Cali Baguette Express

San Diego, United States

3.3

Closed now

20 reviews

Does not accept credit cards

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 619-286-8888
Website:
www.calibaguetteexpress.com
Address:
5125 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA, 92115
b/t 51st St & 52nd St
Rolando
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
1.3 miSDSU Transit Center
1.6 miRed and Black shuttle
1.8 miGrantville
Categories:
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Bussiness info

Takes Reservations
No
Delivery
No
Take-out
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards
No
Good For
Lunch
Parking
Private Lot
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Good for Kids
Yes
Good for Groups
Yes
Attire
Casual
Ambience
Casual
Noise Level
Quiet
Alcohol
No
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Wi-Fi
No
Has TV
No
Waiter Service
No
Caters
Yes

Today

Today 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
Closed now
Local time (San Diego) 01:23 Saturday, 31 May 2025

Business hours

Monday 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tuesday 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
Wednesday 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
Thursday 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday 6:00 am – 8:00 pm

Description

Specialties

We are a family owned and operated restaurant specializing in «banh mi», a traditional Vietnamese sandwich on a classic French baguette. We offer nearly 20 different sandwiches to choose from. Our most popular being the Cali Special; it is stuffed with customary Vietnamese/​French deli meats, such as Cha Lua (pork loaf or Vietnamese style balogna), Thit Nguoi (also known as Jambon, a French style ham), headcheese, Xa Xiu (a Chinese style BBQ pork), and of course a generous amount of liver pâté and homemade garlic mayo. The veggies consists of pickled daikon and carrots, slices of refreshing cucumber, cilantro sprigs, fresh jalepenos, salt/​pepper, and lastly a dash of soy sauce. All this loaded in a 12″ baguette baked on site for $ 2.99 tax included! Along with our sandwiches we offer boba teas and smoothies, a must try being our Café Sua Da (iced Vietnamese coffee).

Bring $ 5, get a footlong, 2 shrimp/​pork eggrolls, and a can drink.

Smiles are free of charge.

History

Established in 2008.

Family owned and operated, at Cali Baguette we take pride in the quality of our food because we know it reflects who we are and the history of the baguette in Vietnam. Banh Mi is traditionally a street food and reserved for special occasions because most homes do not have an oven. Vietnamese cuisine is the result from a collection of French, Chinese, as well as Thai cooking. After centuries of influence, Cali Baguette combines all the styles and offers our interpretation with respect for the past and excitement for the future and its inevitable progression.

Meet the Business Owner

Joe P.

Business Owner

Hey Cali BaguettERS feel free to add us on myspace and thank you for your reviews/​comments/​suggestions.

www​.myspace​.com/​c​a​l​i​b​a​g​uette

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20 reviews of Cali Baguette Express

