Mesa Liquor & Deli

I was referred to this place by my friend. Great food friendly staff this place was dope! The box lunch deal gives you a huge delicious sandwich, a side of potato or macaroni side, a bag of chips, and a drink for just 9 $!? I can only hope the owner doesn’t change that deal because I’ll be back again for it!

Excellent selection of beers, with a knowledgeable staff to help with the decision making process… but this review will focus on the deli portion of the store.
My initial feelings were that no deli in a beer store could have a dope ass sandwich. I mean, let’s get real. Even though the signage on the store front was shady, and probably needs to be updated, it fits in well with the Kearny Mesa feel.
Had my first experience with the Al Capone on Monday, December 7^th around lunch time. It was life-​changing. I consider the top 3 moments of my life to be 1.) the birth of my children, 2.) my wedding, 3.) my first bite of the Al Capone. It’s the pinnacle of what a sandwich can be.
Here’s a few insider tips — Get the Al Capone. Save half for later in the day. Get a small fountain drink. Get the potato salad. Sit outside (the inside chairs are terrible and need to be replaced). Be nice when you ask the Yankees cap guy for a Pliny (my life goal is to talk him into giving me two at least once).
I’ve never had an issue with parking, since I park in the spots when I shop at Mesa Liquor & Deli. If you can’t understand why they don’t want you parking in their spots when you shop somewhere else… then you don’t understand the simple conditions that are influenced by numerous macroeconomic and microeconomic factors, including monetary and fiscal policy, the state of the global economy, unemployment levels, productivity, exchange rates, inflation and so on. It’s elementary, really.

Just checked this place out with a bunch of my dope ass homies from work. I had the California club and here are my thoughts:
–Overall taste was good, I’d give the sandwich as a whole a 7.5
–Too much mayo. Like, oozing everywhere kind of too much mayo.
–Construction of sandwich made something fall out with every bite (maybe too many romaine hearts?)
–The seats outside were wet from today’s El Nino rain, and we had to use our own towel to wipe them down. Sitting inside was not an option as there are only 3 seats inside.
The guys behind the counter were quick and efficient, even with our large group coming in at once. And, they’re believers in the old saying «a penny earned is a penny saved».
Looks like this place has a sweet beer selection but I didn’t check out the prices. I hear they have Pliny the Elder hidden in the back, so that will probably be for trip #2.

Been passing this dope ass little liquor store for years, finally decided to stop in for a spin with a few co-​workers…
Let me tell you, they are serving up some gut busting, bomb sandwiches up in here.
TIP: Don’t waste your time with those basic bi$#& sandwiches in the middle of the menu, go straight for the gangsta ones on the back. Had the Jimmy 2 Fingers. I warn you, it does takes twice as long to make.
…but that’s because it has everything you want in a sandwich PLUS a cut up kielbasa. Am I right?!
I mean, who doesn’t like a lot of meat?

This place is a hit or miss. Today was the second but last time I go there, order a specific snadwich. And the Guy making it doesn’t make what I ask. First time I had a hot sandwhich. The Gotti. And this guy added avacado to it. I called when them to complain and he said he did it as a favor. And I if I don’t like it then just remove it. Wtf?! Okay… this time he didn’t even toast my bread on the Chicken pesto sandwhich. And added the mustard, tomato and letter I asked him not to. And didn’t add the extra pesto and feta. I literally called to complain. And he said oh, well I didn’t add the mayo. No shit… thanks. Didn’t even apologize or offer to remake it. I just wasted $ 10 on a lunch I can’t eat now. Thanks for nothing. Don’t waste ur money. find a somewhere that cares what u order in the first place.

Best beer selection I have ever seen! Wow! Come here for the craziest amount of craft beer, completely unexpected.

Alcohol is not my thing so I can’t review that end of things other than saying they have a wide variety of it, what I can tell you is the deli is top notch. If you are a sandwich junky like myself you need to get over here. This is an old school liquor store/​deli which is hard to come by today. Get a lunch box the amount of food you get is huge.
I have never had an issue with the owner or employees here if you have had an issue it is you, and I’m guessing you have issues everywhere you go, they have always been cool to me.
Don’t park in their parking spots if you are going next door etc, the owners concerns about parking are valid a few weeks ago I came by and there was nowhere to park, I seriously doubt all those people were in Mesa Liquor & Deli.
PS I wish Unilocal had a «you went full retard» button for reviewers like Tony Y, Brandon L, Chin C, Jim N some people should not below allowed to use the internet.

