If you’re in a hurry and need a quick bite, don’t come here. Coney dog took 20-25 mins. They were also short on a lot of ingredients. Apathetic staff, not in rush though they should have been. Dog was okay, would have been better with all the ingredients piled on. I would go back and try again because most reviews are very good.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 2
Trent Allan
This is a 5 star lunch place when the owner is there. However, it's 2 star when he's not.
Michael M
We stopped in for some coffee and breakfast before the big rally. The staff took care of us quickly and the food was surprisingly good. They even made a fresh pot of coffee for us. The prices were reasonable. There is both indoor and outdoor patio seating. The only negative thing I have to say is don't use the bathroom. The place is filthy and just plain stinks to high heaven. Come on guys, clean it up.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 4
Russell J.
Stopped here for a quick, light breakfast and coffee. Ordered the Avo sandwich. Two open faced wheat toast each with a fried egg and generous helping of sliced avocado. Also a small fresh fruit cup. Everything was tasty and fresh. The staff was friendly. Restaurant was clean but the bathroom was smelly and dirty. I'd come for the food again.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Matt Beekman
Every city needs a spot like Carnivore Deli--and downtown San Diego is lucky to have it. Cam and his team are the real deal: always welcoming, always friendly, and they know their regulars. There's something special about walking in and being greeted by name, like you're part of the place.
As for the food? Not a single miss. The Steak Burrito is hands-down one of the best in town--flavorful, filling, and crave-worthy. The Big Apple Sandwich is a classic done right, the Reuben is bold and comforting, and don't sleep on the Pasta Salad--it's legit. You can tell every item on the menu has been crafted with care and intention.
This isn't just a sandwich shop--it's a small business with soul. Cam's presence is felt in every detail, from the food to the service to the way he takes time to connect with his customers. If you're downtown and even remotely hungry, do yourself a favor: skip the chains and head straight to Carnivore. Support a business that shows up every day with heart.
5 stars, easy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brianflyboy
Big sandwhich made to order. Little hole in the wall joint. Club sandwich was excellent.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Nima Nadari
The best burrito ive ever had in my life. If the owner Cameron recommends something, like making the burrito spicy, do it. The man knows whats up and has curated his menu well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
devon morris
Fell in love with the place as soon as I walked in. Service was good and helpful when ordering. Will definitely be coming back. Owners were fine asf.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jeff Duren
Excellent food and service !!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ethan Edwards
Conveniently located in the center of downtown, this charming deli is run by an energetic and charismatic individual who brings electricity into the air whenever you visit. The food is simple but delicious and always prepared in a timely fashion (especially if you're a regular). This is one of my favorite spots to sit down and grab a bite in all of Downtown San Diego. Keep it up, community man!
Food: Italian Sandwich-Mortadella, Spicy Capicola, Hard Salami, Lettuce, Tomato, Pepperoncini, Oregano, Oil & Vinegar, Mayo, Provolone, On French Roll.
Perfect to share if you want to have a lighter meal / if you don't you'll definitely be nice and stuffed!
Service: The gentlemen (didn't catch his name) was very helpful and attentive. He recognized that my friend and I were sharing a sandwich,without having to ask he brought us separate plates and made sure we each had a pickle 🥒 😁 as well as, brought us his favorite drink!
Atmosphere: no indoor seating,however, there is outdoor seating if you would like to enjoy your meal on a sunny day ☀️
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Andreas Kaiser
Okay I am not gonna lie, I did not like the guy’s style of speaking to the patrons. Annoying rubbish small talk questions, addressing me with “young man” (meaning that I am super old), but most importantly that he messed up the order. The cheeseburger that was promised within 10 min did not know of its existence. While in the meantime, I had downed the rather dry and underwhelming potato salad, no burger was conceived yet. Come into the picture the other staff folks who upon questioning did not even care about saying something like “how can I help you?” or “oh no, let me check for you” or so but only walked away and whispered something to the cashier. Only after some time, that annoying first guy realized that my order had not gone through (great: he at least remembered), and the thing was finally moving towards being born. And that was prolly the worst, 9 months or so waiting in anticipation of expecting something good from a 4.5 rated place, that thing was slippery, greasy, and flat in taste! Good thing it did not start screaming ’cause internally I did, full of regrets. Would not recommend! Overrated!
(Originally posted by me on Yelp )
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Rocky
Excellent Chicago dogs, the owner is also awesome. Can’t wait to try some of the sandwiches too! Prices are also super reasonable. Interior is clean, they even have Midwest sodas! Get in the caaaah and have a sandwich or dog here!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Andrew Benesh
The signature salad hits the spot. Staff are friendly and helpful, especially Cam. I'll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tom Rodabaugh
Traditional delicatessen with a Detroit flair. Great lunch stop. Its my go-to whenever I'm downtown at lunchtime.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Good Ol' Ham Sandwich, Pickle, Reuben Sandwich
If you’re in a hurry and need a quick bite, don’t come here. Coney dog took 20-25 mins. They were also short on a lot of ingredients. Apathetic staff, not in rush though they should have been. Dog was okay, would have been better with all the ingredients piled on. I would go back and try again because most reviews are very good.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 2
This is a 5 star lunch place when the owner is there. However, it's 2 star when he's not.
