Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Sports
oChef » Board & Brew – San Diego
Board & Brew - San Diego
Photo from Board & Brew
Board & Brew at a glance
San Diego Black Mountain Ranch
- 🥪 Sandwich Shop
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 75 of the guests
#520 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#17 Sandwich Shop out of 39 in San Diego
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
337
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality sandwiches
- Friendly staff
- Good beer
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Uncleanliness
- Rising prices
The restaurant, a popular Sandwich Shop in San Diego’s Black Mountain Ranch neighborhood, offers a fantastic experience. When you visit Board & Brew, you’ll discover not just delicious sandwiches but also an impressive selection of craft beers.
It’s a casual yet trendy spot where you can catch a game, enjoy a quick bite, or settle in for a full meal. You’ll find it’s a perfect place for both lunch and dinner.
Overview: Introducting Board & Brew
Board & Brew generally hits the mark with its core offerings. Many appreciate the consistently yummy food, particularly the well-stuffed sandwiches made with quality ingredients.
The staff often receives praise for being friendly and attentive, contributing to a pleasant dining experience. However, some visits reveal inconsistencies.
While the atmosphere can be chill, issues like uncleaned tables or a crowded interior sometimes detract. There are also occasional concerns about slow service and sandwiches having too little meat, which can impact the overall experience.
Good
6.7
out of 10
337
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
108
negative
10
neutral
219
positive
Board & Brew earns a respectable Restaurant Score of 6.7, indicating a generally positive reception. However, Customer Satisfaction sits at a mixed 65%, suggesting there’s room for improvement in some areas.
This assessment is drawn from 337 customer observations, with 219 leaning positive and 108 highlighting concerns. Digging deeper, the Food (7.1) stands out as a strong point, frequently praised for its quality.
Ambience (6.9) also contributes positively, offering a pleasant setting. While Service (6.1) is generally average, it occasionally shines.
The Value (5.9) is perceived as average, with some finding prices fair and others noting concerns about rising costs.
What people like
- Quality, fresh sandwiches
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Good beer selection
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service speed
- Unclean dining areas
- Rising price concerns
Board & Brew offers a solid sandwich experience, backed by a Recommendation Score of 6.9. If you’re seeking a casual spot with a good beer selection and generally well-made sandwiches, it’s worth a visit.
The friendly staff often enhances the experience. However, be prepared for potential service delays or occasional cleanliness issues.
While the food is often a highlight, some find the value inconsistent. It’s a place that can deliver a satisfying meal, but managing expectations regarding service and upkeep is advisable.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Board & Brew
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, theres a lot to love, with a solid score of 7.1 indicating a generally good experience. Out of 185 total comments, 129 rave about the delicious, fresh sandwiches made with quality ingredients, and many appreciate the great craft beers on offer. Youll often find folks praising the tasty meals and generous portions.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 69.7%, with 49 comments pointing to some areas for improvement. Concerns include food being soggy or poorly assembled, and occasional issues with incorrect orders or inconsistent quality. While many enjoy the food, some experiences suggest a need for more consistency, with mentions of watery food or even food poisoning concerns.
Food
185
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
49
negative
7
neutral
129
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh sandwiches
- Quality ingredients
- Great beer selection
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Soggy, watery food
- Incorrect orders
Often praised
- foodThis is my go-to lunch spot. The food is always yummy and the service is always great. My favorite sandwich is the Baja Chicken, but their veggie sandwich is also a great option if you don't eat meat.
- sandwichesIt offers both indoor and outdoor seating. I found the sandwiches to be good, and I was particularly pleased to see a healthy option in the vegetarian sandwich. The service was excellent, and the food was also highly rated.
- veggie sandwichI had the veggie sandwich and my husband had the turkey club. Both were great.
- sandwichI'm giving this sandwich shop 5 stars! I've been here many times and have never had a bad sandwich. The quality ingredients are evident, and they offer a small but good selection of craft beers.
- TurkadoOur go to is the Turkado with lots of side sauce.
- beerWe ordered online, and our food was ready within minutes of arriving. The employees are always nice, and the combination of great beer, people, and food makes it a consistently wonderful experience!
- beersThis is a great place to sit down and eat on summer afternoons. They have a great selection of beers and sandwiches. Tori was super helpful with the recommendations!
- chicken clubcoming back to board and brew for a chicken club
- grilled onionsThe grilled onions really pull the the flavor out of the steak
- ingredientsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's our go-to spot for awesome sandwiches with plentiful ingredients. There truly is something here for everyone.
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food does not deliver on the original promise
- avocadoI paid an extra $2 for avocado on each of my two sandwiches, totaling $4, but they forgot to add it. When I tried calling, I reached a full voicemail, leaving no way to get a credit for the extra charge.
- breadthe bread was soggy and untoasted
- sandwichesI'd give five stars, however, sometimes the sandwiches have very little meat inside. Today, we ordered tub o' tuna wraps, and there was hardly any tuna inside.
