Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » BB’s – San Diego
BB's - San Diego
Photo from BB’s
BB's at a glance
San Diego Core-Columbia
- 🥪 Deli
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 16 of the guests
#9 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#1 Deli out of 13 in San Diego
Excellent
9.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
283
Reviews
97.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly Service
- Delicious Food
- Deli Atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Unexpected Tax
- Soggy Bread
- Salad Availability
The deli BB’s in San Diego’s bustling Core-Columbia neighborhood invites you to discover a convenient and satisfying dining experience. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or enjoying a casual meal, this spot offers a straightforward approach to classic deli fare.
You’ll appreciate its central location at 1321 Fifth Ave, making it an accessible choice for locals and visitors alike.
Overview: Introducting BB's
BB’s offers a compelling experience, particularly noted for its delicious food and exceptional friendly service. Many appreciate the wide variety of options available, from sandwiches to soups, all prepared with care.
The establishment cultivates a welcoming environment that resonates with its patrons. While the overall value is strong, some patrons have noted concerns regarding adding tax to certain items, which can be a point of contention.
Despite this minor issue, the casual atmosphere and attentive staff contribute significantly to a positive dining outing.
Excellent
9.3
out of 10
283
Reviews
97.9%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
277
positive
BB’s truly shines, earning an impressive overall score of 9.3, which places it firmly in the excellent category. This high rating is strongly supported by an outstanding 97.9% customer satisfaction, indicating nearly universal approval.
With 277 positive remarks against only 5 negative ones out of 283 customer comments, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a consistently satisfying experience for most visitors. Diving deeper, the Service (9.5) stands out as exceptional, with staff often praised for their attentiveness and warmth.
The Food (9.3) also receives excellent marks, consistently described as fresh and delicious. The Ambience (8.9) contributes significantly to the positive experience, offering a comfortable and welcoming setting.
Even Value (8) is rated as good, suggesting that patrons feel they receive a fair deal for their money.
What people like
- Exceptional friendly service
- Delicious fresh food
- Welcoming deli atmosphere
What people don't like
- Unexpected tax charges
- Soggy sandwich bread
- Limited chicken salad
With a strong recommendation score of 9.4, BB’s clearly stands out as a highly regarded spot. If you’re seeking a place with genuinely friendly service and consistently fresh, delicious food in a comfortable setting, this establishment is certainly worth your consideration.
While a minor point about unexpected tax charges on some items has been raised, it doesn’t detract significantly from the overall positive experience. For a reliable and satisfying meal, BB’s offers a compelling option that many patrons enthusiastically endorse.
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Verdict: Our expert take on BB's
Food (9.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
The food here is a definite highlight, boasting an excellent score of 9.3 and an outstanding 98% customer satisfaction! With 144 positive remarks, diners consistently rave about the delicious and fresh sandwiches, often highlighting the homemade soups and great variety. It seems every bite is crafted with care, making for truly satisfying meals.
While overwhelmingly positive, a few of the 147 comments noted minor issues. There were a couple of concerns about soggy bread and one specific mention regarding the New Yorker sandwich having too much sauerkraut. Additionally, one diner was disappointed that chicken salad wasn't available, but these are isolated incidents amidst a sea of praise.
Food
147
Reviews
98%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
144
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious sandwiches
- Fresh ingredients
- Homemade soups
What people don't like
- Soggy bread
- Chicken salad unavailable
Often praised
- foodI'm so happy I walked around and found this spot. The people were so nice and friendly, the food was ready right away, and the food was delicious. Definitely recommend coming here.
- sandwichesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to have some of the best sandwiches in downtown San Diego. There are so many options to choose from, which can be overwhelming, but if you're stuck, I highly recommend trying the New Yorker and the West Coast sandwiches.
- sandwichmy sandwich was made exactly the way I requested
- breakfast sandwichesMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. The service was top-notch, and the food was delicious, featuring good breakfast sandwiches and a great selection of homemade soups. It's definitely a bang for your buck!
- deliciousSo fresh and delicious.
- freshSo fresh and delicious.
- varietyThe shop is family-run, offering fast and friendly service. They have so much variety, not just sandwiches, but also soups, salads, snacks, drinks, and smoothies. I highly recommend getting in there already and leaving a tip 💛.
