the best SANDWICH in (Los Angeles) period.

[Rina]

Does LA have sandwiches that are stacked mile high with roast beef or pastrami?
Any tasty accompanying spreads or mouth-watering condiments that makes one crave for more...

Any secret garlic sauces or homemade spreads that really compliment add the synergistic effect, where the end product is much greater than the sum of the two pieces of bread + whatever your heart desires to be put in between.

In my earlier post I inquired about delicious, interesting bakeries...now, i am simply asking fellow LA chowhounds for your favorite rec for SANDWICHES....

[Jerry P. Santa Monica]

DAN"S SUBS in Woodland Hills, on Ventura. The Sweet Carolina (Turkey, Avocado, etc.) is memorable. Bay Cities is okay, but not memorable. Dan's sandwiches are very good.

[Elliott Koretz]

Well since this original post started a number of years ago I think things have really changed that are pertinent to this question. The advent and proliferation of the food trucks here in town have brought a number of new very tasty choices. What are people's thoughts?

[REFFI]

We eat lunch here on a fairly regular basis since it's a one-block walk from our building. They hve what may be the best BLT I've ever eaten for balance of flavors and texture. They use applewood smoked backon, beefsteak tomatoes and iceberg lettuce dressed with a chipotle mayo served on toasted ciabatta. Choice of side is either home made potato chips or a nicely dressed green salad with shave parmesan. I just can't say no to this sandwich.

-----
Seta Dine : Lounge
13033 Philadelphia St., Whittier, CA 90601

[Servorg]

REFFI, are you talking about Seti Dine in Whittier about the BLT? I see you've linked the restaurant, but don't see any reference to it by name in the body of your post. Looking at the photos on their website it is a really nice looking restaurant when it comes to the interior space. When did they open up (recently I am guessing)?

[kevin]

wow, in whittier/ i haven't heard of it either. usually if i'm in that neck of the woods i'll just head to arturo's, home of the puffy taco.

[REFFI]

You are correct. I do mean Seta in Whittier. They've been open a year or so with a chef named Molina. My boss goes there for special dinners about which he raves, but I only ever go for lunch. They are upscale (linen napkins at lunchtime) and the BLT is a $9.00 item, but worth every penny in this case. If budget constraints insist, there is a bar around the corner (6740 is the name and address on Greenleaf) that has a five dollar lunch special that is hard to resist. The BLT there comes with alfalfa sprouts, fries and a drink. They have a problem with the definition of "toast," but the sandwich is very good.

[mikeinla10]

My vote goes to the #8, bbq pork, banh mi at Banh Mi My Tho out in Alhambra. My god is that sandwich good.

If you live in the LA area, this is a must.

[gastronomaly]

Hot Mess Sandwich from the Global Soul food truck. Spicy Louisiana hot link with cheese and bacon and caramelized onions, red peppers, mushrooms and a spicy hot chili aioli sauce.
It's better than it sounds, it all just meshes (and messes) together for big bold spicy flavor.

[lavenderandsage]

Hand's down, the best sando is the Salami sandwich at Larchmont Village Wine. If you think about the components, it doesn't seem hard to make it at home, but the difference here is the quality of every single ingredient: Paper thin Italian Sopressata and Spanish Manchego cheese with arugula, sun dried tomato aioli and balsamic vinegar and olive oil on a French baguette. Simple ingredients done exquisitely.

-----
Larchmont Village Wine
223 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

[bcorne01]

Marios deli - Glendale

Cuban Sandwich and the media noche - Portos

Santoros - Burbank

[Peripatetic]

"Santoros"

I grew up in Boston, so was really excited to learn there was a far-flung relative of the Santoro's empire out here. Sadly that excitement died with the first bite of their Italian sub. The Godmother at Bay Cities -- while not an authentic "spuckie" -- is much closer in quality and spirit to the Santoro's of my youth.

R.I.P, Santoro's. :(

[scottca075]

The topic lives. Interesting if views have changed in four years. It depends on what you want I would think. I want variety, but here are my favorites.

Bay Cities Deli - The Godmother, spicy with everything
Langer's - Pastrami or chopped liver, but not together
Nate 'n Al's - Hard salami
Porto's - Cubano sandwich
Bahn Mi My Tho - Special Cold Cut Ham Sandwich
Philippe the Original - Lamb double dipped
Gallo's Deli - Gallo Combo

-----
Philippe the Original
1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

[kevin]

where's gallo's deli? and what's in the gallos' combo?

is the hard salami at nate n al's all beef?

[scottca075]

Gallo's Deli is unfortunately in Corona del Mar & Laguna Beach, which fall under "the LA Area" in Chow-land. I don't recall all the meats in it, but it Italian cold cuts with giardiniera.

I assume the hard salami is all beef at Nate n' Al's because I assume it is kosher, but I don't know that for sure.

[wienermobile]

Nate n' Al's is not Kosher it is Kosher style. That's why you can get bacon, ham & cheese.

[Eastside Eater]

I really enjoy the sandwiches at Cantor's on Fairfax and The Hat if I am in the mood for deli style. You have to check out this small place called La China Poblana in East LA. It is on Whittier Blv. The cemitas are crazy good. They seem to be a mom and pop place. I also like the tortas from this place called Cook's Tortas in Monterey Park on Atlantic Blvd.

-----
La China Poblana
3568 Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023

Cook's Tortas
1944 S Atlantic Blvd, Monterey Park, CA 91754

[Jigsaw]

what do you get from cook's? i've only been once but i guess i didn't get the right one.

[A5 KOBE]

There is no contest, Brent's Black Pastrami Reuben.

[kevin]

What's he difference between Brents Black and reg Pastrami?

[wienermobile]

The Black Pastrami Ruben at Brent's is on grilled rye with swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing. It's a great sandwich. The Pastrami is the same that is used in all their sandwiches.
http://www.brentsdeli.com/

[djsquid420]

1# Mike's Deli
4859 W Slauson Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90056

2# Philippe The Original Restaurant
1001 N Alameda St
Los Angeles, CA 90012

3# Cole's
118 E 6th St
Los Angeles, CA 90014

Period.......

-----
Mike's Deli
4859 W Slauson Ave Ste B, Los Angeles, CA 90056

[mdpilam]

Just had the Three Little Piggies at Mendocino Farms, and while I can't say it's the best sandwich in LA, it was very good. It had pork belly, apple cider braised carnitas and bacon. I only wish I could taste more of the jalepeno relish. Their spicy dijon potato salad was also delicious. I am really looking forward to eating through their menu (and can foresee this becoming my new favorite sandwich place, overtaking Clementines and Bay Cities).

-----
Mendocino Farms
300 S Grand Ave Ste Lp40, Los Angeles, CA 90071

[bulavinaka]

I had the Three Little Piggies the other night as well, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Nice portion, no pulling back on ingredients, and the ingredients themselves were very good. The Vegan Singaporean Dosa Wrap makes a nice salad-like course as well (I'm not a vegan but enjoyed it as my veggie-portion of my meal). My Dear Wife and I split both and made a nice meal of it. Now if they could just get their beer & wine license going. Lots of great selections to choose from if the pull from NorCal.

[mdpilam]

Yeah, I asked about the beer and wine license, and the guy said it was going to be about 6 more months.

[bulavinaka]

They said it would be two or three months when they first opened, then another two or three months after two or three months passed... At least for me, this place would really kick if they'd get this one last missing link in place.

[mollyomormon]

I'm obsessed with that Vegan Singaporean Dosa Wrap. I wish it was permanently on the menu and not just on special through October. The iced tea there is also excellent and the service couldn't be nicer. I'm so happy to have it as a sandwich option on the westside.

[Fru]

So, my friend and I made the trek from SGV today to Jin Patisserie to take advantage of our 30% off Blackboard Eats coupon for High Tea. Everything was delicious but not a lot of savory items. Needless to say, our appetites weren't sated. At my friend's suggestion, we then went to Bay Cities and split a God Mother that we got straight out of the case. We were not disappointed. That bread! It was crunchy without raking the roof of my mouth. The combination of peppers, pickles, tomato, lettuce and sauce was very, very tasty.

-----
Jin Patisserie
1202 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

[misterf]

Caprese sandwich....add Parma Prusciutto....at Bay Cities.

There has been a lot of love given to the Godmother. And it is well deserved. It's a very good sandwich. But, it seems like everybody is missing out on the real fem at Bay Cties. Next time you go to Bay Cities, try the Capres sandwich and have them add parma prosciutto.