- saucerequest sauce on the side for an online order and no sauce
- Baja Beef sandwichordered Baja Beef sandwich but got a Beef wrap
- Beef wrapgot a Beef wrap
- French dipthe beef tasted funny
- Italian sandwichBoard & Brew's Italian influence stops with Genoa salami
- Low Cal RanchWhile Carlsbad is perfect, Del Mar is slow but great, Escondido is awesome, and even Temecula is on point, the 4S Ranch location consistently serves terrible food. The Low Cal Ranch was red from the amount of cayenne pepper in it and was SO SO hot. Additionally, there are always several employees standing around watching TV and showing little to zero effort at being a paid employee.
Overall, if youre looking for a spot with generally good food and a great beer selection, its definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while many rave about their fresh sandwiches, there's a chance of encountering some inconsistencies in quality or order accuracy.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! Based on 108 customer comments, with 61 positive remarks, it seems theres a lot to love. Many folks rave about the friendly staff, fast service, and how accommodating servers like Tori and Cristina are.
From quick online pickups to managers making things right, the team often goes the extra mile, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. However, with 45 negative comments, it's not always smooth sailing. The service score sits at an average 6.1, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 56.5%.
Some diners encountered slow service, rude attitudes, and long wait times, especially with online orders. Issues like incomplete or incorrect orders and unresponsive phone lines also pop up, suggesting some inconsistencies.
Service
108
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
45
negative
2
neutral
61
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast, accommodating service
- Managers resolve issues
What people don't like
- Slow, rude service
- Long wait times
- Incorrect orders
Often praised
- serviceThis is my go-to lunch spot. The food is always yummy and the service is always great. My favorite sandwich is the Baja Chicken, but their veggie sandwich is also a great option if you don't eat meat.
- staffit was the staff that made it such a wonderful experience
- customer serviceMy experience at the restaurant was exceptional, primarily due to the outstanding customer service provided by Maddie E. If customer service was a person, it would be her. She truly embodies the best of what a restaurant can offer in terms of attentiveness and care.
- employeesThe employees are still friendly
- peopleThe people that work here are even better.
- serverI had the best sandwich I've had since Jordan left. Kudos to the new manager and the server, Christina and Tori, for their excellent service. The atmosphere was also a highlight, rated 5/5, and the food was equally impressive, also rated 5/5.
- CristinaShe was amazing
- JamesJames was incredibly kind, attentive and friendly
- KayleeKaylee is so nice
- Kayliewe were helped by Kaylie. She was extremely friendly and helpful.
Frequently criticized
- orderyour order been sitting here
- ordersthey screwed up the 3rd item on this order
- serviceMy experience was a mix of delicious food and incredibly slow service. I phoned in my order and called again as a reminder.
- staffStaff is so bad they’re making fun of the customers
- waiting time30 minutes later. Now 45 minutes from due time. No food.
- Customer ServicePoor Customer Service
- Employeesseveral Employees sanding around wat hing TV and show little to zero effort
- Google reviewstrong armed into taking down a Google review
- Long wait timesLong unnecessary wait times
- ManagementShe was in bed for almost two days. Management at the kitchen should be ashamed of themselves.
If youre looking for a place with potentially great, friendly staff and quick service, its worth a shot. Just be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or order mix-ups, especially during busy times or with online orders.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
The atmosphere here generally hits the mark, with a solid score of 6.9 and a customer satisfaction of 70.6%, indicating a good experience for most. Many guests rave about the pleasant view, ample outdoor seating, and the overall chill atmosphere, often highlighting it as a great spot with a nice bar. These positive sentiments are echoed in 24 positive remarks.
However, its not all sunshine and roses. Some visitors noted issues with dirty tables and the place getting quite crowded. There were also concerns about the restroom cleanliness and finding a parking space, as detailed in 10 negative comments.
These points suggest theres definitely room for improvement in maintaining the space.
Ambience
34
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Enjoyable views
- Ample outdoor seating
- Chill, pleasant vibe
What people don't like
- Dirty tables
- Unclean restrooms
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereThe sandwiches from this location are consistently not full, limp, and sad. While the employees are friendly and the atmosphere is clean and surf-y, the food fails to meet expectations. The lettuce was not fresh, and the dishes lacked the expected flavor and substance, such as what I associate with a turkado or veggie delight.
- ambienceLove the ambience too at this location good seating
- beer tavernbeer tavern with a nice bar
- chill atmospherethe restaurant itself is chill
- indoor and outdoor seatingoffers both indoor and outdoor seating
- indoor and outdoor tablesplenty of indoor and outdoor tables
- inside and outside seatingThey had both inside and outside seat
- musictalk about music with Matt
- neighborhood sandwich shopA great neighborhood sandwich shop
- nice bara nice bar
Frequently criticized
- tablestables turn over quickly, but don't get cleaned/wiped down
- back patiothe back patio was filled with red crates
- clean tablesNo clean tables available
- crowdedCan get crowded
- interiorthe interior of the place is sloppy
- location sizelocation small size
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- restroomthe restroom, there was a puddle of pee all around the toilet!
