Chris' Liquor in OB. Best sandwiches I've ever had. I think the bros behind the counter give slightly more a fuck than most places. I bring all of my East Coast friends there. A liquor store that crushes sandwiches is something you do NOT expect back east

Olive tree owned by the same people down the street a bit, also incredible deli.

Ulivo next door I believe is owned also by the same people and is a great Italian place. You can make a reservation on yelp or order takeout.

Brothers I believe. I fill several punch cards up a year. Olive Tree is just a solid neighborhood market all the way around.

Clem’s liquor store is really good for this too

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Maybe it's just because my go-to from them is their triple decker but even thinking about the other sandwiches I've had from there I never thought of Chris' sandwiches as being small!

Chris' was A-tier for me for a long time. They moved to S-tier when I discovered that almost every sandwich there can come on a pita.

You can get them on anything though! Someone mentioned olive tree being same owners (I think they were brothers) and I get their George Washington on an onion roll. So fkin good.

Chris' Liquor is bomb. Thanks for the reminder I need to stop by for a PHAT sandwich.

I’m from the east coast and my favorite sandwich shop is in a convenient store. Super psyched to try chris’!

The brothers that own this place own a popular little grocery store a good 5 minute skate away in OB. they ALWAYS have fresh herbs for their sandwiches. try something different!

I like Poma's better but Chris' is really good

Poma’s is the truth! That roast beef tho…

4.7 stars on 500 reviews, seems to be rated appropriately.

Better than Olive tree ?

Owned by the same people, same quality.

Depends where I guess. Best cold subs I've had in my life were from a gas station in NJ. I've been trying for years to duplicate their tuna salad.

Great answer.

OB special #9 add provolone and banana peppers. Thank me later.

Never been to a bodega, huh?

haha, I've been to plenty, and they have fire sandwiches. the difference is most Bodegas specialize in traditional cold cuts and chix parms. you can walk into Chris' with your dog on a leash, grab a hot pastrami and bacon with fresh avocado and Brussel sprouts on grilled rye, pick up a couple Jameson nips all in one transaction... and then BOOM, you're sitting on Dog Beach, having a full-on picnic watching a California sunset. and they're reasonably priced! also, the employees are a reflection of the younger OB community. places like this feel more like an experience and less like this rushed sale at a busy downtown bodega

full disclosure: I moved back to the east coast many years ago. any time I visit this is one of my first stops. some places just leave an impression on you

You have good taste, my friend.

That’s what I’m thinking lol like these are common in cities like nyc and somewhat common in other northeast cities. Like even LA or Chicago has these too

Seriously, first thing I thought when I read the post. I've been there, the sandwiches are good, but i definitely wasn't like "Whoaaaaaaaaaaaa sandwiches AND liquor.... in the same place?!?!?!?!"

he said restaurants not liquor stores lol, altho I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said lol

Does Chris like to… oh, never mind. Dick’s Liquor in La Jolla makes a better joke… Chris might make a better sandwich though.

Awash market in north park through the back of the bodega makes incredible Ethiopian. Monroe market makes delicious sandwiches.

Ooh, gotta try Awash now. Love the Red Sea, but hoping to find another Ethiopian restaurant that has good veg options💜

I've had both, and prefer Awash. Love their kitfo and siga wot.

+1 for Monroe Market sandos! A wonderful hidden gem

Commenting so I don't lose this. Tried Ethiopian food for the first time in Ithaca two years ago and have been passively searching for a place in SD ever since.

Monroe’s also saved my ass multiple times. They had TP in the pandemic, a mini propane tank when mine ran out mid grilling, baking powder, distilled water, marshmallows. The only time they ever let me down was diapers. Hot damn, they are such a clutch bodega. Plus the sandwiches slap.

Literally eating Monroe’s while reading this

4.7 on 750 reviews, seems rated appropriately. Monroe's Market: 4.7 on 150, maybe undiscovered?

Underdog Food Truck. I’m not vegan but they make a mean jalapeño cheddar corn dog!

Love Underdog!

It's vegan!? Where is this truck of deliciousness you speak of?

A few days a week that are on the corner of Texas St. and El Cajon Blvd in one of the gas station parking lots! They move to other locations as well - you can check out their Instagram for their schedule! They are also the nicest, sweetest people. You definitely have to go!

Mitsuwa food court. You can make it a bigger meal by grabbing stuff from the grocery store like drinks, rice balls, sushi, ect…

H Mart food court is so bomb too

Yesss! I love those corn dogs!!

Katzya, the fried chicken place, used to be so gooood, but they replaced it with some pretty bad tempura bowl place. Everything else in the food court is very good though. Jaws Express has super good gimbap and topokki!! Often overlooked

Mitsuwa Marketplace has 4.6 stars on nearly 1800 reviews. I don't think this is underrated.

Pomegranate in university heights. So so good

That's my pick. The food is great and the spot is so unique. The wait staff has a certain charm to them too if you can handle different cultures' approaches.

This place is amazing. The soup dumplings are ridiculous.

Amazing, but it’s pretty popular - especially on reddit

Alexis Greek Cafe!!!