[darrelll]

Note: This thread started May 2007, nearly 3 years ago!

I cannot believe in all this time, no one has mentioned Giamela's Steak & Peppers or their Meatball sandwiches. Coupled with a handful of jalapenos, this was my favorite lunch for years.Both their Burbank and their Los Feliz location are great.

Also love the 26 Beach Cafe "Larry Bird" grilled chicken breast sandwich.

Phillipe's being among the best? It's a historic restaurant, great value, but BEST? I think not.

I like Langer's Pastrami as well.

I'm sure the foodies here have concluded by now is that there is no single best sandwich... Not even if you pare it down to a single type sandwich. Let's celebrate that there are so many good sandwiches from so many places. I guess I'll have to try Victors, it's the closest to me of all places mentioned.

Thinking of the Larry Bird... i'm wondering why there's no Roast Duck sandwich... whatup? I may just have to create one with a orange marmalade aioli? On a brioche or maybe a La Brea baguette?

-----
26 Beach
3100 Washington Blvd., Venice, CA 90292

[Burger Boy]

I got to say the Giamelas on Los Feliz has slipped so much in the last few years. I was there about 8 months ago and it was pretty bad. Stale bread, meat was not as good as before and just a poor excuse of a sandwich. I have been going to that Giamela's since they opened and up until the last 3 or 4 years it was GREAT. I hope they make it better again.

[otis]

I used to live in Silver Lake and ate the large Italian Combo at Giamela's once a week. I always ask for extra peppers and carrots and dressing on the side. These days I go there when I am back in town for business (rare, alas) and the sandwich goes with me on a plane. I was last a Giamela's maybe 6 months ago and while I did notice the staff in the kitchen had changed the sandwich seemed exactly the same. Good quality meats, nice puffy bread, a sure hand with the condiments = the sub of my dreams.

[soccerref]

The Italian subs (Godfather? Godmother?) at Bay Cities Italian Deli on Lincoln in Santa Monica are the best submarine sandwiches in L.A.--it's so good that if you just show up and don't order it in advance by phone for pickup, you will wait an hour or more in line to get one...

In fairness, we should break up this category in types of sandwiches; you can't really compare a sub and a pastrami sandwich.

-----
Bay Cities Italian Deli
1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

[bulavinaka]

>>In fairness, we should break up this category in types of sandwiches; you can't really compare a sub and a pastrami sandwich.<<

IMHO, you're 100% correct. At the same time, a lot of sandwiches are hard to categorize. This thread is far beyond becoming a little rangy and cumbersome.

[Servorg]

"This thread is far beyond becoming a little rangy and cumbersome."

Perhaps even "free rangy" and "cucumbersome"...sandwichly speaking that is ;-D>

[bulavinaka]

Okay, I asked for it... No (tur)duckin' the org-meister!!!

[minni0158]

cold- LARCHMONT DELI
hot- any special at FORAGE

[bulavinaka]

Just had a "Torta Cubanas" yesterday from the Angelica Cemitas truck that parks on Inglewood just north of Braddock (I think they're there from 4PM-10-ish Mon-Sat). A toasted telera that is filled with milinesa de res, ham, sliced wieners, egg, lettuce and avocado. Seems more like a gigantic breakfast sandwich but it was mighty good and filling at 5PM nonetheless. My plans for a meal at Metro Cafe or 3 Square were ruined.

[orythedog]

just had an excellent fried shrimp po boy, dressed, at New Orleans in Hermosa Beach. They use the french baguettes from manhattan bakery.

[Wolfgang]

I highly recommend Jorge's chicken sandwich at the Surfas Cafe.

Jidori chicken, Nueske bacon, aged cheddar, avocado and cilantro spread, arugula, tomatoes and red onion on a good demi baguette.

Langer's pastrami on rye with a little mustard on a good day, which is most of the time, is still tops in my book.

[dtranquil]

i've had the godmother and Langers pastrami.....but i think that the pork-belly sandwich at Forage just might be better than either. anyone agree?

[sel]

Well I had the pork sandwich at Forage last week and it was...........excellent! Bread was nicely toasted, pork was warm and juicy, such a great sandwich!

[bulavinaka]

Best sweet sandwich: Strawberry and homemade nutella stuffed croissant at Bite Bar & Bakery in Santa Monica. Sliced farmers' market fresh strawberries and super dark rich homemade nutella stuffed and spread in probably the best croissant I've tried in LA in a while. So simple in execution, but the quality of the ingredients speak for themselves.

[MAIZE]

BAY CITIES DELI!!!

[nosmok]

Here's an under-the-radar pick: the italian sub at Pizza Buona, corner of Alvarado and Sunset. Mixed cold cuts on warm, house -baked bread, about 6 bucks. It's fantastic, blows away all other italian subs in LA (have been to most of the usual suspects trotted out in this thread.).

And surprised the Tropical (Sunset and Parkman) gets no love for their Cuban sandwiches. True, consistency is not their strong suit, but their upside is much higher than Porto's.

-----
Pizza Buona
2100 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

[ns1]

But don't ever get the pizza at Buona. Terribad.

[mc michael]

Don't know about the best sandwich, but I have had some dependably good sandwiches at Europane. Selection seems to vary depending on what they have on hand and what bread is fresh out of the oven. The egg salad is always a good one.

[sel]

Well, I wished that I liked eggs/egg salad because every other sandwich that I've had at EuroPane has been very satisfying and the egg salad is about the only one that everyone seems enamored with that I haven't had!

-----
Euro Pane Bakery
950 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106

[mc michael]

I've had a lot of lousy egg salad sandwiches in my time. As a result I am leary of them. I took a leap of faith when I tried Europane's. It's not the greatest sandwich I've ever had, but it is the best egg salad sandwich I've had. Bar none.

[kevin]

it's way too mayonaissey and soft boiled for my taste.

what other sandwiches there are good?

how's the meatloaf?

[sel]

The meatloaf has always been very tasty. Don't recall what lind of meatloaf they use though. Several months ago I had either a chicken or turkey sandwich that was good as well. One thing that I like about their sandwiches, others may not, is that they are prepared to order with quality ingredients and while they do taste very good, they are not the giant sized creations that some look for. I can have one with a house made lemonade or good coffee and still go to my gym and have dinner a few houres later.

[mc michael]

see exilekiss' thread on the egg salad sandwich which links to her blog with photos of others.

[annapurna7]

When I used to work in Santa Monica, I would always eat the grilled veggie sandwich at Zabies. I loved that sandwich so much and learned to make it at home so I wouldn't need an excuse to drive to SaMo.

-----
Zabies
3003 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

[wienermobile]

Here is Discover Los Angeles.com 's list of the favorite sandwiches in town. It's a pretty good list.
http://discoverlosangeles.com/play/di...

[bulavinaka]

Wow - that is a pretty good list, particularly for a published list. Someone definitely has done their homework. My only quibble is why list both Phillipe and Cole's together? Like J. Gold on his recent 99, there they are - side-by-side. There's no question who has the better sandwich - Cole's. Author, please reread the title of your otherwise great list. :)

[Fryboy]

The Roasted Lamb and Feta sandwich at Papa Christo's will ROCK YOUR WORLD!

[echoparkdirt]

I have to agree with Fryboy. Especially with some tzatziki sauce. The roll is perfect -- crunchy, moist, a little difficult. The lamb is succulent. The feta is peasanty. Altogether, its an amazing sandwich.

[sillygoosedown]

My answer would be Cheese Store of Silver Lake. But I'm not a big sandwich girl. Sandwiches seem so plebeian.

[mc michael]

That's the point. A great sandwich is not plebian.

[ilikefood]

I think sillygoosedown's point was to impress us that she's some sort of royalty. silly goose indeed.

By the way, the correct answer is Langer's #19. I apologize for not responding sooner and settling the matter once and for all.

In Langer's own words:" The Legendary No. 19
There's nothing like it in the whole world - just ask anyone who's had one. The legendary #19 Sandwich at Langer's Delicatessen-Restaurant. Piled high with the juiciest, most tender thick-cut pastrami you'll ever taste, the #19 is complemented by a slice of Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, and Langer's own homemade cole slaw. It may be the most delicious pastrami sandwich anywhere..."

In Homer Simpson's own words: "Mmm"

[bulavinaka]

The #19 does seem to be most folks' favorite at Langer's. What would be your next pick there? Thanks.

[wienermobile]

The #44. Langer's version of a pastrami reuben, grilled rye with melted cheese and sauerkraut . A very very good sandwich.

