Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Ike’s Love & Sandwiches – San Diego
Ike's Love & Sandwiches - San Diego
Photo from Ike’s Love & Sandwiches
Ike's Love & Sandwiches at a glance
San Diego Hillcrest
- 🥪 Sandwich Shop
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 74 of the guests
#606 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#24 Sandwich Shop out of 39 in San Diego
Average
5.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
516
Reviews
54.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious sandwiches
- Unique bread
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- Small portions
- Cleanliness issues
The sandwich shop in the vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego offers a truly unique culinary experience. At Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, you’ll discover a menu packed with creative options, including fantastic vegan choices that cater to diverse tastes.
The atmosphere is both casual and trendy, making it a perfect spot for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. You’ll appreciate the friendly vibe and the innovative approach to classic sandwiches.
Overview: Introducting Ike's Love & Sandwiches
Ike’s Love & Sandwiches often delivers a compelling sandwich experience, with many praising its unique Dutch Crunch bread and diverse vegan options. The staff generally receives positive remarks for being friendly and helpful, contributing to a pleasant visit.
However, some patrons question the overall value, citing high prices for what they perceive as smaller portions or less meat. Significant waiting times and occasional cleanliness issues have also been noted, impacting the dining experience for others.
Average
5.9
out of 10
516
Reviews
54.1%
Satisfaction
214
negative
23
neutral
279
positive
Overall, Ike’s Love & Sandwiches earns an average Restaurant Score of 5.9, with Customer Satisfaction sitting at a mixed 54.1%. This indicates a somewhat balanced experience for many, reflecting both strong points and areas needing attention.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 516 customer opinions, with 279 positive remarks balancing 214 negative ones. The Food (7.1) stands out as a clear strength, consistently receiving good marks for its quality and variety.
However, Service (4.1) appears to be a notable challenge, often falling into the average category due to concerns about efficiency and wait times. Ambience (5.2) and Value (4.8) also hover in the average range, suggesting room for improvement in these areas.
What people like
- Delicious sandwiches
- Unique Dutch bread
- Friendly, helpful staff
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Inconsistent portions
- Cleanliness concerns
With a Recommendation Score of 6.3, Ike’s Love & Sandwiches presents a mixed bag. If you prioritize creative sandwiches and unique bread, and don’t mind potential waits, it could be a worthwhile stop.
Their friendly staff often enhances the experience. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in portion sizes and service speed, which might detract from the overall value.
If you’re seeking a quick, budget-friendly meal with guaranteed consistency, you might want to explore other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Ike's Love & Sandwiches
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, things are looking pretty good! With a solid score of 7.1 and customer satisfaction at 70.5%, its clear many diners are enjoying their meals. Out of 298 pieces of feedback, 210 were positive, often praising the delicious and varied sandwiches, especially the beloved Dutch crunch bread and the excellent halal options and vegan options available.
However, not every bite is perfect, with 76 negative opinions highlighting some areas for improvement. Concerns often revolve around inconsistent portion size, particularly a lack of meat in some sandwiches, and issues with bread quality or sandwiches becoming soggy'. Occasionally, the balance of ingredients, like too much sauce, also drew criticism.
Food
298
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
76
negative
12
neutral
210
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Dutch crunch bread
- Wide variety of options
- Excellent vegan/halal choices
What people don't like
- Inconsistent meat portions
- Soggy or poor bread
- Over-sauced sandwiches
Often praised
- sandwichesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I can confidently say these are the best sandwiches in the world, not just according to Ike's mom, but also according to me and others too! 😅😃😋🥪 🥪 I tried the Elvis Kieth sandwich, which had halal chicken, teriyaki, wasabi mayo, and swiss cheese.
- foodI wish I’d asked her name, but the dark haired goddess with blue eyes and perfect eyebrows was so patient and helpful, knew the menu well, and recommended a gem I very much enjoyed later. Great food & customer service. Also thank you for the extra caramel apple lollipops :)
- sandwichMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The girl at the front was amazing and, despite me being a picky eater, she helped me find a sandwich to my liking. The manager, Vaughn, also came over to ensure I was happy.
- breadThe bread itself is very thin, which sounds like you’re missing out, but actually it’s amazing
- FoodFood:5
- vegan optionsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed with the excellent vegan options available. Furthermore, the team here always seems to be in a great mood, contributing to a positive atmosphere.
- vegetarian optionsOne of the only delis I will ever order vegetarian at.
- Dutch Crunch breadrecommend the Dutch Crunch bread as the best choice
- Dutch breadDo not miss the Dutch bread, it's unlike anything I've tried before and it's yummy!
- Dutch crunch breadThe halal chicken + Dutch crunch bread = wow!!
