Best Places to Eat Close to Work
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Help your coworkers find their next favorite lunchtime spot. Share a recommendation within 1 mile of your workplace. If you work from home or in the field, please send a recommendation within 1 mile of your main department office.
Email communications@sdcounty.ca.gov with the name of the restaurant and your worksite.
Even better if you have a photo of either the eatery or a dish there.
Submissions will be listed here on InSite.
Charito Chung, Records Clerk – Intake Support
Probation Department
“Chopstix Japanese Noodle, 4633 Convoy St., San Diego.
Bento Box Combo – is the way to go, big portions and reasonable price.
Crunchy Roll – everyday low price.
Staff is amazing.”
Alex Cassadas, Sr. Human Resources Analyst
County Operations Center
“Mexican Food: 100% Harvest Taco Shop – the food is delicious and their salsa is muy caliente!
Lit'l Pepper Gourmet – Sandwich Paradise. This gem provides various options for breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soups and salads. They do great lunch catering!”
Kaylee Fisher, Management Fellow, Communications Office
County Administration Center
“My submission is the fresh to order Italian sandwiches from The Market By Buon Appetito. It’s at 1605 India St. Great sandwich that won’t break the bank!”
Michelle Meza, Office Assistant, Self-Sufficiency Services
El Cajon Family Resource Center
“One of my favorite spots is Sweet and Green.”
Jaime Monreal, Human Resources Analyst, Human Resources
County Operations Center
“Angry Pete’s Pizza recently started offering a 20% discount to county employees! Yum!”
Edwin Andrus, Administrative Analyst I, Planning & Development Services
County Operations Center
“I recommend Tigris Mediterranean Grille as a great fresh alternative. They offer 10% discount to County employees with their badge. Food is amazing.
Another great location is Tahini. They bake their own pita bread fresh, every day. They’re website states Authentic Middle Eastern Street Food.”
Erik Aguilar, Administrative Secretary II, Office of Homeless Solutions
Mills Building
“Tacos El Trompo in Barrio Logan is great, especially on Taco Tuesday. Taco Tuesday offers $1.50 tacos in 7 different protein options. They also offer $1.50 Adobada taco all day Friday and Saturdays.”
Royce Abalos, CAO Project Manager, Chief Administrative Office
County Administration Center
“Mexican Food: Miguel’s Cocina (Portside Pier across CAC)
Money Saving Food Hack: Order of your choice of Enchilada a la carte. I like the Chicken Enchilada with Green Sauce. Any order comes with free unlimited Chips, Salsa, and their delicious white jalapeno cheese dip. Once you receive your order, add some chips to the plate, chop up the enchilada, and BOOM! …Instant nachos for under $10! 😉 Plus, you get to enjoy the ambience and awesome view of the bay. You can thank me later 😊.”
Melissa Bernales, Executive Secretary, Communications Office
County Administration Center
“Pizza from Mr. Moto is delish, and they have great deals with pizza slices and drink. I also love the cheeseburger from Ketch!””
Steven Wells, Chief - Agency Operations, Child and Family Well-Being
Polinsky Children’s Center
“I would like to recommend Tigris Mediterranean Grille, 5285 Overland Dr. San Diego, CA 92123. Tigris provides big portions of DELICIOUS food. It has an expansive menu and offers tons of healthy options. The staff, including “Frankie” who runs the front, are friendly and welcoming!”
Omar Paredes, Engineering Technician II, Public Works
County Operations Center
“The best place to eat and support local business is Yummy Deli! The business owner has been in operation there since 2007!”
Luningning G. Martinez, Office Assistant, Child and Family Well-Being
Central Region Child and Family Well-Being Office
“Ly Heng Restaurant, 0.1 miles from County Building on University Ave. and Fairmount Ave.
777 Noodle House, 0.5 miles from County Building on University Ave. and Fairmount Ave.”
Sergio Gonzalez, Human Services Specialist, Self-Sufficiency Services
Southeastern Family Resource Center
“BOWLEGGED BBQ is legit some of the best BBQ in town! Locally owned and operated. I've been a few times now and the hot link with brisket is fire (as the kids are known to say)! It is a straight shot from SEFRC at 4255 Market St, San Diego, CA 92102, 1.2 miles door to door.”
