Bale French Sandwich Shop

Still one of the best hole in wall banh mi shop going strong for over 20 years. Prices have increased significantly but still one of the cheapest spots around but quality you can taste. They don't skimp on their patê. The owner who always remembers me is so nice and humble and has been the main one working the counter and making sandwiches and manning everything else. There used to be a lady helper but I'm not sure if she's still there. It's crazy he hasn't aged a bit throughout the years.Still have their buy 5 get 1 discounted special although prices have gone up. I remember when they used to be ~$3 each and b5g1 free. I ordered 4 specials and 2 bbq sandwiches for $43 even. As of today their special is b5g1 for $2.75 depending on which sandwiches you order for total. The special is now up to $8.25. Don't forget cash only! Support this small business owned and ran 1 man shop!

Super small and quiet sandwich shop. There are a couple of parking spot out front and a menu above the counter, which lists the same offerings in both Vietnamese and English. Everyone in my group got the #1 special sandwich, which was pretty solid. We went in on a Saturday around lunch time and it took a few minutes to prepare despite being the only customers there, but it was pretty fast considering I am pretty sure there was only one employee there! Would go back to support if I am in the area and craving banh mi (-:REMEMBER - CASH ONLY!

It was honestly all by chance that I found bale and so ever grateful I did! I ordered the special banh mi and it was soooo good! The baguette was perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They were also very generous with the filling with plenty of meat and paired perfectly with the fresh herbs and pickled vegetables. The pate spread was also very flavorful which elevated and added on to the Banh Mi. The store was a little hole in the wall so parking is very limited, and like I said before it was completely by chance I found this place and was even lucky enough to get parking. Inside the store I wouldn't say it was the most beautiful or presentable and could definitely use some sorting and cleaning up, but the man that was helping me out was super kind and friendly and I did get my order within a few minutes. Would definitely go back again if I'm ever in the area! Oh and CASH ONLY!!

A true hole in the wall. Interesting setting. Place is somewhat disheveled. The man who takes the order also helps with making the sandwich and is a super friendly gentleman. Price is reasonable. Had the "special" sandwich. Meat serving & portion were reasonable. Definitely, limited seating to eat at location, best is take-out. If you are able to see past the mess, you can still have a great Vietnamese sandwich.

I wish I took a pic of his specials but from I remember it was like 6 sandwiches for $45. I bought 3 yesterday and it only cost me $22.75. Although it went up in price over the years, this is still by far the best and best quality banh mi. Still crazy affordable and the tastiest all and all. And the guy that works there is just the sweetest man ever. He greets you with so much love, the biggest smile and is so happy to make his specialties for you. The store looks run down but this whole in the wall shop doesn't ever miss.

Delicious, fresh baguettes, and copious meats and toppings await you at Bale Sandwich Shop on University east of Euclid in Mid City. This is definitely a competitor for those not wanting to drive all the way to K's sandwiches in Kearny Mesa. The ambience and sandwiches are different, but no less fresh. I'm really liking the price point of $6.50 for the.Banh Mi Special #1 sandwich. CASH ONLY.Service was immediate, and the owner was quite friendly. I felt like I was deep in Garden Grove, or Westminster, around where I grew up...and that's a huge compliment! Next order will be the barbecue pork banh mi. Only reason I didn't give Bale a fifth star was because I felt a little bit more effort could've been put into doing up the front of the shop. More selection on drinks and chips would have been nice as well. Definitely did not distract from the deliciousness of the food or the fresh, crispy baguette. I will be coming back here.

Bale is the OG . This little hole in the wall sandwich and deli shop has been serving up one of the best banh mi's in San Diego for decades . The location is a little rough and parking can be a bit of a hassle, but trust me when I say it's totally worth it . We come here for their #1 special sandwich that comes loaded with all the meats, thick-cut pickled veggies, and homemade pate with lots of creamy mayo--- my dream come true lol . The pate is chunky and you can really taste the black pepper and garlic-- and I love ordering with extra mayo.. YUMS . You can order it with fresh jalapeños AND pickled jalapeños if you want !Love that they offer a great deal where you order 5 sandwiches and get a 6th at a discounted rate ! The cashier/sandwich maker has been the same OG I remember since I was a kid -- he looks exactly the same . He's kind and soo nice. I highly recommend checking this place out for the #1 special banh mi or the bbq pork-- another one of my favs .CASH ONLY

I don't know what's going on. This was a highly recommended Banh mi shop by Vietnamese friends. I came here today and ordered 6 sandwiches, the cold ones have stale hard dry bread. The warm ones were delicious and fresh tasting. I really want to love this place because I want to support small Asian businesses, I don't know why there was such a big change in the quality of the bread from one sandwich to the next. The filling was delicious and overflowing in all the sandwiches. Microwaves were involved in the making of the sandwiches. Buy 5 and get 6 free if you buy only two kinds. Extra cost if it's a special sandwich. Cash only.

Hole in the wall but omg sooooooo delicious! The sandwich was sooo full of meat! Pate was a bit extra but so worth it! Under 10 bucks. The counter guy was so nice. Must go back! Parking was horrible but again worth it!!!

This is one of my go to Bahn Mi spots! Love this place! Quick eats and delicious. I've been here countless times.