Frequently criticized
- sandwichI ordered two subs and neither of them contained an ounce of meat. One sandwich had two tiny pieces of meat and the rest was toppings. The other sandwich, which was supposed to have beef and turkey, had so little meat that you wouldn't even get to taste the combination together.
- foodMy brother and the food were creepy
- sauceThe subs are slapped together, maybe because it's a busier location? Please use light sauce on some subs; no one wants a soggy piece of bread. The employees are always super nice.
- breadMy experience at this restaurant didn't live up to the hype. The sandwich itself had a good amount of meat in the middle, but unfortunately, there was none at the end, resulting in about 60% bread only. I also made a point to ask for specific instructions on the sandwich, which were clearly ignored, even though they were noted on the receipt.
- avocadopaid like 2 something more for avocado and there was no avocado
- meatI never leave reviews, but I felt compelled to warn people about the deceptive practices of this business when ordering online delivery. I ordered two subs and neither of them contained an ounce of meat. One sandwich had two tiny pieces of meat and the rest was toppings.
- mozzarella sticksthey only gave 4 mozz sticks and they were like half baked
- qualityquality and ratios. There is a major lacking in the bread quality
- subsWe tend to drive to the Sports Arena location over Hillcrest because the quality of the subs is superior, actually made with love. We stopped again at this location for take out, and our subs came dripping in sauce. The subs are slapped together, maybe because it's a busier location?
- PreparationPreparation was meh. (Over sauced, too little meat.)
Overall, if youre looking for a sandwich spot with a wide array of options, especially if you appreciate good bread and diverse dietary choices like halal or vegan, its definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences mention inconsistent meat portions or soggy bread, so you might want to specify your preferences when ordering.
Service (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
While the overall picture for service is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.1 and customer satisfaction at 28.4%, some experiences truly shine. Many customers praise the employees and staff for being super nice, efficient, and professional, often highlighting great service and customer service. Out of 162 total comments, 46 positive ones mention helpful and kind interactions, showing their potential!
However, the majority of feedback, with 111 negative comments, points to significant challenges. Frequent complaints revolve around incredibly long wait times, inconsistent service, and issues with the ordering system. Customers also reported negative staff attitude and poor staff communication, leading to frustration and wasted time, suggesting clear room for improvement.
Service
162
Reviews
28%
Satisfaction
111
negative
5
neutral
46
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Efficient service
- Helpful employees
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Inconsistent service
- Poor communication
Often praised
- servicethe service is very efficient
- Serviceit's a quick in and out to get your food.
- staffdark haired goddess with blue eyes and perfect eyebrows was so patient and helpful, knew the menu well
- customer servicecustomer service has always been good
- employeesthe employees were so friendly and kind
- DeliveryOrdered delivery for our office lunch
- brash cashierI liked the brash cashier.
- deliveryMy new go to spot for delivery
- employeeDeya is the greatest employee of all time
- gentlemenall the gentlemen are hard workers
Frequently criticized
- serviceThis happened on a Monday afternoon, and there was no one else in line. I believe they should seriously consider closing this location as they have completely failed and are losing money on the services provided.
- waiting timeThe staff member at the front explained they only had three people working and had to make sandwiches in the order they were received. However, our order was placed two hours prior, and we were still waiting. This experience was inexcusable, and I will not order from this location again.
- wait timeMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. I ordered a sandwich that cost $14 with tax, and I waited over an hour for it. The wait time felt like it was paying for someone's wages.
- orderThe first time, my order took an extra 20 minutes to prepare. The second time, I was given the wrong order. This evening, I placed an order via their website at 6: 43 pm, and it said it would be ready at 7: 13 pm.
- waitHowever, the service was a significant letdown due to being severely understaffed. I had to wait 10 minutes before my order was even acknowledged. The atmosphere was decent, scoring a 3 out of 5.
- wait timesMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of amazing sandwiches and horrendous wait times. While the sandwiches themselves were fantastic, the poor staff communication made the overall experience absolutely not worth it.
- staffthree young dudes kinda screw-in around the register while 1 dude was actually working
- customer serviceincredibly disappointed with the customer service
- deliverydeceptive practices of this business when ordering online delivery
- orderingI would say that the app needs an upgrade because you can’t view the images of the sandwiches. I was also a bit confused with ordering; I thought the “as is” option automatically meant veggies would be included on my sandwich, but I guess you have to actually add them when placing your order. It’s a bit confusing, but not rocket science.
If youre planning a visit, be prepared for a gamble on the service front. While some patrons rave about friendly and efficient staff, many others face frustratingly long waits and inconsistent experiences. It might be worth trying if youre not in a rush, but definitely manage your expectations regarding speed and consistency.