No registration required
Place rating: 3
San Diego, CA
Vietnamese baguettes are great if you’re on a budget. They make good meals and are better than any fast food restaurants out there. The portions and the price make a happy pocket. However, I wouldn’t eat these everyday because I am pescatarian and they have about 2 items on the menu I could eat. This Cali Baguette has a drive thru and it’s convenient but when there’s a lot of cars, the line doesn’t move very fast. There was 2 cars in front of me when I went and it took about 15+ minutes for me to get my food. Also, they don’t get orders right every time so I would have to double check and speak very loud and clear into the microphone.
Place rating: 1
San Diego, CA
TO SUMMARIZE… HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!
I went through the drive through and tried to order 7 sandwiches, they just said its going to take 15 mins and hung up. I assumed they wanted me to come inside. I parked and went inside to order. I ordered 5 bbq pork sandwiches and 2 Cali specials and asked for two packs of extra veggies (that cost extra). The cashier said it will take 10 mins, so I said okay. I sat down and waited… I watched over 10 customers come and go and I still haven’t received my order. I went up to them after 30 mins of waiting and stood there (since I’m the only customer left, they have to working ok my sandwiches). The cashier gives one ONE sandwich !!! I said I ordered a lot more than that!
He doesn’t say anything and turns back to the kitchen while they make the rest. Then I get my sandwiches and I asked, where’s my extra veggies on the side. He doesn’t say anything again and goes to the kitchen. The kitchen lady brings me two packs and puts it in my bag. The cashier then goes… well we already put it inside the sandwich (implying i should pay for this again). Now I’m really upset!!! I said I waited 30 mins when you said 10… He goes «whatever… It’s fine this time»
I took my sandwiches and left.
SUCH BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! I’m never coming here again.
Mira Mesa’s Cali Baguette is the only one I’ll go to from now on.
Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA
I love Vietnamese baguettes and you can find great cheap ones here. Really tasty with great spices. Waking up early and hungry, this is the place for me. Great Thai ice teas as well. They also have some Vietnamese grocery and souvenirs, although I havent bought any of that. Recommended.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I stop by here for bahn mi on my way out to work in La Mesa 1−2x/week and it never fails to impress me. It is so affordable and convenient with the drive-​thru and the bread is always so fresh! Also, like the fresh spring rolls, thai tea, Vietnamese coffee and various authentic Vietnamese dishes they offer inside.
Place rating: 2
San Diego, CA
SO I have been coming here since Opening Day. At first it was awesome because the sandwiches were built and I mean built. They filled it up and that’s the reason why I decided to go back. I been there weekly constantly ordering from them and shockingly there sandwiches started getting smaller, and smaller, and less veggies. So then I asked if they can add more and now it’s an extra charge. They DO NOT have a credit card machine and yet they charge you .50 cent. THey have a square card which goes straight to a specific bank account. When I asked from more ingredience they refused, I tried to take a picture but the father snatched it out of my hands. WORSE EXPERIENCE I EVER HAD. truly sad because I really did like them at first, now I just really hope they shut down.
Place rating: 1
Menifee, CA
Bad customer service!!! It took them 30min to make my 1 Cali special and I paid extra for pâté which they barely put any. They were too busy catering to the drive-​tru than the customers that are in front of them.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Go to place mainly because of the drive thru access. Usually I get banh mi, coffee, and any extras they have out that day. No bad experiences. If you pay wth card and it’s under $ 10, there’s a .50 charge… Which is no biggie
Place rating: 5
Monrovia, CA
Loove this place! Addicted. I always get the Asian sausage and add pork loaf+egg. Only $ 5?! My bf always gets something different and likes all the sandwiches here. Definitely a must try! Who can say no to a drive thru? But sometimes it is hard to hear so I just go inside to order.
Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA
For what it is. Eat here. $ 3.50 for a quality sandwich is just great. Had the fried egg to start but wish I got the Cali WITH the fried egg.
Good bread and some fresh ingredients. What else can you ask for in a sandwhich?
Place rating: 3
San Diego, CA
This is a good place to go if you’re craving a vietnamese sandwich and only have $ 5 to spare. The BBQ Pork Sandwich I get is only $ 3.50, and they also have boba and vietnamese coffee. With a drive thru option available, this is a cheap and quick fix for a meal. It is not super filling though, so keep that in mind when getting a sandwich from this place.
They do take credit cards, but if your order is below $ 10 I think they charge a small fee. It is also located across from Phở Ca Dao on El Cajon Blvd so it is hard to miss.
Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA
This place makes a great bahn mi sandwich. Coming from San Francisco, I’ve had my fair share of Vietnamese sandwiches. This place is definitely one of my favorites in the area… especially since my other place burned down. I also got a pork bun, but it wasn’t that great. I was hoping that it would be similar to Char su Bao… but I wasn’t.
Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA
Been here a time or two when I lived/​worked in the area. Always a good spot to stop for a quick bahn mi and really really reasonable prices. They have a lot of candies, cookies and other stuff around so it’s sort of a mini-​shop and restaurant. Usually get a thai tea with boba and it’s always worth it.
Got the Cali Special last time I was there, but i didn’t really konw what I was eating. The sandwiches are just listed with names and pics — no descriptions. I guess I could have asked but i didn’t ha.
I’ll come back, prices are good and food tastes yummy.
Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA
