Best Sandwich Shops in the LA Area

In the mood for a great sandwich? Longtime city dwellers know some of the best sandwiches can be found in places that range from strip mall restaurants to trendy cafes to independent eateries. To make the process of finding these shops easier, we’ve compiled this list of some of the best reviewed sandwich shops in the Los Angeles area. Some of these sandwich shops might take you to out of the way areas, but for a true sandwich connoisseur, that’s part of the fun.

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Pasadena Sandwich Company

Come to a New York-style deli to try the best sandwiches in California!

259 Sierra Madre Villa Ave. | Pasadena/ pasadenasandwichcompany.com

California gains the taste of New York thanks to the Pasadena Sandwich Company, a family-owned establishment that’s been serving up amazing sandwiches since 1995. One look at their specialty sandwiches and you’ll know why customers love about this place — these sandwiches are huge. Big in portion and even bigger in taste, you can order classic roast beef and Reuben sandwiches here, as well as the Turkey Supreme and the meat-stuffed Sheepherder.

Of course, if you want to go all out, go and order the Trust the Cook. A massive sandwich filled with delicious cold cuts, cheeses, and crispy vegetables, this is one sandwich for true sandwich lovers. Other specialty sandwiches include the Californian (roast beef, jack cheese, lettuce, mayonnaise, tomato on wheat bread) and the Virginian (pastrami, turkey breast, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Russian dressing on rye bread). There’s also a Veggie Supreme option with sprouts and avocado for vegetarians.

If you love good sides, Pasadena Sandwich Company has you covered. Order some of their famous chicken or potato salad to go with your main dish, or some chili cheese fries, pickled eggs, and baked beans if you’re really hungry.  Great meats, breads, and cheeses — could a sandwich shop get any better?

“Holy cow! Probably one of the BEST sandwiches I’ve ever had!” — Yelp Review

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Foundation Sandwich Shop

Refreshing and satisfying sandwiches on The Promenade

160 The Promenade N. | Long Beach/ foundationsanwichshop.com

Come order some fresh Artisan sandwiches and salads at the Foundation Sandwich Shop, everyone’s favorite sandwich stop on The Promenade. Located in Downtown City Center, this place is perfect place to eat lunch or dinner.

Order some classic like the BBQ Beef Sandwich and Classic Turkey Sandwich. There are also a selection of vegetarian sandwiches, including the Green Machine (avocado, cucumber, fresh mozzarella, arugula, basil pesto, and mayo on whole wheat) and vegan sandwiches like the Cauliflower Sammi (curry spiced cauliflower, cilantro, tahini sauce, avocado, cucumber, tomato, pickled red onion, and chimichurri).

Located in the heart of Long Beach, Foundation Sandwich Shop also offers pickup and catering options, making it easier for everyone in the area to appreciate the great taste of their sandwiches.

“Best sandwich in Long Beach, and they have plenty of vegetarian options… The ingredients are fresh, and the service was friendly and fast. We got our sandwiches in less than five minutes.” — Yelp Review

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Jon Smith Subs

Fresh sub sandwiches made from the highest quality ingredients

38029 47th StEast Ste C | Palmdale/ johnsmithsubs.com

Find all your classic sub sandwich favorites here, including the Italian sub, pastrami, and teriyaki chicken — but be sure to sample their Cuban Sub with its smoked Virginian ham, mojo pork, pickles, Swiss cheese, mayo, and mustard on Cuban bread.

Since 1988, Jon Smith Subs has been serving high quality sub sandwiches across the United States. Now, with a location in Palmdale, California residents can experience the joys of sandwiches made from high quality meats, sliced daily and seasoned with farm-fresh vegetables to produce sub sandwiches that explode with freshness in their customers’ mouths. Available for dine-in, take out, or catering, Jon Smiths makes sure you can enjoy their sandwiches anywhere and anytime.

“Yummy, toasty, melty provolone – this CUBAN is awesome. This was my first time here. Will definitely be back when I’m in the area.” — Yelp Review

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Heroic Italian

OMG! The Sandwiches at Heroic Italian are incredible!

2020 Kittredge St. | Downtown Berkeley/ heroicitallian.com

Established in Berkeley, California in 2021, Heroic Italian is a newcomer to California’s sandwich shop community, but customers are already raving about their artisanal sandwiches made from imported Italian meats and cheeses. Order delicious looking (and tasting) sandwich creations like the Genoa, Marinetti, or the aptly-named “OMG! Sandwich” with its multiple layers of tasty meats and vegetables.

Already rated as one of the 7 best new restaurants in the U.S. by Gayot, Heroic Italian is the go-to place for people looking for quality sandwiches, delicious salads — and creative desserts like their chocolate cigar, raspberry coppa, and tiramisu cookie. Come see why this could be your next favorite sandwich shop!

“I enjoyed my experience at Heroic Italian – I particularly loved the outdoor patio with the heating table. The staff and the owner are super friendly and welcoming I will definitely come back to this place! —Yelp Review

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Locali - Hollywood

Excellent vegan sandwiches at Locali in the Hollywood Hills

5825 Franklin Ave. | Hollywood Hills/ localiyours.com

Located in the Hollywood Hills, Locali is a casual café that focuses on providing healthy and delicious sandwiches, including many options for those on vegan and gluten free diets. The food here is prepared with organic food and planet-friendly products, letting you feel good about all the options here.

Try the Vegan Reuben with its flavorful and delicious vegan sauce. Other menu options are just fun to say — just try to order “The Baaadasss Breakfast Sandwich” (vegan sausage patty, soy-free cheddar, chipotle sauce, maple syrup on a sprouted grain English muffin) without smiling. Or feel the burn with the “Sir Nasty” (sriracha and red onion). Even the bacon here can be ordered vegan style — just try “The Cadillac” with its coconut bacon, avocado, and salsa. Big on both flavor and healthy options, the Locali is a great find for those who like their sandwiches creative and nutritious.

“Found this cute deli shop with lots of healthy vegan options!! I got their Reuben Sandwich and it’s made from a panini hot press machine fresh on the spot. The marbled rye bread goes well with the sauerkraut and turkey slices. The sauce they made is also a vegan sauce as well and it’s really delicious.” — Yelp Review

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Street Level Café

Stop by for breakfast — and then come back for lunch and dinner

1166 Glendale Blvd. | Echo Park/ streetlevelcafe.com

Looking for a great place to get breakfast? The Street Level Café is a relaxing spot in Echo Park where you can sit and enjoy a good cup of coffee, refreshing salads, and of course some good sandwiches! Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the menu here has great options for all times of the day. Order some French toast along with their delicious pesto ham bacon egg sandwich to start your day. Then, later in the day, you may want to sample their Turkey Pesto or healthy Chicken Salad sandwich with cranberries, almonds, and dressing on squaw bread.

Are there any cheese lovers in your group? Street Level Café has an entire menu section devoted to your favorite cheese sandwiches. Along with the classic Tuna melt and grilled cheese sandwich, you can try the BrieLT (brie cheese melted on turkey bacon and tomato on sourdough) and the BAM (Bacon, Avocado, and Mushroom) with gooey jack and cheddar cheese on grilled sour dough. Or if you love pizza, try the Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese that basically combines all the best parts of your favorite sandwich and pizza.

The Street Level Café also makes sure to take care of guests with special dietary needs, offering gluten-free and vegan options, as well as alternative milks. To top it off, their dog-friendly and offer free wi-fi. Could you ask any more from a sandwich café?

“Yummy and nice vibes, very friendly and the food was out fast too. Good place to get a fantastic breakfast.” — Yelp Review

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