Ambience (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to the overall vibe, many customers found the place to be quite charming, often enjoying sitting outside and appreciating the general atmosphere. With 15 positive remarks, people frequently mentioned a cute, well-done spot with great vibes and friendly atmosphere, noting good seating options. The ambience score sits at an average 5.2, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 45.5%.
On the flip side, 14 negative observations point to some significant drawbacks. Recurring issues include difficult parking, excessively loud music, and serious concerns about cleanliness, with mentions of overflowing trashcans, filthy tables, and general health issues. Some even felt the location was dysfunctional, lacking restrooms and forcing uncomfortable waits.
Ambience
33
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
14
negative
4
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cute atmosphere
- Outdoor seating
- Friendly vibe
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Loud music
- Filthy tables
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmospherevery friendly atmosphere
- placeThis place is consistent and tasty.
- Great vibesIf I ever move from SD, I'll probably fly in just to have one of their sandwiches. Great vibes and not a bad sammy on the menu, I promise you. Tons of vegan options too!
- ParkingParking is free
- sandwich shopIke's is a cool little sandwich shop
- seatingI had a delicious sandwich with pesto on awesome toasted bread. The atmosphere was very friendly, and there's an option to sit inside or outside.
- sitting outsidesat outside, and anxious to go back!
- storyand their story
- well done placeVery well done place
Frequently criticized
- black dirtthere was just black dirt caked packed!! Under her fingernails
- dysfunctional placeWon't be back this dysfunctional place
- filthy tablesFinding parking was impossible, and there were no restrooms in sight. To add to the luxury, I was harassed by beggars while trying to eat on filthy tables. It truly felt like a dream come true, though not in a good way.
- hair coversonly half of the people working behind the counter had hair covers on
- hair downone of those people was directly preparing food with hair down
- health issueSeriously concerned about the health issue of this place
- level of cleanlinessthe level of cleanliness can not be established
- locationshould just close this location
- musicthe music was so loud I could barely think
- parkingzero parking
If you're seeking a casual spot with potential for pleasant outdoor seating and a friendly vibe, it might be worth a visit. However, be ready for possible parking woes and be aware that cleanliness and noise levels could be a concern, especially if those are dealbreakers for you.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, opinions are quite divided, with a 4.8 score indicating an average perception, yet customer satisfaction sits at a poor 34.8%. On the bright side, 8 positive remarks out of 23 total highlight some appealing aspects. Customers appreciate perks like free parking, military discounts, and solid happy hour deals.
Many find the prices reasonable for the quality, feeling their meal was definitely worth the cost and left them full. However, 13 negative sentiments point to significant concerns. Many customers feel the food is expensive, with some feeling completely ripped off due to the high cost of sandwiches compared to the portion size.
There are also complaints about declining quality as prices have gone up, and even being charged for small extras like a side of sauce or missing avocado.
Value
23
Reviews
34%
Satisfaction
13
negative
2
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Free parking available
- Military discount offered
- Great happy hour
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small portions
- Extra charges add up
Often praised
- cheaper and betterI had to keep my patience, but the food was also mediocre. I would suggest going to Subway instead, as it's cheaper and better.
- extra moneyit was worth the extra money spent!
- free parkingTons of vegan options too! And free parking, and military discount – what more could you need?
- happy hour dealextremely solid happy hour deal
- military discountTons of vegan options too! And free parking, and military discount – what more could you need?
- priceI ate half and was already full, and I can't wait to enjoy the other half. It was DEFINITELY worth the calories and the price. If you're looking for the BEST SANDWICH EVER, you HAVE to try this place.
- pricesVery reasonable prices for the quality you get.
- valueFive stars for the value of these sandwiches
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at Ike's has unfortunately declined. I used to not mind spending this much on a sandwich, but the quality has gone downhill. The sauce seems lower quality, the sandwich seems smaller, and there’s a lot less meat.
- expensiveI would never eat from here again. Not only was it expensive, but I waited a while for this absolutely UNACCEPTABLE sandwich. I feel this was not an accident because why would I be asked to step outside and why would there be no oversight or inspecting the food before serving the public.
- Priceconsidering that it was $16!!
- avocadopayed like 2 something more for avocado and there was no avocado
- card chargedI tried placing an order online for pickup because, from past experience, this location is slow in making sandwiches. The website showed an error processing my order, but it still charged my card immediately. When I called, I was put on hold for 5 minutes, and when the employee returned, he casually said, “Yeah, that happens, but it’ll refund you.