[bulavinaka]

Thanks - I'm planning on taking my son to Langer's soon. I've told him that there is probably no better pastrami on the planet - he wants me to prove it to him. He thinks The Hat is marvelous. I told him that while it is, he will have to find some description far above marvelous once he tries Langer's. :)

[wienermobile]

Here is a list of some of Langer's famous numbered sandwiches:
#1 - PASTRAMI Cole Slaw, Russian Style Dressing
#2 - CORNED BEEF and TOMATO Russian Style Dressing
#3 - CORNED BEEF, SWISS CHEESE and SAUERKRAUT
#4 - ROAST BEEF and SWISS CHEESE Russian Style Dressing
#5 - CORNED BEEF and SWISS CHEESE Russian Style Dressing
#6 - CHOPPED LIVER and PASTRAMI Russian Style Dressing
#8 - SLICED TURKEY and HAM Russian Style Dressing
#9 - TURKEY, TONGUE and ROAST BEEF Three Decker with Tomato and Russian Style Dressing
#10 - PASTRAMI and SWISS CHEESE Russian Style Dressing
#11 - TURKEY, HAM and SWISS CHEESE Russian Style Dressing
#19 - PASTRAMI, SWISS CHEESE and COLE SLAW Russian Style Dressing
#24 - ROAST BEEF Lettuce and Tomato, Russian Style Dressing
#26 - THREE DECKER Turkey, Ham, Swiss Cheese, Tomato, Russian Style Dressing
#27 - CHOPPED EGG and CHOPPED LIVER Open Face
#28 - FRESSER'S SPECIAL SANDWICH
Pastrami, Corned Beef, Tongue, Swiss Cheese and Turkey, Lettuce, Tomato and Russian Style Dressing
#29 - HOT PASTRAMI and TOMATO Russian Style Dressing
#44 - HOT PASTRAMI, Sauerkraut and Nippy Cheese Grilled on Rye
#54 - PASTRAMI and CORNED BEEF COMBO $16.25
#55 - CORNED BEEF with Cole Slaw and Russian Style Dressing
#65 - HOT PASTRAMI with Cream Cheese and Sliced Tomato
#88 - HOT CORNED BEEF, Sauerkraut and Swiss Cheese Grilled on Rye

[bulavinaka]

Langer's has obviously covered the deli sandwich selection for just about every mood. :) Thanks again...

[SauceSupreme]

Langer's #6. Mmm... chicken liver.

Gonna have to check out Mario's since it's so close to where I'm staying. I see a sopressata sandwich in my future.

[Servorg]

"Sandwiches seem so plebeian."

If Chowhound is about anything it's about the fact that there is no such thing as "plebeian" food. Only good food and not so good food (or if we are lucky "great food"). YMMV (but not mine).

[sillygoosedown]

Nobody posts any sandwiches that appeal to me. I like sandwiches with Mediterranean ingredients. For bread, my favorites are focaccia and ciabatta. I don't eat bread that comes in plastic bags. Also, no friggin' mayonnaise or Russian dressing or anything like that. If there's any sauce it should be based on extra virgin olive oil or perhaps a chutney. Pure EVOO will do for a lot of sandwiches, and no sauce at all works when there's a strong cheese involved.. The cheese should be mozzarella di bufala or some real European cheese, not deli cheese made in a factory. The only meat I want in a sandwich is turkey, chicken, or fish. Yes, there are really good sandwiches in Provence that have shredded cod, but you can't get that here; everybody eats pastrami. There should be fresh fruits or vegetables chopped up.

Now somebody tell me -- Who in LA specializes in sandwiches like this?

[ns1]

See my rec for hymart above

http://www.quarrygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/hymart-sandwich-cu-570x321.jpg

http://www.yelp.com/biz/hy-mart-sandw...

thank me later.

I'd advise that the bread is far superior to the wrap

[Servorg]

Sounds like you should visit il Tramazzino http://www.iltram.net/ in Beverly Hills (or in the Valley) and give their famed pressed chicken breast sandwich wih grilled chicken, avocado, sun dried tomatoes, provalone and basil garlic sauce a taste test.

[sillygoosedown]

Thanks, will add to the list!

[a_and_w]

If you don't mind paying a premium, Curious Palate in Mar Vista might meet your standards.

[mdpilam]

I prefer Clementine to Curious Palate (though admittedly have only been a couple times to the former). Clementine's Turkey Caliente has been the best turkey sandwich I've had in a long time. I also loved when they did their Grilled Cheese Month - is that happening again?

-----
The Curious Palate
12034 Venice Boulevard, Mar Vista, CA

[New Trial]

You are in luck, it returns in April.

[Mattapoisett in LA]

Do you know something definite because there is nothing on their website and April 1 is a day away.

[kevin]

is this in reference to grilled cheese month or to the turkey caliente sandwich at clementine's?

[Dommy]

Grilled Cheese... April is Grilled Cheese month... which makes it the 2nd reason why April is the best month ever... ;)

--Dommy!

[maudies5]

I was at Clementine today. Grilled cheese month is definitely under way. They have a new turkey sandwich which I love. It is turkey, swiss, cole slaw and mustard on pumpernickel. I ask for a little 1000 island dressing as well. So good.

[New Trial]

If you go to menus section of the website it is tucked in there under "Sandwiches" as a notice-blurb--no menu or theme posted yet.

[sillygoosedown]

Those look pretty good. I'll put it on my list of places to try. Thanks!!

[SeaCook]

A plebien dish invented by an Earl? Really? His desendent are still making them!
http://www.earlofsandwichusa.com/

[sillygoosedown]

I'm more of a continental girl. British food is even worse than American food.

[Peripatetic]

Britain has some amazing culinary traditions, as anyone who is familiar with the works of Gary Rhodes can attest to. Unfortunately those traditions are not well represented in Britain, and even worse in Los Angeles. But it would be narrow minded to be dismissive of British food altogether.

[Jepser]

There really is an art to making a good sandwich. Bay Cities because of it's enormous popularity will see 100's of people a day. Making long waits to receive a ordered sandwich. I assure you it is worth the wait. There bread is made there and roughly around every 20 minutes is a new batch. They run threw meat so fast, you are assured to always have the freshest meat on your sandwich along with all the other condiments. It truly has mastered the art of sandwich making. There is no other sandwich to my knowledge that could even compare by the slightest bit to the "Godmother". If you live in LA or close and have never been to Bay Cities, you are sadly missing out. It is a Gourmet subway, which custom sandwiches to primo Italian styles. Please take my word for it.. You will be hooked.. Im going there right now.

-----
Bay Cities Italian Deli
1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

[orythedog]

I have had the Godmother, and while good, there are more than a few others out there that VERY favorably compare. You be the judge. My two rec's:

Mario's Italian Deli in Glendale: http://mariosdeli.com/

Italia Deli in Agoura Hills: http://www.italiadeli.com/

Happy eating!

[SeaCook]

I remember Italia Deli when I used to do the Reniassance Faire out in Agoura! Glad to see it's still there.

[mopeyboy]

Capriotti's was terrible. How can I ever believe anything on Chow when so many people think it's good? Good Lord! The meat is very low quality. The bread is laughable. I was shocked. A group of us had 5 or 6 different sandwiches. One worse than the other. I haven't been to the other Italian delis someone added here but it is not easy to beat Bay Cities. I'll try them. Philly West has a good cheesesteak., burger, tuna hoagie, and sub. Capriotti's?

[SeaCook]

Excuse me mopeyboy what is Capriotti's? I was remarking that a deli, Italia Deli, that I frequented in *Agurora* (not the Bay Cities) back in the 80's is still there. BTW I haven't been to Italia Deli since 1989 and although I am glad to see a business surrvive over 20 years I would not comment on the food necessarliy. So I am at a loss to understand what you are talking about (since your are replying to something I said).

[a_and_w]

Thus far, you're the only person I've ever met who said the bread and meat were low quality at Capriotti's. The turkey, in particular, blows most places away. It's actual pulled turkey, not sliced processed garbage like Boar's Head. Which reminds me, no fan of Bay Cities should be touting the quality of the meat. You can get the same mass produced cuts at any corner store in NYC.

[kevin]

true, i guess the only difference then is the bread and the pepper salad spread they p8ut on the sandwich at bay cities. but then again iim not a fan of either anymore so bay cities for me is like the paragon of nothing. luckily, i don't like it that much because those lines are pretty terrible.

