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Grinders Hot Sandwiches

4.5 star rating
based on 99 reviews

Category: Sandwiches  [Edit]

19811 Aurora Ave N
(between 198th St & 199th St)
Seattle, WA 98133
(206) 542-0627
Hours:

Mon-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Good for Groups:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$$
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good for:
Lunch, Dinner
Alcohol:
Beer & Wine Only

99 reviews for Grinders Hot Sandwiches

Review Highlights   

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"I had the Goomba and it was so freakin' good." (in 13 reviews)
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"I actually love their "Whack Whack Salad" and their Kwak beer." (in 4 reviews)
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"Oh, and they have the best whiskey bread pudding I've ever had." (in 10 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Luke O.

 

0

7

Luke O.

King, WA

5 star rating
9/12/2009

My favorite hot sandwich shop in Washington. Hands-down.

They have a wide variety of sandwiches, ranging from the meatball, tripe-steak, the dipper (awesome), and others. But, the two that stand out time after time are...

The Po'Boy Sandwich (catfish or shrimp). The Po'Boy Sandwich with shrimp is amazing (ask for the red peppers on the side). I eat one there and order one to go. The price may seem a bit steep for a sandwich ($10~), but IT IS WORTH IT. You get every bang for the buck. Most people couldn't even finish one; this also applies for the next sandwich as well.

If you want something spicier and meatier, the BBQ pork is to die for. It isn't obviously hot at first, but after you've consumed about half the sandwich, you feel the burn and let me tell you, the burn is GOOD. This sandwich is great to wash down with a variety of their unique beers (I still need to try their raspberry beer).

As well, the people are very friendly and the jazz music is GREAT. Not the crappy type of jazz you hear in an elevator (or muzac with weird electric guitar riffs with calypso guitar in the background), but I'm talking about Louie 'Satchmo' Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Stan Getz, Joan Gilberto, Ray Charles, etc... GOOD, QUALITY jazz music. And they also have bands that play a particular day of the week. Although I haven't been to one of their jam sessions, I will go out on a limb and vouch for Grinder's on the grounds that the type of music they play on a regular and consistent basis.

And finally, the hot dessert. Ask about it. :) It is totally worth it.

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Photo of Sharon H.

 

5

57

Sharon H.

Sierra Madre, CA

3 star rating
9/27/2009

I think I should've tried something else...Everyone had raved about this place, and our friends meatball  grinder looked pretty good...But my sandwich (gilbano) was seriously disappointing. I ended up eating about an hour later somewhere else cause I was left hungry :-(

Overall a 3 star rating since they serve wine and beer and it was a comfortable friendly environment.

Someone told me that since Grinders is now open 6 days a week, the staff is different. Usually there's a cook that piles on the meat and cheese. Whoever made my sandwich should take a lesson...I had about 3 pieces of meat, a couple peppers, some cheese. It was mostly bread.

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Photo of Gwen C.

Elite '09

25

303

Gwen C.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
8/22/2009

Yeah, it's twelve bucks for a sandwich and iced tea, fourteen for a sandwich and beer or wine. You won't need chips. I say "Hang Out" over "Take Out", as the sandwiches are best eaten fresh with real silverware on real plates.

The tri-tip sandwich is (expletive) amazing. They're right. You'll stop craving a Philly. The sausage grinder is an (expletive) meat/onion/sauce party in your mouth. The chili, though, is the main attraction for me. Mascarpone cheese, sour cream, big whack of tasty bread. Cheaper and more filling than a sandwich.

There's always some special. Sometimes it's a secret special. Sometimes Mama will come out of the kitchen and almost bumrush you if you don't order it. Sometimes you got there too late and they're out.  The salads are really good (try the whack whack) and if you need any more convincing...they have Kwak with proper Kwak glasses.

Don't miss it. I've eaten sandwiches all the hell over the world and these are quite near the best.

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Photo of Elizabeth T.

 

1

14

Elizabeth T.

