**** The Sandwich A'Fare has closed
Recently, while checking in to see if Lai Chen was actually open (it wasn't) I noticed a sign for something called Sandwich A'Fare. It was pointing down to the rear of the strip mall we call the "Kearny Mesa restaurant refugee mall" because it houses Abbey BBQ and the Philadelphia Sandwich Company. The shop is indeed discreetly located.
There's no street signage, the interior is quite Spartan, you really wouldn't know it was there unless you really looked carefully or maybe had a appointment at one of the auto businesses on the backside of the mall.
The menu board said that this shop has been here since 1981! That's quite a run. On both my visits there was an older gentleman who sat on a table beside the counter. A few customers called him "Bud", So I'm guessing he's the owner. He seems to be a bit of a curmudgeon, in kind of a funny, grumpy way.
The sandwiches all have "names" like the Cassius Clay – pastrami and swiss; add ham and it becomes Muhammed Ali. Bill Walton is the turkey sandwich, Liberace is ham and salami. Not quite sure what the naming significance is of some of the sandwiches (other than the obvious like the Euell Gibbons - haven't heard that name in ages), but the prices are very nice at $6.25. I did find it humorous that the "club" style sandwiches were described in a more generic manner (ham, bacon & swiss) but cost you a buck more!
I went with owners namesake; Bud's Special ($6.25).
Thinly sliced hot roast beef and cheddar. While the portion size was good, I thought it had too much mayo and the protein was rolled onto one side of the roll. One bite of meat; the next was bread, shredded lettuce, and mayo. It was simple, fast, filled a need, and was nicely priced.
A few weeks later I set out for something rather quick on my way back to the office and dropped by, ordering the "Godfather".
I actually do like the way they thinly slice the meat; though it was again a bit mayo heavy and out of balance because of the way they roll the meat into the sandwich. Yet, I had no complaints about the price.
I have a soft spot for these small, unpretentious, family run neighborhood sandwich shops like Rose Canyon Deli and the Sandwich Place. Often located in a business park, industrial area, or office complex, they fill a need. While there are a ton of "chain choices" around, I prefer spending my money at places like this.
The Sandwich A'Fare
6904 Miramar Rd. Suite 107
San Diego, CA 92121
Open
Mon – Fri 1030am – 230pm