We stopped in for some coffee and breakfast before the big rally. The staff took care of us quickly and the food was surprisingly good. They even made a fresh pot of coffee for us. The prices were reasonable. There is both indoor and outdoor patio seating. The only negative thing I have to say is don't use the bathroom. The place is filthy and just plain stinks to high heaven. Come on guys, clean it up.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 4
Stopped here for a quick, light breakfast and coffee. Ordered the Avo sandwich. Two open faced wheat toast each with a fried egg and generous helping of sliced avocado. Also a small fresh fruit cup. Everything was tasty and fresh. The staff was friendly. Restaurant was clean but the bathroom was smelly and dirty. I'd come for the food again.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Every city needs a spot like Carnivore Deli--and downtown San Diego is lucky to have it. Cam and his team are the real deal: always welcoming, always friendly, and they know their regulars. There's something special about walking in and being greeted by name, like you're part of the place.
As for the food? Not a single miss. The Steak Burrito is hands-down one of the best in town--flavorful, filling, and crave-worthy. The Big Apple Sandwich is a classic done right, the Reuben is bold and comforting, and don't sleep on the Pasta Salad--it's legit. You can tell every item on the menu has been crafted with care and intention.
This isn't just a sandwich shop--it's a small business with soul. Cam's presence is felt in every detail, from the food to the service to the way he takes time to connect with his customers. If you're downtown and even remotely hungry, do yourself a favor: skip the chains and head straight to Carnivore. Support a business that shows up every day with heart.
5 stars, easy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Big sandwhich made to order. Little hole in the wall joint. Club sandwich was excellent.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
The best burrito ive ever had in my life. If the owner Cameron recommends something, like making the burrito spicy, do it. The man knows whats up and has curated his menu well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fell in love with the place as soon as I walked in. Service was good and helpful when ordering. Will definitely be coming back. Owners were fine asf.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent food and service !!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Conveniently located in the center of downtown, this charming deli is run by an energetic and charismatic individual who brings electricity into the air whenever you visit. The food is simple but delicious and always prepared in a timely fashion (especially if you're a regular). This is one of my favorite spots to sit down and grab a bite in all of Downtown San Diego.
Keep it up, community man!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Food: Italian Sandwich-Mortadella, Spicy Capicola, Hard Salami, Lettuce, Tomato, Pepperoncini, Oregano, Oil & Vinegar, Mayo, Provolone, On French Roll.
Perfect to share if you want to have a lighter meal / if you don't you'll definitely be nice and stuffed!
Service: The gentlemen (didn't catch his name) was very helpful and attentive. He recognized that my friend and I were sharing a sandwich,without having to ask he brought us separate plates and made sure we each had a pickle 🥒 😁 as well as, brought us his favorite drink!
Atmosphere: no indoor seating,however, there is outdoor seating if you would like to enjoy your meal on a sunny day ☀️
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Okay I am not gonna lie, I did not like the guy’s style of speaking to the patrons. Annoying rubbish small talk questions, addressing me with “young man” (meaning that I am super old), but most importantly that he messed up the order. The cheeseburger that was promised within 10 min did not know of its existence. While in the meantime, I had downed the rather dry and underwhelming potato salad, no burger was conceived yet. Come into the picture the other staff folks who upon questioning did not even care about saying something like “how can I help you?” or “oh no, let me check for you” or so but only walked away and whispered something to the cashier. Only after some time, that annoying first guy realized that my order had not gone through (great: he at least remembered), and the thing was finally moving towards being born.
And that was prolly the worst, 9 months or so waiting in anticipation of expecting something good from a 4.5 rated place, that thing was slippery, greasy, and flat in taste! Good thing it did not start screaming ’cause internally I did, full of regrets.
Would not recommend! Overrated!
(Originally posted by me on Yelp )
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Excellent Chicago dogs, the owner is also awesome. Can’t wait to try some of the sandwiches too! Prices are also super reasonable. Interior is clean, they even have Midwest sodas! Get in the caaaah and have a sandwich or dog here!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The signature salad hits the spot. Staff are friendly and helpful, especially Cam. I'll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Traditional delicatessen with a Detroit flair. Great lunch stop. Its my go-to whenever I'm downtown at lunchtime.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Good Ol' Ham Sandwich, Pickle, Reuben Sandwich
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