READ ENTIRE REVIEW... Service, amazing. You can tell these people have worked there for YEARS and the customers are ones probably who've grown up going there. If you want quick, comfort food it seems the spot. I will say the potato salad has a liquid ish base to it and no other spices or veggies inside. The sandwiches lack a lot of flavor and excitement. I think this spot is perfect for a shopping center where you wanna carb up and just get with the family a quick meal. Everyone was so nice but if you're into food with flavors and spice and excitement I think it's a pass. I'd be back for some muffins at the register and a friendly waitress however. read more

Came here again, this time to dine in. Had the BLT and a cole. Sat right down and they took my order quickly and serviced in less than 5 minutes. BLT is good. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is very relaxing and calm. Light music playing in the background[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The nice ladys working there checked on me a few times ti make sure i didn't need anything else. Meal was $25 with tip read more

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Food is always quick, reasonably priced and yummy. Great local spot where they remember your favorite order and staff are friendly. They got a new breakfast special menu too (until 1pm). Just a great casual local spot that makes you want to move to La Mesa and be a part of the community. read more

The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli - Breakfast Specials until 1pm! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Cute little place bursting at the seems with people on a Saturday morning around 11am.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Very friendly staff despite the hustle and bustle. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We were able to snag one of the few seats outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Mom had blueberry pancakes with potato's on the side. She thoroughly enjoyed them. We've been on a pancake hunt of late and she felt these were in the top two, maybe the top of her choices. She really enjoyed the home fries, real potatoes. She keeps talking about how real they were. Dad had the waffles and gave us the ok which is a good sign. He's a toughie. I had the spinach croissant and substituted beef chorizo for bacon. It was ok. Given how home made everything seems to be (including my past experience) I was disappointed by the croissant itself as it tasted store bought or pre manufactured. As they offer baked goods, I expected more. Otherwise it was good.. Great place to take the folks and grab a well priced breakfast. Still a go to place for us. read more

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A friend and I went here a while ago. Very casual and affordable spot. We received decent service and enjoyed our meal. I haven't been in a while but definitely recommend dropping by and trying out if you happen to be in the area. I plan on returning soon to try their pancakes. read more

Had a great experience at The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli today. Our server Molly was absolutely amazing and our food was delicious. We had the BLAT (bacon lettuce avocado tomato) and it was enough to share. And then we took the potato chips and cookie home! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Perfect day to sit outside on the patio![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We will definitely be back!!! read more

While back in SD visiting friends we were looking for a breakfast spot and the Lunch Box came highly recommended. When we arrived parking was tight with limited spaces but we found a spot on the street with no problem. We were greeted right away and seated immediately. Our server came over promptly and started our order right away. Our food came out fast and was hot and to order. Everything was good and tasted great. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Overall the restaurant was clean , the service was good and the food was good as well.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It wasn't loud and the atmosphere was great.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We were very pleased with everything and will definitely return when we are back in town. read more

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Lunch Box Deli is a hidden gem! My wife and I were craving some classic deli-style food and this spot popped up and we're so glad it did. [[HIGHLIGHT]]As soon as we walked in, the place was busy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The servers were zooming around, hustling, and every plate we saw coming out looked incredible. At that point, we already knew we made the right choice. We ordered to-go, but the food was absolutely amazing. Everything tasted fresh and made-to-order. You can tell they put care into what they're serving. On top of that, the prices are very reasonable especially considering the portion sizes. They do not play around with portions... they're hella big! read more

The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

Food was great but parking was a problem. The parking problem only made it more of a challenge to get there for the Italian Sub.

First time , ordered a Pancake breakfast, and Omelette , and Benedict, and French toast. The food was subpar. Potatoes were not crispy as one would expect But rather closer to mushy potatoes. Dishes overall lacking flavor. The French toast was not edible (in our opinion) possibly made with too much egg , very mushy almost uncooked. Actually had it placed on a pan at home to see if it could be saved , but it could not and it was tossed. This was takeout so didn't get a chance to rate their service. Would most likely not return. read more

The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli - Comfort Omelette 7/10 - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

The lady working the front was so nice. And to whoever helped me placed my phone order was very nice as well. I got my food super quick when I arrived as I was on a time crunch, and it was really good. I recommend the #1 Wrap and it was so good and flavorful. Definitely coming back here as it was my first time! read more

The food was okay, My BLT was super salty and my boyfriend turkey club was super salty as well. The chocolate chip cookie was so delicious! The staff were sweet and kind, and the setting was super cute! We do want to come back and try their breakfast to give it another shot. read more

The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli - BLTA Sandwich and Croissant Club Sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

Service is excellent. All staff is fast, friendly and willing to help in any way. Food is amazing. Stuffed French Toast was divine. read more