[a_and_w]

I like Bay Cities, but it's in spite of the meat. The bread and pepper salad are definitely part of the appeal, like you say, as is the customizability of the sandwich. I beat the lines almost every time by ordering on-line and paying cash.

[HerbyN]

I would disagree that Mario's in Glendale holds a candle to the Godmother created at Bay Cities. since i live in silverlake i do go to Mario's out of convenience/geographical necessity and they do make an above average sub/sandwich, but the freshness and quality of their bread doesn't approach Bay Cities in my book. not a bad compromise deli, but Bay Cities is in a class by itself.

have not tried Italia, but looks worth a visit...

[pinpei]

I don't know if this has been mentioned, but my vote goes to the tunafish sandwich at Cassell's.

[ns1]

Dunno if it's been mentioned, but for veggie style sandwiches...

HYMART on Camarillo/Vineland > *

Ridiculously flavorful sandwiches where sum > parts. Best falafel based sandwiches I've ever consumed; veggie baby on their crazy armenian roll = awesome

[bulavinaka]

Hi ns1, interesting addition to the list. Do you know if this sandwich is vegan-friendly? I'm always looking of good vegan choices for my self-flagellating vegan sister.

[ns1]

I'm not 100% on the specifics of vegan vs vegetarian, so pardon my ignorance

Their selection of vegetarian sandwiches is w/o equal. The veggie baby is falafel based and is w/o a doubt the best meatless sandwich I have ever consumed. I don't miss the meat at all.

It doesn't contain any milk based products except for maybe the yogurt.

Hope this helps.

[bulavinaka]

Thank you so much. A friend who is also a vegan lives in Sherman Oaks. I mentioned this place to her and she will investigate. Thanks for the tip!

[bulavinaka]

My friend who is vegan did try Hy Mart recently and truly enjoyed it. She got the veggie baby in a wrap with (I think it was) hummus and tahini in place of the yogurt sauce, and her friend got the veggie baby proper. Both thoroughly enjoyed their grub, proclaiming their sandwiches the best they've had in a long time. Thanks for the rec!

[GenuineFoodLover]

I definitely say Nate 'N Als in Beverly Hills, they also have new restaurant in Thousand oaks. They have all kind of classic sandwiches, pastrami, hot corned beef, honey maple turkey and more. And I know Nate n Als use certified Angus beef. And of course... the portion is pretty satisfying. What I like about their sandwich is they presented it very clean ( you know how greasy pastrami sandwich can be.. :) fresh cuts, with rye bread or kaiser roll. Oh... they give you free pickles too...lol and bagel on a string if you are under 12 years old. Worth to try!

[pinotgrisgirl]

It's got to be the Godmother at Bay City. Get out a package of napkins cuz it's messy. Yum. I also like the Turkey Meatloaf Sandwich at the Library Alehouse. Not so messy as the Godmother though!

[asepe]

Very new spot called Capriotti's on Wilshire in Beverly Hills. They are Deleware boys so they know that one of the often overlooked things about a great sandwich is the bread, and wow do they have amazing bread.

Great prices too, a small is about 8.50 but it's a huge 9" sandwich. You are welcome.

[a_and_w]

Just tried Capriotti's for the first time a few days ago. Really enjoyed my Turkey Cole and look forward to trying the pastrami version. As you say, the bread is really great -- reminds me of an Amoroso roll. As you also say, the portions are huge (my medium was good for two lunches). I only wish they served french fries, because fries make the perfect addition to the sandwich.

[kevin]

yeah, i've tried it a few times now. those peppers are good too as well as the stuffing that you can add to any sandwich you want. but it sucks it's kinda a chain, but it overrides the much prized bay cities for me too.

[flowerofhighrank]

Didn't see it mentioned, so I'll just bring it up: I went to Cole's P.E. Buffet over the holidays and liked it so much, I went back. They do the best French Dip in town. Which means they make the best French Dip on Earth.
Phillippe's is good, okay? Very good and it's a damn institution in our town and we need them. But Cole's has pastrami (Ps does not), good margaritas (not at Ps), better mustard, more comfortable seating and, well, 101 years, folks. 101 years and we'll take our grandkids.

The only problem: a waiter who insisted that we could NOT, absolutely NOT get our fries well-done. We pointed out that we'd had them well-done last time. Nuh-uh, he said we had not. I assured him that I'd had this mouth for many years and this mouth had eaten said fries a week before. Later, a waitress confirmed that, yes, we could have had the fries the way we wanted. I respect and make way for servers when I'm out, and I tip well. Why make a customer unhappy by arguing?
Other than that, a great place.

[JAB]

Better mustard? Really?

[jayros]

Tin Roof Bistro, Manhatten Beach, short rib sandwich

[loreeLB]

Big fan of the corned beef at Nate & Al's in BH or Art's in the Valley. Also anything from Bay Cities... Looking for something similar to a Primanti Bros sammy, if you can point me in a local direction you are a god LOL had a great sammy in PS it was melt in your mouth corned beef with some sort of vinegar slaw & cheese OMG.... :) lunch time yet :) lol

[jlisa1]

Any sandwiches that are on the same level as Ike's or Little Lucca's in the SF bay area? Ike's dirty sauce and Little Lucca's garlic sauce are so amazing that it would be nice to find something that isn't a 400 mile drive away.. And on Dutch Crunch bread too! (So far I've only found that at a few Pavilions)

[wutzizname]

The only place I know that has Dutch Crunch rolls is Toni's in Atwater
3156 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles 90039 [phone].
Not the greatest deli in L.A., but they do have the rolls, or used to anyway.

You might also try Martino's in Burbank. I'm told they have Dutch Crunch, but haven't been to confirm.

And because I hear the questions coming, Dutch Crunch is a Bay Area specialty.
See here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_bread

[Fru]

Frank's Famous in Glendale uses Dutch Crunch rolls. I've mentioned previously that they have some very good sandwiches. http://www.franksfamous.com/

[latindancer]

'The best SANDWICH in (Los Angeles) period."

That's like asking what the best pizza is in Los Angeles.
I like Langer's for pastrami and a Bay Cities for their Godmother and La Brea for their panini.
They're totally different types of sandwiches.

[magic man]

Blue Table in Calabasas, is a can't miss.

[orythedog]

croque monsieur at annisette...best in class

[clintonhillbilly]

Porto's Pan Lechon (roast pork & garlic sauce on fresh baked bread)
Zankou Chicken Tarna Sandwich, extra garlic sauce
Dan's Super Subs in Woodland Hills
Philippe's of course, I like the pork personally
Oinkster pulled pork w/ coleslaw
Umami burger for vegetarian burger or meat burger

[johnnymgs]

Is Bay Cities opening up at the Brentwood Country Mart? Lots of rumors...desparately seeking confirmation!!!

[schrutefarms]

NOOOOO!!!! You already have Santa Monica. Bring Bay Cities to the Eastside!!!

[Servorg]

Bay Cities said it best when asked (and I paraphrase here) "No, we aren't opening up another store in the Country Mart, or anywhere else for that matter"

http://la.eater.com/archives/2009/08/...

[HerbyN]

the roasted pork sandwich at Porto's in Glendale blows me away... great sandwich and under $5... are you freakin' kidding me? best sandwich value (taste and price) in LA (their fried mashed potato sandwich isn't too shabby either).

also... i gotta agree with several other posts here that the godmother in SM at bay cities is about as good as deli sandwiches get. the bread sets it apart.

[PeteyB]

I have been to all of these places Langers, Bay City, Porto's, Phillippe's, Attarri, North End Cafe and let me just say in all certainty: there is no other sandwich than the Bad Boy Sub at Mario's Deli in Glendale. I am not kidding when i say that this sandwich is a game ender. Everyone please try it and i promise you will find the end of your sandwich quest.

[Hapafish]

I have tried another sub at Mario's.( can't remember the name of it now. perhaps it is a newer one they have been marketing lately. I think it has an acronym for a name) Anyway, it was deeelicious! I added Italian peppers to it. Wow. I'll have to try the Bad Boy next time.
Ok, i just looked it up. It's the S.O.B.
http://mariosdeli.com/
HIGHLY recommend.

[ilikefood]

238 posts on this topic and EVERYONE has still not unanimously agreed on 1 single sandwich in to be the "best SANDWICH in (Los Angeles) period. "
What is wrong w/ you people?

