Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
oChef » Bale – San Diego
Bale - San Diego
Photo from Bale
Bale at a glance
San Diego Mira Mesa
- 🥪 Sandwich Shop
$
Price per Person $1–$10
mentioned by 46 of the guests
#164 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#9 Sandwich Shop out of 39 in San Diego
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
267
Reviews
84.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality sandwiches
- Great service
- Budget friendly
Frequently criticized
- No dine-in
- Poor boba
- Card fee
The sandwich shop in San Diego’s vibrant Mira Mesa neighborhood offers a quick and satisfying bite. When you visit Bale, you’ll discover why Bale French Sandwich Mira Mesa is a go-to for healthy options and a welcoming, casual atmosphere.
Located conveniently near Lucky Seafood/Big Lots, it’s an easy stop for your daily cravings.
Overview: Introducting Bale
Bale offers a compelling experience, particularly for those seeking excellent sandwiches and impressive affordability . Many appreciate the friendly staff and the overall quality of the food, making it a reliable spot for a quick and satisfying meal.
However, it’s worth noting that the setting is quite modest, with no dining in options, and some have found certain items like boba drinks to be a miss. Despite these points, the core offerings remain a strong draw for many patrons.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
267
Reviews
84.6%
Satisfaction
29
negative
12
neutral
226
positive
Overall, Bale earns a solid 8.2 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 84.6% , indicating that most visitors leave pleased.
These insights are drawn from a substantial number of customer comments, with 226 positive remarks outweighing 29 negative ones. The Food (8.2) stands out as a primary strength, frequently praised by nearly all reviewers.
Service (9.1) also receives high marks, suggesting a friendly and efficient team. While Value (7.3) is considered good, the Ambience (6.4) is more of an average aspect, often noted for its functional rather than elaborate setting.
What people like
- Excellent sandwiches
- Friendly, efficient service
- Great affordability
What people don't like
- Limited dining space
- Inconsistent boba quality
- Credit card surcharge
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.5 , Bale is clearly a place worth considering, especially if you prioritize delicious, well-priced food and quick, friendly service. It excels as a grab-and-go option for a satisfying meal.
If you’re looking for a sit-down dining experience or are particular about boba drinks, you might adjust your expectations. However, for its core offerings, Bale delivers consistently, making it a solid choice for a quick, affordable, and tasty bite.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bale
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
It looks like the food here generally hits the spot, earning a good score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 85.1%. Based on 194 comments, with 165 positive remarks, many rave about the delicious bánh mì, especially the BBQ pork and Special varieties, praising the fresh bread and generous fillings. Don't miss the tasty egg rolls and refreshing smoothies!
However, 19 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. A few folks noted issues with bread quality and disappointing meat portions. Some found the pork less appealing or the boba drinks to be a miss, describing them as powdery or hard.
Food
194
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
19
negative
10
neutral
165
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Banh Mi
- Fresh, crisp bread
- Generous fillings
What people don't like
- Inconsistent bread quality
- Small meat portions
- Poor boba drinks
Often praised
- breadtheir perfectly crunchy yet pillowy bread won't turn the roof of your mouth into a murder scene.
- foodThis 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!
- sandwichesone of the best sandwiches I've ever had
- sesame ballsAlso, 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!
- egg rollsMy experience at this restaurant was always great with friendly service! I consistently order the #5 BBQ Pork Banh Mi, egg rolls, and sesame balls. It never disappoints!
- Banh MiThe Banh Mi and Spring Rolls were great
- Vietnamese sandwichesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a great place for Vietnamese sandwiches. They also offer great deals for party trays, which were a hit at potlucks and family gatherings.
- banh mienjoyed the charbroiled pork and lemongrass chicken banh mi
- BBQ pork sandwichThe sandwiches were loaded well with meat and fresh crisp veggies
- Banh Mi sandwichVery impressive Banh Mi sandwich here
Frequently criticized
- breadWhile it was edible, the quality was essentially mid-grade. The bread seemed a bit old, and the pork looked like sliced spam 😂. I've definitely had better from several other establishments within a 1-mile radius.
- Sesame BallsSesame Balls - it was hard
- amount of meatamount of meat you get is disappointing
- bobaboba is horrible
- boba drinksdon’t order the boba drinks..tasted powdery and boba was hard
- bread qualitybread quality is down
- flavorlacks so much flavor
- foodI'm here for the food. And that's not hitting it
- food qualitydropping quality at the same time is not
- jalapeñojalapeño sliced thinner and more evenly distributed
If you're craving a solid Vietnamese sandwich, this place is definitely worth a try for its delicious banh mi and other snacks. Just be aware that some of the drinks, particularly boba, might not live up to the same high standard.
Service (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
The service here is truly top-notch, earning an excellent score of 9.1 and an impressive 97.5% customer satisfaction! With 39 positive remarks out of 40, guests consistently rave about the friendly service and super pleasant staff. Many highlight the owner and family owned aspect, appreciating their welcoming and accommodating nature, especially with special requests and takeout orders.
