When you come here, you'll meet Fred. He's a welcoming and kind business owner who runs the kind of establishment you hope for in the local downtown neighborhood. Looks like he's been a main stay at the Jewelry District building for some time. If you want a freshly made sandwich, he's your guy? My visit today was part of rescuing a lunch from TGTG and I have to say I was impressed. Upon arriving, Fred let me know that he would make my sandwich, fresh: a chicken salad on fresh hoagie roll with lettuce and tomatoes. Chicken salad is one of my favorites and it was delicious! This deal also came with the soup of the day which was cracked wheat and mushroom, along with a generous helping of macaroni salad. All were excellent. If you're craving a sandwich and you are in downtown, this hidden gem should be your next stop. Take your sandwich and find a beautiful spot along the Embarcadero and enjoy the San Diego sun! Thank you, Fred, I will definitely be back! read more

Freds Lunch Bag Deli - Half of my chicken salad sandwich since I already scarfed the other half, cracked wheat and mushroom soup, macaroni salad. - Delis Near Me - San Diego, California

These are the kind of unique spots that make a city special. Located in the back of a building full of jewelry shops, Fred's is a small, no frills place to get a good sandwich. Fred is actually working the counter, very friendly and it seems everyone knows him personally. I ordered two super California sandwiches and the plain manoush, three chips, two canned sodas and some stuffed grape leaves. Every sandwich comes with free, homemade soup while it lasts. My total was $40. Great deal in my opinion. Everything is simple and delicious in that homemade kind of way; nothing fancy, but comforting and satisfying. It's only a block from a hotel I stay at regularly so I'd definitely come back. read more

See all

I just had an amazing turkey sandwich and soup from Fred's and I'll tell you it's my first time but not my last. The gentleman behind the counter was very nice and greeted me with a smile. It's a small place that gives you the neighborhood store vibe..warm and friendly. Everything was good and I highly recommend it. read more

This is quite a little gem! Tucked away behind a couple jewelry stores with just a little sign pointing to deli. The sandwiches here are fantastic and reasonably priced. You get free chips or soup, I recommend to try the lentil soup, it's very flavorful! No indoor seating. read more

Nice guy. Good homemade soup. It's hidden behind a jewelry store. The sandwiches looked good. Will try next time. Check it out. read more

Freds Lunch Bag Deli - Reheating at my home. - Delis Near Me - San Diego, California

I had a very poor experience here. I ordered off an app called Too Good to Go, which is a great app that allows people to save food from going to waste by showing up somewhere right before they close and getting food that would otherwise have been thrown out. The catch is you can't pick what food you get, and you have to show up at a particular time. I had good experiences with the app elsewhere, but this was not one of them. I paid $4, which should have gotten me $10-$12 worth of food that otherwise would have been thrown out. Instead, what I got was one cup of chicken soup that seems like it came out of a can, and two packets of saltines. The equivalent of maybe $3.50? This is abusing the app, to basically give someone slightly less than what they paid. On top of it, the location seemed dirty and unappetizing. I would avoid this place, especially if you're using the Too Good to Go app. read more

Fred's is a hidden little gem in the back of a jewelry exchange building. Sandwiches are killer and reasonably priced. Each sandwich comes with a free home made bowl of soup also. Fred is always behind the counter making the sandwiches and I've had nothing but great service from him. This is one of my go to sandwich spots in San Diego. read more

Super small place, but the traditional deli taste you need. Yummy lentil soup on Fridays.

I was working at WeWork San Diego and wanted to find a local deli that was affordable. Fred's popped up on search and I decided to give it a try. The lunch combo was around $12 for a hot sandwich, chips, and a drink. Fred was there himself and obviously has built a reputation with the locals, which I really loved to see. The deli almost feels like a bodega, it's so simple but you can tell everyone loves it and so did I. He was really friendly despite being very busy and flooded with customer. I appreciated that. My hot tuna sandwich was delicious and honestly a great meal after a long day of morning meetings. I would definitely go back and try more things on the menu in the future. Support this local business! read more

Food is really good, fresh and tasty. Service is very friendly and fast. I recommend it to everybody who wants a fast bite and very reasonable prices too. read more

Fred's is definitely a hidden treasure inside of Jewelry Exchange (pun intended), and I'm so glad Yelp led me here! It's run by the owner, Fred, and everything is homemade and fresh. We ordered the Super California and the Super Delicious, and it came with complimentary homemade chicken fajita rice soup. Everything was flavorful, and even the mayo was jazzed up! Veggies were fresh and crunchy, and the combination of it all resulted in some very happy bellies. While we were waiting for our sandwiches, another customer came in and said, "Aw man, no more cookies?! You have to put a limit on how many people can buy, Fred!" Guess who have to go back and try the cookies sometime too haha read more