- chicken pesto sandwichthinking about the chicken pesto sandwich from BBS deli. so good
- chipotle chickenchipotle chicken and meatball sub - awesome
- saladsSoups, salads, snacks, drinks and smoothies
Frequently criticized
- New Yorker sandwichordered the New Yorker, too much sauerkraut bread was soggy
- breadbread was soggy, should have been toasted more
- chicken saladI want chicken salad and he doesn't have any
If youre looking for a place with consistently delicious and fresh food, especially sandwiches and homemade soups, BBs is definitely worth a visit. With such high praise and excellent satisfaction, you're almost guaranteed a satisfying meal, despite a few very minor hiccups.
Service (9.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.5 and a stellar 99% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Out of 96 total remarks, a whopping 95 are positive, highlighting the warm family business feel, friendly staff, and the owners personal touch.
Expect a genuinely welcoming and accommodating experience. Remarkably, there isn't a single negative comment about the service, which truly speaks volumes about their dedication. This means you can anticipate a consistently smooth and pleasant interaction, free from any common service pitfalls or frustrations.
Service
96
Reviews
99%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
95
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Owner is personable
- Quick, efficient service
What people don't like
Often praised
- serviceHe also creates a wonderful atmosphere with his kindness. His mother also clearly strives to provide extraordinary service. This is what truly makes a place "GREAT".
- ownerowner is very interactive with customers and is extremely hands on
- staffI particularly enjoyed their signature Chicken Club, which featured perfectly toasted bread, tender chicken breast, melted cheese, and fresh veggies. The casual atmosphere and friendly staff made it a comfortable place to dine.
- customer serviceExcellent customer service, very friendly and always with a smile
- peopleI'm so happy I walked around and found this spot. The people were so nice and friendly, the food was ready right away, and the food was delicious. Definitely recommend coming here.
- employeesI've been grabbing lunch & breakfast there for two decades. The employees are not only kind and fast but also pay close attention to detail on every sandwich. The owner adds to the experience with his fun spirit.
- friendly servicefriendly service
- quick serviceThe restaurant has the feel of a neighborhood deli. I experienced friendly service and quick service. The sandwiches were great.
- AlAl is awesome!
- Al and crewThank you Al and crew
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place where service is paramount, this is it. You can confidently expect a warm welcome, efficient attention, and a genuinely friendly atmosphere, making it absolutely worth a visit.
Ambience (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot is absolutely shining! With an excellent score of 8.9 and a perfect 100% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are loving the atmosphere. Based on all 22 opinions, folks rave about it feeling like a genuine East Coast New York delicatessen with a friendly atmosphere that makes it a true community hub and a cozy environment to relax in.
Interestingly, out of all 22 customer opinions, there wasnt a single negative word about the ambience. It seems this place has truly nailed the welcoming and comfortable feel, with many appreciating the peace and warm inside vibe, leaving no room for complaints regarding its environment.
Ambience
22
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- East Coast deli vibe
- Friendly atmosphere
- Cozy environment
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereI particularly enjoyed their signature Chicken Club, which featured perfectly toasted bread, tender chicken breast, melted cheese, and fresh veggies. The casual atmosphere and friendly staff made it a comfortable place to dine.
- environmentthe environment itself resembles the at of a new york deli
- East Coast New York delicatessenThis is like an east coast genuine New York delicatessen.
- charm of the delithe charm of the deli
- community hubA legitimate community hub
- cozy environmentdefinitely a cozy environment
- deliThe deli was clean
- downtown areastaying in the downtown area
- family-owned placeFamily owned place
- friendly atmospherea friendly atmosphere
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place with a fantastic, welcoming vibe, this deli is definitely worth a visit. It promises a cozy, friendly atmosphere reminiscent of a classic New York spot, making it perfect for a relaxed meal.
Value (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! Customers are consistently thrilled with the 88.9% satisfaction rate, finding the food to be a definite bang for your buck. With a solid score of 8, many of the 16 positive comments rave about the reasonably priced and good prices that offer excellent value for money.
However, a couple of folks did raise an eyebrow regarding the tax on cold sandwiches. These 2 negative remarks felt that adding tax when it wasnt necessary was a bit much, suggesting its something to be aware of before you order.
