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
bummer it was too salty
Yes, it was sooo close Kat!
I really enjoy the occasional Italian beef, especially dipped and dripping. Interestingly, I’m headed to Indiana tomorrow and the only thing on my calendar is to eat at the Chicago Beef Company after I land.
Awesome Dereck! Hope you enjoy it!
That dog would have been my first choice based on the photo and the price!
I got sucked in by the signage Kenneth! Perhaps I’ll go back to try the Chicago Dog the next time I’m around there.
Having just come from the Chicagoland area visiting in laws, and living near Grantville, I thought I had to comment. Rosati’s is a legit Chicagoland chain – there’s a Rosati’s about a mile from my in-laws home in the Western suburbs. Mostly, Rosati’s is a strip mall chain, and the Rosati’s in Grantville is a virtual cathedral compared to the Rosati’s out in the Western suburbs. Anyway, my tip is to go with both the sweet and hot giardinera instead of sticking to just one. The roasted green peppers add the vegetal and herbal flavors missing from the au jus.
Thanks for the tip Jim! I guess I’ve been spoiled by places I really enjoyed like Johnnie’s….. It’s great to hear from you and hope all is well!
Prices aren’t bad at all. Definitely curious about the Chicago Dog.
Yes, the lunch specials are a good deal Junichi!
Nice, I will put this on the list. Been looking for decent Italian Beef in SD. As much as I love Chicago Fire Grill, their Italian Beef is a hit or miss. Last time I had theirs, their bread didnât hold up. I need to go back to Chicago and try Johnnieâs
Don’t set your standards too high Denver! I think it’s better than the version at Chicago Fire; but that ain’t saying much!