See all

I asked for a bagel with cream cheese and I found a hair in my bagel but the interesting thing is the man is bald so it leaves me wondering where the hair could have possibly came from . read more

We were in line today to order. We witnessed Fred handling money , opening the microwave , grabbing chicken with bare hands at the same time. This is a health hazard. If you don't want food poisoning or worst, avoid this place !!!!! read more

This was a great sandwich, and I got to see it being made right in front of me. Fred's is not a restaurant, just a quaint little joint inside a building offering food, snacks and drinks. I got the California Super on toasted Rye. Damn good! Great service. If I worked in DT SD I would frequent Fred's quite often. read more

See all

I ordered off too good to go, which I only received 1 item which itself is fine since the items aren't guaranteed, however knowing that people get a free soup with the purchase of a sandwich after I paid 4.30 for one thing... not great. On top of that, I had trouble finding the place and I had called and tried to ask where the location was because there is no sign that says where it is so I figured as a professional business you would be used to people calling and being able to provide directions. However no, the man on the phone was very rude and he just kept saying "it's easy" in an annoyed tone, I said over the phone "it's not easy because there's no posted sign outside." which then he proceeded to hang up on me. After I entered the store the guy all of a sudden was nice probably because he was embarrassed from that bad encounter. Too good to go is the only reason I came here and at least I know not to come back. I definitely wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. read more

We went on the strength of Yelp reviews and were not disappointed. The breakfast croissants, combo burrito, and deluxe manoush were all devoured by our hungry crew. Be aware, Fred works his magic in a tiny closet sized space. There is no place to sit or eat. If you have a big order you may want to call it in. read more

Homemade soup...need I say more-Ok, I will...FREE soup with purchase of a sandwich! that makes me a happy girl. This little deli is tucked away in the Jewlery Building on 6th (enter go left and make a quick right and it's straight ahead.) Don't expect a Subway or Quiznos here. It's small and bare bones and gets the job done! read more

See all

This is one of the best gems i found in DTSD! The sandwich is so delicious! From the bread toast, to each ingredient quality & amount makes all Fred's sandwiches perfectly well balanced when taken a bite! read more

Found this spot on Yelp while looking for sandwiches!! Major hole in the wall and SOOOO good.

This spot has no seating. Please don't go if you like to sit and eat.. It is not a good place if you're looking for clean or modern. read more

Food good. Place needs to be cleaned up. Good value for the money. Gotta look to find this location

San Diego does NOT have good food. And something as simple as a sandwich should be easy. Well apparently it's not, and EVERY sandwich place or deli I try is complete garbage. BUT FREDS LET ME TELL TOU ABOUT FREDS LUNCH BAG DELI. These sandwich are made with so much love, you can taste it and you can see it! He gives you FREE lentil soup with every order and that soup is SO BOMB like really so good, I'm Lebanese Egyptian and my grandma doesn't even make soup as good as his. The BREAD, the meat the cheese the SHREDDED lettuce is all so fresh and of high quality. They have the perfect proportions of everything. TRY FREDS YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED AT ALL MY FRIENDS! read more

Located in the back of the Jewelry building. Picked up breakfast for the family. The croissants were excellent! Definitely worth the time.

first and last I will visit this place I saw Fred touching money , opening the microwave , grabbing food with his hands at the same time. no gloves no sanitizing nothin. He lied about washing his hands after I asked him and watching him make my food.This is extremely dangerous cross contamination . If you don't want food poisoning or worst, avoid this place. read more

This just became my go-to sandwich spot in downtown. Found this place on yelp 3 days ago and I've eaten here 3 days in a row. I had the 3 Meat sandwich and the Super Deluxe Tuna and they were both amazing. The sandwich also comes with a free soup (different everyday) and the soup is delicious as well. Highly recommended read more

See all

Solid, get what you expect for a good price and a local business. Hard to find, just a small spot

This place is unbelievable and unassuming. Yes it's difficult to find, in the jewelry exchange building, But worth it for a quality lunch. Fred is a passionate cook who takes pride in the sandwich he makes and was sharing a sample of his delicious homemade labanese dish of ma-jadr (*hopefully spelled right - lentil, rice and fresh cucumber tomatoes...only avail Thursday's) Sandwich also comes with a complementary cup of homemade soup as well... Definitely try if you're in the area and looking for a great grab and go lunch read more

Hidden gem. Perfect portions, taste, location and price. Customer inside recommended the Super California, but went with the owner's suggestion (House wrap with feta cheese, onion, tomato, oil, pita). Definitely coming back. read more

