Spirits of St Germain Liquors

Classic deli /​liquor store. Reminded me of the east coast rarely seeing anything like this in So Cal. Traditional deli set up and menu. Kind or wished they offered a few specialty sandwiches on the menu to step it up from the norm. Ordered a club sandwich with macaroni salad.
The sandwich was fresh and put together with care. The ingredients were rationed perfectly giving that special balance many people don’t put the effort in to. The macaroni salad was better than anticipated, but a little boring. Would like to see them add some diced black olives and/​or some diced peppers to spice this up and give it some texture. If you got an urge for a good old school sandwich you grew up on, St Germain is the place.

Nice deli with good food. The guy who works the counter is nice, but there is an older woman who works here (she dresses like she’s young) and she is SO RUDE! I want to shop here, but cannot bring myself to do it because of her nasty attitude.

Liquor & deli tucked back behind the Shell gas station in UTC by the entrance to the Sheraton hotel.
Their veggie sandwich ($ 6.99) was super hearty. They also have a veggie wrap and a veggie burger. Comes with your choice if side (potato salad, macaroni salad, salad, etc). The potato salad was GOOD, and im not a huge potato salad fan. I’m not sure about the selection of beer overall, but they had a pretty good selection of Ballast Point. I got the grunion, which I don’t usually see around other places.
Parking here is wooonndderfullll compared to other places around UTC during rush hour. I was here around 5:30 on a Thursday and parked right by the door. Great for a quick in, quick out stop. That’s what ultimately pushed it up to 5 starts for me.

Love the sandwiches here, they come with a side of your choice usually macaroni, fruit salad, potato salad and sometimes another. The sandwiches are big, most people I know have trouble finishing them. They’re extremely well priced in my opinion, they could be charging more for the portions they give, and they use Dietz and Watson deli meats! It’s a liquor store to so you can roam the store and buy a bag of chips or cookies while you wait. The beer selection here to is really, really good for craft beer.

My turkey avocado sandwich was nothing to write home about, but my husband’s pastrami sandwich knocked it outta the park! I should have taken the advice of Unilocalers and gotten the pastrami, because it was so flavorful and delicious. The ladies who work the deli counter are very friendly and gladly accommodated my request for a side of avocado for the baby. They even sliced it up small and gave it to me on a paper plate with a fork. That was really sweet of them to do, and we will definitely be back.

This place makes one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had! Actually, I should say, 6 of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had, because I have tried: California Club, Turkey & Avocado, Turkey Bacon & Avocado, Pastrami & Chicken Salad.
I’ll definitely be back because they have at least 15 more sandwiches I need to try! Their sandwiches are like $ 7 and they include a small side, and a pickle. If I am extra hungry I will also grab a bag of chips to take with me. I wish I lived in La Jolla, if I did, I would come here more than once a week.
Try this place soon, and if you don’t live nearby, buy 2 sammies, one for now & one for later!

Found my new favorite mom-​and-​pop sandwich shop in the La Jolla area. It’s kind of hidden so you have to pay attention to the signs. It has great sandwiches and very nice staff. By far the most generous meat servings of a sandwich I’ve had in a long time. And the prices are reasonable.

I’ve been here once before this time to buy alcohol. I never knew they sell sandwiches as well! I was searching up for some good sandwich places around my neighborhood and this place came up. I got the turkey avocado sandwich, as fellow Unilocalers suggested, with a side of macaroni salad. When I got home and opened it, I immediately smelled the pungent smell of the pickle on the side. I wished the lady that made it had asked me if I wanted the pickle or not because I find that smell way too strong to deal. The sandwich itself was not bad, but then again it’s hard to mess up a sandwich. There are two things I would change about this turkey avocado sandwich:
1. I wished they toasted the toast and melted the cheese. Everything was cold.
2. There’s too little avocado in it I could barely taste it.
And lastly the macaroni salad side had way too much mayo in it. And it was placed next to the pickle, so I could still smell the pickle while eating it. Not particularly appetizing. Besides, it was way too heavy for me to finish the whole thing.
All in all, this place wasn’t very impressive but I still managed to finish my sandwich and it did its job of curing my hunger after a long day of work.

This review is for their deli only– and it is fantastic!!! They are the best liquor store deli I’ve ever tried– and I’ve been to several including Chris’s Liquor & Deli in OB, and Old Town Liquor in OT. St. Germain takes the cake. Their sandwiches are so good! It’s a must try if you are in the UCSD La Jolla campus area. Also I love their broccoli salad. For $ 6.99 you get any of their sandwiches with one side (potato salad, macaroni salad, greek salad, broccoli salad, etc…) and a pickle spear or two. That’s a deal! Most delis only offer the sandwich itself for +$ 7 with no side dish. I give them 2 thumbs up!

