The Grinder

El Cajon, CA · Deli

Rating
4.5/5
★★★★★ 4.5
Reviews
20
Rank in El Cajon
#49
of 303 restaurants
City Percentile
68%
rating percentile
Address
The Grinder, 1300 N 2nd St, El Cajon, CA 92021
Phone
(619) 442-8444
Website
www.elcajongrinder.net
Status
Closed · Opens 10 AM

The Grinder is a restaurant located in El Cajon, CA. It is one of 303 restaurants listed in El Cajon. Its 4.5-star rating is above the El Cajon city average of 4.3 stars. There are 10 photos associated with this location.

About The Grinder

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... More

Hours

Saturday10 AM–7 PM

Customer Reviews

★★★★★ 5.0 Danielle Flores · Feb 2026

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.

★★★★★ 5.0 Tyler Butkus · Mar 2026

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.

★★★★☆ 4.0 Michael Anthony · Sep 2025

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!

★☆☆☆☆ 1.0 Karlie Kathol · Mar 2026

The young girl at the front has zero customer service. I came in, and she literally stood there and said “what kind” No smile, nothing, sorry but if she’s at the front good luck getting good feedback and any tips. I guess good customer service is rare nowadays. I didn’t even ordered and walked out. I felt like a burden or something. Hadn’t been here in years and was excited but she killed it for me with her bad attitude. Don’t work there if you hate people and look miserable. You don’t need to be over the top, but maybe a half of a smile and helpful if someone isn’t sure what to order. Last time I go in there.

★★★★☆ 4.0 John R (Johnny Reviews) · Aug 2024

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.

Accessibility & Amenities

✓ Wheelchair Accessible Entrance ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot

Services

DeliRestaurantSandwich shop

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This listing is informational. Contact the business directly to verify credentials, services, and availability.