Encinitas’ answer to the deli is this breezy spot specializing in chef-crafted sandwiches. At face value, each sandwich looks like something you’ll see at other delis but look closer and you’ll find house-smoked turkey, carefully caramelized onions or housemade spreads throughout the menu.

This locally owned and operated San Diego sandwich shop mini-chain (the other shop is in Pacific Beach) offers 28 different hot and cold offerings. While the menu is basic, you can taste the freshness in the bread with fillings like ham, salami, roast beef and/or bacon stuffed inside.

Sammies take an Asian-infused seafood spin at this local chain with shops in Miramar and Little Italy. Popular go-to choices include the Aphrodite, a bacon-and-shrimp grilled cheese creation. Non-seafood offerings are good too, like the Minotaur featuring Korean BBQ steak. The Miramar location offers online ordering but call ahead or visit the Little Italy spot to place an order.

This family-owned-and-operated sandwich shop has been a fixture in the Kearny Mesa area for the last 25 years and with good reason. From breakfast handhelds to gourmet sandwiches and vegetarian options, this shop’s extensive menu has something for everyone.

K Sandwiches’ temporary closure due to a fire in 2015 did nothing to slow down this popular Vietnamese shop. Banh mi sandwiches are the big draw but the shop is also known for breakfast sandwiches featuring their storemade croissants and French loaves. Egg rolls, salad rolls, rice and noodles dishes and fresh pastries round out the rest of the menu.

Serving sandwiches since 1974, this small but mighty local chain serves an extensive menu of sandwiches. Order or call ahead at the Clairemont or Mira Mesa location for signature offerings stuffed with meatballs, roasted turkey, albacore tuna and more. Craving something different? Try the Pho Wich, a handheld inspired by a bowl of pho.

Grilled cheese sandwiches headline the menu at this Mission Valley shop. Order from one of ten shop creations like the lobster grilled cheese or make your own custom sandwich with choice of bread, spread and add-ons like BBQ short ribs or Buffalo-fried chicken.

If you haven’t guessed, cannabis is the theme of this sandwich shop but you don’t have to be toasted to appreciate their creations. Sandwiches come served on a choice of white, whole wheat or garlic herb bread. As for fillings, choose from BBQ roast beef, ham, turkey and vegetarian options. Visit the store or order online.

Ike’s made its way from San Francisco to San Diego, and it’s a popular choice for those living near the Hillcrest, Point Loma and Downtown areas. If you haven’t been, study the menu as choices are daunting with 800+ sandwich variations including secret menu items to boot.

Sammies are big here like the Hot Poppa, a roll stuffed with turkey, pepper jack, cream cheese, jalapeños and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. The not-so-adventurous can also make their own creations. If you have the extra time, place an order in person and peruse the cold cases while you wait because there are plenty of drink options to accompany your sandwich.

Come in for the freshly baked bread for your sandwich fix— options include blue cheese, Dutch crunch, garlic cheese, jalapeño jack, pesto, wheat or gluten-free French. Once the hard part of choosing your bread is over, the easy part is deciding the fillings like roast beef with au jus for the intensely meaty Dapper Dipper.

Those craving East Coast-style sandwiches only need to travel to Golden Hill for a meal. The menu features traditional cheesesteaks, chicken cheesesteaks, pork rolls and Italian subs. Order online for pickup or delivery, or visit the restaurant to soak in the retro cafe-like atmosphere.