Seattle, WA

1 star rating
10/2/2009

Might be good, guess I'll never know.  I ordered a chicken parmesean with no onions to go and I think I got a chicken marsala with lots of onions, yuck!  Luckily my husband doesn't mind onions so it was his dinner that night.
Ten bucks is a lot to pay for a sandwich which was wrong and I couldn't eat.  Not too impressive, sorry.

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Photo of Sarah D.

Elite '09

6

162

Sarah D.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
10/31/2009

I have no idea what they put in the food here, but it must be illegal and come in a vial. The sandwiches are crazy craveable and the bread pudding is the best I have had outside of our family recipe. They also have a great beer selection and the best ambience for a sandwich shop that I have ever seen. No matter what they charge, I assure you it is worth it.

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Photo of Tatsyana z.

 

7

5

Tatsyana z.

Edmonds, WA

4 star rating
8/6/2009

Snap peas, anchovy and mint?  So, in my head the thought was interesting, yet my man was in no mood for this. Of course interesting won out as it should, and WOW! This was an amazing dish. (he keeps underestimating my track record of being right)

The tables are tiny, no salt, no pepper. This did put a bit of guilt in my head that I wanted some pepper. But being from a Mom that could guilt Donald Trump into just about anything, I was not about to ask for seasoning that they obviously did not feel necessary for my food.

The wine prices are great. People look happy with their food. So I returned a few times and it was always a Wow. Oh, and yes my "being right" track record continues. :0)

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Photo of Tim H.

 

4

19

Tim H.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
7/20/2009

Just because Seattle is deprived of good sangwhich shops doesn't make this place the cat's meow.
Trust me, its fine, but I have eaten here a couple of times and I feel like its tasty, but spendy.  For a sangwhich shop to truly be a jem, it needs to also be a good deal.  
I have seen them getting deliveries and they buy most of their products from Costco, which I dont like.
I will go to this place if it strikes me again, but there is better.
Their soup however, was souper.

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Photo of Bob G.

 

88

297

Bob G.

Bothell, WA

5 star rating
Updated - 7/15/2009

They have new hours - now open Monday - Saturday.

This time I went with my son - he had the Meatball Grinder and I had the Stromboli Grinder. I had so forgotten that I had already tried the Stromboli - but it is good enough for a second round.

We also split a cup of the Potato Leek soup - my son complained - he couldn't find the leak in the bottom of the bowl - it looked perfectly soup proof.  All j/k aside - it was wonderful soup - the stuff that would be heavenly if you ruined it by adding clams . . . .

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3 Previous Reviews: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    3/27/2009

    Can I do an update to an update?  I came in here last night and this time had a Sromboli Grinder.… Read more »

Photo of Joe S.

 

8

13

Joe S.

Issaquah, WA

4 star rating
10/13/2009

I've been here two times in August and let me tell you: The Dipper ($9.50) is as good as it gets. It was so good I wanted to slap my grandma (R.I.P.). On the "Pants-O-Meter," I'd give it a "drenched" rating. The meat was very tender and juicy. They use a ciabatta bun which is an excellent choice to soak up all that aju.... The service is very friendly. All the employees seem to know they got a good thing going on over there so naturally have a confident demeanor... The atmosphere is surprisingly clean for a sammich joint (very new wood-style interior). If you're ever in Shoreline, this place is a must.

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Photo of Shannon W.

 

2

21

Shannon W.

Edmonds, WA

4 star rating
8/6/2009

So we stopped in here today on the way to Costco and I asked the smiling dude behind the counter what the most popular grinders were. He said the Meatball and Gilbano. So I went for the meatball and my hubby went for the bbq pork. $10 each and pretty sizable. My hubby thought the bbq pork grinder was great and my meatball one was pretty good, but not mind-blowing. On second thought, I should have gotten the Sausage grinder or SauBall that combines meatball and sausage because I like a little more zing to my balls. My grinder was swimming (or maybe drowning?) in grilled onions. A little too many for my liking. But others may appreciate it. So we each ate half and took the other half home for dinner tonight. We'll see how the reheated version tastes.