Kumar Sidoo, Human Services Specialist, Self-Sufficiency Services
Mills Building
“Las Cuatro Milpas in Barrio Logan is a great option; you can skip the line by ordering over the phone ahead of time and the food is a good price. Another favorite is City Tacos located by Petco Park. I recommend the “Mexicali” at City Tacos, it is very unique but tastes really good.”
Teresa A Rogers-Marsh, In-Service Education Coordinator, Behavioral Health Services
Edgemoor DPSNF
“The best place to eat in Santee is right here at Edgemoor 😊 see the attached menus. I suggest anyone from the County come by and sample our delicious food when in East County. We have some of the BEST CHEFS around. They always make tasty dishes for all County workers and visitors.”
Chentell M. Ingram, Human Services Specialist, Self-Sufficiency Services
North Coastal Family Resource Center
“Smash & Dash Oceanside (and also in San Diego on El Cajon Boulevard) - Seriously THE BEST burger, but make sure to order ahead as everything is made to order.”
Elaine Borromeo, Campaign Services, Registrar of Voters
County Operations Center
Mom’s Deli Mart at 9350 Waxie Way, San Diego, CA 92123 has non-fast food options with soups, salads, and flavorful sandwiches that typically comes with a side of pickle. They also have a wide variety of candies, chocolate bars, mixed nuts, ice cream, energy drinks, and other items too. It’s great to go to if you’re in need of some Advil, a lighter, Chapstick, etc.
During lunch hours, it can get backed up so it’s a good idea to call them well in advance for your order. This place offers the “collect 10 and get a free one” card applicable to sandwiches and salads. Check it out!”
Alvin Corpuz, Human Services Specialist, Self-Sufficiency Services
North Central Family Resource Center
“My #1 recommendation near here is Village Indian Cuisine at 9187 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. They have $13 lunch special that includes rice, naan, and 2 curries of your choice. The samosas are also amazing. Best Indian food I’ve had on a budget.”
Madison Padilla, Office Assistant, Self- Sufficiency Services
Self-Sufficiency Services Mission Valley Office
“I really like the Flame Broiler. I usually pack my own lunches for work but when I don’t, I like Flame Broiler because you can get a bowl of tofu or chicken with rice and veggies for like $8.00. It is fresh and healthy and is super filling.”
Denise Porter, Administrative Secretary II, Public Health Services
County Operations Center
“Yummy Deli: Close, quick, fresh, healthy, and under $12.”
Aileen Hacinas, Sheriff's Records & ID Clerk II
Sheriff’s HQ
“I would like to recommend Players Sports Grill for their impressive nachos. They have other menu items that are subpar but the nachos are worth coming back for. There are a few different kinds of options you can have from basic to some meat options you can add to them. I'd suggest the carnitas or Philly cheesesteak.”
Steven Rohrer, Human Services Specialist, Self-Sufficiency Services
Chula Vista Family Resource Center
“Another vote for Tacos el Trompo’s Taco Tuesday Specials here at CVFRC. At less than a mile away, good prices, and great tacos they can’t be beat!”
Teresita Sherman, Admin Secretary II, Sheriff
Las Colinas Detention Facility
“I recommend Ferny's Mexican Grill. They have the BEST tacos. Their corn tortillas are clearly made on the spot. They are always so fresh and so soft. If you go on "Taco Tuesday" all tacos are 50% off.”
Luis “Ron” Ortiz, Adult Protective Services Supervisor, Aging & Independence Services
HHSA East Region in El Cajon
“The Greek Chicken.”
Michael Arce, Administrative Analyst III
Behavioral Health Services in Mission Valley
“Bully’s East Prime Bistro and Lazy Dog are my go-to spots if I am in office.”
