Tucked behind Rock Bottom and The Shout House on 4th at G Street, Tom and Sandy Shutz are proudly retaining a delicious bit of San Diego history. The Cheese Shop, a family-style restaurant, deli, and bar, has been slicing up San Diego satisfaction since 1972 when Tom's father started his first restaurant in La Jolla.
More than just a deli, The Cheese Shop offers a full breakfast menu until 4pm with an array of downtown favorites: the wallet breakfast sandwich with bacon, eggs over easy with biscuits and gravy, or Sandy's own preference, a short stack of blueberry pancakes.
Stop in for lunchtime after a romp at Horton Plaza or a quick stroll up from the Convention Center and you've got options galore. Test drive the locally renowned Reuben and Pork Loin sandwiches, or opt for lighter fare with the corned beef or Tom's favorite, the turkey jack avocado on sourdough.
While The Cheese Shop has another location in La Jolla, the Gaslamp edition racks up points for that laid-back hometown feel. Open and welcoming, the walls above the booths are smothered in pictures of patrons partaking in the Cheese Shop Frisbee Challenge. The assignment looks a little like this: Purchase a signature Cheese Shop Frisbee during your visit, take it with you to an interesting or bizarre location (such as on vacation to the world's largest ball of yarn), and bring back photographic evidence. Your reward? 10% off your next meal at The Cheese Shop and your face made famous on the wall.
Insider tip: Do not skimp on dessert - they have fantastic cookies.
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