Ambiance was good. The tables are huge and I can imagine that you may need to share if it gets too crowded. We shared an ice tea and didn't get any dirty looks about it. As a matter of fact, they came around and refilled it for us and offered us water to boot. All in all a decent experience. I wish there was a 1/2 sandwich and salad or soup combo as there is no way I could ever try soup with that huge grinder.

Hubby wants to try the Gilbano next time and I'm thinking the Chicken Parmesan sounds good. So we'll be back to grind away on another grinder :)

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Photo of Jennifer L.

Elite '09

204

366

Jennifer L.

Bellevue, WA

4 star rating
6/5/2009 2 photos

SAY GOODBYE TO BORING SANDWICHES.

Grinders makes me wonder why I ever settled for Subway or deli-type sandwiches.

When I came for lunch today [Friday] at 1:00PM, there were only two other tables. My boyfriend and I spent at least five solid minutes quietly studying the menu as the cashier awkwardly watched and waited for us to come to a decision. We both ended up picking the BBQ pork grinder.

The wait was surprisingly long considering it wasn't busy, but it just made me more excited when our sandwiches finally arrived. The bread was toasted, crisp, and not too thick. The pork was tender and juicy, bursting with just the right combination of sweet and tangy flavors. My boyfriend ordered the "extra spicy," but it tasted the same as my "regular." I thought the coleslaw served on the side was weird... but then again, I'm not usually a fan of coleslaw.

Grinders has a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere. It's very clean and contemporary with friendly staff. You go up to the cashier to order and pay for your meal and then find a table. They bring your sandwich to you, check on your meal, and come by to refill water. They also have a wine and beer selection available. You can get a sandwich to-go or hang out and eat it in the restaurant. I'd recommend eating it in because you need a fork and knife and it tastes the best fresh and hot!

I can't wait to go back to try the other sandwiches. Meatball, ciabatta, and chicken pesto all sound delicious!

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Photo of Mike C.

 

0

4

Mike C.

Edmonds, WA

5 star rating
11/15/2009

I really love this place. Lunch at least 2x week. Great sandwiches. See you Monday!!

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Photo of Sarah B.

Elite '09

343

635

Sarah B.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
Updated - 6/7/2009

Long ago I reviewed this restaurant and here it is, years later, and it's still absolutely wonderful.

I often forget that they are all the way up on Aurora.  And I do wish they would open a store closer to downtown. (hint hint)  And every time I crave their deliciousness they were closed.  Thankfully now the hours are better and totally support my craving schedule.

Their food has stayed wonderful over the years.  Soft delicious bread, quality fixings and an insanely well-stocked beer fridge.  The staff is always friendly.  And the atmosphere is fabulous.  Upscale and comfortable.  

But really, the food is what you come for.  And it's well worth the drive.  Everything on the menu is incredible.  And my veggie friend loves their mushroom sandwich.  I, on the other hand, have a hard time ordering anything other than their shrimp po boy.  It's lovely.

And it's worth the drive.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    8/15/2006

    So... Seattle really does have a decent sandwich shop.  Thank GOD!

    I was really starting to miss… Read more »

Photo of Nicki W.

 

65

135

Nicki W.

Mountlake Terrace, WA

5 star rating
Updated - 6/18/2009

There is a sandwich God and he resides over Grinders on 99!  

The meatball sub is truly the trinity of sandwiches!  Amazing moist homemade meatballs, wonderful fresh tomato, spicy and garlic infused marinara sauce topped with fresh mozarella all on a perfect crisp french roll.  I didn't even like meatball subs until now-I have been converted!  This is the sandwich to dream about!  

These are large sandwiches and one was perfect to split with the hubster accompanied by a salad, however I'm certain that I will be eating a whole one on my next visit, of which may be today since I'm salivating right now while writing this review!

