Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Big Jim’s Roast Beef – San Diego
Big Jim's Roast Beef - San Diego
Photo from Big Jim’s Roast Beef
Big Jim's Roast Beef at a glance
San Diego Pacific Beach
- 🥪 Sandwich Shop
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 146 of the guests
#83 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#5 Sandwich Shop out of 39 in San Diego
Excellent
8.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
781
Reviews
84.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality Roast Beef
- Engaging Service
- Outdoor Dining
Frequently criticized
- Variable Sides
- No Indoor Seating
- Hygiene Issues
Overview: Introducting Big Jim's Roast Beef
Big Jim’s Roast Beef certainly makes a strong impression with its flavorful main dishes, often described as tender and satisfying. Many appreciate the genuine interactions with the staff, making for a pleasant experience.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall value, particularly with certain side dishes. The dining environment also presents a few quirks, with some wishing for more comfortable seating options.
Excellent
8.6
out of 10
781
Reviews
84.9%
Satisfaction
76
negative
42
neutral
663
positive
Big Jim’s Roast Beef earns a solid overall score of 8.6, with customer satisfaction standing at a commendable 84.9%. These figures are drawn from 781 customer remarks, with 663 positive observations.
The star of the show is clearly the Food (8.8), which garners nearly all attention, praised for its quality and flavor. The Service (8.3) also receives strong marks, indicating a generally positive interaction with the team.
The dining Ambience (7.5) is rated well, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the food or service. Where Big Jim’s sees a slight dip is in Value (6.8).
While still considered good, it’s the lowest-scoring aspect, suggesting some patrons feel the pricing could be more competitive, especially when considering the 76 negative comments.
What people like
- Exceptional Roast Beef
- Friendly, Helpful Staff
- Ample Parking/Outdoor Seating
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Onion Rings
- Limited Indoor Seating
- Cleanliness Concerns
Big Jim’s Roast Beef comes with a strong recommendation score of 8.8, suggesting it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re seeking a robust roast beef experience. The core offerings are consistently praised, making it a solid choice for its specialty.
However, manage your expectations regarding the dining environment and certain side dishes. If you prioritize a quick, flavorful sandwich and don’t mind a casual, outdoor setting, you’ll likely leave satisfied.
Similar Restaurants in San Diego
- Sandwich Shop
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
702
97.3%
- $$
- Little Italy
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Sandwich Shop
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
220
92.7%
- $$
- Kearny Mesa
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Sandwich Shop
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
466
88.8%
- $$
- University City
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Sandwich Shop
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
484
87.6%
- $$
- Otay Mesa West
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Sandwich Shop
8.5
out of 10
out of 10
408
86.8%
- $$
- University City
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Sandwich Shop
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
300
88.7%
- $$
- Core-Columbia
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Big Jim's Roast Beef
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, boasting an excellent score of 8.8 and a good customer satisfaction of 89.1%. With 522 positive remarks out of 586 total, diners consistently rave about the tender beef, iconic Super Beef sandwiches, and amazing onion rings. Many highlight the authentic New England roast beef experience, praising the flavor and generous portions.
However, a smaller number of 38 critical remarks out of 586 total indicate some potential pitfalls. A few diners found the meat to be bland or salty, while others reported soggy onion rings or burnt buns. The BBQ sauce and au jus also received occasional criticism for being underwhelming, and it's worth noting the limited vegetarian options.
Food
586
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
38
negative
26
neutral
522
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tender, flavorful beef
- Amazing onion rings
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Bland meat
- Soggy onion rings
- Burnt buns
Often praised
- onion ringsIt's a true classic New England roast beef, just like back in New England. I visit this place at least once a month because the roast beef and onion rings are addicting. I highly recommend trying it!
- roast beef sandwichMy experience at this restaurant was super delicious! I've tried their roast beef sandwich and it was very good, but my go-to is the Italian sandwich. As someone from Massachusetts, it's hard to find authentic East Coast-style subs in San Diego, but this Italian sub is definitely legit.
- roast beefI had the French Dip with Au Jus and the onion rings, and both were incredible. The French Dip was served on great French bread with a generous portion of even better roast beef. The onion rings were fresh made, and there were so many in one order that two of us couldn't finish them all.
- foodEvery bite just kept getting better. It was definitely worth the price, and the food was simple, clean, and tasty. I enjoyed it so much that I ate everything before I could even take a picture!