Judy Wright, Public Health Nurse Supervisor
Medical Care Services – East Public Health Center
“Alibaba’s”
George Kellon, Live Well Mobile Office Driver, Self-Sufficiency Services
North Central HHSA
“Great little sandwich shop called: The BFD (big front door). BFD San Diego - The Best Deli Sandwiches in San Diego | Big Front Door”
Lu Florendo, Associate Accountant, Fiscal Services
Mills Building
“Crab City (1985 National Ave, SD) – Love their seafood boil (lobster tail, shrimp, clams, sausage, potato, corn).
Beshock Ramen (1288 Market St, SD) – Love their lunch special (ramen with pork bowl).”
Susie Delos Santos-Valenzuela, Office Assistant
Edgemoor Hospital DPSNF
“Located in Santee, Junction 52 is a great spot for lunch! Always packed but never disappointed with the food. Their Diablo Burger, Chicken Lettuce Wrap and Pastrami Sandwich are my top three. Try it, you’ll love it!”
Kiki Sutoyo, Office Assistant, Self-Sufficiency Services
Hospital & Community Support Services Mission Valley
California Fish Grill, 1530 Camino De La Reina, San Diego, CA 92108 and Kiko’s Place Seafood Food Truck.
Jesse Sesate, Program Specialist II, Self-Sufficiency Services – Office of Military & Veterans Affairs
North Central Family Resource Center
“Adrian’s Surf N’ Turf Grill on 9353 Clairemont Mesa Blvd near North Central and the COC. Best parm fries on the planet! Killer Ahi salad and Ahi sandwich too.”
Sherry Brideau, Administrative Analyst II, Public Works
County Operations Center
Aldo Mendoza, Election Processing Supervisor, Registrar of Voters
County Operations Center
“Less than a mile from COC you’ll find Village Indian Cuisine. For $14 (incl. tax) the lunch special comes on a bed of rice, a small salad, and some naan on the side..can’t beat it! My favorite lunch combination is the Veggie Korma and Tandoori Chicken – paneer dishes are all tremendous as well.”
Zoraida Moreno, Program Coordinator, Hazardous Materials Division
County Operations Center
“I’ll suggest Gourmet Island Bistro by the COC. It’s a family-run business, they’re very friendly, quick, food tastes delicious and fresh, and prices/portions are reasonable.”
Kenneth Arnold, Staff Accountant, Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk
County Administration Center
“Classic American Food! Shake Shack (2008 India Street) in Little Italy. A bit expensive but worth it in my humble opinion. And if that’s not your cup of tea, ahem, burger, then the Burger Lounge (1608 India Street) is only a few blocks away. And closer to the CAC downtown!”
Kayla Iliff, Sr. HR Analyst, Department of Human Resources
County Administration Center
“It only happens on Wednesdays and Saturday at the Little Italy Farmers Market but there is a dumpling stand that serves the best dumplings I have had. The dumplings by themselves are delicious but I add the Chimichuri Soy noodles for a more filling lunch!”
Spencer Harteis, Principal Accountant, San Diego County Air Pollution Control District
Air Pollution Control District office
“I really like working in Scripps Ranch and, in my opinion, the best place to eat around here is Smack’n Guamanian Grill, it’s the best Guamanian food I’ve found so far. There is also a food truck gathering every Wednesday that offers different foods and the Farmers Market is always fun to go to after work on Thursdays.”
Corina Aldaco, Records Clerk, Probation
Probation North County Office
“OGGI’S Pizza, Vista. Great pizza with a 15% discount to county employees. And Players Sports Grill, San Marcos. Great salads and appetizers.”
Mark Navarro, Program Specialist II – Civil Rights Liaison, Aging & Independence Services
County Operations Center
“I must mention one of the best kept secrets within 1 mile of the County Operations Center - Adrian's Surf N' Turf Grill. To be honest, this place is my little hidden gem amongst so many good options that are walkable from the office that few of my colleagues know about. I wouldn’t be a good teammate if I didn’t give the low down on this unassuming restaurant located in a unassuming strip mall off Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. Everything on the menu gives me “Umami” vibes because the food is made to order, and the polite staff treat you like family. I haven’t had a menu item disappoint, so much so, that I take my wife here for dinner & a movie too 😊
My #1 for lighter days aka “lunch time” – Seared Ahi Tuna Bowl
My # 2 when I’m feeling “Hamburglar” vibes - Angus Turf Bacon Cheeseburger
Give them a try, you won’t be disappointed. Be Kind and Support your local small business!”
