claim of fame are their soups and sandwiches all New York deli style. My deli order usual: matzo ball soup, no noodles, no chicken, only matzo ball, carrots and broth. A pastrami overstuffed and sky high. After the first soup tasting, it hit the spot, so flavorful, yet clear and cleaning tasting. The matzo ball was made just right, with no taste of chicken fat, as I have tasted at other delis. The carrots cooked perfectly, not too soft or hard, looked and tasted fresh. The pastrami Reuben was half pastrami and corned beef, not too fatty, seasoned perfectly and just delish with a schmear of french mustard. Of course, I over ordered because my eyes are larger than my tummy, so I finished the soup but only had a bite of the sandwich and boxed it Togo. Next time, will order the half portions. Every time I was here, I order and eat first and had plans for a visit to the bakery. After feeling so full, I lost interest on ordering any more food, let alone goodies from the bakery, therefore cannot comment on it but if the food I had was delish , I have no doubt the baked goods are fantastic. Worth a visit. Recommend read more

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I want to personally thank Lily for taking my reservation for 5 P.M., as I had friends from Northern California came down to San Diego. When I arrived today, she immediately welcomed and showed me where my table was for my family and guests. My server's name was Meesh and she greeted us with a warm and pleasing personality. When we ordered our food, some of my guests wanted to know about the food they ordered. Meesh explained in detail and was well versed about the menu and my guests and I did appreciate what she did for us. We were surprised when the food came to our table fairly quickly. My guests were very satisfied with their food and the brisket sandwiches, aujus, potato salad, etc: Very spacious and roomy in the restaurant .We did not feel cramped and that is another reason why I chose DZ Akins. Constructive concerns about my meal. I ordered the Brisket with Kasha, brown gravy and vegetables which had Broccoli, Carrots and Cauliflower. Summary: The vegetables were discolored due to being over boiled and laying out for a long time on the steam table. They should have been steamed in a steamer. The Brisket was tough because they used the wrong cooking method to cook the Brisket. It was not pink but it had a dry look and was tough. They did not cook it long enough and if they took the temperature with the thermometer they would have realized it should have been tender when the probe was inserted into the meat. They did not. The kasha was dry and the noodles could have been cooked longer and it was not eye appealing. The Brown gravy was good. I have had breakfast and lunch meals on several occasions at the restaurant and they were spectacular! Unfortunately, at night, when I ordered the steak in the past, which was about three months ago, it was tough. I would hope your expediter (Waiter or Waitress ) are checking these plates out for eye appeal, color and texture and if they forget ,then the manager or kitchen manager needs to get involved and fix the recurrent issues at the dinner service. Ed read more

Been coming here for 30 years or so, food is consistently very good. Service is fine, freshly brewed iced tea, biggest traditional Jewish deli in the San Diego area, what more could you ask for? Also tried their fish and chips lunch special which comes with coleslaw and tartar sauce and it was freshly prepared and delicious! Also not heavy, surprisingly light. read more

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Our family has dined here for decades and will keep coming back! We are obsessed with the pickles, Reuben, pastrami, sweet and sour soup, barley soup, and much more. Service is excellent! Our server this past visit was above and beyond with anticipating our needs by providing a larger booth for our party, timing was perfect for refills and service. Dining here feels like going to your family's house for some comfort home cooking. Always save room or plan to take a box of baked goodies home with you! Also gift shop is full of eclectic items for any occasion. read more

DZ Akin's - Interior - Delis Near Me - San Diego, California

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After experiencing excellent cold cut and salad platters from DZ Akin's at a funeral luncheon, we decided to meet friends here for dinner on a Sunday evening. There are several dining rooms with booths and tables, and a single cashier station for all payments. [Full Disclosure: We enjoyed the best Jewish delis when we lived back East and worked in Manhattan.] Based on recommendations, my wife looked forward to the Beef Liver and Onions (2/5 $21.95). It was a disappointment. The grilled beef liver was a generous amount smothered in grilled onions, but the liver was overcooked and dry. We asked for vegetables rather than mashed potatoes. They were undercooked and flavorless. I opted for a sandwich -- Hot Corned Beef, Swiss, Cole Slaw served open-faced on an onion roll with Russian Dressing (3/5 $20.95). Sorry to say, the corned beef was not hot, and melted Swiss cheese would an improvement. The onion roll was very good. I did enjoy the side of Potato Salad (4/5). Black coffee was weak (2/5), and our server was inattentive with refills. We asked our server about the cheesecake for dessert -- specifically, was it a true New York style cheesecake. She told us it was, and we ordered a slice to share with cherries to share. Sorry, but the Cheesecake (2/5 $11.95) was not authentic New York cheesecake ... and overpriced for the slice. Before leaving, we stopped at the deli cases and bought some Chopped Chicken Livers (3/5) and Cole Slaw (4/5) to go. So ... overall our experience with DZ Akin's has been Fair. It is more diner than Jewish deli. That said, however, we look forward to trying it for breakfast. read more

