Well, it was time to take my car in for service again. I guess going on those road trips with JJ really puts in the mileage! I’ve mentioned previously that I’ve been searching for places to grab a bite in the area. But on this day I was in closer to lunch time and it was a weekday. After dropping my car off, I headed on out for a walk and noticed this place.
Hmmm…..wasn’t this the former location of Szechuan Mandarin….the ABC restaurant? Now Rosati’s Pizza, a fairly large chain, which, if I recall is out of Mt Prospect, Illinois? I’m fairly certain this location has only been open for a couple of years, but it looks kinda run down already.
Still, there was one sign that caught my attention.
I had to think back to when I last had an Italian Beef Sandwich here in SD and figured it was probably at Chicago Fire Grill….like almost 8 years ago! It’s been that hard to find a decent Italian Beef Sandwich here. Well, I guess the time was right for me to have one, right? So, I crossed on over and walked in. It was right past 11 and the cheerful young lady working greeted me with a smile and told me to have a seat anywhere.
The restaurant is pretty large and they even have some outdoor seating. I finally took a seat by the bar area.
I was provided several menus and was glad to see that the Italian Beef Sandwich with Fries is offered as a lunch special on weekdays between 11 and 2.
By this time, several folks had come into the restaurant and I’m guessing they were regulars as the young lady seemed to know them.
I ordered the Italian Beef Sandwich ($15) and when asked about Giardiniera and I said “of course” and the young lady cracked up. Soon enough my lunch arrived.
Man, this was quite a bit of food for lunch!
The crinkle cut fries were standard issue.
As for the sandwich…well, even though Rosati’s roots are in the “right place”, I obviously wasn’t expecting anything like Mr Beef or Buona, or even Portillo’s, nor especially not like my personal favorite Johnnie’s Beef in Arlington Heights.
It was interesting as the sandwich already comes “dipped”…in Chicago I loved ordering “beef – juicy – hot”.
The bread had been saturated and was quite mushy by the time it hit the table. When I picked the sandwich up I could squeeze it like a sponge….. At least it held together for most of the meal.
There was a very generous amount of Giardiniera, which I actually liked, nice and pickley-spicy, it wakes you up! Also adds some textural contrast.
Of course I didn’t need any additional jus…..which lacked the beefy- mildy herbal-pungent tones I enjoy. It was mainly very salty. I enjoy versions that have good garlic-oregano tones in addition to some beefiness. This wasn’t it.
The beef was thinly sliced, making it quite tender…and of course with all that jus……
The overall flavor was mainly salty, just mildly beefy, still quite a generous portion, and better than some other versions I’ve had here in San Diego.
The young lady working was so nice and friendly….she was working the front of house by herself and handled everything so well. The place had a few tables filled when I left and she seemed to know those folks too….so Rosati’s might be a real local place. So, perhaps I’ll return and try the Chicago Dog the next time I bring my vehicle in for service?
Rosati’s Pizza Pub and Sports Bar
5855 Mission Gorge Rd.
San Diego, CA 92120
Current Hours:
Daily 11am – 9pm