- cost of the sandwichSTAY AWAY. The BIGGEST PROBLEM with this place is the amount of meat they give you and the cost of the sandwich. For example, I spent $16 for a beef barbecue sandwich.
- moneylosing money on the work
- pricesprices have just gone up and quality down
- ripped offFor that kind of money, I figured there should be at least 6 to 7 oz of meat, but there was barely 3 oz. I walked away feeling very hungry and completely ripped off. If I could, I'd give it 0 stars.
- side of saucecharging a dollar for a tiny side of sauce
If youre looking for specific deals like happy hour or discounts, you might find some good value here. However, be prepared for potentially high prices and smaller portions, which could leave you feeling disappointed if youre expecting a hearty meal for your money.
How are the prices at Ike's Love & Sandwiches?
You’re looking at roughly $17 per person – reported by 74 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 people actually spend, most guests stick right within that $11–$20 sweet spot, showing prices cluster nicely around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 74 reviews.
How this spot’s value stacks up against similar restaurants in San Diego.
Overall, for a Sandwich Shop, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It hits that sweet spot for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ike's Love & Sandwiches
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Disappointing Sandwiches and Soggy Fries
I ordered 2 Tony Gwynn sandwiches today, and unfortunately, they were terrible. There was hardly any turkey, and the bread was very soggy. The french fries also were soggy.
I was very disappointed in the food today.
- Tony Gwynn sandwiches2
- turkey2
- bread2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
4
Disappointing First Ike's Experience
This was my first time trying Ike's sandwiches, and I was super excited because my friends and family always rave about them. Unfortunately, I was left unsatisfied. I ordered the Menage A Trois, which has chicken, and I asked for lettuce and tomato.
Honestly, the ingredients were tasty but not necessarily the freshest. My sandwich was dry and flat and didn’t have enough chicken and barely any lettuce or tomato, considering it was $16! There was a lot of bread left over because of how little filling there was.
Maybe I will try a different location to see if that changes anything.
- ingredients6
- sandwich2
- chicken3
- lettuce or tomato3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Sandwiches & Friendly Service!
My experience ordering takeout was fantastic! The sandwiches were absolutely delicious & delightful. The dutch crunch bread paired with their dirty sauce created the best flavors I've EVER tasted in a sandwich.
We both ordered the Barry Bonds, but were able to customize it with our favorite veggies. I'm already looking forward to having them again for lunch and saving the other half for dinner. A special shoutout to the Hillcrest location; the employees were so friendly and kind!
- sandwiches10
- dutch crunch bread10
- dirty sauce10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
7
Good vegan options, but pricey
My experience at the restaurant offered several vegan options, and the food was really good. However, it was expensive; $15 for a sandwich is quite a lot.
- vegan options8
- food8
- expensive3
- sandwich3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Dirty Gloves and Loud Music
I love Ike's, and I usually go to a different location, but I happened to be in the area and stopped in to get one of my favorites. Upon entering, the music was so loud I could barely think. The staff seemed to be playing around until they noticed me, then they turned the music down.
Eventually, someone came to help. As they were taking my order, I noticed the employee's gloves were very dirty, and they never changed them throughout the entire process of taking my order, making orders, and until I left. While waiting, I observed an overflowing trashcan and trash on the floor, which the staff walked around instead of addressing.
Despite having at least four people working and not being busy, they seemed more interested in having fun than doing their jobs. I would advise anyone considering eating here to go to another Ike's location or anywhere else.
- food7
- music2
- gloves1
- trashcan1
What Ike's Love & Sandwiches offers
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Happy hour food
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dietary options are available at Ike's Love & Sandwiches?
You’ll find a wide range of choices to suit your dietary needs, including excellent vegan options, vegetarian options, and even halal food. They also offer happy hour food and quick bites for when you’re on the go.
Does Ike's Love & Sandwiches in Hillcrest offer accessible facilities and parking?
Yes, you’ll find that the location is fully accessible. This includes a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. Plus, there’s a convenient free parking lot available for you.
How does Ike's Love & Sandwiches generally perform?
Ike’s Love & Sandwiches holds an average Restaurant Score of **5.9** and a mixed Customer Satisfaction of **54.1%**. While **Food** (7.1) is a strong point, **Service** (4.1), **Ambience** (5.2), and **Value** (4.8) are areas that often receive average feedback.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food at Ike's Love & Sandwiches?
Customers frequently praise the delicious and creative sandwiches, especially highlighting the unique **Dutch Crunch bread** and the wide array of **vegan options** available.
What are some common concerns customers have about Ike's Love & Sandwiches?
Patrons often mention long **waiting times** and perceived inconsistencies in portion sizes or overall **value**. Some also raise concerns regarding cleanliness.