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I grew up in a Jewish area of NYC, so my food preferences were established early. I never expected to find a excellent, authentic NY deli in San Diego, but here it is Go for the pastrami, but also enjoy the latkes, the kasha varnishkes, and the NY cheesecake. read more

The server makes all the difference. Darik was great and extremely helpful. He answered all of the questions. He made sure that the ice tea glasses were always filled. He had a terrific sense of humor. The food is still good. The portions are large. The latkes are not as good as home made. The sweet and sour cabbage soup was excellent. The potatoes knish is missing something. The sandwiches are very good. Darik made a nice night out with friends an easy experience. read more

DZ Akin's - Hotcakes at DZ Akins - Delis Near Me - San Diego, California

The food was delicious, it hit the spot. Obviously we have leftovers. The waiter was fantastic and it was super busy. Old fashioned Jewish Deli. Hidden gem. read more

DZ Akin's - Half a turkey sandwich on challah bread, matzah ball soup and miss mash soup. Delicious. - Delis Near Me - San Diego, California

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We want to bring more family here and walked around 6pm fairly busy in the dining rooms For a Monday night. Are server was Linda again and she was patient with everyone. The soup and bread came out first man a huge pile of butter was next to a stack of assorted breads. Gee's that soup chicken an dumpling was tasty and so good We tasted it Next time I'm getting the soup of the day We were 4 of us so it was Linda brought our drinks 3 root beers and waters for all I ordered Chicken Salad 1 scoop It was big And cole slaw lettuce and tomato's sliced all around 1 half of the salad with carrots and cucumbers I really was hungry I took home half and my bagel Our niece ordered the chicken melt That was big too She had a side salad She enjoy it too and our buddy ordered Chicken fried steak that steak was gone and a baked potato with all the fixing too We did Our niece got a new job was time to celebrate We got her a brownie we'll share tonite for dessert And cinnamon roll for her breakfast And we got peanut butter cookie And apple danish for our buddy For his coffee in the morning read more

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Saturday 6/27/2026 I absolutely love this restaurant and will always keep coming back! However, during my latest visit, my latkes were VERY greasy--all I could taste was the oil. I should have sent them back, but I didn't want to make a fuss.On the bright side, my side of bacon was cooked perfectly, and my friend and I shared a truly delicious cinnamon roll. It was generously filled with raisins and nuts, and topped with plenty of icing. My friend also had a turkey sandwich and said it was fantastic.Make no mistake, I will return with the hope that my next visit will feature their perfectly cooked latkes! read more

Patty melt was beyond amazing, adding mustard made it even better. I always get baked treats before I leave too, I love this place

The wife and I left the gym and were hungry so we went to DZ Akin's to get some breakfast, I'm born and raised in San Diego and have never eaten here so I wanted to give it a go. My wife ordered the French toast and I ordered the chicken fried steak and egg which came with home fries and the option of toast ,pancakes and biscuits and gravy so I went with the biscuits and gravy and a side of cornedbeef hash. The food was decent I loved the home fries not enough people doing that, the biscuits and gravy was good once you added hot sauce and everything else was just your typical diner fare . We were told the sandwhich special was a Reuben and it was normally priced at 22 dollars and it was 18 on Tuesdays so we grabbed it and that's the best thing there. So get the sandwhich and some home fries. read more

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We randomly came in on a Sunday evening. Always heard this is a must try. Breakfast for dinner, DZ Akins breakfast, pancakes big, but dry, asked for butter when the food runner brought the food out, never received it until waiter came out. He said the food runner didn't speak English and apologized. Eggs not bad and sausage was good. My girl got a salad, 1/2 the lettuce was wilted, not worth finishing. Id try the place one more time, maybe it was too close to closing time and we got the B team food and service. Waiter discounted without us saying anything, I think he knew... read more

Traditional deli with great bakery selections to choose from. We got a couple scones, mixed rugelach, dot sprinkle cookies, & a challah & rye bread to go. read more

P I really like getting the pastrami sandwich here. It is really big so I split it with my friend. The service here is the best. These people have been working here for many decades. The ambience is like a Jewish deli. read more

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DZ Akins - We have often frequented this lovely little "restaurant with attitude" - ie. a wonderful attitude of "whatever the customer wants" and this time was no different. My hubby accidentally ordered the beef liver rather than Debbie's (the owner) famous chopped liver. When I came back to share that mistake he made, "Veronica" quickly rectified the situation with that 'can-do wherever you wish' attitude we appreciate now and always. read more

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These wonderful people will treat you right and feed you well! Atmosphere is a real Jewish deli like you can find in LA. The lox, the pickled herring, the PERFECT medium rare roast beef, the whole roast chicken (which only costs $10.95!), all of them are must haves any time I'm in the vicinity of DZ Akins. read more