The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

There people not reading the order notes I am allergic to tomatoes and they kept not removing once in it I can't have it.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Good food, service, ambiance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Friendly helpful staff. Many choices of food. They aim to please with a wide variety of tasty food for a reasonable cost. read more

I have eaten here before but never reviewed. When I went to order from GrubHub, I looked through reviews here to find a pic of the turkey wrap, but I didn't see one, so I wanted to add mine. I was sold by the description including pesto cream cheese. It was very good and fresh. A great portion for the price-including chips and a cookie. The highlight for me was they grilled the wrap. I added potato salad. Lunch box is reliably good for both breakfast and lunch. read more

The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli - Turkey with Avocado Wrap Side of potato salad - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

Customer service was great everyone was so kind . [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place felt comfy and welcoming[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] . Food was good n tasted fresh read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This was a very simple place to eat lunch.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Simple atmosphere , the food is great, the prices are in mid range, but you can have half a sandwich and still get your fill. The service was quick and easy, the people that wait on you are nice to get along with. read more

The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli - The inside of the restaurant . - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

Fast, affordable, delicious and friendly! I crave the garlic pesto chicken sandwich! I only wish they served French fries but I understand that would make the wait times longer than 10 minutes for a pick up order haha Highly recommend frequenting this family run business! read more

We yelped this restaurant for a quick lunch while in the neighborhood. Super cute and excellent service. The baked goods are made fresh and yummy. The warmed up cinnamon roll was puffy and tender. the chocolate chip cookies were very yummy. I had the cobb salad, my friends had sandwiches and all were happy with our meals. Coffee and decaf were both very good. The food came out quickly after we ordered, and exactly as we ordered. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We enjoyed sitting inside at 1 of their tables and chatting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great environment, homey and relaxed.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Food is delicious with large portions. the service good and [[HIGHLIGHT]]it is a clean restaurant too.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Friendly, fast and excellent service. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Decor is very cute.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Homemade sweet treats in this place on top of breakfast and lunch items. The server went around with homemade bite size muffins offering to all customers complimentary. Coffee was bold and yummy. It's located in a small plaza so parking is tricky in the lot itself but we parked on the street nearby with plenty of parking available. read more

Only the best you guys gotta come try it out. Customer service is great just like the food.

Look. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This place isn't terrible, it has a nice dog friendly patio and charming decor.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The focus is on service for sure every one is prompt and courteous. The thing is that the food is bland, uninteresting and mostly uninspiring. There is no dish that makes you want to return. It's lazy I guess, use some mustard or mayo on a sandwich for gods sake. The pasta salad is salty. Salty? Why? I want to love this place because it's walking distance but really, why? read more

What a great find! Lived in La Mesa forever, drive by this place all the time finally stopped in. Had breakfast, so yummy . Service was amazing, especially in this time post covid. All the waitresses were so kind & the owner. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cute, homey environment.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Will be back. read more

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1st time here today for breakfast while waiting for my oil change Food was good - basic breakfast - all made to order Service was friendly and accommodating Ambiance is nice and clean very homey read more

The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli - Blueberry Muffin - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Best club sandwich I've ever had. I believe the waitress's name was Molly. She was super sweet and efficient. I ordered he sandwich on squaw bread. Perfectly proportioned and fresh. The meat was super flavorful, which I don't always find at sandwich shops. Excellent experience all around. I'll be back. Highly recommend. read more

Favorite item on the menu is the BLAT, Bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato sandwich with kettle chips and a chocolate chip cookie which comes from their bakery, see photos. It's a cute small, homey, kitschy place with pleasant staff, Erica is a standout! I keep saying I will try other menu items but then you can't go wrong with this sandwich! Soft, fresh, sourdough bread, shredded lettuce, mayo, bacon, avocado and tomato, a must try! read more

The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli - Dining area - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

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We have been here before and thought the food was just OK, but the prices used to be very economical. While I'm aware that prices have gone up everywhere, this is not the place to be charging 15$-17$ for an omelette. My husband had the spinach and cheese omelette and I had the bacon, mushroom and cheese omelette. My omelette only had a few of the bacon bits and was very bland. The omelette seemed like it was made from powdered eggs rather than fresh eggs. It was cold as well. My husband's was also very bland and cold. read more

Lunch Box Cafe & Deli serves an adequate sandwich combo for a reasonable price. The parking lot was a bit cramped and we had to park at the next lot over since there wasn't space during brunch. Take-out orders were taken at the initial entrance while dine-in customers were redirected to the other room. The staff members were efficient and coffee was constantly being replenished. With the rush, it took about 15 minutes for our food to come out. =ORDERED= Every sandwich came with a bag of kettle chips and cookie. The cookie crumbled nicely. *Tuna Melt: average melt. The bread was well toasted and the cheese was melted. Wished the cheese was spread out as opposed to three slices piled in one area. Could have used more albacore tuna salad to improve the bread to filling ratio. *Croissant Club: piled high and one of the best croissant sandwiches I've had. Creamy avocado and crispy bacon on top of a mountain of ham. Vegetables were crisp and fresh. The average buttery croissant could barely retain all of the ingredients. *Potato Salad: very mushy and almost liquidity. Had the overly mayo forward flavor from grocery store bought potato salad. The quality of their sandwiches was on par of average delis with the added benefit of chips and a cookie. Although I prefer their cold sandwiches over their hot ones, both were filling and I would be satisfied with either. However, given their tight parking situation and wait, I would pass over Lunch Box unless you had extra time in your day to take a longer meal. read more