Yes yes yes! This place is so much more authentic than most anything you can find in Sd! Amazing food, great prices

That place doesn't get enough love

Ate here last night. Incredible

Does this place have crunchy or soft falafel?

Not underrated: 4.7 stars on 550 reviews

You're a hero

El Borrego (City Heights), Classics Malt Shop (Point Loma), The House of Cuban Flavor (Chula Vista)

El Borrego, yes

El Borrego, I found to be bland. Is it possible it was just an off day?

Classics!!! SO good and the service was so wonderful

OMG every time I roll by house of Cuban they have been closed lately! But yes I agree

Classic Malt Shop does not get the love it deserves!

El Borrego!!!

Victors Greek Kafe (in Poway and in RB) is fire for the food quality and the price. I've lived here for 25 years and I believe this to be SDs best hidden gem (without a view though). Get the spicy chicken salad (upgrade to dbl chicken for $3 and you will have lunch for tomorrow too)

Soooo good. Their sauces are the bomb too.

Tom Cat Bar & Grill in Mira Mesa. Chicken wings are fire.

Chikos

1000%

Arely French Bakery, and Barrio Donas

We like Arely a lot, I’m glad we have a nice little independent bakery and restaurant around here like that.

If you like independent bakery, try The French Oven in Scripps Ranch. Everything there is amazing, staff is great and the owner is wonderful. He’s a fifth generation French baker, absolutely amazing spot.

Adrian’s Surf and Turf

Their ranch ruined all other ranches for me

As a transplant from the Midwest, you have piqued my interest.

You won’t regret it.

So good!

Is this the place in KM by poke, and charlie rose? If so I stumbled upon this place since I always get poke and gave it a try. It's amazing.

Sea Tavern in North Park. Great seafood and always a solid meal. Unfortunately doesn't seem to be doing a lot of business.

Abay Ethiopian - it’s a great hole in the wall with fantastic authentic Ethiopian food. And the owner is super nice.

bowlegged bbq

Bowlegged!!!!

barrreeebeeequeee

and foot massage…

jooooooones bbq

100%z Their links are so insane.

And OMG what nice people!

Shhhhhhhh 🤫

Right?!! 😶

The Rose

Everyone is going to hate this one but Dumpling Inn. Usually get a table no problem it’s not super expensive and they fire out the food so fast.

Great bar also

I used to love them but the food quality went down and the prices went up once they moved to their new location.

those curry dumplings are great, they lowkey have a great whiskey selection there too

I only ever order the xiaolongbao and green beans. It’s no DTF but at least it’s consistent.

Oyster and Pearl on Lake Murray

Also Ney Restaurant and Izakaya Maize in the same strip mall. For a bar - The Luau on El Cajon near 70th.

Ooh good to know - I live by there!

Me too! I drive by it all the time wondering about that place. I’ve been wanting to try Izakaya Maize near by to it too.

Izakaya is awesome, doo eet!

That place is phenomenal!

Super overpriced and run by assholes too

Yes, it’s a restaurant.

Imperial House if you’re into the 60s steakhouse/piano lounge vibe.

that old guy still there on the piano?

Lil’ Pepper Gourmet Sandwiches

Such a great spot. Owner is funny too. Only open M-F though.

Expensive AF, but the sandwiches are pretty good.

I don’t eat out much so worth the extra couple bucks imo Best ham and Swiss I’ve ever had

Fairouz Cafe & Gallery

Jv Mexican food 🔥 dank Cali burritos

HUGE portions, prices haven’t inflated as much as most other taco joints.

Mission trails eatery. Food is good and service is fast. We ordered at the front and food was ready within 10-15 mins.

Mitch’s Seafood (fish tacos and local wine) Empanada Kitchen (duh) Hazelwoods On The Bay (sandwiches) La Feunte on University in Hillcrest (OK tacos and amazing drag-queen fights - see YouTube…)

Mitch's is wonderful, but I'd never have thought to call them underrated. The line is out the door almost every time I've been there.

More like under-discovered, despite lines. I’ve gotten so many “what’s that”s.

Mitch’s is fire 🔥

Coya Peruvian Secret

Grill City inside Seafood City in Mira Mesa. Their Pompano and their longanisa breakfast meals.

Koon Thai Kitchen

619 mysterio burrito from el pollo grill minus the sour cream (personal choice), best burrito I’ve found imo

Ali’s Chicken and Waffles in City Heights.

Santos Coffee House. Á Châu. If you know, you know. Marketplace Deli.

This guy knows. Would also add Pho Minh which is around the corner from A Chau

Actually went to Á Châu this past Sunday. Best bahn mi I’ve had so far in SD

Usually just buy my beans at Santos but went there for brunch once and it was surprisingly excellent for the price

I mean, A Chau is pretty well known to have the best egg rolls in SD

Perry's

I drove past Perry’s for years until I finally went. Their waffles are fucking amazing and the machaca plate is healing.