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    6/16/2009

    One thing is required here, make sure your stomach is empty cuz you will consider it a crime to… Read more »

Photo of Sam H.

 

0

4

Sam H.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
11/8/2009

Best sandwich in the north end for sure!

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Photo of Tom A.

 

2

45

Tom A.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
7/15/2009

Good, but not great. sandwhiches.  Nice setting and good beers and the staff was friendly and helpful but not a place worth going out of the say for. I had the po' boy with shrimp and was decent.  I guess I wanted something different.  Tried my buddies BBQ Pork sandwhich (he actually ordered sauball and received this instead) and it was good but not nearly as hot as they claim it to be.
If you are in the area, it's worth a stop.

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Photo of Bill W.

 

1

18

Bill W.

Mountlake Terrace, WA

5 star rating
6/23/2009

All I can say is OMG!  Hands down the best grinders anywhere.  I  went to Grinders three times last week and am going again tonight for another.  

I cant stop thinking about this place.  The red sauce on the meat ball sandwich is the best I have ever had.  

$10 for a grinder may sound expensive but once you see it and eat it, you will  think its a bargain.

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Photo of Johnny W.

 

28

143

Johnny W.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
6/10/2009

Popped in with my mom one day on a trip to the nearby Costco, and went with the Yelp recommendations of the goomba and meatball grinders. The meatball grinder, while good, was nothing compared to the awesomeness of the goomba. Neat decor, huge serving sizes, alright prices, and good overall ambience.

My only complaint about Grinders is that their menu is a bit overwhelming for a first timer - too many delicious options to choose from! :D Well, okay, and that the food took longer than I would have expected with the place being so empty, but that was a minor price to pay for the great food that came out.

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Photo of Joel G.

 

7

55

Joel G.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
6/28/2009

A couple of weeks ago I was up in Shoreline to go to Pier One and Sears, and I got hungry.  So I kept driving up Aurora, hoping I'd find somewhere good.  Then I saw a sign that said "Grinders," so I just stopped in.

To my surprise, I'd accidentally discovered the Greatest Sandwich Shop in The World.  It's run by one of the Sopranos, I think, and (the day I was there) the daily special involved some kind of ham I'd never heard of, some sauce that involved the word "reduction," some bread that had its own zip code or something, and some cheese and onions maybe?  

It was possibly the most amazing sandwich I have ever eaten.  I went into work the following week and discovered that some of my co-workers already knew about Grinders ("that place is the best sandwich shop in the world") and had somehow neglected to tell me.  Bastards.

Anyway, now I can't stop thinking about going back.  Why must you be all the way up in Shoreline?

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Photo of Marshall T.

 

1

16

Marshall T.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
7/12/2009

Absolutely one of the best sandwiches I have had.

The owner came over to help pick out a beer from the cooler to go with the sandwich I was ordering, then brought us over a bowl of chili to share while we were waiting for our food.

I got the dipper (french dip w/ mushrooms, onions, horseradish) which came with the most amazing jus. No powdered beef bullion here, these were real pan drippings that came with. The sandwich was also HUGE. $10 for a sandwich may seem a bit much, but the quality and size of the sandwiches really makes it so worthwhile.

This place has knocked off Saigon Deli and Paseo as my favorite sandwich shop in Seattle.

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Photo of Katie S.

Elite '09

120

175

Katie S.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
6/9/2009

This sandwich place got soul!
These guys rule.  Big, overstuffed sandwiches.  Artful combinations.  Fresh, flavorful ingredients.  Nice service.  

The BBQ pork was awesome...just tender, pulled pork in zesty sauce, with grilled and chopped onions, plus cheese on top.  The side of slaw was great with.  
I got a side of their spicy BBQ sauce and THAT made this sandwich super great.  Nice burn.  
My DC had the one with tri-tip in it and she loved the fresh basil.  
We both had half for later!