The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli - tuna melt - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

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The food was amazing with great prices. The environment was very clean and had a homie feel to it. The workers were very hospitable an attentive. One thing I noticed is every-time we were done with a dish the dish was picked up as oppose to having a dirty table while conversing. The workers made rounds frequently and shared smiles. They seemed like they were always there when needed. read more

The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli - the front of the restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

Great little place! Met a friend there for her birthday. The food is simple but good, prices are good, pastries looked scrumptious, [[HIGHLIGHT]]atmosphere is cozy- like a diner and very clean.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]A great family place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Waitstaff were great! read more

I love to find places like this, small, quaint, friendly, hole in the wall joints full of locals and good food. Interesting location tho, sandwiched between a 7-11 and a dry cleaner in a strip mall, making parking a little tight. But once you are here and walk through the front door it feels like home. I ordered the La Mesa omelette and a side of biscuit and gravy. The biscuit came first and glad it did. Piping hot biscuit, shaped like a muffin, was fluffy and light, not heavy and dense like most biscuits. Also had a slight sweetness to it which paired well with the savory notes of the gravy. The omelette didn't disappoint as well. The vegetables were lightly sautéed and not over cooked, with just the right amount of cheese and bacon.....actually, you can never have too much bacon. The waitress offered and I accepted a side of salsa and can tell you it didn't come from a jar. Someone in the kitchen took care with using fresh ingredients to bring all the flavors together. Paired with a fresh cup of coffee I would say we hit a home run today, definitely want to return to explore the menu. read more

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Breakfast Burrito was Fire Feeds 2 depending on appetite Customer Service for Pick Up was on point. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Walking in was very welcoming.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Came to this place on a whim while I waited for my oil change. This place blew me away. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Amazing service, cozy feel and decor, and the food is home cooked and absolutely delicious.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The bacon is so crispy and perfect, the pancakes were light, fluffy, buttery. The prices are just right and the service is top notch, makes you feel at home. Just the way you want to feel on a Saturday morning. We live in Chula Vista but will definitely we back. read more

The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli - Avocado toast, blueberry pancakes, crispy bacon - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

I have been there twice. The first time was much better. Tge staff was knowledgeable and attentive.The second time, months later, I asked the lady at the counterabout gf, she had no idea. I asked a few more questions about the food and, again, she didn't know and didn't seem inclined to ask anyone else... The staff seemed much more casual about their job. The food was okay, nothing special. I feel like the older staff need to give the newer staff a little training in customer service. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice little place![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Very nice Service! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Well kept cleanliness.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Great food ! Very good prices . Good Strong coffee!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great place overall ![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Will go back and highly recommend! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This is one of those wonderful neighborhood restaurants where they remember regulars and welcome newcomers.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food is great and service was excellent. Different will return. read more

You ruined my February 14. I'm here eating with my family. Your restaurant was the best home cooked breakfast for me. We decided to come for lunch and I asked for a pesto turkey sandwich. The first sandwich you sent was without pesto dressing. The server took it back and you just dropped some cold pesto on it and then sent the sandwich to me all sloppy. I'm paying for a service I expect warm and delicious food . I complained again about my sandwich and the server ordered a new one. This time the sandwich was brought to me looking hurried. The bottom of the sandwich was cold asf Why do I have to eat something disgusting like my second sandwich How will I make a review for you on my instagram with a terrible looking sandwich? Howwwwwwww? Why, we drove 30 minutes to eat at your restaurant I'm here sitting seeing everyone eating. I want to cry, I'm so upset .. read more

The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli - Cold and not pesto dressing - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Ordered Breakfast for my son and I yesterday Got the Denver Omelet, and got the kids French Toast with Egg whites, also a side of Bacon, and the Biscuit and Gravy. My sons egg, fried, obviously had the yoke, so he didnt eat it, the french toast was incredibly soggy, so all he ate was the Sausage patty. My omelet, was ok, but the potatoes where undercooked, the 5 dollar side of bacon, was rubbery, and tasted reheated, and the gravy had as much taste as drywall mud, only after I added pepper, but was ultimately inedible. The biscuit, was a muffin. We did order to go, which I guess considerably affected the quality, as when we eat there, it's usually good. 40 dollars, wasted. read more