While overwhelmingly positive, there was one isolated comment mentioning hearing staff argue. This is a minor point given the vast number of positive experiences, but it's worth noting as a rare instance where the atmosphere might have been less than perfect.
Service
40
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Efficient, quick service
- Accommodating special requests
What people don't like
- Staff arguments heard
Often praised
- serviceIt'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.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful! The staff were extremely friendly, and the banh mi and other snacks were incredibly fresh and delicious. I highly recommend trying their Gol Cuon - Fresh Shrimp Spring Rolls.
- ownerthe owner and I ended up talking for about 20 mins
- ServiceService - 5 star
- Customer ServiceGreat Customer Service.
- call and place an orderif I call and place an order they are able to hold some of the items for me.
- cashier ladyThe cashier lady told me that they make all their food fresh in the morning
- customer servicethe customer service was awesome
- family ownedFamily owned. Never had a hiccup or a problem.
- food preparationMy experience at the restaurant was excellent! I was greeted nicely by the owner, and the food was prepared quickly. The price was reasonable, and the food was delicious as usual.
Frequently criticized
- staffI hear their workers argue
If you're looking for a place with genuinely friendly and efficient service, this spot is a clear winner. You can expect a warm welcome and quick, accommodating assistance, making it definitely worth trying.
Ambience (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
Ambience
11
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- dining experienceThe meal was further elevated by the sweet sesame balls as an appetizer and those fresh sausage spring rolls with a remarkable red curry sauce concoction. It was a world-class dining experience, and this place deserves a Michelin star.
- fun conversationa lot of fun conversation
- mom and pop shopI really like this small mom and pop shop.
- regular customersbeautiful to see at least three regular customers, those known by name, walk in
- store cleanlinessStore is clean
Frequently criticized
- dining inNo dining in
- greasy smelltiny lunch shop with greasy smell
- placeMy experience was that this is a very small place with no dining in. However, I bet you will have the best Viet sandwich!
Value (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at 72.7%, its clear most folks find the prices quite reasonable. Many rave about the price, affordability, and quality and value, with 16 positive remarks out of 22 total opinions highlighting how much bang for your buck you get.
However, not everyone is entirely thrilled. A few customers, 6 out of 22, mentioned concerns about an extra fee for credit cards, suggesting you bring cash, and some felt it was a little expensive. ' While the overall sentiment is positive, these points are worth noting.
Value
22
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great quality value
- Unbeatable price
What people don't like
- Credit card fee
- Not worth money
- A little expensive
Often praised
- priceThe sandwiches are around six bucks! When was the last time you got a made-to-order, flavorful sandwich with all the fixings for that price? The super pleasant staff was fantastic.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's an awesome hidden gem with delicious food and reasonable prices. The friendly service made the visit even better.
- PricesPrices are very affordable and helpful!
- affordabilityIt is affordable and delicious.
- price per personThe Banh Mi and Spring Rolls were great. The meal was for lunch and the price per person was between $1–10.
- quality and valueThis shop offers amazing quality and value.
- reasonable priceIt 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!
- valuea great value at $6.25 each
Frequently criticized
- cashBring cash..as they charge if you use CC
- employeesowner actually pays their employees $11.00/hr
- extra feereally don’t like the extra fee if you use your credit card
- overtime paywork 50 hours a week with no overtime pay
- pricea little expensive
- value for moneyNot worth the money
If youre looking for delicious food that wont break the bank, especially if you pay with cash, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of potential credit card fees, and you'll likely find it a great deal.
How are the prices at Bale?
On average, you’ll spend around 9 per person here, based on what 46 guests reported. That places this Sandwich Shop comfortably in the $1–$10 category. For its type, thats quite budget-friendly!
The good news is that most of the prices, 33 out of 46 to be exact, really cluster around that lower $1–$10 range, meaning youre likely to find a great deal.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 46 reviews.
How this Sandwich Shop’s value compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels very fair and accessible for a Sandwich Shop. It’s a solid choice for a delicious and affordable meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bale
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
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
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.)
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.)
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
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
What Bale offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Healthy options
- Coffee
Dining options
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What are the parking and accessibility options at Bale French Sandwich Mira Mesa?
You’ll find convenient free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of spaces. The location also features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot, ensuring easy access for all visitors.
What kind of dining experience and offerings can you expect at Bale French Sandwich Mira Mesa?
This casual sandwich shop is perfect for a quick bite, offering healthy options and coffee. You can enjoy lunch or breakfast, and it’s also considered good for kids. Takeout and delivery services are available for your convenience.
How does Bale rate overall, and what are its strongest features?
Bale achieves an overall score of 8.2 . Its Service is excellent (9.1), Food is highly regarded (8.2), and Value is good (7.3). The Ambience is considered average (6.4).
What food items are highly recommended at Bale?
Many customers rave about Bale’s sandwiches , particularly the Banh Mi, highlighting their fresh ingredients and quality bread. Other popular choices include spring rolls and sesame balls.
What should I know about Bale's dining experience and payment options?
Bale is primarily a grab-and-go establishment with no dining in facilities. Additionally, some customers have noted an extra fee for credit card payments.