- toilet paperran out of toilet paper in the entire restaurant
If you're looking for a place with a good vibe, outdoor seating, and a nice bar, especially for a chill hangout, this spot could be a great fit. Just be prepared for potential crowds and check the cleanliness of your table, and maybe plan your parking strategy ahead of time.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, there are definitely some bright spots. With 5 positive remarks out of 10 total, many customers appreciate the reasonably priced food and the GREAT happy hour. Theres even buzz about a fantastic growler deal.
While the overall score for value is an average 5.9, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 50%, showing some appreciation. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. With 4 negative comments, some patrons have experienced issues like Overcharging and problems getting credit back.
There are also concerns about rising prices, with some feeling that certain items are overpriced for their quality. This suggests that while some find good deals, others feel the value isn't always consistent.
Value
10
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced food
- Great happy hour
- Fantastic growler deals
What people don't like
- Overcharging issues
- Credit problems
- Rising prices
Often praised
- GREAT happy hourthey have a GREAT happy hour
- growler dealspecial for a 32oz growler for 6 bucks can't beat that
- pricewithout being too expensive
- pricesThey offer a wide variety of hot and cold sandwiches that are STUFFED with fresh ingredients. The beer selection is also great, and the prices are fair. I will definitely be coming back often!
- reasonably pricedfood is good and reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- OverchargingOvercharging for items I did not order
- creditNo way to credit my account back the extra $4
- price10$ for a subpar sandwich??
- pricesPrices keep going up over the years hope not much more
If youre looking for specific deals like happy hour or growler specials, you might find some great value here. However, be mindful of potential overcharging or inconsistent pricing on other items. Its worth checking out for the specials, but keep an eye on your bill.
How are the prices at Board & Brew?
You’re looking at roughly $18 per person – reported by 75 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 diners (a whopping 59 out of 75!) keep their tabs within the $11–$20 sweet spot. So, while there are a few who spend less or splurge a bit more, the pricing is pretty consistent around that average.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 75 most recent reviews.
Heres how this Sandwich Shops value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Sandwich Shop, especially considering its San Diego. Its a solid mid-range option where you know what to expect without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Board & Brew
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Horrible Experience, Never Again
My first time here was a terrible experience, and I was even strong-armed into taking down a Google review. The staff member asked, "How would you like me to leave a 1* review where you work? " and repeatedly used a derogatory term for someone who isn't a "real Hawaiian.
" This level of disrespect and attitude is unacceptable, especially from management. Instead of apologizing or asking how things could be improved, I was met with hostility. I will never eat here again.
The food quality is also poor; they can't even make a proper melt or grilled onions. The service is horrible. I sat at the bar for over 20 minutes before a bartender finally acknowledged me.
On one occasion, the restaurant even ran out of toilet paper in the entire establishment, leaving me to "figure it out. " This is a place I will not return to.
- Google review1
- staff member1
- disrespect and attitude1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Best Board and Brew Experience!
My experience at this Board and Brew location was exceptional, surpassing all others I've visited. The staff were incredibly nice and welcoming. I was particularly impressed with their Chicken Caesar wrap, which they prepare better than any other location.
A huge shoutout to them!
- staff10
- Chicken Caesar wrap10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Excellent Service for Kids!
My experience at the restaurant was great, thanks to Tori's exceptional service. She was extremely helpful and friendly, assisting me and my kids at the counter with custom sandwiches for the kiddos. Tori was incredibly accommodating and helpful in getting us exactly what we needed!
- service10
- custom sandwiches9
- accommodating10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Great Food and Nice Staff
My experience at the restaurant was positive. I liked the food and found the staff to be really nice. They also offer both inside and outside seating options.
- food8
- staff9
- inside and outside seating7
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Excellent Food and Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I'm always a big fan of the food, and the service at this location was truly 10/10. Our server, James, was incredibly kind, attentive, and friendly.
It was a great Sunday Funday!
- food9
- service10
- James10
What Board & Brew offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Beer
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Board & Brew - Del Sur?
At Board & Brew – Del Sur, you’ll experience a casual and trendy atmosphere, ideal for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. You can enjoy onsite dining, convenient takeout, delivery, or even outdoor seating. With options for both lunch and dinner, it’s a versatile spot in San Diego’s Black Mountain Ranch.
Is Board & Brew - Del Sur a family-friendly spot with convenient parking and accessibility?
Yes, Board & Brew – Del Sur is very family-friendly, offering a kids’ menu and high chairs. You’ll find convenient free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with ample space. The venue is also fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.
How does Board & Brew generally rate with customers?
Board & Brew holds a Restaurant Score of 6.7, with Customer Satisfaction at 65%. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.1) and Ambience (6.9), while Service (6.1) and Value (5.9) are seen as average.
What are the highlights of the food at Board & Brew?
Many customers praise the sandwiches for being stuffed with fresh, quality ingredients. Popular choices include the Baja Chicken and veggie sandwiches, often noted for being consistently yummy.
What can I expect from the service and atmosphere at Board & Brew?
The staff is frequently described as friendly and attentive, contributing to a pleasant experience. The atmosphere is often noted as chill, with options for both indoor and outdoor seating, though some mention occasional issues with cleanliness or slow service.