San Diego Sandwich - Boudin Bakery Cafe

Boudin sourdough bread is an icon of San Francisco and is found in restaurants all over Northern California. For some reason, two Boudin Bakery Cafes have made it way down to San Diego. It can't be easy to be famous for bread, but Boudin's tangy flavor has been impressing for over 150 years. At their Bakery Cafe you can buy freshly baked varieties or have them make you a sandwich on their original product. Here is a favorite.

Turkey Cranberry ($7.49)
Cranberry sauce, red onion, lettuce, mayo, sliced sourdough. With mixed greens.

San Diego Sandwich - Stone Oven

Stone Oven is a frequent find in many LA and SD mall food courts. Here you will get the speedy service of a food court but the quality ingredients of a sit-down restaurant lunch. Their large stone oven occupies the majority of the space, and this allows them to make their signature gourmet foccaccia sandwiches. Shoppers moonlighting as sandwich afficionados are guaranteed to stop by for this variation of a classic concept, and the choice of free sides amounts to a filling plate for anyone.

 BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwich ($7.95)
BBQ Beef Brisket, Cheddar Cheese, Chipotle Mayo, Onion Crisps & Avocadoes. With Basil Pasta Salad.

San Diego Burger - Eureka! Burger

I found it! A burger topped with unique ingredients located in San Diego is always a must-try for me. Eureka!Burger is a burger-and-brew restaurant chain across California. This 21+ setting has sophisticated menu choices that are popular with drinkers and eaters alike. We both know that an order of craft beer followed by a gourmet burger is going to be what your friends are looking for. Gastropubs like this are often known for interesting appetizers so I included Eureka!'s most popular pre-meal decision as well.

Lollipop Corn Dogs ($7.50)
All-natural polish sausage hand-breaded in a sweet cornbatter served with a spicy porter mustard sauce, ketchup and a cheddar I.P.A. sauce.

Fig Marmalade Burger ($11.25)
Homemade fig marmalade, melted goat cheese, crispy bacon, garnished with minced tomato, onion and arugula dolloped in a spicy porter mustard.

San Diego Pizza - Regents Pizza

Regents Pizzeria can be found on many lists of the best pizza joints in San Diego and is very popular among UCSD students who can cross a street to get there. I'm not entirely sure what makes a pizza extra delicious, but this place has an uncommon menu feature that stands out. You can order Chicago style pizza by the slice here. Chicago style means thick stuffed-crust pizza with two layers of dough, extra cheese, and sauce on top. The Chicago Popeye is what they will recommend.

Chicago Popeye
With Spinach, Artichoke Hearts, Ricotta, and Parmesan.

San Diego Sandwich - The Cheese Shop

The Cheese Shop is a deli located in the small beachside community of La Jolla Shores. The small market has shelves full of imported candy and cookies, refridgerators full of cheese blocks, and hanging photos of participants of The Cheese Shop Frisbee Challenge. Buy a $1 frisbee, bring in a photo of it from an exotic location, and receive a 10% discount.

Despite the implications of the name, The Cheese Shop is most known for the pork loin sandwich and flourless oatmeal cookie. I wouldn't normally add a review, but this cookie is absolutely amazing.

Roast Pork Loin Sandwich ($9.99)
Thinly sliced and tantalizingly spiced center cut pork loin. Served with lettuce, tomato, mayo, honey mustard and red onions.

Flourless Oatmeal Cookie ($0.75)

San Diego Burger - Burger Lounge

With locations spreading throughout both San Diego and Los Angeles, I had to get to Burger Lounge. The establishment boasts all organic ingredients and grass-fed single-source beef. Fortunately, the upscale ingredients don't elevate the prices. The Burger Lounge has only been around for a couple of years, so you might get to try this place before your friends do.

The Lounge Burger ($7.95)
Lounge bun, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, house-made 1000 Island,organic cheese - white cheddar or American, and fresh or grilled onion

San Diego Sandwich - Donovan's

Donovan's Steakhouse is a fancy restaurant and very pricy for a normal meal, but all your friends know to get to this place during their happy hour for FREE sandwiches. Not only are they free, these Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches are made fresh throughout happy hour with 16-hour marinated beef. Just order a cocktail at the bar and watch as the free sandwiches come your way.

Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches FREE
Shredded Filet Mignon marinated with mushrooms and onions on a hoagie roll with cheddar cheese

Donovan's has restaurants in La Jolla and downtown San Diego. The happy hour is much more popular in the downtown location so that is where your friends would prefer to meet you.