[ohdaylay]

Bay Cities' God Mother

[sel]

While I love The Godmother, must have the hot pepper stuff though, I would say that it's far from 'The Best'.
My vote goes to a seasonal specialty at Mendocino Farms:

Untraditional Lobster Roll 12.95
Sauteed Lobster with Lemon Celery Relish, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Tomatoes and Shredded Romaine on a Breadbar Roll

Great ingrediants on a fantastic quality roll.........HEAVENLY!!!

-----
Mendocino Farms
300 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA

[kevin]

does sound good, there's no mayo in there, right?

and are they already made or can you get it without bacon?

[sel]

ALL of their wonderful sandwiches are assembled to order, and pretty quickly at that. Stuff like bacon is pre-cooked but fresh, I think that they will leave stuff off but have a no substitution policy. But on the other hand they will let you 'design' you're own sandwich so you can get what you want! Good stuff, thanks again ipse dixit!

[Alexbear]

Label's Table on Pico near Doheny. Great bargain deli sandwiches. Sandwiches are $7.50, daily special is $6.50. Nice size, great pastrami and brisket, good pickles, and some really outstanding rye bread. Cobb salad was good too. No frills but good reasonably priced sandwiches.

http://www.labelstabledeli.com

[ohdaylay]

I have to say The Oinkster in Eagle Rock has to offer just about the best sandwiches in town. My second would be Bay Cities Deli in Santa Monica.

[Ken A]

I agree with a lot of the replies here Langers, Phillipes, etc but one place I have never seen mentioned is the carving station inside The Tam O'Shanter on Los Feliz in Atwater Village. Everything is freshly made and is hand carved and dipped on the spot. My favorites are the prime rib, the roast pork and the beef brisket. Stay away from the roast beef. They simply make the best dip sandwiches in LA IMVHO.

[schrutefarms]

Gelsons has a turkey, brie, and cranberry mayo too. Personally, I think their deli is so-so, but that sandwich is really good.

[srgx2]

No one has yet mentioned Domingo's Italian Deli on Ventura in Encino. Best Italian sandwiches in the Valley. Up there with Bay Cities imho.

[cls]

Hasn't anyone been to the Malibu Country Mart?
Roast beef on pretzel bread, turkey with cranberry mayo and warm brie, pulled pork on homemade bread...
Need I say more?

[rednyellow]

This post reminds me how much I miss Coles.

[schrutefarms]

I'm a big fan of beach restaurant sandwiches...you know, everything has avacado and sprouts? That said, MY personal fave (not to be confused with "The Best") sandwich lies at Seacliff Liquor in Huntington Beach, my own personal masterpiece that took years to perfect...Soft French roll, thick cream cheese on both halves, yellow mustard on both halves, super thin roast beef, mashed up avacado, tomatoes, sprouts, and a huge handful of those yellow sour pepper rings. Oh, my yes, my mouth is watering right now!! Luckily, I taught myself how to make it perfectly at home, since I live in Hollywood now...If you stop by, pick up some Have'a Chips and a Snapple.

Seacliff Liquor
402 17th St.
Huntington Beach, Ca 92648

[normalheightsfoodie]

Philipes has great offerings! They are near the train station.

[WORX4FUDE]

I'm with some of the above folks... Bay Cities Deli... a.k.a. The W.O.P. shop. =) Try the Godfather of all sandwiches here. Mmmm. And the adjacent store ain't bad either... Great imports.

[yellojello]

any former houstonian's on here? i am thinking of those fantastic po-boys at antone's, you'd go in and there would be a big basket of them, you could just grab a couple and go. completely delicious and amazing, like nothing else i've found here...

[Mel Gee]

It's hard to understand how, in a city known for fine street food, Bay Cities' sandwiches -- made largely from commercially available premium cold cuts -- are considered supreme. Unfortunately, they may be.

As mentioned, Antone's in Houston has great sandwiches, but my favorite place (both for sandwiches with homemade fillings and for breakfast) is Mother's in New Orleans. The Mother's blackened ham po' boy is an exciting construction of excellent ham cut-to-order that includes the profound (the blackened edges of the ham) and the profane (the blackened edges of the ham). If anyone knows of something similar within, say, 500 miles of Los Angeles, please post!

[ChrisF]

Epic thread!

Ok, in no particular order:

Pecan crusted catfish Poboy at Creole Chef (Ladera Heights?)
BBQ turkey or pork on cheese bread at Bear Pit BBQ (Sepulveda)
Monte Cristo at Jerrys (bring along a portable defibrillator)
any daily special sandwich at The Cheese Store (Silverlake) OMG yum!
+1 on the beef and blue cheese at Philipe (Los Angeles)
weekend Tri Tip Sandwich at Hows Market (Granada Hills)

If I had to pick one though, it would be the daily specials at The Cheese Store in Silverlake. They are heaven. Intelligensia Coffee also happens to be next door for a great shot of espresso.

[Harry Niletti]

Sorry, ChrisF -- virtually all the meat I had at the Bear Pit (one visit only, but I ordered the BBQ sampler plate) was as dry as desert dust. For a tri-tip sandwich, I've never had better than at our Southern California Wood Ranch chain. I've been eating there since 1993, and everything's good, but tri-tip is their specialty.

-Harry

[Morganmic]

I saw someone say it already, but BAY CITIES, hands down. It's in SM off Lincoln and Arizona I think. You can not beat these AMAZING sandwiches. You must get the godmother, poor boy, turkey, or anything with the WORKS, if you like it spicy get the hot pepper salad and make sure you have the Italian dressing on it. It's great to eat outside if you can get a table or take it to the beach. Don't wait too long because they will get soggy. Oh and it gets so crowded. I HIGH suggest placing an order online, type in bay cities Italian deli in google and it should pop up. Goodluck!

[rednyellow]

Good thread. Lots of great sandwiches. My current fav is the Smoked pork and apple sauce sand. at the Village Idiot on Melrose. That sand. with fries, a side of bacony brussel sprouts and a glass or Spanish rose or a nice cider and I"m a happy camper.

[SeaCook]

For pastrami/corn beef I say Art's Delicatessen in Studio City. There's a reason people wait hours for a table there. French Dip of course Phillippe's. Best French *style* sandwiches Nicole's Gourmet Food in South Pasadena. I love their pate sandwiches. Pietro's on n> Lake is good for Italian style sandwiches.

[Selter Head]

Not much you can say after Langers, but I do like the hoagie at Little Pietro's on North Lake in Pasadena.

[alexfood]

Don't know if it's a "best" but just had the french dip at the new Lawry's in the Century City food court. They slice it right in front of you. Kind of a sodium bomb, but very tasty. Will return...

[fdb]

Yes, I enjoyed the Carvery Prime Rib Original sandwich with au jus and creamy horseradish. Very tasty!

[Moose]

For an Italian sub, Victor Junior's in Culver City is easily one of the best I've ever had, and certainly blows away Bay Cities' Godmother by a longshot. In fact, I've never been back to Bay Cities after I found this sub. I get mine with extra meat and provolone.

The prime rib French dip at Bandera is both incomparable and sublime. And it should be for the price. I get mine rare.

The ham & swiss on rye at the Apple Pan is outstanding.

And yes, Langer's pastrami on rye has no peer. Earth shatteringly good.

I think that about covers it...

[Pesky_Humans]

That's a bold statement about the Godmother. Going to have to check this out ASAP. Thanks for the tip.

[Dommy]

Agreed! It's about Godmother Time in the Dommy Household and I think we'll have to a taste off... ;)

--Dommy!

[Moose]

Yes, it is a bold statement, and I stand behind it. One caveat, however: Bay Cities Godmother sandwich was far better about 15 plus years ago. The bread was slightly less crusty, but more importantly, they put way more meat on the sub. If I were to compare Victor Jr's sub with the "old" Godmother, it would be a close race with my vote leaning to the Godmother. Unfortunately, today's Godmother is a pale facsimile of what it once was.

[odub]

I wasn't around to try the Godmother's in the early/mid 90s. It is one of my favorite sandwiches these days and I went to try the Italian sub at Victor Jr's today (since it's relatively close to me).

A good sandwich, especially for the value ($6.95 with tax included). Neither myself nor my wife thought it was better than the Godmother however. The bread wasn't as good and while the flavors were similar, the Victor's sub lacked the depth and complexity of the Godmother.

Mostly, I think the bread makes a huge huge difference here. The Godmother with different bread wouldn't be the sandwich it is. And I suppose the Victor Jr's with better bread would also be a better sandwich. Glad to have gone to VJ's - I'm eager to try their hot sandwiches next.

