Sandwich Emporium
Categories: Delis, Sandwiches [Edit]
Neighborhood: Clairemont3054 1/2 Clairemont Dr
San Diego, CA 92117 (619) 275-1351
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. - Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Private Lot
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: No
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol: None
23 Reviews for Sandwich Emporium
One of Sandwich Emporium's Favorite Reviews
this is the type of sandwich shop I wish I could take with me to every city in which I live from now until my sandwich-induced death.
it's real mom-and-pop-y, but in reality is bro-and-bro-y. two brothers who grew up in the clairemont area run this place, and they've done a fantastic job. service seems to be friendly, welcoming, and appreciative across the board, which really does enhance the visit. with a brick wall on one side and wood paneling on the other, the space inside is an oddly comforting hybrid of the post-war suburbia sandwich emporium serves; the only thing missing is some awesomely bad pea-green shag carpeting.
the menu has plenty of options, and the sandwiches taste amazing. there's no skimping on the meat, veggies, or condiments, as even a, um, hefty guy like me can leave full and happy. you're not going to find any $5 foot-longs here, but paying a couple more dollars is well worth the extra quality and the feeling of community you get here.
seriously, homies, I can't wait to go back.
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The Sandwich Emporium was okay. I've definately had better sandwiches. It is a small restaurant and the seats are far away from the table. You can make an equivalent sandwich at home.
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This place was great. Not the best, ever sandwich shop, but good!
My husband and I just moved from downtown to the Clairemont area....we were missing Mona Lisa's sandwiches in Little Italy and also, Grab and Go.
Sandwich Emporium is a good replacement, although its not as great as said restaurants, it does the job!
I had the chicken ranch sandwich and my husband had the Julio (forget the rest of what its called). Both were delish!
I definitely recommend it,....hooray for Clairemont having a great Sandwich shop!!!
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Super effing good sandwichi.
I work in La Jolla and am starting to get tired of all the places around here. I used the Yelp/Google Maps mashup to find "sandwich" places nearby and the name was fitting. I drove 10 minutes down the 5, passing 100's of eateries to try something new and hopefully delicious...success! After locating SE packed in a ghetto-ass strip mall, I was immensely excited, knowing that the best places are the hardest to find. Well I found it, and it's now in my top 5 sandwich shops in the world -- not a small feat to end up in the same bracket as Katz's Deli.
I had the "Spicy Julio" based partially on other Yelp reviews and partly 'cause it looked good on the surprisingly decent website menu, and it sounded a little naught and even dangerous. Direct quote:
"Succulent roast beef, pepperjack, avocado, grilled onions, lettuce,tomato, mayo, dijon mustard on a toasted roll."
The dijon was lighter than most, (something that pleases me much) and an average splatter of mayonnaise enhanced what was about to be lunch-changing. The menu cares not about size, neglecting the standard, 6", 9", foot-long scenario, and instead, offers double meat for each of it's creations. I opted to forgo said upgrade and leave it up to the shef. (Sandwich-cHEF as it were) As usual the Force was with me. The meat to roll to sauce ratio was unbelievable , something attained only through experience. I for one, am a Jedi when it comes to 'wichery, but this guy's Yoda.
I snagged some SunChips in lieu of someone's mom's super-special "kettle" chips and waited for my feast to come. After almost 90 seconds of impatience I sauntered inside wondering what the hold-up could possibly be. As I neared the counter, the cashier b-lined it for me and instead of slapping the basket into my open hands, offered her sandwich delivery services, to which I declined, thanking her profusely. To clarify, this broad was about to walk my sandwich outside, even though I was clearly going that way, nobody's that nice anymore!
The roll, my God the roll. Perfect - the only word that comes to mind...wait there's more: soft, and chewy, and warm, oh my. I'm going back tomorrow.
Avocados & tomatoes, my two favorite fruits, were good, better than average; which is still a little sad considering the "choice" of produce we've got in California of all places. Pepper-jack was standard, which is to say good, and definitely the correct choice for the supporting cast. SE's jalapenos aren't trying to win a heat contest, but they got a blue ribbon at the flavor town fair, and were the icing on my roast-beef-cake.