They have live music on the weekends and it's great that they're open on Mondays, which is my day off!

About time SHORELINE got a decent little unique independant restaurant amongst all the crappy chains.

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Photo of Tai T.

 

4

58

Tai T.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
6/20/2009

I've heard about the hype on Grinders.  How good can a restaurant that shares a wall with a auto repair place be?  Well... I went last week... and I have to report it lives up to the raving reviews.  

Dare I say as good as Paseo?  If you're in Shoreline, I recommend you stopping in.  Yes, it's on the pricey side... ~$10/sandwich.  But they are perfect sandwiches.

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Photo of Christyne B.

 

10

15

Christyne B.

Ballard, WA

5 star rating
2/10/2009

I cannot articulate how excited my face gets when I ponder driving from Ballard to Shoreline to get a Grinder's sammich.  My close friend lives right by this joint and she so graciously showed me the glory that is full on chillin' on Highway 99 just south of the Aurora Village Costco.

My absolute favorite is the Goomba Grinder.  Holy crap, it is like all that is good and right in the world is having a rave is my mouth and it is rockin' out with flavor and perfection and they had a love child that humps my tongue.  

Per their menu:  Goomba means special friend, and this Grinder is special - my friend. A recipe originating from Sicily made up of grilled chicken, kalamata olives, garlic roasted tomatoes, grilled onions, melted mozzarella, and feta on an Italian roll. $9.95

That description doesn't even close to do justice for how amazing this sammich is.  Think rich, succulent, flavorful, hot and melty.

Oh, don't try to get a Grinder's fix on Sunday through Tuesday or you'll just stand, desolate and weeping silently as you paw at the door and drool a little.  They are so awesome they just say, "EFF SUNDAY, MONDAY and TUESDAY.  Who needs 'em?"  That makes my pants sad.  *sigh*

The parking lot is modest but there is street parking to be had so it is certainly not a deal breaker.

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Photo of Alice C.

 

3

111

Alice C.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
4/5/2009

I dont go here for a week before any doctors (especially me beloved dentist) appointments due to the garlic, but when i eat garlic, I expect to REEK of garlic for a good hour or two afterwards, which occurs here. Only place I have yet to find that gives out the 'garlic aura' is La Isla in Ballard.

I love garlic. Garlic loves me. If you and garlic have this type of relationship, come here. And a sandwich which translates into two meals (I dont care id bread gets soggy, this stuff has bread crack baked into it) is muy bueno.

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Photo of Paolo B.

 

0

3

Paolo B.

King, WA

4 star rating
9/11/2009

One of the best sandwich shops in the Shoreline area.  Though I have been to this restaurant several times, I have only had the Stromboli sandwich (mainly because it is so good, I hesitate to choose anything else!). Food portions are very large. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. This is not fast food, and it is worth the wait.

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Photo of Valerie Q.

 

1

15

Valerie Q.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
6/2/2009

Expensive sandwiches for take-out like I always do. And drinks (ie sodas) are expensive. I typically get the meatball grinder, and I noticed that it's a bit heavier on the garlic these days than it was when I first started going there. Makes it too spicy and less enjoyable. If you have heartburn problems, BEWARE! I have to ask for the sauce on the side otherwise it's way too messy. I wish they offered more sauce than what they put in that tiny disposable cup. Regardless, it's still the best meatball grinder you're gonna get on the West Coast. Oh, and they have the best whiskey bread pudding I've ever had! The owner(s) truly put their heart and soul into the flavoring of everything that's available on the menu.

This place is one that you want to try at least once!

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Photo of Chris S.

 

4

7

Chris S.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
8/7/2009 1 photo

This is absolutely the best sandwich I have ever had! EVER! Come hungry. The owner is super nice and it's great for kids. Split one if you can!

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Photo of K H.

