Rubicon Deli Mission Hills — Restaurant in San Diego

There seems to be a pretty big following for Rubicon Deli, so my partner and I decided to check it out for dinner one evening. We showed up about an hour and a half before closing, thinking it would be a quick stop to grab something casual. Right away, we realized there’s no traditional ordering at the counter at least not that night; instead, you place your own order on a touchscreen kiosk. The joys of modern dining, I guess. It wasn’t a big deal, but it did feel a bit impersonal, especially for a place that’s known for its loyal customer base and supposedly legendary sandwiches.

After placing our order, we waited…and waited. It ended up being about 45 minutes before our food was ready. It was clear they were super busy, which I understand happens during peak hours, but the wait still felt long—especially when we could see other people also looking around wondering when their food would be up. The staff seemed to be working hard, but the overall flow felt kind of disorganized.

Now for the actual food. Honestly, I didn’t get what all the fuss is about. The sandwich I ordered was just okay—it felt like it was mostly bread, and not in a good way. The flavors were pretty bland, and there wasn’t anything particularly memorable or exciting about it. I wasn’t expecting gourmet, but I also wasn’t expecting to walk away feeling like I could have made something similar at home. It just didn’t live up to the hype I’ve seen online or heard from friends.

That said, my partner enjoyed it more than I did, which is really why we stopped in—this place had been on their radar for a while. I think if you’re someone who loves big, hearty sandwiches or has a nostalgic tie to the place, it might be more your thing. Personally, it’s not the type of food I usually go for, and after this experience, I don’t see myself coming back anytime soon.

Still, I wouldn’t discourage anyone from trying Rubicon for themselves. Clearly, they have a strong fan base for a reason, and maybe I just caught them on an off night or ordered the wrong thing. If you’re curious, it’s worth stopping in at least once to see if it clicks for you. Just maybe don’t go in expecting to be blown away if you’re picky about sandwiches like I...

If you're looking for a top-notch deli experience, Rubicon Deli is a must-visit. This gem has earned its reputation as one of the best sandwich spots in town, and for good reason. The moment you step inside, you're greeted with the delicious aromas of freshly baked bread, smoked meats, and savory seasonings — setting the stage for a truly satisfying meal.

Their sandwich menu is packed with mouthwatering options, but the Rubicon Special is a standout. A perfect balance of tender roast beef, tangy horseradish, and melted Swiss cheese, all piled high on freshly baked sourdough. It’s a simple combination, but the flavors meld together in such a way that it feels like comfort food with a gourmet twist.

For those who love a little heat, their Spicy Pastrami is a knockout, loaded with layers of smoky pastrami, spicy mustard, and pickles. The bread is always fresh and perfectly toasted, giving each sandwich a satisfying crunch while holding all the fillings in place.

The staff is incredibly friendly, and the service is quick, making it an ideal stop for a lunch break or a casual meal with friends. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with a laid-back vibe that makes you want to relax and enjoy your sandwich in peace.

Overall, Rubicon Deli is one of those places where you can expect consistently excellent food with every visit. Whether you're a sandwich aficionado or just someone who loves a good meal, Rubicon Deli never...

This review is only for a specific sandwich and bread: the Achin’ for Bacon and the Dutch Crunch bread option.

First, the bread. Being from the Bay Area, Dutch crunch holds a special place in my heart. I seek it out, actively. I was excited to learn Rubicon Deli offered it at no extra cost as an option for sandwiches. That is where my excitement ends. This bread was flavorless and the distinctive topping was flaking off the bread even before I could dig in. Usually Dutch Crunch has a distinct sweetness and crispiness. This bread had neither and was so bland, I had to look to the sandwich topping for flavor.

Which brings me to review for the Achin’ 4 Bacon sandwich with boasts roasted turkey, thick-cut bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. I found the sandwich’s name apt as I was indeed achin’ for some bacon. There was more lettuce on this sandwich than anything else and the bacon itself was flabby and undercooked. The mayo was tasty and provided much needed moisture (due to the dry bland bread), but this isn’t the Achin’ for Mayo sandwich.

I admit, I am mostly writing this review as a reminder to myself to not come here when I have a hankering for Dutch Crunch bread. If you’re like me, with Dutch Crunch needs, make the trip to Ghost Sando Shop up in Fountain Valley. Their Dutch Crunch is the stuff of dreams and always leaves me happy...