I like this place, but I’m not sure why exactly. I like that there is a lot to look at while you wait and that they put the plastic seal on the boba drinks. Last time, I ordered the cali special. It doesn’t list the type of meat that is in the sandwich, but I went with it anyway. It was good. I didn’t know what I was eating, but I liked it.
I also like the way that they wrap the sandwiches and put a rubber band around them. I need to try more of their options. I am new to eating banh mi sandwiches and don’t have much experience with what to order. I am open to suggestions.
I guess I have to say that I love this place because the food is good and it is so close to my house. If I am hungry and in a hurry it is a great place to go to eat or get take out. It’s quick and delicious.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
This place ROCKS!
It’s super cheap and I always get what I expect.
I always go for the BBQ pork sandwich w a Thai tea and I’m never disappointed.
PLUS they have a drive through! If you’re in the area and liking for a quick bite try this place out.
Place rating: 2
San Diego, CA
The drive thru seemed very usefull since I was in a hurry. After waiting for 5 minutes and drove up to the window the lady told me it’s broken. Well, maybe next time you put at least a note on the drive thru to pull up to to the window?
I ordered a bahn mi with chicken, and a smoothie. The lady however, didn’t knew how to make those. Usually there’s one smoothie expert who knows how to run those machines.
I came here especially because of my +10 dollars order. Without the drink she had to charge me an additional fee of 50cts. It’s not the biggest deal but some customer service was appreciated.
Overall, the sandwich is big but not greatly stuffed and the service could improve at this location.
Place rating: 1
San Diego, CA
Never again. I remember when this was a taco shop, it should have stayed that way.
I came a long time ago because it’s close to home, but. I’ll PASS. This was before my Unilocaling days and i wish i had a picture of what was given to me. i Ordered their turkey with no mayo. I think they heard «extra mayo» or something. This sandwich was nasty. Basically bread with mayo and a sliver of turkey, umm. What did I just order? I should have just gone to subway.
My «Bahn mi» had no veggies. Literally just a sliver of turkey and some dried up lettuce. Oh yeah I think there was cheese. I see why it was 4 dollars.
I gave the sliver to my dog, he liked it i think. The mayo with bread went in the trash. I pass by very often and wouldn’t eat there again.
Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA
FINALLY got to try this place.
Their Thai tea is soooo good. We tried the fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce, delicious. I had a pork sandwich, I love love love the bread, so crispy and perfect. Only thing I didn’t like were the slices of jalapeño inside the sandwich, other than that so great.
Place rating: 4
Murrieta, CA
First time coming here was on a Sunday morning approaching lunchtime. It’s farther from the freeway than I thought. However, they have both a private parking lot and a drive-​thru, which would be helpful during certain times.
It wasn’t too busy when I went in – there were probably more people utilizing the drive thru rather than the dining area. That probably explains why I had to wait longer than I expected for my order. I got the BBQ Pork Banh Mi and an iced coffee. Even though it took a while, both were really good, especially the baguette. The prices are competitive with other shops, offering a good value for what you get. The staff was pretty nice and the establishment accepts cards.
Adding this to my list of places to get my Vietnamese sandwich and iced coffee fix!
Place rating: 1
San Diego, CA
Yesterday’s breakfast was supposed to be drive-​thru delectable.
I made my first visit to Cali Baguette Express for a double-​sized Vietnamese iced coffee and a Black Forest Ham and Scrambled Egg banh mi. The coffee was great, with an odd floral or perfumed aroma that I didn’t recognize, but didn’t find objectionable. The sandwich, on the other hand, was strange in an «I’ll eat more of this, but only for the sake of Unilocal!» kind of way.
The Cali Baguette Express menu says, «Made on a Fresh Baked Baguette Bread with House French Butter, Pickled Carrots & Daikon, Crisp Cucumbers, Thin-​Sliced Jalapenos, and Bits of Cilantro»
My sandwich did indeed come on bread.
It was, however, missing pickled carrots, daikon, cucumbers, jalapenos, and cilantro. Had that been the extent of the problem, I’d have been disappointed, but I’d have finished the sandwich. But my banh mi consisted of good bread, cheap ham (you know… kind of gristly with lots of smoke flavor), a greasy omelet, bland white American cheese, lettuce, mayo and yellow mustard and peperoncini.
Fake ham. Greasy eggs. Yellow mustard. Peperoncini. It was just so gross.
For reference, consider that a few weeks ago, I ate sautéed lamb kidneys with onion and lemon, and was over the moon about the dish. I’m not squeamish; this sandwich was just so bad that for the first time in more than 30 years of eating banh mi, I threw most of one into the trash.
This is what I get for being lazy. Next time, I go to Á Châu and get out of the damned car.
Place rating: 4
La Mesa, CA
As a big fan of Vietnamese coffee, I usually go around and try out new banh mi places or coffee shops, I’ve been coming to Cali Baguette for a long time now for my quick fix of coffee and condensed milk. I prefer the Rolando location over all the other ones because its fast, has a drive through, and is closer to my house.
The Vietnamese coffee (
) here is pretty good, not as good as K Sandwiches or A-Chau’s down the street but it still gives you a caffeine rush. You can get the larger size for double the money at $ 5, which I usually go for, I can never have enough coffee.
As far as the banh mi sandwiches go, this place has always been a hit and miss for me. Sometimes the sandwiches are great other times they lack produce or have way too much mayo. Their bread is always fresh though, and you can get one to go for a $ 1. I personally prefer A-​Chau or Kim Chan down the street for my banh mi fix.
I give this place four stars because the coffee is good and cheap, and I’ve been coming here forever, quite the loyal customer I am. I love that they’re open til 9.