Value
18
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent value for money
- Reasonably priced food
- Great bang for buck
What people don't like
- Unexpected tax charge
Often praised
- pricesI've been going to this restaurant for about 5 years. My experience has been consistently positive, primarily due to the good variety of options available and the reasonable prices. It's a place that offers good value for money.
- priceWe enjoyed our sandwiches from lunch so much that we went back for breakfast a couple days later and had breakfast sandwiches. The food was awesome and very reasonably priced. I would highly recommend this place if you are staying in the downtown area.
- affordable mealaffordable but filling meal
- bang for your buckDefinitely a bang for your buck!!
- good pricesThe food is always a hit! Love the yummy sandwiches, good prices, quick service, and friendly people.
- reasonably pricedThe owner is incredibly kind and personable, which immediately stood out as good customer service is so rare. My sandwich was packed, tasted really fresh, and was reasonably priced. I will definitely be coming back!
- value for moneyThe value for money meter goes is out of range here
Frequently criticized
- adding taxadding tax on top when its not necessary is extreme
- tax on cold sandwichesMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a surprising charge. They charge tax on cold sandwiches, which I found to be a buyer beware situation. While I understand inflation is bad enough, adding tax on top when it's not necessary felt extreme.
If youre looking for an affordable and satisfying meal, this place is definitely worth checking out. Youll likely find great value for your money here, just be mindful of a potential unexpected tax on certain items. Overall, it's a solid choice for your wallet!
How are the prices at BB's?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 16 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Deli, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most reviews (11 out of 16) fall right into this $11–$20 sweet spot, showing prices are pretty consistent around the average, though a few folks spent a bit less or more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 16 reviews.
How this Deli stacks up against similar spots in San Diego for value.
Overall, for a Deli in San Diego, we think the pricing feels quite fair. Its a solid mid-range option that wont break the bank for a good meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about BB's
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Best Office Lunch Spot!
My experience at this restaurant was simply the best! Our office visits up to 3 times a week from Live Nation. The price is right, and the clam chowder is to die for, among all the other sandwiches.
The food and atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5, and the service also received a 5-star rating.
- price9
- clam chowder10
- sandwiches8
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Fan Favorite with Great Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! As a student at the school next door, I can confirm it's a fan favorite. Everyone comes here for lunch.
The food and service were both excellent, and I highly recommend it. I'd give it a 10/10!
- food10
- service10
- fan favorite10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Favorite Lunch Spot!
My favorite place to go for lunch! The people that work here are SUPER friendly and truly take care of their customers.
- people10
- customers10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Masterful Sandwiches and Exceptional Service!
My experience was incredible! Mr. Al is a master at making sandwiches that are both delicious and affordable. He also creates a wonderful atmosphere with his kindness.
His mother also clearly strives to provide extraordinary service. This is what truly makes a place "GREAT". They open early, which is a huge plus.
Congratulations on your work and effort; keep it up! I finished my sandwich before I could take a photo – they are that good.
- sandwiches10
- price9
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Best Sandwiches in Downtown San Diego!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was excellent, and the sandwiches were the absolute BEST. They were so fresh and delicious.
If you're in downtown San Diego and love sandwiches, you absolutely must come here!
- service10
- sandwiches10
- fresh10
What BB's offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Service Options
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
FAQs
What service options are available at BB's Deli?
At BB’s Deli, you can enjoy various convenient service options to suit your needs. You have the choice of takeout for meals on the go, delivery right to your door, or a comfortable dine-in experience if you prefer to eat on-site. This flexibility ensures you can enjoy your food however you like.
Is BB's Deli accessible for individuals with mobility needs?
Yes, BB’s Deli is designed with accessibility in mind. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring easy access into the establishment. Additionally, the seating arrangements are wheelchair accessible, providing a comfortable dining experience for all guests. Your comfort and ease of access are prioritized here.
What kind of food can I expect at BB's?
BB’s is known for its delicious and fresh food, particularly a wide variety of sandwiches, including breakfast options. They also offer soups, salads, and smoothies.
What is the customer experience like at BB's?
Customers consistently praise the friendly and quick service, often highlighting the interactive owner and staff. The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and reminiscent of an East Coast New York delicatessen.