Mia Watson-Good, Ethics and Compliance Officer, Ethics and Compliance
County Administration Center
“The Wednesday Farmers Market in Little Italy – great variety and so close to the CAC. 😊”
Cynthia K Reid, Administration/Policy Office Assistant, Child and Family Well-Being
Child and Family Well-Being Office
”I would like to recommend Gourmet Island.”
Nathan Becraft, Supervising Probation Officer, Probation
Probation North County Regional Center
“Recommendation: Thai One On.”
Kevin Romero, Parks Recreational Supervisor, Parks and Recreation
Spring Valley Community Center
“Fruity Loco (507 Sweetwater Rd, Spring Valley CA 91977). Their Lomo tortas are truly one of a kind.
Con todo Fresh Mexican Eats. They have all your Mexican food favorites and a very special Chilaquiles Burrito that is buenisimo!”
Hannah Koppers, AA II, Aging and Independence Services
County Operations Center
“Perkys (8280 Clairmont Mesa Blvd) has amazing South African hand pies for $9.”
Tiffany J. Barnes, Protective Services Worker, Child and Family Well-Being
North Coastal Region Family Resource Center
“I decided on takeout and ordered from Bistro Kabob Carlsbad (Persian food). I ordered the Koobideh Kabob Combo Plate with garlic sauce. Was reasonably priced, great portion and delicious!”
Valeria Ochoa, Health Information Specialist II, HHSA
Live Well Support Center – Seville Plaza
“If you're on the hunt for a budget-friendly seafood lunch, Tokyo Central Japanese Market (8151 Balboa Ave #2421, San Diego, CA 92111) is a must! Enjoy an affordable sushi roll, plate, or onigiri rice ball (my favorite).
Got a craving for a Korean corn dog? Head over to ZZang Hot Dog inside H Mart in Convoy (7725 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111) for a delicious lunch.
What about drinks? You can’t have a good lunch in Convoy without grabbing a refreshing milk tea at WUSHILAND BOBA (OO TEA) inside 99 Ranch (7330 Clairemont Mesa Blvd #106, San Diego, CA 92111). I am convinced they sell the best milk teas.
If you're in the mood for Italian, don't miss the lunch special at Filippi's Pizza Grotto Kearny Mesa (5353 Kearny Villa Rd, San Diego, CA 92123).
Finally, for Thai food, Chaba Thai Kitchen (8010 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111) serves delicious Jungle Curry and Pad Thai.”
Jose Lopez Jr., Protective Services Worker, Child and Family Wellbeing
Child and Family Well-Being Office
“The name is Homestyle Hawaiian Pub and Eatery. The title says it all…its homestyle Hawaiian food that is delicious. Order fresh lemonade as well and it quench your thirst.”
Elisia Garcia, Operations Specialist, Aging & Independence Services
Live Well Support Center - Seville Plaza
“I work at the Live Well Center in National City for the Public Authority BUT when I come to the Seville Plaza off Kearny Villa Rd., I love to go to Sushi Deli 3 and get their monthly lunch special. Their monthly lunch special is $14.50 and includes 4 pieces of 4 different rolls so you get a little bit of everything and you can try a roll you might not have thought to try. Split with a coworker and you won’t regret it. It’s filling but you don’t feel over-stuffed. They also have monthly bento box lunch specials for $12.99.”
Angeline Soto, Staff Development Specialist, Human Resources The Knowledge Center
Live Well Support Center - Seville Plaza
“Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, Kearny Mesa: From the lunch specials the Calzones are a great price at $12.95, or the half sandwich and half pasta combo is under $10; Personal pizzas are great - the margarita is fresh and light. The bowtie pasta with alfredo and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes is amazing! AND they have a separate gluten free menu for those with that dietary restriction. There is something for everyone on the menu!”
Krista Ellis, Interim Deputy Director, General Services
County Operations Center
“I tried Yipbee Tea House for a milk tea. They have a great menu (smoothies, açaí bowl, iced tea/coffee, boba, matcha) and are in the same strip mall as Kahn’s cave (walking distance from COC).”