- Foodtype of food that you eat and then need to take a nap after
- meatI had the Jr Beef sandwich and it was fantastic. The meat was flavorful and tender. I can't wait to go back hungrier!
- sandwichI love a place that specializes, and this is no exception. The roast beef was perfect, and every sandwich we got was uniquely delicious. As a side note, the chicken tenders order was massive and so freakin' good.
- beefThe Big Beef sandwich was a culinary masterpiece. The bun had a perfectly crispy inside, complementing the soft, melt-in-your-mouth beef. The cheese and white sauce provided a subtle balance, while the barbecue sauce added a crucial acidic and subtly spicy kick to this glorious meal.
- Super BeefMy experience at Big Jim’s Roast Beef was the real deal. I ordered the Super Beef and it was unreal — piled high with perfectly tender roast beef, juicy, flavorful, and stacked on a fresh roll that held everything together just right. Every bite hit.
- super beefIf you're from the North Shore of Mass and crave a super beef weekly like I do, you're in luck. Big Jim's not only satisfies the homesick craving, but it's up there with any of the top spots back east!
Frequently criticized
- onion ringsI spent $25 on a sandwich and onion rings and couldn't get BBQ sauce, though I did receive five ketchup packets. Upon opening my food, the onion rings looked horrible. Barely any breading stayed on the onion, and the onion pieces were either extremely thin or giant chunks.
- sandwichI ordered a super beef sandwich, which was flavorless and overcooked. For a $15 sandwich, it was tasteless, and I was extremely disappointed as I was hoping for the best. I don't believe it was the 12-hour cooking process; I think it was how it was melted up on the grill and warmed up.
- BBQ saucecouldn't even get a BBQ sauce
- Junior beefI'm shocked that a local specialty from such a small area made it to San Diego, and blown away that it is this good. Get the horseradish cream sauce and skip the Junior beef because you would miss out on the onion roll.
- Super Beef sandwichwanted to try the Super Beef sandwich but they were sold out
- Super Beef sandwiches bunsall 4 super beef sandwiches buns were completely burnt
- Vegetarian optionsVegetarians, forget about it! Just take a day off vegetables.
- additionsmiss was some additions in the sandwich, like pickles
- au jusau jus were a bit bland IMO
- barbecue sauceI don't believe it was the 12-hour cooking process; I think it was how it was melted up on the grill and warmed up. The barbecue sauce reminded me of a McRib sandwich from McDonald's, which I would not feed to the family dog. I failed in getting the horseradish mustard, which was my bad.
If youre craving a hearty, flavorful sandwich with generous portions and dont mind a meat-centric menu, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that while most experiences are stellar, a few diners have noted inconsistencies with seasoning or onion ring crispness.
Service (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 8.3 and a customer satisfaction rate of 80.6%, both indicating a good experience. Many folks rave about the friendly staff, especially owner Jim, and appreciate the generosity and fast service. With 79 positive remarks out of 98 total, its clear that the teams passion and care shine through, making for a pleasant visit.
However, not every interaction is perfect, with 16 negative remarks pointing to occasional hiccups. Some customers have experienced issues with incorrect orders, longer waiting times, or felt that simple requests were not accommodated. There were also mentions of staff, including Jim, being unhelpful or salty at times, suggesting some inconsistency in service delivery.
Service
98
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
16
negative
3
neutral
79
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, passionate staff
- Owner Jim's generosity
- Fast, efficient service
What people don't like
- Incorrect orders
- Long waiting times
- Unaccommodating requests
Often praised
- serviceI tried their subs and sandwiches, which were absolutely delicious. It's a must-try spot for anyone looking for great food and great service. The atmosphere was also a highlight, rated a 5 out of 5.
- ServiceService was excellent
- staffBeyond the exceptional food, the customer service was also top-notch. The staff was friendly, helpful, and even took the time to recommend some menu highlights and local favorites for my next visit. If you're in PB and considering a roast beef or French dip sandwich, I highly recommend stopping by Jim's.
- Big JimBig Jim himself helped me decide what to order
- JimThe sandwich featured a soft and crispy onion roll with incredibly tender beef. The service was also a highlight; Jim was super nice. I will definitely be going back.
- peopleCool people.
- AsherAsher, his assistant. All seating is outdoors.