This place is a hidden gem! The sandwiches are amazing!!!
This spot is basically a convenience store, typical alcohol, beverages and snacks purchases… but there is also a deli! Right when you walk in, you approach the deli counter. Menu right above, all sandwiches are around $ 7, comes with one side and a pickle!
I would’ve never guess to come to a liquor store to get a delicious sandwich. My project is currently across the street and my superintendent introduced me to this yummy find. I’m glad he did! This has now become my go-​to sandwich place while I’m on-​site. The sandwich ladies are fairly quick, they are good about the lunch time rush. Every time I’ve been here, there always is a sandwich line.
The very first time here, I tried the Italian Chicken. It was good. On my second visit I noticed the pastrami. I thought, Oh, I have to try this!!! (I love pastrami!) I was more then impressed with pastrami, hot, juicy, flavorful, not overwhelmed with condiments or bread, just a great meat flavor. I was hooked and I haven’t tried anything else since. They only use Dietz and Watson meats, amazing!

Sandwiches are big with a lot of protein. I had the California club, it was ok. Nothing special except that it’s cheap. It was satisfying tastes like a home made sandwich.
What really disappointed me was the rudeness of everyone who works there. It was my first time there and tried to ask questions. All I got in response was rude attitude. The guy who took my order was very short with me and didn’t say any other words to me than «what’s your order?»

Came in to grab an Italian and the lady at the counter didn’t even turn around to say hi to me. She just turned her head, looked at me, turned her head back around and mumbles «are you ready?»
Barely able to even hear her, I say «what was that?» Mumble mumble. Confused look on my face. Her back still towards me… She finally turns her entire body around and asks if I’m ready. I order a Italian and roam the store.
This Italian. Was not an Italian. And if it was her version, it was the worst Italian I’ve ever had. She put. Black Forest ham inside. Which is a little sweet. So the taste was confusing, off putting and not very good. I couldn’t even finish it. If you’re gonna have an Italian sub on your menu, know how to make it.

Had the Cali Club, added sprouts & chose the broccoli dish for my side. The sandwich was very fresh & service was quick. I did wish the sandwich came with more topping options (banana peppers, olives, jalapeños, etc.) but it was still better than Subway. Perfect place to go for a quick lunch break!

After calling 6 places, I finally found Pliny here! They are very friendly and.. they have Pliny. They also have a great selection of other beer, wine, spirits.
If you are looking for Pliny, give them a call.

I was not really expecting a convenience store when I decided to come here. I walked up to the deli counter and received an impatient greeting in a foreign accent. After hesitantly ordering from the slightly rude woman I migrated to the cash register where a lady was redoing her makeup and paying 0% attention to any customer. I ordered a coffee (like usual) along with my sandwich, but it wasn’t clear to me which size I paid for so I helped myself to the cup that seemed fitting and filled it with lukewarm coffee. My friend really wanted water and there was no clear free water station, and the deli ] lady was completely unwilling to assist her.
We gladly left with our to-​go sandwiches (considering eating in a convenience store is unusual). My avocado and turkey sandwich on sourdough was quite enjoyable. I did however have to distribute the sandwich insides evenly because it was originally done with such carelessness. The broccoli salad was rather good however and no redistribution was needed. There may have been too much mayonnaise, but the raisins, almonds, and broccoli were well done.
The actual food was rather good… but I do not appreciate being treated like an ignorant animal. It has been a few hours and I am still trying to wrap my mind around how they keep customers and yet treat everyone who walks through the door so rudely. The selection and prices seem to be more than satisfactory, but their treatment of the customers is far to similar to the treatment of disobedient prisoners and livestock by guards and farmers.

I would have loved to have written that the sandwiches at this shop are the best on this side of San Diego because that’s all I’ve ever heard from a number of UCSD students. But I was so distracted by the poor service I received by a cashier that I’ve vowed to not return again.
The first visit, I’ll admit, was as expected. I walked in, ordered a ruben on rye with a side of cold slaw. I’ll also admit that the sandwich was good enough for me to return again.
It was this second visit where I feel like I was treated like someone less than human. I ordered the same sandwhich as the first time but this time inquired about a piece of cake I’d spotted. The lady preparing the sandwich informed me that it was raspberry cake which sounded appealing so I purchased it. I then walked out of the shop, hopped in my car & decided to take a bite of the cake before leaving. To my surprise, this was not raspberry cake but something that was just very bland. I noticed it to be red velvet cake which I do not like.
I then went back into the store then patiently waited my turn at the cashier’s desk. Upon approaching, the female cashier so that I had my cake in my hand and before I could say anything she was alway saying with a loud voice that she would not be giving me any money back. This was quite embarrassing because I was not trying to create a scene. Here’s how the rest of the interaction went:
Me: I’m sorry, but your worker told me that this is raspberry cake but it is something different so can I…
Cashier: It’s Bourbon Cake! No, you’ve already opened it!
Me: But this is not the cake your worker told me I was buying.
Cashier: Maybe she has hard time understanding English! No, I will not give you any money back.
Me: Well, then can I get my money back for this [noticeably unopened & untouched] sandwich?
Cashier: NO, SHE’S ALREADY MADE IT!
Me: Okay, we’ll I’ll just leave this cake here because I don’t eat this kind of cake.
I proceeded to leave when I saw another male worker who appeared to look like a manager. I explained to him what had happened and he’d actually recognized me as a return customer. He then went over to his fellow worker and attempted to explain that I was a return customer and that she should give me my money back. With a loud voice for all other customers waiting in line to hear she said to him, «NO, I AM NOT GIVING HIM ANYTHING SO HE CAN LEAVE NOW!» She immediately gave in half way and said, «okay, I will give him half refund!» She then slammed the money on the counter. I took it, thanked her & left the cake.
I figure as long as I’m a paying, repeat customer anywhere, I don’t need to leave feeling like like anything less than that.

