Jimbo’s - Carmel Valley — Restaurant in San Diego

I came into to Jimbo's for the first time today, not knowing what to expect. I first encountered a well-lit, organized layout and David Rubenson, a front end shift leader (*I know that as I called back after my visit and referred to my receipt; my visit and David made that much of an impression). David was incredibly compassionate, patient and helpful; I had questions about using the self-serve alkaline water station; he willingly educated me and even offered assistance in transporting my 5 gallon jug to my car should I need it (I'd recently injured my arm and am still on the mend). I was also impressed with the variety and array of vegan, gluten and dairy-free choices available...and bonus points for having U. Eddies cookies in all flavors. However the lasting and ultimate factor in my experience was my exchange with David. When I got back and decided to write a review, I noticed that one of my items advertised as on sale rang up as full price. I called the # on my receipt to see if by chance I grabbed the wrong one, as there was such variety, and was answered with professionalism and courtesy. I happened to ask if I could find out who had initially greeted me, interacted with me later at the cashier station and offered to help me with the water. Of all things, it was again, David. It's experiences and individuals like David which restore my faith in the consumer process, and absolutely in humanity for this New Year. Thank you to David, for being authentic, empathic and representative of Jimbo's in such a beautiful way. I just couldn't stay silent; David, you made such a difference, thank you so much...and because of you and your treatment of me as someone who simply needed a hand and a bit of direction, I definitely will be...

I have personally always thought Jimbo’s sat somewhere between Sprouts and Whole Foods.

Whole foods people sniff their own farts, drive prius’s and tell people they are plant based instead of just saying Vegan. Sprouts people want better produce than the big 3 grocers and want healthier options. They too sniff their own farts, but drive mid sized sedans. Jimbo’s people don’t want to drive anywhere, so the majority of their clientele are uber local. They too sniff their own farts, perhaps they drive Vespa’s.

Jimbo’s sits between those 2 in a lot of ways. They are healthy without missing key items, they are local without shoving it in your face and priced where they are located. Hence no Jimbo’s in Oceanside, San Marcos or Vista. And their Carlsbad location is really LaCosta (nice trying to downgrade the cost of living in Carlsbad vs. La Costa and Carmel Valley vs. Del Mar). That’s like when I tell people I’m from San Diego, then they hear Oceanside and give me grief.

It’s small, with little isles, but all Jimbo’s are like this. The deli and deli case are where it’s at cranking out solid meals, sides, fresh juices (I don’t want to mention sushi). Fresh breads, healthy options. What I like about their selection is whatever you are looking for they generally have it, but in a healthier option.

Their meat department is great, produce isn’t as expansive as their La Costa location. Parking sucks, but the service is excellent in every department.

I generally come here for their juice bar because I can get in and out fast since I work nearby, but prefer to do my grocery shopping elsewhere because I don’t sniff...

ON POINT SERVICE ! We were very low on our fav bread at home.....Charlie's Best Bread and didn't feel like making the long hectic drive to the Charlie's Best Bread store in PB to pick some up. When we were first discovered Charlie's Best Bread back in 2008 it was at the local Jimbo's in Escondido. So I phoned our local Jimbo's store in Carmel Valley about 9am to see if they had our bread in stock. I was eventually put through to a manager named Troy who got one of his staff to check on the Charlie's variety I wanted. WHOO HOO...Troy said they had 4 x Sunflower Whole Wheat loaves on the shelf and I said I will take them all. I asked Troy to hold them till I could get there at 11am. No problem said Troy...please ask for myself or Paul at the rear of the store when you come in. So my wife and I headed over here around 10.30am to pick up our bread. My wife grabbed a large papaya and mango in fresh produce while I met up with Troy who came out of the rear storeroom with our 4 Sunflower Whole Wheat loaves in his hands. GREAT SERVICE ! We also grabbed a 2 x Charle's Best Bread - Nine Whole Grains. Troy assured us they always stock the varieties we like....