- Big Jim and TaylorBig Jim and Taylor are so nice.
- Chris and JimChris and Jim are the best.
- Gentlemen insideGentlemen inside made everything fresh
Frequently criticized
- orderunfortunately I didn't get what I ordered
- servicelack of interest in service by "Jim" or other behind the counter
- JimThe service was a significant letdown; I would have given 5 stars if simple requests, like adding visible prepared horseradish, had been accommodated. Unfortunately, Jim denied my request, which would have really elevated the meal for me. It was a bummer.
- ServiceThe ingnored us and did it anyway
- food safety certificateneither of the boyz have their food safety certificate
- menuAt least post on your menu part that the dip has horseradish on it
- saltydude was clearly salty
- serving customersNo real interest in serving customers
- simple requeststake simple requests like adding some extra straight prepared horseradish
- staffhope next time the person taking orders knows the difference
Overall, you can expect a warm welcome and efficient service, often highlighted by the owners personal touch. While there might be an occasional wait or a minor order mix-up, the positive experiences far outweigh the negatives. Its definitely worth a visit for the generally great service.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to the overall feel, this place scores a solid 7.5 for ambience, indicating a generally good experience! Many customers absolutely love the fantastic atmosphere, especially the inviting outdoor seating and the positive vibe. With 47 positive remarks out of 73 total comments, it’s clear that the location and its outdoor setup are a big hit.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 64.4%, suggesting there's room for improvement. Some folks point out challenges like the lack of indoor seating and occasional parking difficulties. There are also a few mentions of unpleasant fumes or limited seating options, with 15 negative comments highlighting these areas.
Ambience
73
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
15
negative
11
neutral
47
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great outdoor seating
- Positive, friendly vibe
- Top-notch atmosphere
What people don't like
- No indoor seating
- Difficult parking
- Unpleasant fumes
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere was also a perfect
- atmosphereThe service and atmosphere were also top-notch
- Parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
- outdoor seatingThere's outdoor seating if you're hanging out.
- seatingPlenty of seating on the sidewalk Cafe style
- Awesome placeAwesome place!
- Parking optionsParking options:Free parking lot
- ambianceThe service and ambiance are fantastic.
- awesome placehighly recommend this awesome place
- eat outsideYou can eat outside
Frequently criticized
- indoor seatingthere isn't a space inside to sit and eat this perfect sandwich.
- parkingExpect a 15-30 minute wait from ordering to receiving your food. It's also not cheap for a sandwich, and parking is a nightmare. However, all that being said, the Roast Beef sandwich is worth every second and every penny, even with the parking hassle in Pacific Beach.
- ambiencedon't expect any kind of ambience or anything like that
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- candy wrappersI cleaned up all the empty candy wrappers around the cash register
- hoursthe hours are only 11-4. Just odd hours.
- limited seatingLimited seating out front
- locationTeeny tiny location
- meat delivery2 boxes of a meat delivery laying on top the grease mat on the floor
- prepping picklesprepping pickles at the cash register completely oblivious to the health code violation
If you're looking for a great outdoor dining experience with a lively atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potentially limited seating and some parking challenges, especially if you prefer indoor options.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found their experience quite positive, with 15 positive remarks out of 24 total. Guests frequently praised the price, noting it was worth the money and often an absolute steal. They loved getting big portions and felt the quality was well worth it for the cost, making it a satisfying deal.
However, the overall customer satisfaction sits at a 62.5%, indicating a mixed bag, despite a good score of 6.8. Some felt the price was too high for what they received, especially for items like the onion rings, which were often deemed not worth the money. A few even mentioned that a $15 sandwich didn't quite fill them up, leading to disappointment.
Value
24
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the money
- Generous portions
- Fair price point
What people don't like
- Add-ons overpriced
- Sandwich not filling
- Onion rings poor value
Often praised
- priceBig portions for the price too
- Price per personThe food was rated a 5 out of 5, and the service and atmosphere also received a perfect 5. Parking was plentiful in the paid lot, and the price per person for lunch was between $10–20.
- 100% MoneyIt was 100% Money!!
- PricesThe onion rings were 10/10. Prices are very reasonable for the quality. The sandwich doesn't rely on excessive cheese or oversized bread; it's just bomb meat and homemade sauce with a perfect crunch on the onion roll.
- absolute stealThe amount of meat I got for $15 was an absolute steal.