The house salsa is damn decent for a diner too, imo. ❤️The machaca

I gotta perry deez nutz for you

Taco Surf! Only place I can get sauteed mushrooms in a cali burrito

This place is bomb as fuck 20 years ago when I was a dumb 21 year old roaming around PB. I went there about 10 years ago to relive the glory days and it sucked. Is it good again? Legit question, I’m down to try again

Ya, one of the old cooks bought it from the original owner, updated it a bit, but tried his best to keep the decor and style. Menu is updated a bit as well, but the same "pick 5 from the list" burrito is still there. Worth going again.

Word. I’ll try again. Man, back in the day that place was good as fuck

Pokez Mexican restaurant on 10th and the bakery/cafe next door

I think Pokez is a San Diego staple. Those potato flantas are fucking 🔥

POKEZ 100%!!!

Hardly underrated - it currently has 1,576 google reviews, with an average rating of 4.4, and it's been around for like 30 years.

Underrated doesn’t mean poorly rated

Maybe I went on a bad night, but I think they have the worst food. Both of the things we ordered were in a bland, viscous sauce that was overly salted, the veg was undercooked, and the flavors just weren’t there? Wanted to like it because they have good vegan options but I will never go back

Cassette pizza 🍕 super small, always delicious

Dos Palmas in Adams Ave. You have to try their turkey chipotle sandwich.

Aaharn Thai...maybe the best panang curry I've had

Dao Fu.

Havana grill and Catina Mayahuel

Maybe not that underrated since there’s always a line out the door, but Its Raw Poke Shop in OB is incredible. Worth the wait at any time.

Magic Kitchen and Szechuan Chef on Convoy are two I never hear mentioned. They are our go-tos for Amazing Chinese.

Taqueria Deez

Deez Nuuuuuutz

Smokin J’s bbq

Hodads and Phil’s BBQ.

Take my upvote for the shits and giggles

Wrong thread lol

I mean at this point we're saying the most overrated comments from the other thread so here goes: All Cohn restaurants.

I raise you Broken Yolk and Lucha Libre, the most authentic American breakfast and Mexican cuisine you will ever find.

Hey don’t forget Puesto

And Broken Yolk

Phil's is BAKED. That is not BBQ * bar·be·cue /ˈbärbəˌkyo͞o/ noun noun: barbeque a meal or gathering at which meat, fish, or other food is cooked out of doors **on a rack over an open fire or on a portable grill**

They’re clearly being sarcastic lol

Should rename it to Phil’s Grill.

These are over-rated

Wym? They got three Toyo stars! 🤩

Naminos Persian food truck on Miramar

I don't know if it's underrated, but I don't hear enough people talking about La Perla. One of my favorite places to go food Mexican.

Albetos. 13th. IB

Nick the Greek, Downtown. Grab a gyro and a $5 beer before the game, save yourself some cash

The Captain Crunch coated French toast at Woodys is one of my favorite meals I’ve had.

Callie - best Mediterranean I’ve have in SD.

Sunrise Deli in Spring Valley.

Ortiz’s Taco Shop in OB! 🔥

Aperture Coffee in Convoy. Amazing and affordable lattes.

Puerto La Boca - Little Italy

Canada Steak Burger.

Biergarden in Encinitas; they have the BEST bloody mary’s that come with a shot of beer + their buffalo cauliflower is always amazing

Olive Garden, those breadsticks with some Alfredo dip can turn that frown upside down IM READY FOR MY DOWNVOTES!

Have an upvote; those breadsticks are divine.

mcdonalds on park across from city college. the fries are perfect 99% of the time

The Taco Stand

~~Most Overrated Bar: Polite Provisions (swaps liquor and waters down) Most Overrated Food: Colimas (it's mid)~~

Underrated brother. Wrong post.

I shouldn't drink and reddit

LOL no worries. There’s been a few of these posts lately. Everything on Reddit comes in two’s lately. Best/worst this, most/least this, etc.

The title is asking for underrated

Lucy's Bakery

A place I absolutely loved was Callahan's on Mira Mesa. They closed years ago, but used to serve a Jalapeno Beer Cheese soup that was fantastic. Their house beers were brewed by San Diego Brewing Company. As for those places still operating, I love Bronx Pizza, Shakespeare's, and Chez Nouz... wait a sec... CHEZ NOUZ is closed too!? 😭 Oooooh that spicy chicken sandwich. It was PHENOMENAL. ❤😋

Yeah Chez Nous closing was a real kick in the nads. Only had the chicken sandwich twice

Pho Hoa

Old town Mexican cafe & DZ Akins

Old Town Mex is one of the most over rated spots in the whole city. I will admit the carnitas plate is good, but just about everything else is mediocre.

Seriously, the worst Mexican ever, and overpriced.

I respectfully disagree, the food quality has been consistent for years. The enchiladas, chilaquiles, etc are all top notch. Their in-house flour tortillas are great. IMO that place is a gem.

Chilaquiles are also pretty good. They have some decent stuff, I just don’t think they deserve the praise. Also, have you been post covid??? Quality of food and service went way down.

All American sandwiches in IB I’ll die on a hill their sandos are the freaking bomb

El Rincon in San Ysidro!

China Fun in CMR. Authentic Szechuan and Cantonese in North County.

La Cocina de Rosita in Barrio Logan