[a_and_w]

Just a word to the wise, you get WAY more meat if you order a customized sandwich. I usually get either salami and cheddar or capicola and provolone, and I get substantially more meat than I do on the Godmother.

[odub]

Be that as it may, I never felt like the Godmother was short on meat. For those with a long enough memory to remember how the sandwich used to be, I can respect a sense of disappointment if it's declined in quantity (though I'd hesitate to equate quantity with quality). I think the Godmother is an incredible *tasting* sandwich and I don't think the sheer amount of meat is the only thing going there. The sandwich I had at Victor Jr's was tasty. But it wasn't as good as the Godmother (the inferior bread had much to do with that) and I don't think extra meat would have changed that.

Again, no dis to Victor Jr's. I liked the sandwich.

[glutton]

I'm not sure I want more meat than what they put on the Godmother. It's got a nice balance of meat, veggies, and other stuff. More meat would appeal to some American need for good value, but I don't think it does much for taste and texture.

[Teal]

I vote Langer's. I have to go there every so often.

[fdb]

My first "mile high" sandwich experience was at Greenblatt's 20-some years ago--roast beef, turkey, cole slaw, russian dressing. It was pretty good. Haven't been back for a long time. Do people still go to Greenblatt's?

[wiz]

This is the greatest sandwich I have tasted, forget the pastrami,Salami,or corned beef. This place is not even a restaurant, but a Spanish food importer and manufacturer. The sandwich is Serano Ham, roasted pepper, and Spanish cheese on a fresh baked roll, you have to tast it to believe it.
- 2006 La Española Meats, Inc.
25020 Doble Avenue
Harbor City, CA 90710
Tel:[phone]
Fax: [phone]
Sundays closed.

[phoenixrising]

I know its been covered, but I'd walk over my mother for a Godmother with fresh bread from Bay Cities. :)

[ickster]

Right now I am digging the Po Boy Sandwiches at Creole Chef. Specifically the Roast Beef Po Boy with smothered onions and brown gravy, as well as the Fried Shrimp Po Boy served with Fries and creole mayonnaise.

[orythedog]

Funny you mention Creole Chef, ickster because when it comes down to the very best sandwich in the whole, wide, world, it's the FERDI at Mothers in New Orleans. Tell me more about Creole Chef. Where is it for starters?

[ickster]

Red Beans and Rice, Jambalaya, Fried Catfish and Snapper, plus the sandwiches. Good folks run and work at the place. Very clean environment with a smallish patio and 6-8 tables outside.

3715 Santa Rosalia Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90008
[phone]

[fdb]

I've been looking for good Po Boy's....where is Creole Chef?

[Penne4YourThoughts]

I had the most AMAZING shrimp Po' Boy in Brentwood at the Coral Tree Cafe a while back. And I do mean AMAZING! I admit, I have't been there in ages. The place was closed down for so long and haven't been there since. But the Po' Boy was on a "specials" board the first time I ordered it, then I went back weekly for my 'new obsession' and would actually just walk up to their chef and ask him directly if he could make it for me and they always gladly did. Have tried so many times to re-create that one at home, but never quick mastered it the way they did it. There was just something so unique about that sandwich. Yum!

[a_and_w]

Have you tried the curry chicken salad at Coral Tree? It's my favorite...

[orojas]

For the best sandwich in town you need to try,
Eastside Market
1013 Alpine St. Los Angeles or at www.esmdeli.com

[Juliebeth]

okay, so it's a bit far ...but did anyone ever try The White House in Atlantic City?

[JimmyC]

juli3e you hit it on the head whitehouse is the goods

[gsw]

kuku sandwich at the Attari sandwich shop in Westwood. kuku is a persian dish kind of like a very herb-y omelette or fritatta - it's almost dayglo green! - and it's served in a crispy baquette with lettuce, tomato, and pickles. It's sort of a Persian version of a banh mi or sub sandwich. They also have many other fillings, including chicken salad and cutlets, and sausages, and tongue, and they have a fantastic bean soup served with a blob of sour cream and some crispy onions. Yum!

[a_and_w]

The kuku sandwich is indeed excellent!

[L84lunch]

Love: My Hero (pastrami w/tomato salad); Phillipes (beef w/blue cheese dip) and Huston's french dip.

But my favorite goes to the GodFATHER sandwich @ Bauducco's in Westlake Village (Conejo Valley). If you ever find yourself out that way, it's worth a special trip. It's a hot sandwich on a fresh italian roll (baked on the premises) with prosciutto, pastrami, ham, roast beef, swiss cheese, roasted red pepper and butter.

It sounds like a huge mess, but it is actually not overwhelming or even messy to eat. The bread soaks up the juice and it is amazing. Yummmmmmmmmmm!

Bauducco's
2839 Agoura Road
Westlake Village
[phone]

[calabasas_trafalgar]

Meatball - Guiliano's

[teenage glutster]

Sandwiches eyy?

I recently took an expedition to sample Juliennes In San Marino.

Roast Leg of Lamb Sandwich with caramalized Onions, Tomatoe and Avocado on their house-made Rosemary Bread.

Did I mention the walk was 30 minutes long? At about 1:00PM with the sun guiding my way, and it was in the shee-shee city of San Marino and all by my ghetto self?

No regrets though...

[burger]

teenage glutster - Absolutely, Positively agree w/ you. Julienne's lamb sandwich is 1 damn fine sandwich. I've only tried the pre-prepared ones on a kaiser roll- as good as that is, rosemary bread sounds even better.
I hope other Chounders in the area are paying attention.

[Mando]

Maybe cuz i grew up on it but I still love the occasional Pastrami from The Hat in San Gabriel and neighboring area's. Its too much for an everyday thing but when i wanna bing on a big unhealthy sandwich its always what first pops in my mind.

[SoCalMuncher]

In no particular order:
#19,
the beef at bahn mi Chale (sp?)
Big Mike's burger
The Philly or pizza sub at Joyce's in Culver City
Torta Cubana at El Gallo Hiro.

[gaylenwaydelich]

Almost forgot in my own backyard - Busy Bee in San Pedro. The BBQ pork on Ischia roll is sloppy and worth every stain on your favorite shirt. Place has lines out the door daily. Think Bay Cities lines but friendlier.

Sounds crazy but the Apple Pan has a great egg salad and tuna sandwich. I found out one Friday during Lent a few years ago when a friend guilted me out of a burger.

[odub]

I just tried the BBQ chicken at Busy Bee today; very very very proper.

[gaylenwaydelich]

1. #19 hands down - been eating there 30 years. Rest in Peace Mr. Langer
2. (A close tie for first) Lamb double dipped with blue cheese from Phillipe's - do yourself a favor and order 2 lemonades. Coin toss for the coleslaw or the chili no beans on the side.
3. Bay Cities Deli - the buffalo mozzerela and proscuitto. That bread is sublime.

[whatsfordinner]

Your three restaurant choices mirror mine exactly! I always get the lamb double dipped with swiss (and 2 lemonades!) from Phillipe's but have never tried it with blue cheese. I definitely will next time. Unfortunately, at Bay Cities I can't seem to order anything other than the Godmother, try as I might to get my eating partner to order something different so we can share.

[gaylenwaydelich]

I have never tried the Godmother. I guess I'll have to try to get there this week. Definitely try the lamb with bleu cheese. I have never been a fan of swiss even though I am a self avowed cheesehead.

[whatsfordinner]

I just got back from lunch at Taverna Tony's in Malibu and had to add their rotisserie lamb sandwich to my list of favorites. The lamb is tender and flavorful, and is served on a sesame bun with some sort of spread (I don't think it was mayo; it was kind of cheesy. . . a feta spread maybe?), red onions, red peppers, tomatoes and a drizzling of Greek dressing. It was seriously good.

[stvnptrk66]

Clearly we haven't all given up the bread! Though I am trying to cut down.

Larchmont Wine and Cheese rocks for sandwiches (see below for more citations!) Good bread, great fillings (prosciutto, soppressata) and those cornichons and olives that are, like, confit of olives. Almost too intense--but in a good way.

My particular weakness is for banh mi, specifically for the KP's Deli version of the Dac Biet (Cold Cut Combo) in Silver Lake. The cilantro, pickle, mayo, Maggi sauce, pate (head cheese?) and jalapenos. It just WORKS. Plus they're super nice and helpful.

I also tried my first boerewors this evening, from Jeff's Gourmet Sausage on Pico. Like a good Italian sausage (Chicago style) in its subtle, meaty complexity (if not in the toppings or roll used) and I feel confident I'll be back there to try their merguez and more.