Best sandwiches in San Diego period! I love going here and they have great service. I have had a order or 2 messed up before but they resolved it fast i highly recommend them!

Super personable relatable dudes. These mother fuckers make a mean sandwich which, in my opinion, are better than Hillcrest’s Rubicon hoighty toighty fancy bullshit, basic ass El cajon’s Grinders sandwich, and taster than Fat Sal’s heart attacks. Massive all day meal kind of sandwhiches, and that’s just the deli. Good selection of beers and liquors, with fair competitive pricing.
This place is the shit, and out classes any other bodega/​liquor store/​convenience store in san diego, and possibly elsewhere. I can get the dopest sandwhich in the West coast (shout outs to my nigga Jimmy two times), grab a brew to pour out for the dead homies, and peruse some high quality porn to beat my meat to, If you think I’m talking about jacking off, I just like to appreciate the female body while I stuff a 2 pound sandwich in my fucking mouth.
These dudes are cool as fuck, and deserve to be more well known.
If you want some no nonsense bullshit, come to this place and make the right decision.
I would of posted a picture of what I normally get, but by the time I can snap myself out of my animalistic feasting frenzy to shoot a picture, it’s gone.

I parked in one of their «Limited» parking lots to grab a powerball, while my gf was grabbing her Shared Tea. As soon, I walked out of the store, the owner said «Parking is really limited, so don’t stay long.» I told him we are just getting a drink and be on our way.
The owner must be really salty of Share Tea getting business rather than the 6 – 7 open but «Limited» spaces on his parking lot.

Seems like a good place, but the counter help on the store side (not deli) is extremely rude. Once was a older man with a beard got mad at me because he couldn’t understand what I was asking. This last time was a kid in a Yankee hat. Wasn’t really happy either time with their demeanor and will not be going back. The counter person at the deli tried to fix it, but that was only after I asked for my money back on a sandwich I had ordered. By that time it was too late and just wanted out of there. Save yourself the attitude, there’s too many other good delis in the area where they treat you nice. Mama’s just down the street, by carl jr’s has good sandwiches and plenty of seating.
Figures it would be easy to puzzle you. Now you’re a liar on top of everything else you’re lacking. Yes, I used profanity only after you asked why I was being an ‘as*****’, but you didn’t kick me out. I left after getting the money I paid for the sandwich. It’s easy being the big fish in your little bowl, but I’m not the only one who has posted issues here regarding your poor demeanor.
Son, heck yes, post that video! Not only will the world see the truth, but who should be ashamed of their behavior. Let me know if you need help posting it, not confident in someone’s abilities who doesn’t know the difference between «liar» and «lair», but after all you are only a clerk.
Hey clerk, looks like you’re the one with a ghostwriter and they did a good job of cleaning up your non-​nonsensical gibberish. Bad luck for you though, the internet doesn’t forget. You keep digging that hole for yourself and I’ll be here to bury you in it hahaha.
That’s the smartest thing you’ve said, definitely quit while your behind.

Fresh food and liquor?! YASSS.
Turkey and Swiss on sourdough bread with side salad and fruit. Their food is so simple yet so delicious. My boss ordered a chicken Cesar salad wrap and he said it was super tasty.
They were short staffed when I came so my order took a little longer than expected but I didn’t mind waiting. The guys working were really sweet and helpful.
If you do a walk in order instead of calling ahead, you get free chips and a drink (must purchase the lunch box special)!

Wow. Awesome. I work down the street and tried the deli out a few months back and liked it a lot but randomly never made it back. I went back this Tuesday, loved it, Wednesday, loved it, and today after work… the owner was working and talking about his unreal subs (I already knew they were good). and he could have shit in a box and I would have bought it.
Thankfully he made me one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. I ordered a padre sub (honey ham, turkey, bacon). He told me I need to try a hot sub, added a bunch of stuff (1lb of meat that he measured on a scale and showed me-​no cheating here) and chatted me up the whole time. I was ready to sit and eat right there if I wasn’t going home to watch football. I wish I ate it there piping hot but wow at home it was still great. I only could eat half of this monster. It’s gonna be a good lunch tomorrow.
I’ll be back tomorrow for my fourth day in a row and I’m bringing more people.