Seriously, I'm going back tomorrow, I've even got my Reuben-loving co-worker excited from the 3 or 4 pics via my phone. I think I'm going to eat the Jersey Reuben w/slaw on board, Stay tuned.
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Great sandwiches - probably the best in Clairemont. Just watch out for the potato salad, i got some that was yellow on the inside and terribly rotten. But that was one time only (one bite of rotten mayo is enough for me) he sandwiches are still good!!
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I specially love their meatball sandwich.It's huge and always end up sharing with my coworkers. If u love extra meatball order it thicker, regular works for me. Don't let the long line discourage you...they are super FAST!!!
I had a very average tuna melt here. Twas a bit soggy and boring. I can't attest to the other meaty offerings... Maybe those could save the tuna's sorry ass?
You know, I tried the sandwiches, and I have to say, they're quite good. However, for a little more money and a little less gas, I'd just as well head over to the local Whole Foods. Sacrilege, I know, going to a big chain.
My mom wasn't a huge fan of the meatballs, and my dad was so-so on his New Yorker, but I really did enjoy my sandwich ... which suddenly, I cannot remember the name of ...
I'll update when I can think straight, but for now, I'll give it a hearty recommendation. With some reservations. Choose wisely, my friends.
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Best sandwich place in San Diego. Food is affordable, and provide east coast style sandwiches with good bread, and loads of meat. Highly recommend it.
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I really like sandwich emporium. They are really convenient and it never takes long to get a sandwich. They have this really really good sandwich like called the bbq chicken ranch. Everything is good thats just my favorite. Ive had alot of different sandwiches and never been disappointed. You can even get it double meat which is just a huge amount of everything. Parking sometimes sucks but its defiantly worth it. There is even a couch to wait on inside. I attended traffic school upstairs and at lunch it was perfect to just go downstairs and get food. They even brought it up for all of us who ordered which was really nice of the guy. Major props
I wish there were more place like this around, really. I rarely get a sandwich anywhere since all you can find are nasty Subways and the occasional ripoff Quiznos. Zero appeal for me, but then I find the food at most chains lacking.
The things you read here are true. This place rocks. Took the recommendation and went with the Spicy Julio. Just a great sandwich all around. Prices are on par with most sandwich places.
My gf wasn't as impressed with the pastrami. Meat wasn't bad on it, but I have no idea who would want that much mustard on anything, much less than a little pastrami sandwich. They were cool with making another though. Guys working there were cool, and the place has a very easy going vibe. It's not open late though, so it's going to be a weekend place if anything.
Sandwiches are huge! I suggest the Spicy Julio.
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Its started out really badly, I had trouble finding this place (turns out I was across the street) and I called to get directions.
Me: "Can you tell me where you are located?"
Sandwich guy: "No"
Me: "No?? What do you mean no? What are you next to?"
Guy on phone: "No"
Me: "Can you put someone on the phone that speaks English?"
Guy: "Yes" (hangs up on me)
Wow, I dont think I could have been more irritated at this point. The combination of my hunger and the frustration from paying thousands of dollars on Spanish courses at SDSU and NOT being able to say something as simple as "what are you next to" nearly put me over the edge. ARGHHHHHHHH
Well, I figured out is was across the street (next to some gym FYI) and FINALLY got my much anticipated bacon ranch toasty sandwich. OMFG, it was PERFECT. Creamy goodness, flavorful, and so damn good. Now I understand what everyone has been raving about.
Also, the building was cute and I like how they had magazines you can read, nice touch.
So five stars overall, but I am taking one away considering the only guy there couldn't answer a simple question about the location. :-(
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Looking for a bomb-ass sandwich? C-Mont delivers once again with this place. I live across the street and been here about 3 times. I've gotten the Reuben, Chicken Club, and the Spicy Melt. I demolished all 3 sandwiches instantanously. So far the Spicy Melt is my favorite. It's like a ham sandwich with melted pepper jack with Jalapenos, avocado on grilled sourdough. So bomb. Portions are always big. Quality is top shelf and always made fresh to order. People are always nice. And prices are definitely reasonable. This place is right next to Champs sports bar and a doggy wash. right off Clairemont Dr. Oh, they also have free copies of Surfshot inside too, which is a nice bonus. I'll be going back for shiz.