I like Junior's by the Westside Pavilion for their open face brisket with gravy. Total flashback to school lunch and countless roadside diners, but better. Oh, and I think I'm due for a Langer's pastrami next time I'm by the park...

[kel]

The Italian Deli in Glendale name will follow, sorry-about 4 blocks east of downtown; three blocks west of Glendale Freeway.

[Eye_carl]

Marios deli in Glendale on Broadway baby, spicy coppa seca.....period.

[burger]

Any sandwich that's stacked so high you can't eat it as a sandwich is not sandwich let alone the best.
Obviously there's no "best SANDWICH in LA period" but most variations of Langer's pastrami on rye qualify as a damn good sandwich.

IMO, the best ham sandwich is fr: Honey Baked. On squaw bread w/ mayo, their mustard, lettuce, tomato, red onion. I wish I could say theirs is the best ham & cheese sandwich, but the Swiss just adds cheese texture and flavor, (a good thing) but w/o any Swiss flavor.

[jonahlee]

Had a Victor's Corned Beef Rueben this weekend, with fries. Damn was it good. Could practically hear my arteries hardening, but damn if it wasn't a good Reuben. Where would you guys say are better Corned Beef Rueben's in LA, and not Pastrami.

[SIMIHOUND]

Brent's Sky High corned beef or pastrami sandwich. Piles of meat topped with coleslaw and russian dressing. Accompanied with yam fries and a cold iced tea. THAT a sandwich!! Some places put cheese on a Sky High it but I dont agree.

[jonahlee]

Yes, I moved to North Hills recently, and have to say I think Brent's has the best Reuben in LA. I prefer corned beef to Pastrami, though I do love their Black Pastrami Reuben, and their corned beef Reuben I find to be easily the best in the city. And the service is awesome. Sure you have to wait or a table, but the waitresses are so friendly and my ice tea gets constantly refilled.

[nosh]

Victor Jr's on a weekend? Somehow I thought they were closed Sat-Sun??

[bulavinaka]

They are closed Sat, Sun... maybe Friday? That's when the weekend starts for me - right after work! I'm surprised they don't do at least Saturday - that kitchen is fast and furious on Friday nights with all the takeout and delivery orders...

[jonahlee]

Victor's Restaurant and Deli in Hollywood, not Victor Jr's. And Victor's is certainly open on the weekends. Don't know about Victor Jr's/

[ozzygee]

To this stupendous list I will only add a few offerings:

1) the Torta Cubana at Dona Rosa in Pasadena. Three variations on the theme of Pork, in the key of Fat, but it is exemplary in every regard.
(It's the only thing they get right, IMO. In fact, if you remember that they are a great bakery, and only a so-so restaurant, you cant go wrong.)
2) the meatball sub at Dino's in Burbank. Crunchy and gooey at the same time, salty and slightly sweet, good yet oh, so bad; it's simply sublime when straight out of the oven.

[Vikzen]

-Langer's pastrami, a thousand times over! (It was practically my Dad's last wish on his deathbed!)
-The Godmother at Bay Cities in SM, yes! Agreed it should not be allowed to sit long - my car died on the way home to Echo Park with 2 bagfuls of goodies from Bay Cities. After towing, the sandwich was a mess!
-Cuban Sandwich at Porto's in Glendale.
-Daddy's Divine Meatball Sandwich at Victor Jr's in Culver City (latest discovery - WOW!)
-Pork French Dip at Philippe's.

[bulavinaka]

Work your way down the list at Victor Jr's - they've got great sandwiches... and pizza as well...

[Vikzen]

Agreed, that divine grandpa Vic's meatball is ... divine, no better way to put it. I've also witnessed others ordering their Philly-style cheeseteaks. When I lived in Philly, I never ate cheesesteaks, as I was on my macro-seafood exclusive kick at the time. Okay, maybe once I went to Pat's.

If anyone can attest to the authenticity of Victor Jr's Philly cheesesteaks, do!

[nosh]

I went to Victor Jr's for the first time recently based on recs from Chowhound. Smaller and further east than I expected, and very friendly and helpful service. Arrived right after 11, so I ordered a side of meatballs and a couple of rolls to go. Very good. My point of comparison is Bay Cities; those at Victor Jr's. were a tiny bit smaller and less dense, so their side of 4 approximated buying three from Bay Cities at over $4 rather than $3.75. The rolls at Victor Jr's were softer and less crusty, but tasty and much easier to work with the second day. I will definitely be back to try their sub sandwich and other menu items, especially on Mondays when Bay Cities is closed. I'm a big Bay Cities fan too, and on the rare occasions I arrive there during busy times I bypass the wait for their excellent deli sandwiches and hit the hot section to the right nearer the door and go for the meatballs, daily special, or parmagiana.

[burger]

Dona Rosa's Torta Cubano may qualify in the "best sandwich description category"-
carnitas, Milanese steak, ham in handmade bread w/ guacamole, jalepenos,onions, panela cheese, refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes and chipotle mayo- but the sandwich itself IMO is surprisingly very bland. What's in between the roll can be described as a glutinous mass- all the meat seems boiled including the Milansa steak which is supposed to be a breaded fried steak. The only flavor is slightly pork.
I just ate what will probably be my last one yesterday.

[tkemeny]

I'm not going to argue with Langer's pastrami. Two other great sandwiches i can think of:

1. Lechon Asado sandwich at El Cochinito: the Lechon dinner is slighly better but we're talking sandwiches here. there's no better roast pork i've tried in LA. and it's a huge, salty, amazing sandwich.

2.They claim to have the best grillled cheese sandwich ever - tall order - but the grilled cheese at Surfas in Culver City is pretty great. Kind of the opposite of El Cochinito in that it's more on the austere tip, but totally delicious nonetheless. pick up a lemon lavender bar to go along with your sandwich.

[bulavinaka]

That lemon lavender bar is epic... it keeps appearing in threads having to do nothing with either lemon or lavender... nonetheless, a great way to finish off just about sandwich...

[sel]

Aahh, The Laura Ashley Bar!!! I tried it once, I found it interesting. It was wonderful--------------NOT!

[bulavinaka]

My guess is lavender is your friend only in soaps... it's not for everyone, but lemon and lavender first struck me as an interesting combination when I made a lemon-lavender pound cake served with creme fraiche, lemon zest, and lavender flowers. The relatively small effort keeps my pocketbook in check from booking a plane ticket to Provence...

[mc michael]

Not that there's anything wrong with Provence, but I can't recall any sandwiches there.

[bulavinaka]

Maybe a Croque Monsieur or two has squeezed into a portside cafe in Marseilles from Paris, but I was thinking about the lemon and lavender...sorry to get off subject...

[mc michael]

Speaking of which, I have had some pretty good baguette sandwiches at Angelique Cafe.

[Mattapoisett in LA]

I need to tradmark the Laura Ashley Bar quip. When Dommy's post about the cafe came out with the Laura Ashley quip, It was posted in the at Surfas until they found other reviews to replace it which have stayed up ever since.

I have gone in since and asked for the Laura Ashley bar [Dommy loves them] and they have known what I ment.

[K.D.]

New York Deli in Torrance.
2424 Sepulveda Blvd Ste A
Torrance, CA 90501

A huge double decker sandwich called the New Yorker. Freshly, thin sliced Pastrami on the first layer. Then Corned Beef on the next. Cole slaw and Russian dressing all thrown in together on rye bread. Talk about getting lock jaw from trying to wrap your mouth around this monster as well as the other double decker sandwiches on their menu.

[HulaShakeJaz]

YES NYDeli for sure!

[cbmaa1]

Some of the best sandwiches (and piled mile-high) can be found at Jerry's in Marina Del Rey, great place to get a New York style sandwiche as well as great salads, etc.

Enjoy!

[sarahjane]

doner sandwich at spitz in eagle rock. chicken or regular with tzatziki, cucumbers, tomato and chili sauce. with a side of sweet potato fries or their hummus and pita chips. oh man, that's good.

[Ernie]

Recently tried the Donato (meatball + sausage) sandwich at Big Nick's in San Pedro and have to say it is the best I have had in LA. The meatball was fresh and soft with lots of oregano (the owners are Greek) and fresh sausage with lots of fennel, tomato sauce was vibrant, all on a good crusty roll.

[Eye_carl]

My vote is for Stone Oven's hot sandwiches in the topanga westfield mall. They make the Foccacia dough right in the front of the store, pretty ambitous fora food court. My favorite is the spicy chicken sandwich...yummy!

