Is there parking at Hungry Lu's?

It's street parking only on Voltaire Street in Ocean Beach, which can be tight on weekends and afternoons—plan for a short walk if you're coming during busy times. Half a block away is realistic, but mornings and weekday visits tend to be easier for spots.

What should I order on my first visit?

Start with the pastrami melt or the Italian sub (which is essentially a proper hoagie on soft bread)—both are the standouts here. Follow it up with a cannoli or peanut butter cookie, because the desserts hold their own weight.

Is Hungry Lu's good for groups?

Absolutely—it's a neighborhood spot built for casual weeknight hangs and group dinners, with outdoor seating that makes it social and relaxed. Sandwiches are shareable, and people come in to linger, not rush.

Can I walk in, or do I need a reservation?

Walk-ins are the norm here; it operates like a traditional deli. No reservations needed, though Sunday afternoons can draw a crowd, so timing matters if you want to avoid a wait.

Is this spot good for after the beach?

Yes—it's a classic post-beach stop in Ocean Beach with a casual vibe that works whether you're sandy or showered. Outdoor seating makes it easy to grab lunch and settle in.

Do they have options for dietary restrictions?

It's a traditional Italian deli and bakery, so vegetarian sandwiches and customization are likely available, but specifics aren't clear from reviews. Call ahead if you have strict dietary needs to confirm what they can accommodate.

What's the vibe—casual or fancy?

Pure casual—think neighborhood deli where locals actually eat, not a destination spot trying too hard. Come as you are, no dress code, and expect straightforward food done well.

Hungry Lu's — Restaurants in Ocean Beach, San Diego

“Hungry Lu's runs the Italian deli playbook Ocean Beach didn't know it needed until the first bite.”

Where Sine Wave micro-doses rosemary into matcha and OB Surf Cafe truck-serves breakfast burritos with ingredient pedigree, Lu's deals in heaping subs, house-baked bread, and cookies the size of your palm—no ceremony, no apologies for carbs. The Italian sub here isn't trying to be precious: it's soft hoagie bread loaded more with vegetables than meat, which bothers some people expecting New York ratios but works for anyone who wants to feel less destroyed after lunch. Get it heated if you want the vegetables to collapse a little and the bread to crisp at the edges.

The pastrami melt comes with a giant pickle that's half the reason to order it. The turkey special—spicy turkey with avocado—runs hit-or-miss depending on who's building it and whether they remember the sauce matters. Bread's baked in-house, which you'll notice immediately because it doesn't taste like it came off a Sysco truck. Cannoli and peanut butter cookies at the counter aren't afterthoughts—grab one for the walk back to your car.

This is takeout and dine-in, but mostly people are grabbing and going. Outdoor seating exists if you want to eat on Voltaire Street watching the OB drift-by, but parking's street-only and competitive, especially weekend afternoons. If you're post-beach and carb-depleted, this is the spot. If you want a sandwich with more deli meat than vegetables, say so when you order—they'll adjust. Prices stay low enough that you're not calculating cost-per-bite like you're financing a mortgage.