So I walked in there and spent $ 50+ on liquor. Then, I decided to walk next door for some Boba-​to-​go before I leave. As I walk away the store clerk goes, «hey if you’re going in there you can’t park in our spot, pls. move your car.» I replied, «dude I’m just getting some boba i just spent $ 50+ at your liquor store just now and you’re going to make me move my car just so I can get something from next door??» Of course the clerk wouldn’t budge, even though there’s like 4 empty spots in front of the store. Wow talk about lack of common sense. Guess who’s not coming back here anymore.

Give me my Al Capone,
It’s a big deal, never finished it all by myself.
They have all meat and all bread, good price, and fresh don’t forget to ask for plate, it comes with fresh fruit and pickles

This was a good spot! They have quite the selection for being inside a liquor store! I also overheard that they have catering. Sweet! They have a check-​in deal, which they’re happy to give so that they can spread the word. There are wraps and salads and sandwiches. Everything is prepared as-​ordered, pretty much in front of you. Since it’s also a liquor store, there’s a great drink, chip, and candy selection to accompany your sammy. There was a nice touch of pepperachinis, orange slices, and a pickle with my order! Great touch! I enjoyed my experience =)

This seriously has to be one of my favorite spots for breakfast, Sam always makes the best breakfast sandwiches ever, no joke. the lunch here is pretty damn great as well, i love it, and they get the food out fairly quickly. as far as alcohol, they have the widest variety of alcohol ive ever seen at any liquor store, honestly. so many different kinds of beer, wine and liquor to choose from, and they’re so knowledgeable if you have any questions. chips, candy, goodies are sold as well, a little bit of something for everyone. Ill always come back. Thanks mesa liquor and deli (for being located so close to my job), you rock !!

After doing some work in the Clairemont Mesa area, I was in the mood for a sandwich. Mesa Deli seemed like a good place to stop in for a quick sandwich. The store is obiviously made up more of liquor and beer than it is by the deli. The deli is a small section at the back of the store, which has a fridge (
) next to it with an assortment of salads, boiled eggs, cheese, fruit and other fresh food items.
Looking over their selection of sandwiches, I settled on the California Club Sandwich (
) which came out to about eight dollars and some change (pretty expensive for a standard bread sandwich). The guy at the deli asked me in detail everything I wanted on it, they don’t have the largest selection of veggies or cheeses unfortunately, so I just ended up with the standard mustard, tomatoes, lettuce and onions.
I got my sandwich to go as there is no eating area there and ate a park nearby., Opening the wrapper to my food I was kinda unimpressed. The sandwich didn’t appear to look like anything you’d get from a actual deli, looked more like a sandwich that I could even make better at home. The sandwich was rather small in size for eight bucks, and the bread didn’t feel too good either (stale?). While eating my sandwich, I noticed the turkey didn’t have too much flavor to it too and the sandwich ingredients didn’t taste very good, kind of a bummer. They really skimped on the avocado too. I know I’m a big guy, but the sandwich didn’t quite fill up me the way I intended it to. I had hoped more from this place, but after all it is just a deli at the back of a liquor store.

Strictly re: Beer
They weren’t kidding when the window says they have a ton of beers from Belgium. We were across the street at Yakitori and decided to finally stop by the random liquor store across the street touting a vast selection of belgians. Well. they weren’t lying! They have an impressive selection and variety of bottles I’m sure any beer lover would enjoy.
Z helped us out when we were there and the service was great. If you’re in the area and have a hankering for some beer bottles and are tired of BevMo, just stop by and take a look. You’ll probably find something to take home.

Customer service here is great! We order sandwich lunch boxes here for delivery weekly! Great price for huge sandwiches with either a side salad, potato salad, or mac salad and fruit. Delivery is always pretty fast, but if you do walk in, then you can get a free small soda and bag of chips. Our favorite sandwich is the Al Capone filled with ground beef, pastrami, veggies and melted cheese goodness!
You can get anything from pizza rolls, pita gyros, philly cheesesteaks, cold and hot sandwiches here! They have quite a variety for being a small deli inside a liquor store!