The sandwiches are cheap and good, the lady that made my sandwich was really nice but the one I checked out with was mean and didn’t even smile once. I would have least expected a liquor store with a sandwich place inside, hence the name I know but its really random, its tucked away but can be easily found and theres plenty of parking.
The sandwiches are really worth it, loads of protein and it comes with a side salad !

I was tired of eating the same pricey foods during my lunch and was on a hunt for a new place around the area. That was when I found this place. I mainly come for the sandwiches.
You order at the counter where they’ll hand you a perforated sticky note. With this, you take it to the register where you give the guy the slip and pay for your meal (and anything else you decide to buy). Then you wait until your food is ready. Once it’s ready, you give them the slip that is stamped, indicating that you paid. Off with your meal you go.
I really like their toasted pastrami sandwich and California club. The sandwiches come with a side and a pickle. I usually order them with a side of potato salad or macaroni salad. They’re pretty filling and they don’t skimp out on the meat.

Wow. I feel like the flu even pointing this out, but my experience at this liquor store was horrible. I mean that. I left feeling devalued and feeling like i had just given my money to someone who not only didn’t want my business, but actually didn’t even want me in their business.
Let me set this up. It was evening. I had just grabbed a pizza for my kids. We were staying in Torrey Pines. My daughter is UCSD student and we were in the area. My lack of planning situated us in the land of Domino’s for dinner.
I saw this sandwich shop, and I remembered reading all of the stellar reviews on Unilocal,so I dropped in to get a sandwich to actually try to save the meal. Bad idea.
I walked in and looked at the deli area. I couldn’t tell if it was open or closed. The gear looked sealed up, but not especially well, so I thought maybe it might be. The meats and stuff were relatively sparse, so I assumed probably not. But like a doofus I stood there anyway. I thought someone in the store might ask me if I needed help since I was the only customer at the time.
Why would I just stand there? Well, because there were three women huddled in a circle chatting and eating/​sharing noodles which I assume was their dinner. I foolishly thought whomever was working would ask. Stupid me.
After five minutes i grabbed some spicy popcorn a candy bar, and a soda. I then went to buy it. And I waited as the proprietor (s) and her friends finished chatting and nibbling on their standing dinner.
I said hello. No response.
I apologized for interrupting her meal. No answer.
She shoved the stuff in a bag and slid it across the counter. Not a word.
I said, «Thank you.» Nothing.
So I said, «You’re welcome. Have a nice night.»
She was already back with her friends.
Now. I don’t expect cashiers to be my friend, but some basics are an expectation for any transaction: a greeting, a total, and a conclusion exchange (thank you, or goodbye.) I received none of these. In fact, I felt totally devalued and had wished I hadn’t gone into the store in the first place.
Once bitten, twice shy. I am in La Jolla 5 – 10 times a month. But I won’t be back to The Spirit of St. Germain’s.

I discovered this place as an undergrad at UCSD and I just keep going back!
Deli Counter:
I truly believe that they have the best Turkey and Avocado sandwich in all of San Diego! I’ve had their buffalo chicken and BLT, but being the Californian that I am. I’m just a sucker for a good ol’ Turkey and Avocado. They also use sliced avocado, which I prefer over the mushed up nastiness some places use. They load up their sandwiches with the best deli meats and all of their veggies are always very fresh. For less than 7 bucks. depending on the sandwich… you get a huge sandwich, pickle, and a side salad. I’ve had their potato salad, fruit salad, mac salad, and greek salad and they are all very tasty. My boyfriend loves potato salad and he thinks their potato salad is one of the better ones that he’s had. I’ve also tried their random chocolates they have behind the counter and they’re all very good too.
Liquor Store:
They have a wide selection of booze… they’re not the cheapest place you can get booze, but they have almost everything so unless you’re a raging alcholic… they’re perfectly fine for booze purchases too.