 

30

585

K H.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
2/6/2009

Awesome sandwiches. Good bread. Good ingredients. Huge sandwiches. Interesting and delicious choices. (Maybe a little too much cheese?) Cheap prices. Great salads too -- just the right amount of dressing.

It's not your average sandwich joint. They have live music in the evenings. They serve wine and beer.

The atmosphere could be better. It's like a Starbucks. But I guess that's the feel they're going for.

I think I spoke with the owner. He seems to have a lot of pride in his restaurant. I like to see that. It makes it feel more homey.

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Photo of Andrea S.

 

12

33

Andrea S.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
3/5/2009

Grinders Hot Sands is so good!  I have been here a handful of times, and everything I have had was wonderful.  My favorite sandwich is the Ciabatta Grinder.  For one, you can fit it in your mouth (sort of).  It's not so huge it has to be eaten with a fork and knife, as many sandwiches at Grinders are.  Not that that is a bad thing!  I've heard that the salads and soups are wonderful, but ain't nobody pulling me away from the sandwiches.  

Grinders is a nice way to reward oneself after braving the shopping horror across the street at Costco.

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Photo of Sione P.

Elite '09

20

115

Sione P.

Edmonds, WA

4 star rating
2/18/2009

Grinders, aye?  A freakin' shop worth going to on 99 near Aurora Village?  Not likely...  Well, here's one of the few...  phew!

Grinders has been here for a minute now and it seems like it was a really long time before I even came to try it out.  I'd heard plenty about it being a great dine and all...  Well, it really is!  I meant to review it sooner as I've even thrown it out as a recommendation to people who wanted a sandwich, but never thought of it.  Grinders is pretty fantastic!

I'm mostly the biggest fan of the Gilbano Grinder!  That steak chopped up into sandwich form along with mouth-watering sauces and savory cheese make one helluva sandwich!  Talk about a yum-o situation!  This place is chill and way nicer than you'd expect for its location.  It's nice to dine in or close enough (to some people) to take out.  The hot grinders are delish and worth the trip.  I'll def say it is a little on the expensive side for just the stand-alone sandwich, but totally worth spending a little extra now and then.  It might be hard to justify spending $10 on a sandwich very regularly, depending on the budget and considering the economy, but it's totally worth swinging by for at least a try!  I've got to try the salads one of these days...

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Photo of Robert D.

 

0

4

Robert D.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
6/1/2009

The sandwiches here are as good as everyone says they are.  My favorite is the Ciabatta Grinder, though the Stromboli is tasty too.  

The real reason I'm posting here isn't to review Grinders for the 75th time, but to let people know that they've got new operating hours.  They are now open from 11am-8pm Mon-Sat, only closed on Sundays.  

Woo hoo!  Go get a sandwich now!  :)

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Photo of Kelly F.

 

0

8

Kelly F.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
2/11/2009

Great Sandwich!!

So big- we each took our half home for lunches the next day!!

Me~ the dipper, ( no ordinary roast beef, may I say ) it was spicy and the juice to dip had thickness to it that stuck great to the bread! ( Balsamic Vinegar I think) different ....but totally delicious.
Him~ the Goomba.....and he loved his! Every bite- although he felt like a salad afterwards.......( makes you feel a little guilty like a heart attack on a plate) but sooo worth it!

Service! Great...nice young group working there! No music the night we went.

Suggestions, some smaller size tables........everything was seating for 8 people! Great food! Totally recommend it!!! We will be coming back!

Incredible cibatta bread!! Wow!

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Photo of Sam B.

 

3

6

Sam B.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
11/10/2008

A week or so ago I was talking with some friends over drinks (it was Halloween and I was dressed as a watermelon, if that helps set the stage) when this hypothetical question was raised: if you had to choose between run-of-the-mill, everyday, routine long-term relationship sex and the best sandwich you have ever had in your life, which would you take? I think the question was supposed to draw some universal gender-based distinction--namely that any man worth his weight in testosterone will invariably choose the sex, regardless of the second option--but I answered without hesitation that I would take the sandwich. Many were taken aback. I had to explain myself, and this is where Grinders comes in.