- every pennyWorth every penny
- less moneyUnfortunately, the onion rings were terrible – super greasy and they just fell apart, leaving me with mostly just onions and a lot of crust. Given the options nearby, there are plenty of other places where you can get good food for less money.
- price pointa better price point
- valueamazing value around 14$
- value for the costincredible value for the cost!
Frequently criticized
- priceit's also not cheap for a sandwich
- $10onion rings for another $10 and they were terrible
- $15 sandwicha $15 sandwich should fill me up
- onion ringsskip the onion rings for $16.64
- overall valueOverall value was killed by the lack of interest in service
- tipIf you don't pay an 18% tip or whatever obnoxious amounts are "recommended"
If you're seeking generous portions and a fair price for main dishes, this place often delivers a good deal. Just be cautious with certain add-ons, as some found them overpriced and not worth the extra cost.
How are the prices at Big Jim's Roast Beef?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 146 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Sandwich Shop, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what everyone spends, most guests are right in that sweet spot, so prices definitely cluster around this average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 146 reviews.
See how this spot stacks up against similar restaurants in San Diego when it comes to value for money.
Overall, for a Sandwich Shop, we think the pricing feels fair. It’s not your cheapest grab-and-go, but it offers a solid mid-range option for those looking for quality.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Big Jim's Roast Beef
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Unreal Super Beef at Big Jim's
My experience at Big Jim’s Roast Beef was the real deal. I ordered the Super Beef and it was unreal — piled high with perfectly tender roast beef, juicy, flavorful, and stacked on a fresh roll that held everything together just right. Every bite hit.
No shortcuts, no skimpy portions, just straight-up quality. You can tell they care about what they’re putting out. The service was fast, the vibes were friendly, and the food lived up to the hype.
If you’re even thinking about getting roast beef in San Diego, this is the spot. I’ll be back for sure — and probably getting the Super Beef again. 🔥🥩
- Super Beef10
- roast beef10
- fresh roll9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Amazing Sandwich and Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had an amazing sandwich, and the service was great. The beef was FPW and delicious.
I'd give it a 10/10. Thanks to Big Jim and his crew!
- sandwich10
- service10
- beef10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Super Beef Sandwich
My experience was one and done. I ordered a super beef sandwich, which was flavorless and overcooked. For a $15 sandwich, it was tasteless, and I was extremely disappointed as I was hoping for the best.
I don't believe it was the 12-hour cooking process; I think it was how it was melted up on the grill and warmed up. The barbecue sauce reminded me of a McRib sandwich from McDonald's, which I would not feed to the family dog. I failed in getting the horseradish mustard, which was my bad.
I have had the pleasure of going to Nick's Roast Beef in New England.
- horseradish mustard5
- super beef sandwich2
- sandwich2
- barbecue sauce1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Best Beef Sandwich in California!
My experience at Big Jim's was exceptional. I found the Super Beef Sandwich to be the best beef in California and beyond, rivaling even the east coast. The food was rated a perfect 5, and the atmosphere also received a 5.
The service was equally impressive, earning a 5. For lunch, the price per person was a reasonable $10–20.
- Beef10
- Super Beef Sandwich10
- food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Incredible Gobbler and Super Beef!
My experience tonight was fantastic! I ordered the Gobbler and a Super Beef. The Gobbler was incredible, especially with the super hot side of green bean brown gravy to smother on the sandwich.
The turkey mash croquette was perfectly crispy. Even though I burned the roof of my mouth multiple times, I couldn’t be more thrilled. This sando is an all-timer!
Get it before 11/30.
- Gobbler10
- Super Beef9
- green bean brown gravy9
What Big Jim's Roast Beef offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Happy hour food
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Catering
- Counter service
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
How is Big Jim's Roast Beef generally rated by customers?
Big Jim’s Roast Beef receives a strong overall score of 8.6. Customers particularly praise the Food (8.8) and Service (8.3). The Ambience (7.5) is also well-regarded, though Value (6.8) is seen as good but has room for improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at Big Jim's?
Customers consistently rave about the quality of the roast beef, describing it as flavorful and tender. Many highlight the classic roast beef sandwiches and French Dips as standout choices.
Are there any common concerns about the dining experience?
Some customers note the limited indoor seating and occasional issues with parking. There are also mixed opinions on the onion rings, with some finding them inconsistent in quality.