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very good place to get a sandwhich--- 2 sizes... thick and thicker... prices from $5- 8 ---- i had the chicken salad --- or the "bird rock" as one of their many clever names had it described..... this places is tucked away in the middle of an old strip mall, but luckily they have a big sign on the street so you should be able to find it easily... it's worth going here !! yummy
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This place is pretty good as a lunch spot. Came here with my gf today and we both got the chipotle grilled chicken sandwich. I got mine with bacon.. "bacon makes it better". We both opted for jalapenos instead of avocado. The bread was really good and the lettuce and tomato were fresh. Not a fan of the chipotle mayo and I would prefer to have a chicken sandwich with a whole breast, not one that has been grilled then cut....although it was pretty juicy. They had a great selection of chips and their mac salad was pretty standard. Met the owner while we were there and he was really nice and provided great service. All in all I would come here again if I was in the area and maybe try out some of the other offerings.
'twas a cloudy day.
it was my last day in san diego, and i was planning on making my drive and eventual move up to san francisco that evening and night.
the brothers (john and peter) chatted with me, and i ordered the most immaculate last supper coup de grace sandwich made to order i could think of: toasted sourdough, roast beef, cucumbers, sprouts, pesto, with everything on it (Yes! they also make sandwiches to order!).
was that a tear rolling down my cheek as the realization set in that this was my final sandwich emporium sandwich for a very long time? perhaps.
this isn't goodbye, sandwich empo. this is only 'see you later'.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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06/02/2008
This is the real deal. The kind of shop where the owners know you by name and know your 'usual' the… Read more »
This shop has come along way since the 2 brothers put their own personal touch to make it shine!
My favs: Good ol' comfy food: Grilled Cheese!
...and the the New Yorker err New York, the BLAT, the Spicy Julio, Tuna Melt and Egg Salad!
The environment is totally laid back, kid friendly and makes for a super spot to get your munch on! And they never run out of stuff to read, magazines, newspapers, they have tons!
The food is absolutely the freshest you can get, no brown lettuce leaves or avocado here, and the bread comes in daily!
You definitely will not leave hungry that's for sure!
the hus-bot and i went to this place today on a whim; it turned out to be worth the try!
he ordered some kind of chicken-bacon ranch thing. his only complaint was that there was a bit much sauce.
i ordered the garden delight and i felt the bread (normal sliced wheat) was a little puny to hold in all the goodness of this stuffed-full veg sandwich. the bread was a bit soggy and i think it might have been better on some kind of baguette or something--the sandwich was just so huge, i had to take some tomatoes out and eat them on the side, ebcause i just couldn't get my mouth around it. maybe i have a small mouth.
anyway, the hus found his sandwich a bit pricey (at 6.50) but $5 was just right for my veg-stravaganza.
the service was very friendly and our sandwiches arrived speedily. i appreciated the magazine rack. i perused 'american cowboy' while we waited.
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This has to be one of my favorite sandwich places in San Diego. I live RIGHT down the street and it's the perfect place to walk to and grab lunch.
The menu has an option for anyone (for you picky eaters, they'll make it how you like it!) --all of the sandwiches are delicious. I would recommended any of the hot sandwiches... or if you're into the classic ones, the BLAT (bacon, lettuce, tomato and avocado) is super yummy! Not too many options for chips/sides and/or drinks.... but that's not what keeps people coming back for more.
Yum-O! Im always there to get the Tuna Melt, but every sandwich i ever get from there is absolutely phenomenal. Every time i take a friend, they always end up getting hooked. Love this place!
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Great fresh sandwiches. They might appear simple, but when you eat them, you realize why people keep coming back. Peter and John have really made this a nice neighborhood sandwich shop with a great atmosphere.
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This is hands down one of the best deli's in San Diego. Their specilty sandwhichs are the best. Try the Mother Earth or the Spicy Julio if you go there.
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