A brief aside: I have eaten my fair share of sandwiches. In fact, I would go so far as to identify myself as something of a sandwich aficionado. I have tasted and documented sandwiches and sandwich analogs in several regions and countries and across numerous culinary genres (I actually put together a fairly in depth flowchart to categorize and classify the sandwich in its various incarnations when I was a socially detached undergraduate), so I feel I have a degree of authority on the subject, and am thus qualified to make this aggressive declaration: the Gilbano Grinder excels all sandwiches (excepting, perhaps, Grinders' own Ciabatta Grinder and my older brother's pulled pork hoagie, which, I've heard, is sublime) in complexity of flavors, harmony of ingredients, and ensuing satisfaction. That being said, I can now return to our regularly scheduled narrative, already in progress.

As I put myself to making my defense, I reflected fondly upon the first time I enjoyed the Gilbano. I had sat comfortably on one of the plush leather chairs (the decor at Grinders is remarkable, especially given its unassuming location on Aurora at the north end of King County) and enjoyed an expertly matched beer that the proprietor of Grinders (who looks as though he as attained a level of sandwich mastery far exceeding my own) had suggested. It was bliss, in a word, utterly peerless and completely inimitable by even the steamiest of romantic encounters.

Now, the stipulations of this theoretical scenario were that I would get the best sandwich I have ever had. That would imply a sandwich at least one degree better than the Gilbano. How could I choose otherwise? I actually ended my defense by apologizing to those who did not choose sandwich and could not understand why I would (even after explanation), simply because I knew their novice palates were wholly ignorant of gustatory nirvana.

Thank you Grinders, for making the most enjoyable visceral experiences salable under terms both legal and affordable.

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18

36

Maggie S.

Mountlake Terrace, WA

1 star rating
12/2/2008

Not really sure how many stars to give Grinders because, well read on.

My man was very excited to try this place when it opened. So was I, as we don't have all that many good restaurants in our area.  We talked about it all week, and finally stopped in (this was probably a year ago).  We opened the door, and a wall of garlic hit me so hard I could have fallen over.  If you have read previous reviews, you may know I'm allergic to garlic in anything more than tiny amounts.  Not to mention that as a side note, the smell of prolific amounts of garlic is absolutely rancid to my senses.  

But, my man was so excited his tail was wagging, so I tried to grin and bear it.  We looked at the menu for 15 minutes.  Him, because he couldn't decide which delicious meat-wad garlic infested sandwich he wanted to shove down his gullet.  Me, because I was reading and re-reading the menu trying to find something, any-fucking-thing without garlic in-on-above-around-or within it.  

We finally went to the counter and I politely asked if they could make a sandwich sans garlic. No. What about ... No. What about ... No. and No.  They said they could make me a salad, but that all their dressing would have garlic.  Mmm my favorite, dry lettuce; hi, I'm a freakin tortoise. How about dessert?  Great. Thanks, dessert for lunch.  

He got a grinder, I went across the street to Jersey Mike's for a never fail Philly Cheese; made just the way I wanted.

THAT BEING SAID, my man loved his sandwich and goes back here frequently, which I know is a common story!  I have tried small bites of his grinders, and they are quite flavorful; no suprise there.  While he would probably give it a four star for quality, I give it a one star.  

Ultimately, it just seems like a dumb philosophy and approach in businees to be unable to accomodate a customer to the point that they actually lost my business.

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Elite '09

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162

Monte C.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
8/18/2008

"A for effort"
Hard to imagine out in the middle of Aurora, a restarant so simple yet much needed in this neighborhood.  Not what you expect but exactly what you wish for.  Amazing sandwiches, each with a unique ingredients  combination as well as different flavor, good selection on menu, and live Jazz on Sat to go down the grinders.  What more do you need, Wow!  
Service = excellent!
Ambiance = A for effort, just enough
Food = exactly what i've been looking for.  The vegetarian sandwich here taste better then most steak sandwich i've tried.
Price = $
Crowd = Seems like locals
Personal Favorite = Everything! including the chubby owner,  he looks like he loves his food.  Chili is to die for!!!!
Worst = Area, whiskey sauce on bread pudding is a bit overwhelming
Meal for two = 35
Final Say = Top 3 sandwich shop in Seattle for sure!!!