Freds Lunch Bag Deli - House special and complementary house soup. - Delis Near Me - San Diego, California

Fred's is my go to stop in San Diego. By far my favorite sandwich shop in the area. The super California is amazing. Each lunch sandwich comes with homemade soup, and the soups are so tasty. If you're looking for breakfast or lunch, Fred's is the place to go. Consistent, fresh, filling, great taste, this place checks all the boxes. Not to mention Fred is a great human. Can't say enough about this small business. read more

Best food ever . Their soup is yummy . I tried other day Greek salad and manoushi , it was so delicious!!! I highly recommend this place and owner super friendly!! read more

I've been looking for a homemade style deli in San Diego for a while now and this place is the one. I couldn't have looked for a better sandwich. Fred is such a genuine human and you can tell he cares about his customers. It's the perfect quick pickup for lunch. This was my first time here and I'm already recommending this place to my friends. And he gives a free side of soup read more

reasonable prices, everything homemade. The egg salad, soup and red skin potato salad were great. I wasn't a fan of the bread, thus the lower score read more

Fred's is tucked inside of a diamond mall in San Diego - but the true diamond is Fred's. Walking in, I felt as if I was as close to time travel as I've ever been. The wardrobe that goes to Narnia, the Delorean, the book from the never-ending story, Fred's; these are places that take you somewhere else. Damn good sandwiches. I wanted soup but forgot it - but I know it was good because the mail carrier waited patiently for hers on a rainy day. read more

I just discovered this place through Postmates on Monday and already ordered for the second time today, Thursday. I'm totally addicted to the Super California and the Garlic or the regular Grilled Chicken sandwiches. The veggies on the sandwiches are really fresh and tasty. I've also tried the breakfast croissant The croissant is really light and flaky. Next time I'm going to ask for extra bacon or try the sausage. If I had to make one criticism it would be that they toasted the breads on the sandwiches without me asking and I like my bread untoasted. Other than that it's the best deli I've found in years and I've lived in San Diego my whole life. read more

Freds Lunch Bag Deli - Super California is the bomb, the first time I got it on sourdough. Squaw bread is better - Delis Near Me - San Diego, California

Very delicious Pastrami sandwich, beef noodle soup & lentil soup. And most of all, Fred was so nice & very kind. We will be back here the next time we visit the Gaslamp Quarter. read more

Freds Lunch Bag Deli - Delis Near Me - San Diego, California

Got the super California on sourdough, it came with a small cup of veggie soup, delicious. There was ample meat and the sprouts added more crunch, LOVE. Enough for my hubby and I to share. It was about $7.50. This is a small hole in the wall, but something about it is so endearing. Along with the sandwiches, soups, etc, there are small trinkets and snacks all over the place. Handwritten prices on many items. Not the typical expensive hipster place, I appreciate small businesses like these. If I'm ever in the area again, I am definitely coming back. read more

Ahhhh, finally found my quick-lunch place downtown. $6.49 gets you a tasty hot sandwich AND a complimentary cup of delicious, homemade soup. They also carry salads and cold sandwiches and have lots of snack items such as fruit bowls, chips and mixed nut bags. There is no seating and they only accept cash (ATM machine on site charges a $2 fee), but it's the perfect place to pick up something good on the go. Enter through the Jewelry building on 6th, turn left in the foyer and walk all the way down the hall. read more

I'm ecstatic after finding this gem today. There are a lot of good places around, but I'm a sucker for a good old fashioned NORMAL no major frills sandwich and finally found my spot! I didn't even look at the reviews just found a deli close by and though I'd give it a try. Did not regret! I went with the Super Californian on sourdough - toasted and it was bomb.com Fred is an awesomely rare find - takes total pride in the goods he makes and the soup...along with being a suck for sammies, I'm a HUGE sucker for soup and his Lebanese chicken rice soup also didn't disappoint! Based on the reviews I'll definitely be back to try some of the other soups and sandwiches! Fred shared I could order online for pick up so I'll give that a try too. If you're a sandwich or soup fan I would def give Fred's place a try! read more

Everything you could possibly need to get you through the day. Breakfast items are not served after 11am. Prices are good for what you're getting (fresh made sandwiches that are deeelicious!) The soups aren't really all that great except for the Chili... that stuff is amaze-balls. Also, speak up and don't dally, Fred is a busy man! read more

I love Fred's! It's hidden inside the jewelry exchange building on the first floor. When you step in head to your left and go straight down. His sandwiches are amazing~ My favorite is the chicken sandwich with avocado, lettuce, and tomatoes. The bread is so delicious. I know this spot may look a little weird but it reminds of the those delis in NY. Fred is super nice + he also has chips and cookies~ read more