oChef » Bale – San Diego » Bale – San Diego – Reviews

Bale - Reviews

Lucky Seafood/Big Lots, 9396 Mira Mesa Blvd Ste. C Near, 92125 San Diego
All reviews at a glance
267

Reviews

84.6%

Satisfaction

29

negative

12

neutral

226

positive

What people say about Bale

Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Quick Meal
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Terry T.
Review date: 12/04/2025
2
Terrible sandwiches, lacks flavor
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The sandwiches were terrible, with a very little meat portion. They lacked so much flavor, and the bread was not good. I would hard pass on this place.
  • sandwiches1
  • meat portion1
  • flavor1
Visit Type
  • Regular Visit
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Louis V.
Review date: 12/02/2025
2
Disappointing Decline in Food Quality
My experience at this restaurant was, at best, mediocre. It's truly sad to see how far this place has fallen. The bread quality has decreased, and the amount of meat served is disappointing. While I understand inflation, a simultaneous drop in quality is unacceptable. I've given this restaurant numerous chances over the past few years, but the decline has been consistent. It's no longer the standard it once was and is not worth the money. The staff is nice, and the store is clean, but my primary reason for visiting is the food, which is unfortunately not hitting the mark and likely never will again, given its trajectory.
  • staff7
  • store cleanliness8
  • bread quality2
  • amount of meat3
  • food quality1
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Quick Meal
Service Type
  • Takeout
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
KakuBites
Review date: 11/19/2025
8
Bale French Sandwich: Great Banh Mi Value
My experience at Bale French Sandwich was a positive one, highlighting their delicious and great value banh mi. I enjoyed the charbroiled pork and lemongrass chicken banh mi, both priced at a reasonable $6. 25 each. The bread was exceptional, featuring a great crust that was thin, very crisp, and flaky. The pickled carrot and daikon added a delightful texture and brightness, perfectly complemented by the raw jalapeños that provided just the right amount of heat. The egg rolls were also a hit, boasting a peppery flavor and a satisfyingly crisp outer shell. It's important to note that this is a grab-and-go spot with a strictly business vibe. The service is efficient, so it's best to have your order ready. Seating is limited to one small table for snacking and two benches for waiting. They also offer extensive party tray options if ordered in advance. Parking is plentiful in the free lot, though it can get competitive on weekends due to nearby businesses.
  • banh mi9
  • bread10
  • pickled carrot and daikon8
Price per Person
  • $1–$10
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Group Type
  • Couple
Group Size
  • Solo
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
RCS
Review date: 11/08/2025
9
Incredible Bahn Mi Bread!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially the bread for the Bahn Mi, which was described as incredible, light, crispy, and tender. The fillings were good and fresh, though I wished for a bit more pate. It's a solid joint for a good fix. The coffee was just alright. I highly recommend this place for lovers out there.
  • bread10
  • fillings7
  • pate6
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
AB M.
Review date: 11/05/2025
7
Mixed Experience with Service Shining
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The BBQ Sandwich was nothing spectacular, earning a 3-star rating. The Sesame Balls, priced at 3 for $1, were also disappointing with a 3-star rating; they must have been old as they were hard. On a brighter note, the Eggrolls at $1 each were a pleasant surprise, rated 4 stars. The standout aspect of my visit was the Service, which was exceptional and received a perfect 5-star rating. The Atmosphere also contributed positively to the experience with a 5-star rating.
  • BBQ Sandwich6
  • Eggrolls8
  • Service10
  • Sesame Balls3
Visit Type
  • Quick Meal
Group Type
  • Friends
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Chris A.
Review date: 09/18/2025
9
Great Sandwiches, Fast Service!
I was in the neighborhood and one of my friends, who had been to this sandwich shop before, recommended I stop by. I loved the sandwiches and the varieties you can choose from are great. The service was fast and the food was great. I will definitely come again.
  • sandwiches9
  • varieties9
  • service9
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Noise Level
  • Quiet
Monica M.
Review date: 08/24/2025
9
Best Bahn Mi in San Diego!
I arrived at Bale feeling incredibly hungry, to the point of wanting to scream. Fortunately, the woman at the front was exceptionally nice and recommended her favorite, the pork sandwich. My order, which included a Bahn mi, two chicken eggrolls, and a strawberry smoothie (hold the boba), cost $12. I devoured the chicken eggrolls quickly while waiting for my main order. They were fresh, small, and perfect. The Bahn mi itself is now among my top 3 of all time, and arguably the best in San Diego. The fresh baguette shattered so much that it required detail work on my car, but I'll be returning often because it's worth it. The strawberry smoothie was also perfect on a hot day. Thank you, Bale, for returning me to a normal state in such a delicious and unforgettable way.
  • pork sandwich9
  • Bahn mi10
  • chicken eggrolls9
Price per Person
  • $1–$10
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Group Type
  • Friends
Group Size
  • Small Group
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Noise Level
  • Quiet
Genevieve M.
Review date: 06/27/2025
10
Absolutely Delicious Sandwiches and More!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had one of the best sandwiches I've ever had in my life. This place truly understands what a sandwich should be, packed with all the expected veggies and allowing you to choose your protein. I can confidently say that anything you order is going to taste good. We also enjoyed the Thai tea, mango drink, egg roll, and sesame balls with bean curd, all of which were so good! I couldn't finish everything in one sitting, but the leftovers were just as good later in the day.
  • sandwiches10
  • veggies9
  • protein9
Price per Person
  • $1–$10
Visit Type
  • Regular Visit
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Julian N.
Review date: 06/15/2025
9
Honest Family Business with Delicious Comfort Food
I literally pass by this place every week but never thought much of it. Never judge a book by its cover because this place is the epitome of an honest and friendly family business! It reminds me of a small, quaint sandwich shop from the streets of Vietnam. Ohh, and the food is typical comfort Vietnamese dishes at a super reasonable price. Also, shout out to Aaron and his mom who own the place! We will definitely be back every week whenever we need party dishes or just a classic Banh Mi sandwich or even sesame balls!
  • honest and friendly family business10
  • comfort Vietnamese dishes9
  • reasonable price9
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Duong H.
Review date: 05/12/2025
9
Authentic Hanoi Sandwiches & Sesame Balls
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I absolutely loved their sandwiches, which brought me back to Hanoi in the 90s. The Cured pork sandwich was my favorite. Their sesame balls were excellent too. The food quality was a perfect 5/5, and the atmosphere was a solid 4/5.
  • sandwiches10
  • Cured pork sandwich10
  • sesame balls9

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