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Elite '09

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442

Brandon S.

Olympia, WA

5 star rating
7/23/2008

I fear that a new food obsession has been born.  Grinders is an amazing sandwich shop and has a menu that I can't stop reading and thinking about.  I've been good so far, I've only gone there once, but I'm afraid that it's only a matter of time until the demise of my willpower and I will be in sandwich heaven until I've tried everything on the menu or my bank account is completely empty.  

On my first visit, I picked up two grinders to go for myself and the wife.  We had a Sauball Grinder - a combination of their Sausage Grinder and Meatball Grinder, and a Gilbano Grinder - basically a massive improvement over an old, tired Philly cheesesteak sandwich.  As soon as we opened up both sandwiches, we knew that Grinders was our kind of place.  They don't skimp with the cheese and that will go a long way with us.  Both sandwiches were uber-cheesy and amazingly delicious.  

When a restaurant way up in the farthest reaches of the city on crappy Aurora Avenue has 50 reviews and only one cranky pants has given it less than four stars, perhaps that means you should get on up here and give it a shot.  You won't be disappointed.  

And if you really need an excuse, Costco is only a block or two away.

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K B.

Bothell, WA

5 star rating
2/18/2009

Been trying to come here for years but had the worst timing - must have always been a Sunday, or a Monday... or a Tuesday.
Then Eureka!!! In Shoreline on a Wednesday!!!  So excited to try it.  We had the Goomba Grinder and the Catfish Po'Boy.  Hubby's from Florida and he said it rivaled the Po'Boys he grew up with, that even his Granddaddy would like it.  
Thought the Goomba was delish - though big to begin with, I couldn't get enough and craved more.  The kids shared a Kid's Bread which is basically bread with some meats and melted cheese on top and comes with marinara sauce to dip - they loved it.
The staff said they were going to try and open one more day a week - and I say please, please, please make it so!

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3

54

Leeland W.

Manchester, NH

4 star rating
5/21/2009

This place is great a bit pricey for a sandwich but you can see why. Upon entering this bistro you see beautiful mahogany tables. A mantle and four fireside chairs sit facing classical pictures. A jazz fresco is up upon the wall behind you as you order. Racks of beer and wine sit waiting for a friend. The menu is simple and flavorful with great descriptions. I went with the ciabatta grinder as well as some kids bread for fun. The grinder was on rustic ciabatta and the presentation was great. The sandwich was on very tough bread and to compensate they used oil and mozzarella. The oil and cheese softened the insides and let the meat and bread do the talking. Great selection of Italian meats like toscano, finocchiona, sopressata, and pork loin for good measure. while the sandwiches were good the kids bread was "meh". Great place to go to no matter where you live do the drive.

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Elite '09

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470

Sonya L.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
9/25/2008

I must say, this place makes a pretty darn good sandwich!

Went here last night with some friends and it was a good time!  I ordered the Tricolore and it was fantastic!  The flavors were great and the portions were HUGE (I have an entire half of a sandwich left for today's lunch - score!).  

The service was quick and friendly and the prices were reasonable.  They even had root beer by the bottle - so tasty.

I want to come back to try the super veggie sandwich sometime...it sounds amazing.

I will definitely be back here.

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6

Linda S.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
7/5/2009

We absolutely love Grinders!  It's a multi generational hit where we can take our parents and kids and enjoy the food and space.  We've had the Bbq pork (spicey) and three other grinders and love them all.  The chilie is fantastic and the bread pudding shouldn't be missed.

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