Lisa M. Fitzpatrick, Executive Assistant, Civil Service Commission Secretary
County Administration Center
“Waterpark Family Deli. Great burgers, wraps, salads and more!”
Jim Trevithick, Caseworker, Housing and Community Development Services
North Central Family Resource Center
“I’ll submit for Grab & Go Subs. A locally-owned deli with 6 locations around town; the one closest to the HHSA building on Ruffin Rd is at 5150 Murphy Canyon Rd right off Clairmont Mesa Blvd. Excellent sandwiches and salads, large enough for two meals, and everything is fresh – they bake their bread and it, and their ingredients are always fresh and flavorful. I drive past 4 other delis to get to this one!”
Victoria Leduc, Office Assistant, Self-Sufficiency Services
HHSA’s Document Processing Center in Mission Valley.
“I usually eat lunches from home. However, whenever I find myself without a lunch and on a tight schedule, I go to the Del Taco next door, aka the backup plan.
Yet, whenever I have a lot more free time, my go-to lunch joint is Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen at the Mission Valley mall. They have grilled sandwiches, pasta, and oven-baked pizza on their lunch menu. I like having a half pesto sandwich or a pesto pizza with Caesar salad on the side. Sometimes I take a baked cookie home. I even enjoy eating outside and people-watching. The vibe is chill and the freshly-made food is delicious!”
Ryan C. Aniciete, Human Services Specialist, HHSA
North Coastal Live Well Center
“Valerie's Tacos - The carnitas is soo good! The Rice bowls are great, and of course the breakfast burritos are yum! It’s across the street!”
Horacio Balvaneda, Human Services Specialist, HHSA
Center City Family Resource Center
“Las Cuatro Milpas, La Super Cocina, Rolando’s Taco Shop, The Old Gallery, Hodad’s Downtown, Bronx Pizza, Lefty’s Pizzeria, Pizzeria Luigi.”
Catrin Lewis, Senior Office Assistant, HHSA
County Child Welfare Services
“I love Unique Deli! It’s walking distance, I can call in my order, and their prices are reasonable. 8865 Balboa Ave #C; San Diego, CA 92123. (858) 715-0487.”
Steve Jonas, Creative Services Manager, Department of Public Works
County Operations Center
“Without a doubt, Angry Pete’s on the corner of Claremont Mesa and Overland. Unbelievable pizzas and burgers. Get ready to loosen your belt.”
Christine Lafontant, Region Manager, Department of Parks and Recreation
County Administration Center
“The Waterfront Team loves Burger Lounge for burgers and fries and Landini’s for pizza. But you can’t go wrong with all the excellent spots in Little Italy and the Embarcadero.”
Michele Saldana, Paralegal
Office of the Primary Public Defender
“Mendocino Farms: 180 Broadway Suite 102 San Diego, CA 92101
My favorite menu items from Mendocino Farms: Beet Salad, the Farm Club Sandwich, the Not So Chicken Sandwich, the Peruvian Steak Sandwich.
AND
Blue Bottle Coffee: 180 Broadway Suite 101 San Diego, CA 92101
My favorite menu items from Blue Bottle Coffee: the HOT CHOCOLATE is the best Hot Cocoa ever. The premade OATS.”
Dan Vasquez, Group Program Manager, Human Resources
County Operations Center
Harvest Mexican Food
Annie’s Fine Burgers
County Administration Center
Ketch Brewing.”
Vinh Tran, Sr. Clinical Psychologist, Behavioral Health Services
Youth Transition Center
“Pho Duyen Mai: Authentic Vietnamese Food and great service. Try their egg coffee with condensed milk or ube coffee.
PT eatery: Get the garlic butter chicken wings; they’re the best wings in town. In my opinion, better than Royal Mandarin and Golden Chopsticks.”
Julian Shelby, Director of Information Technology, District Attorney
Hall of Justice/County Administration Center
“I really enjoy the sandwiches and beet salad at Carnivore Sandwich on 670 W B St, San Diego, CA 92101. I went there when I was at the CAC and fortunately am a little closer now that I’m at the Hall of Justice. A must try!”