Had the breakfast special last week and came back for more! Last visit, Tonya waited on us but we didn't catch her name. I looked for her but did not see her immediately when being seated. We got seated in her section again! She is terrific!! She's fun, friendly and knows the menu! She says she has worked here for 29 years!! This time, we added the cinnamon roll and a cinnamon/raisin bun. OY VEY!! We will be back for those again, too! Love the vibe and the ambience, and of course the 5 star customer service!!!!! And I'll be sure to ask for Tonya next time!!! read more

DZ Akin's - Tonya is fantastic! Ask for her! She makes the dining experience really enjoyable and she has great recommendations!! - Delis Near Me - San Diego, California

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We visit D.Z. ATKINS every time we visit our daughter and her family. This was our 50 th anniversary celebration and we enjoyed the food and services. They never disappoint. read more

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I ordered a Pastrami and Corned Beef sandwich add coleslaw. The flavor was good, but I was shocked by how little meat was in the sandwich, especially considering all the pictures that show big sandwiches. At about $24 for the sandwich with the added coleslaw on it, it was not worth it. The photo shows half the sandwich read more

DZ Akin's - Delis Near Me - San Diego, California

Food: Ordered my fav. #97 Whitefish Salad Sandwich on toasted rye- tasted fresh, not too salty. Mac salad just right w/tangy dressing. Service: Server attentive, polite w/a gently efficient vibe. Hostess amenable to my choice of seating. Ambience: Familiar coziness in midst of mild cacophony enveloped by luscious bakery/deli temptations. Highly Recommended read more

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Went to DC Akins this morning for breakfast. I had this special scrambled eggs, pancakes, two slices of bacon and a cup of coffee. My wife had two scrambled eggs, bacon, and French toast. Service was outstanding. The gal that helped us was very sweet and very quick and the food was excellent tasting. Ambience is that of an old restaurant with celebrities all over the wall. My only complaint was my meal was $9.99 and my wife's was $17.99. The difference was pancakes versus French toast. Then my coffee was half the price of my breakfast but I guess that's the way it's everywhere nonetheless we got out of there for about $35 can't do that anywhere else and the food service was great. read more

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$100. 4 ppl. Famous Brunch. The plate was loaded and weighed about 8lbs. We didn't finish it. We only got 5 bagels and not 6, no biggie, but the server did us a solid when we asked to have the bagel cut twice and not just once. She did a good job with our table. When you walk over the threshold, expect to walk into the past. Pass the New York deli / bakery and into the old school diner. On the way out we stopped for a bag of bagel chips ($3.50). Woth it and do it again. Pro tip- light mist of olive oil and a dusting of shredded parm. Yum. Then got a 1lb box of cookies. ($13.+). That box didn't make it home safely. All the plates on the tables looked pretty darn good. "I'll be back...." read more

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There's two sides to this place. The restaurant and then the butcher / pastry / goods to take home / mini shop side. It's like all things in nice. Came late on a weekend near closing time and could've have been treated more warmly and nicely. Usually you're rushed in these situations but they told me to take my time and asked what taste was I feeling and started offing suggestions. Coming in from the pitch dark to the place which is very bright gave me a boost of energy. It is absolutely packed with energy and products. It's a U shape sized area with one side mostly for meats and sandwiches and the other side for pastries. Went with the Philly cheesesteak to go and a few pastries. The cheesesteak left a lot to be desired. I think it was overhyped up by the staff (I also have high standards being from the east coast). It was a bit dry in spots but I chalk it up to it mostly being end of service and that's the best you'll get. But overall, I just thought it was just average. It's supposed to be a combo of rich, savory, and creamy with a bit of tang and while at times it was there, it just never all came together unfortunately all in the same bite. Because they have over 100 sandwiches and 30 plus desserts easily, I'd definitely come back. Probably won't eat in the restaurant side but the mini mart side will see my face again. There's just too much to try! read more

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Today we went for a women's outing to have have deli. I remember it being much better. I ordered a corned beef sandwich lean. The bread was tasteless and the beef was so so. The Russian dressing was bland. And what happened to the pickles. Absolutely no flavor at all. That will be the last time I visit. Expensive and flavorless. read more

After three months I never heard back from DZ Akins. Poor management and zero follow up . Lifelong customers lost because of two sandwiches. Pitiful! read more

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The service and food is not at all what it used to be. We noticed the other tables were greeted, served and provided the complimentary pickles as soon as they sat down. While we were waiting for our food, we asked the waitress if we could get a couple of the pickles and she didn't even look at us while we asked, body didn't even turn towards us, her back and side was towards us with her looking forward. It was weird to be honest. Also, don't let the piled meat fool you. They pile the meat in the middle of the sandwich and cut it, so the bread is completely empty and you have to take it apart and make it yourself to eat it somewhat normally. So so disappointing. read more

DZ Akin's - They put the meat in the middle and cut it... 8. Pastrami, Roast Beef and Swiss Cheese Sandwich - Delis Near Me - San Diego, California

I really wanted to like it. There was an issue with my patty melt. I kindly brought up the issue. They gladly made another one and I know they sincerely wanted to make me happy, but the second one still had the same issue. I didn't want to mention the issue so I just said whatever. I just probably won't come back. read more