Jon F. 
 
January 24, 2025
 
 
 Verified 
The Milanese on Thursday's is the best. Always friendly and everything is good and fresh!
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Anthony C. 
 
July 28, 2024
 
 
 Verified 
Wow! I've finally tried this place after knowing about it for more than a decade. I tried the large pastrami and it was delicious. Loaded with meat , and not too salty. Tender meat and a really well put together, neat sandwich. The bread is soft (they make it themselves) and kinda all works together with the works. This place makes a great sandwich!
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 David L. 
 
August 3, 2023
 
 
 Verified 
I received an email from the founder to leave a review, so I figured why not while I sit on the toilet catching up on social media (If other guys deny this, know that they are lying. If you know, you know). I went to Gene's Grinders on a Tuesday (whatever happened to that song?). I know, it's "Taco Tuesday." What was I thinking? Welp. I ordered the "Gene's Special" and the Tuesday special, which was the chicken breast. I mean if you're going to try a place, you have to try the sub that was named alongside with the business right? You can't f-up your own special right? That was my thinking. I'll start by saying I ordered the 12" for both subs and it was more than enough to satisfy four people. The chicken breast was not dry at all, but it lacked a depth of flavor that I was seeking. I added mayonnaise to mine and it still lacked with its flavor profile. Regardless, it was still good. The Gene Special was also good, but it wasn't anything that blew my tastebuds away. It reminded me a lot like Jersey Mike's or Jimmy John's, but on a slightly higher scale. I added sriracha (Can you believe the shortage is still happening?) initially, but then reverted to chili paste which complimented the sub so much more than sriracha (Have you ever had a banh mi with the red chili paste? Game changer. Sorry, I digress. Would I purposely go out of my way to have "Gene's Grinders" again? No, I would not. Would I have it again if it was an option along the way? Absolutely.
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Spencer S. 
 
February 23, 2009
 
 
 Verified 
Perfect sandwich shop. Caveat being that I haven't had the meatball sandwich which seems to be disappointing to some, but I've had the sausage which I imagine to be similar, and it is enormous and delicious. Huge sandwiches, fresh bread, made to order, for $6-$8. The fries are perfectly cooked, but if you're feeling chips, they also carry the rare kettle classics chips, hard to find but worth the search. The service is fast and abrupt - they're busy. They do charge a buck for debit/credit card usage, which is a bitch, but if you work nearby like I do, I can plan ahead. To me, there are few more satisfying meals than a huge, fresh sandwich when fast food and my homecooked crap are getting stale, and Gene's makes a great sandwich. Give them a try when you're hungry. A huge sandwich doesn't strike you as quite so awesome if you're feeling a mild appetite. Also, eating pepperoncinis with pastrami is a crime against humanity. Knock it off.
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Xochitl F. 
 
January 13, 2024
 
 
 Verified 
What a great tasting little gem. Wanted to try something new for lunch. Arrived it is cute and clean. Great customer service . Great ambiance. The special was great tasting and made with lots of live. You can tell they love what they do. Live the decor of the horse races and some bobble heads. I will return to retry their pastrami !!!
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Chris D. 
 
August 4, 2023
 
 
 Verified 
Just the best ingredients, quality, price all culminate in a symphony of flavor, experience and the knowledge you didn't break your bank account. Small town local vibe and some really good dudes behind the counter. Love that dam Meatball Special and if you get a chance for that Chicken Sandwich, it's a must and will settle in you like a baby settles in his Mama's arms. It goes down smooth unlike those greasy other spots! Gene's is a treasure in Monrovia. Keep an eye for an "Andy" sighting. A local legend and thankful to him for giving us Gene's!
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Nikki Marie 
 
February 3, 2024
 
 
  
Such a wonderful place! Been going here for years! Friendly employees and delicious food!! 😋
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Allan C. 
 
May 14, 2009
 
 
 Verified 
Good small restaurant for submarine sandwiches (a.k.a Grinders) I had the large pastrami grinder and an order of fries. The service is pretty quick and the pastrami was tasty. It wasn't soggy or oily like other places. I have also gotten the meatball grinder, but I prefer the pastrami over the meatball. Something about the bread soaking up the meatball sauce doesn't do it for me. The sandwich is big enough that I usually just eat 1/2 of the sandwich for lunch and save for the other half for a snack at a later time.
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Jessica P. 
 
February 16, 2016
 
 
 Verified 
Fresh bread (baked daily) and only the freshest ingredients! I've been eating these sandwiches since I was young. Reminds me of my childhood. I love supporting local businesses and this one has been around a long time... There's definitely a reason!
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Mike Sirna 
 
February 27, 2024
 
 
  
Good Food, great bread...Meatball sandwich very good. Pastrami also very tasty..would recommend if nearby.
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Pepe C. 
 
August 6, 2015
 
 
 Verified 
The food is amazing. The proportions are phenomenal. The price is reasonable. All around it would seem like a 5 star place, but they are understocked. Came in wanting a meatball sub...no meatballs available. Asked for a different sub...not available. Was cornered into only a few options, was the food still amazing? Yes. But i would have preferred my original choice.
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Andrea G. 
 
September 27, 2023
 
 
 Verified 
First time ordering & trying this place out! My boss recommended this sandwich shop & it did not disappoint. Great service from staff! Super quick turnaround time. Greeted with a smile! Love me a good mom/pop sandwich shop! Decor was super cute & retro! Definitely just enough for this cute little shop! Lunchtime was amazing with this food! Will be back!
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Adam J. 
 
May 28, 2026
 
 
 Verified 
Everything is so good, the service is fast and friendly, and really like the new location. Thank you and can't wait to be back
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Mike Lee 
 
September 12, 2026
 
 
  
Great service and food here is always great.  Portion is big and the sandwiches are made very nice. The  pastrami dip is my go to sandwich.
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Katheryn H. 
 
December 8, 2023
 
 
 Verified 
I have been going to Gene's Grinders since the mid 80's. I just love the freshly baked bread (daily). The specials are good but the Pastrami is the best around. The service is always friendly and fast. Love this place..Kathi Henry