Originally launched as Cali Baguette on Convoy Street in Kearny Mesa back in 2011, Cali Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich shop and restaurant at 2830 Garnet Ave #A in the 92109 ZIP code. Owners Mitchell Nishimura and Kieu Phung rebranded the concept and expanded to this Pacific Beach location in 2018, moving into the former Muscle Mill Grill & Cafe space just off the I-5 freeway. The menu centers on banh mi sandwiches built on fresh French baguettes with house garlic mayo, pickled daikon and carrots, cilantro, and jalapeños, but extends well beyond that staple into rice plates, spring rolls, egg rolls, pho, and hearty bowls loaded with proteins like lemongrass ribeye beef and black pepper shrimp. Fans of Southeast Asian cooking along Garnet Avenue can also check out Phở Time - Vietnamese Fusion for another take on the cuisine. A full drink program rounds things out with boba teas, smoothies, acai bowls, and iced coffees featuring one of the largest selections of popping boba and jelly add-ons in the neighborhood. The Pacific Beach outpost also carries a small retail market for grab-and-go items and pours wine and beer, setting it apart from the original Convoy Street branch. Reviewers on Google regularly single out the Spicy Crispy Chicken Breast Banh Mi and the combo surf-and-turf sandwich as must-orders. After picking up dinner, a cold craft beer pairs well with a game at Sandbar Sports Grill a short drive west on Garnet. With a 93-out-of-100 health inspection score, a free parking lot on site, and hours that run until 8:30 p.m. most nights, Cali Banh Mi is a reliable stop for anyone craving bold Vietnamese flavors without a long wait.