Sara Joseph, Library Technician, Library
Encinitas Library
“Encinitas top 3 lunch spots:
City Taco on the 101 great Mexican
Deli Luv: In the Chevron Station east of the 5 & Encinitas Blvd (best sandwiches in town, huge and cheap – also frozen yogurt)
Lazy Acres Grocery Store: great prepared foods/poke/sandwiches/pizza – just west of the 5 on Encinitas Blvd.”
Alicia Lawler, Librarian I, Library
Ramona Library
“Ramona Noodle House has inexpensive lunch specials like beef bowls, curry bowls, etc. A delicious meal that is close by! Don't worry, they also have bubble tea.🙂”
Claudia F. Almanza, Administrative Analyst II, HHSA
Live Well Support Center - Seville Plaza
“Cali's & Fries on Murphy Canyon Rd is SO tasty! I highly recommend! I’ve had their burritos and enchiladas.”
Ben Wong, Air Quality Specialist, San Diego County Air Pollution Control District
San Diego County Air Pollution Control District
“Loving Hut Mira Mesa has got a good variety of western food and Asian fusion. Plus it’s vegan!”
Ghayth Azez, Building Maintenance Engineer, General Services
County Administration Center
“Hazelwood’s On the Bay: They have the best burger. And county employees get 20% discount.”
Alex Delvaux, Trial Support Specialist, Public Defender
Office of the Primary Public Defender
“These are all downtown near the PPD’s office 😊
B.B.’s Deli - 3121 5th Ave.: Nothing super fancy but a fresh, quality sandwich, delicious soups, and tons of options. My favorites are the BB’s Special and the lentil curry soup. Be sure to get it toasted and with a pickle!
Swami’s Café – 611 B Street. Can’t really go wrong with Swami’s in any location, in my experience! Everything from acai bowls to grilled salmon salads. They also have an extensive coffee drink menu with some offerings you won’t find at the green mermaid from Seattle down the street.
The Waves Taco Club – 916 5th Ave. Large menu of different taco options including a ton of fresh seafood options. Great place to go for lunch but also if you’re in the area before or after a show.”
Oscar Navarro Talaro, Administrative Analyst III, HHSA
Behavioral Health Services
“Vote for Fillipi Pizza Grotto Keary Mesa walking from COC. Love this place. Lunch specials are reasonable. Food is always good. I see lots of County employees there when I go for lunch.”
Karla Lopez, Administrative Secretary III, HHSA
Live Well Support Center - Seville Plaza
“Here are several favorite spots nearby LWS Kearny Villa, love Anny’s Fine burger (wings and onion rings are delicious too), Lit’l Pepper (fresh and delicious, wonderful customer service), Filippi’s (fit for a king pizza) and Gualberto’s 2 (shrimp burrito).”
Tonya Gadbois, Assistant Branch Manager, Library
Julian Library
“I highly recommend Kali’s Garden Café – Best plant-based menu ever! Seasoned French Fries and the YakiSoba noodles are my two favorite items.”
Esmeralda Baza, Adult Protective Services Specialist, Aging & Independence Services
HHSA East Region Office
“Greek Chicken.”
Sanya Campbell, Community Health Promotion Specialist, Public Health Services
Live Well Support Center - Seville Plaza
“I recommend my favorite pho restaurant: Pho Duyen Mai, 5375 Kearny Villa Road, SD, CA 92123. They have the best broth I’ve had in SD, their salt/pepper wings are great if you like wings. Lots of hearty and light Vietnamese options to choose from.”
Raymond Kazules, Accounting Technician, Public Defender
Public Defender
“BB’s Deli, within 1 mile of Public Defender Downtown.”
Amy Au, Admin Analyst II, Parks & Recreation
County Operations Center
“Long Island Mikes’s Pizza, 5250 Murphy Canyon Rd Ste 116 San Diego, CA 92123. Long Island Mikes’s Pizza, the price cannot be beat ($6 for 2 slices and a drink) and the taste is consistently amazing!”