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For over six decades, The Grinder, established in July 1963, has been delighting patrons in El Cajon with its exceptional sandwiches and deli offerings. Located conveniently on North 2nd Street, The Grinder’s commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients shines through in every bite. Savor the taste of their expertly crafted sandwiches, made with daily-delivered bread from a local bakery and paired with an array of premium deli meats and cheeses.
Hot & cold foot-long Italian subs are the signature at this storefront deli, also offering salads.
Hours
| Friday | 10 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 10 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–7 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1300 N 2nd St, El Cajon, CA 92021
Phone: (619) 442-8444
Website: http://www.elcajongrinder.net/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Related Web Results
The Grinder in El Cajon
We have a commitment to flavor. Join us on a culinary journey through time. Connect with our story and savor the experience. ABOUT US …
El Cajon Grinder (@elcajon.grinder) – Facebook
Cover photo of El Cajon. El Cajon Grinder. Servin Sammies since 63′ Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm… See more. Digital creator · El Cajon, CA · thegrindersd.
The Grinder – El Cajon, CA Restaurant | Menu + Delivery | Seamless
Sandwiches · Combo Sandwich · $16.00+ · Deluxe Sandwich · $16.25+ · James Special Sandwich · $16.50+ · Godfather Sandwich · $16.75+. Godfather Sandwich. Turkey …
Reviews
Danielle Flores
Absolutely love this sandwich shop. Service was fast and everyone was super friendly. I love that it’s been around for so long, they are clearly doing something right. I got the James special, and my friend got the combo sandwich. The James special was sooooo yummy. I ate almost the entire sandwich and I usually can only eat half. The pastrami in the sandwich is absolutely amazing. 10/10. I Will be back soon. Also the seating area is comfy and cute.
… moreTyler Butkus
Went there for first time earlier today and got the Godfather. Sandwich was excellent and ordering was easy. Staff were all very nice and helpful and it seems like a very nice environment to work in.
… moreMichael Anthony
The Grinder, located in El Cajon is a family owned and operated Italian sandwich shop founded in 1963! I ordered the Hot Pastrami with all the fixings. It came loaded with meat. I love this place because it is family owned, and because they are proudly Christian. Inside, you will see a cross on the wall, as well as scripture; and, they are closed on Sundays. The inside of the shop is small, and they are super busy, so you may have to wait a while … BUT IT’S DEFINITELY WORTH IT! All in all, I give it 4.5 stars out of 5!
… moreJohn R (Johnny Reviews)
What a great place.
I always heard about this locat but never went. Boy is it worth it.
The food: Had a basic combo sandwich. Really good for such a simple sandwich. Portion size was decent, the price is a bit more than other sandwich shops but it is made fresh and ready in minutes.
Service: this is why it is so highly prized. I was really impressed with how fast I received my food and it wasn’t sloppy. Every one was super nice and friendly.
Atmosphere: The parking situation is kinda bad and weird to get to, especially being a few blocks off a main road. The inside very simple but with some great history.
I highly recommend this place for those avoiding major corporate donations, and want to support a classic shape vibe with good food.
… moreI always heard about this locat but never went. Boy is it worth it.
The food: Had a basic combo sandwich. Really good for such a simple sandwich. Portion size was decent, the price is a bit more than other sandwich shops but it is made fresh and ready in minutes.
Service: this is why it is so highly prized. I was really impressed with how fast I received my food and it wasn’t sloppy. Every one was super nice and friendly.
Atmosphere: The parking situation is kinda bad and weird to get to, especially being a few blocks off a main road. The inside very simple but with some great history.
I highly recommend this place for those avoiding major corporate donations, and want to support a classic shape vibe with good food.
Jay Schimke
Just a plain old good sub. We stopped in for a quick bite and went with the basic combo as suggested by the cashier. The meat and cheese was delicious, the veggies fresh and the bread was so good. We split one but I wish I got my own. We also got a cannoli, the shell was from the same bakery as the bread.
… moreRob Belter
Now, I’ve been to the Lemon Grove location, but not for some time (but it was a 5-star, all day long). I say this because I was in El Cajon to have my vehicle serviced and was recommended by the shop folks to go to, surprise, The Grinder down the street.
I guess a lot has happened to The Grinder since my last visit. I was told the owners sold the business, the food went way South, and then got re-sold. I didn’t know this until after I got back to the shop with my 12″ roast beef with EVERYTHING. Well, I am thrilled to report that this is the Real Deal with first rate ingredients. It takes a craftsman to properly construct a sandwich with everything. It’s easy to mess up the ratios, but not here. Dynamite. I can eat this sandwich for a month without getting tired of it. I’m ready now to drive to Lemon Grove now to compare stores. I can’t get the 12″ Godfather out of my head.
… moreI guess a lot has happened to The Grinder since my last visit. I was told the owners sold the business, the food went way South, and then got re-sold. I didn’t know this until after I got back to the shop with my 12″ roast beef with EVERYTHING. Well, I am thrilled to report that this is the Real Deal with first rate ingredients. It takes a craftsman to properly construct a sandwich with everything. It’s easy to mess up the ratios, but not here. Dynamite. I can eat this sandwich for a month without getting tired of it. I’m ready now to drive to Lemon Grove now to compare stores. I can’t get the 12″ Godfather out of my head.
Lalena Kotasek
Best sandwiches on the planet ! Some of my youngest childhood memories with my Mom were at The Grinder getting their incredible sandwiches…..and I am 54 now. Keep on keepin on!
… moreEA Wil-sun
Amazingly consistent…Every bite feels like the result of years of perfecting balance and flavor. You can taste the care and craft that goes into every sandwich — from the fresh ingredients to the thoughtful layering. Whatever you order, it’s always just right. Truly a masterpiece in sandwich form.
… moreamy collins
Love it. Family spot for sure. Today a man order a sandwich walked out lest his 4 yr old daughter inside. It is safe. Clean and family orientated.
… moreDom Marquez
Not gonna lie, a little let down that my orthodontist up the street didn’t tell me about this spot lol
THE GRINDER IS IN FACT, A MEAL IN ITSELF. If you solve an homemade, old school, local sandwich shop, this is the spot! I got the James and was not disappointed one bit! The bread was soft, the ingredients fresh, the meat choices, chefs kiss! The perfect balance of mess and precision, is what will keep me coming back here.
Last but not least, the employees smile! Friendly, prompt and dialed in. Shout out to big man in the back running up the sandwiches during the lunch rush too! Locked in and kept the wait time down!
… moreTHE GRINDER IS IN FACT, A MEAL IN ITSELF. If you solve an homemade, old school, local sandwich shop, this is the spot! I got the James and was not disappointed one bit! The bread was soft, the ingredients fresh, the meat choices, chefs kiss! The perfect balance of mess and precision, is what will keep me coming back here.
Last but not least, the employees smile! Friendly, prompt and dialed in. Shout out to big man in the back running up the sandwiches during the lunch rush too! Locked in and kept the wait time down!