[David Kahn]

Lot's of really great possibilities already, but I'd like to add a couple sandwiches that have somehow been overlooked so far:

The BLTA at Lucques (http://www.lucques.com/ ), served at lunch, and only when really good, ripe tomatoes are in season. Seriously one of the best sandwiches I've ever eaten.

The chicken club with avocado at Tallyrand (1700 W. Olive, Burbank, [phone]). This place is just a little coffee shop, but their chicken club sandwich is consistently excellent. Make sure to ask for avocado.

The Cuban roast pork sandwich at El Cochinito (3508 Sunset Blvd., [phone]).

And, finally, if we're treating burgers as sandwiches for purposes of this thread, the $13 prime sirloin burger at Arnie Morton's (http://www.mortons.com/website/index.... ), with sauteed mushrooms and cheddar cheese, unfortunately served only at lunch.

[truefoodie]

Most of the greats have been named - but not even one vote for a Phillipe's Lamb French Dip with their spicy mustard... aw come 'on, guys -- that's good.

[eisenbear]

Bay Cities Deli on Lincoln (just north of the 10) in SM. Italian Deli with a cool selection of specialty foods, oh and sandwiches made to order. As with all great works in the genre - the bread makes whatever you put on it better. Crusty and chewy Italian rolls like no one else's I've found in Northern or Southern CA. Understandably, it's busy - so slot out extra time, be aggressive when your number is called, have your order ready, and ask for the hot peppers on whatever you get...

[Ogawak]

Bay Cities bread is great. I always buy a loaf when making pasta or soup at home. If you don't like lines, Bay Cities allows you to fax or send your order online. Just call ahead to confirm. It will be ready in 45 minutes.

http://www.baycitiesitaliandeli.com/

[kellydeez]

My favorite is the chicken breast sando from this place...

http://www.iltram.net/

Locations in Studio City and Bev Hills. They put this sundried tomato pesto, avocado and some kind of basil sauce. Sounds boring but it is truly AMAZING. I can't even go by there without smelling it and stopping by. It can't be good for you but it oh so heavenly.

[ns1]

Had the Langer's #19 for the first time today. Wow, that was something else.

[Fru]

I have to add Frank's Famous on Verdugo in Montrose/Glendale. They actually have a horseradish sauce that they use on their roast beef sandwich.

[jennp]

the Havana at Cafe Brazil (in Culver City) is pretty darn good. Get it with some fries, squeeze some lemon all over everything (including the fries), and enjoy!

http://www.cafebrazil.com/

[jennp]

oops wrong cafe brazil!

cafe braSil.... http://www.cafe-brasil.com/

[Ogawak]

Generally I don't like to declare a "best" sandwich, because it can take away from enjoying all the others.

I love many of the sandwiches mentioned, notably Langers pastrami and Bay Cities Godmother, and I'm going to have to try a Cuban sandwich.

I would like to throw in Vito's eggplant parmigiana sandwich. It's Vito's own favorite, and it is amazing, and I am not a vegetarian.

[Dommy]

That is tops on the list... when Rose Bowl season starts... we are going to work our way through Vito's Sammich menu! :D

--Dommy!

[Dommy]

Okay... Vito once again proves to be TOPs! We had the Eggplant Sammich and the Sausage Sammich and both were OUT OF THIS WORLD... The bread however is a bit 'hoagie' like and not crusty like Bay Cities, so these Sammiches are best eaten fresh (Although we enjoyed making a mess of our selves at the Bowl! :))

--Dommy!

[Ogawak]

Thanks for your report. I wondered how these sandwiches would travel. Their canoli's don't travel well either. Oh, well. I'll just have to eat them there.

[pgofman]

bay cities of course
mick subs in the valley on Lindley and Ventura
il trim both in the hills of beverly or in the valley
johnnies pastrami for late night pastrami sandwiches
everybody knows the french dip by phillipe in downtown
mary d's on washington for an original cheesesteak with wiz
a bakery in silverlake next to the out of closet store makes great pannini

those are my favs...any questions??

[Dommy]

I LOVE sammiches... There is just an initial list I'm sure others will pop into my head.. :)

* Godmother, spicy, with the works from Bay Cities. It is BEST to let this one 'mellow' so that the flavors meld and get soaked up in the bread...

* Tuna Sammich from Al Gelato... not really a sammich, because the bread they use is so thick... I use it like a tortilla... just to scoop up that wonderful tuna

* Pulled Pork Sammich from Baby Blues... Pork Goodness...

* Meatball Bahn Mi from Lees... This is the ONLY sammich to get at Lees... everything else is just disapointing...

* Grilled Veggie Sammich from Blue Bird Cafe... never have I had such a delish veggie sammich. It's something I could eat everyday....

* Cochinita Torta at Chichen Itza... I complain about their underspicing in the stand alone plate... but when their Cochita is placed in a torta... something magical
happens...

* Surfas Angus Hash Breafast Sammich... My second favorite breakfast sammich... the meat is so soft and tender... the entire sammich is a flavor bomb

* Sausage McGriddle... my first favorite breakfast sammich... sorry guys... ;D

--Dommy!

[Burger Boy]

Try the Pukked Pork at J&J Burger Shack on Adams, get a side of slaw, he will not put the slaw on his Q!

[tony michaels]

That is one unfortunate typo. ;-D

[hpcat]

How does it compare to the Oinkster pulled pork? I love that sandwich. The only one I ever crave, besides the Langer's pastrami.

[Golem]

Tuna melt at Fromin's in Encino. They know how to make it there. It's the best I've ever had.

[boogiebaby]

OMG, the Sausage McGriddle is wonderful! The sausage has the right amount of spice to go with the sweetness of the pancake bun. The McGriddles with egg are terrible, but the sausage on it's own is amazing.

[Cinnabon]

My favorites are:
Claro's for the Italian sub or the roast pork sandwich the the cooked onions & cheese.
Baquette Express for the BBQ Pork Bahn Mi
Tito's Market in El Monte for the Milanesa sandwich with chili.

[Burger Boy]

Wait a minute roast pok, onions and cheese, which Claros. I see lunch tomorrow in my future!

[bernardo]

For pastrami, Langer's
For hot corned beef & brisket, Nate & Al's; 2nd place for corned, Billy's
For French dip, Houston's
For bagels & lox, Barney's, only slightly above the line, still looking, help please
For fresh roasted turkey, Bristol Farms
For fresh tuna salad, Point Loma Seafoods (San Diego)
For Santa Maria tri-tip, Lou's Oak
For lamb, Zov's

Still ISO best sandwiches for shrimp salad, whitefish salad, fried oysters, lobster salad, chopped liver and flank steak

[limaboy]

Tuna on wheat or rye at Apple Pan
Golden Nugget at Leonor's Veggie Restaurant in N Hollywood
Turkey or Godmother at Bay Cities
Pastrami at Langer's
Reubens at Brent's
Fresh Turkey at Astros Silverlake
Club at Harry's Burbank
anything!! at HealthyCA on Lankershim

[Mr Grub]

Two candidates (in addition to Langer's basic hand-cut pastrami, of course):
Oki-dog
Houston's French dip

[barcelona]

Brent's in Northridge is #1

[Wolfgang]

Langer's is my #1 because it's always there and always brilliant and it relies on nothing except great meat and great bread.

Others worth mentioning:
The braised beef sandwich that was on Campanile's lunch menu about a year ago.
The Cuban sandwich that was on Campanile's lunch menu about a year ago.
The grilled ham and gruyere sandwich at La Brea bakery. Simple and perfect.
The Sloppy Joe at Clementine.
The poorboy (with mustard, lettuce, tomato and italian dressing) at Bay Cities. I just discovered this sandwich in the past year because I'd always order the Godmother when I wanted an Italian Submarine. I think I prefer the poorboy.

[sel]

I've never noticed a Po Boy at Bay Cities. What kind is it?

[hrhboo]

It's very similar to the Godmother, but with a different selection of meats.

[sel]

Thanks, time to break out of my Bay Cities routine!

[bulavinaka]

It's not as massive, but very tasty as well... it's all about the bread roll...

[sel]

Sometimes I don't find massive as desirable as I once did. If I have a large Godmother for lunch than I'm full till breakfest the next day! If I have a smaller sandwich than I'm good to go for a maybe late dinner! All I can say is that I keep looking for Italian style sandwiches in L.A. and find all that I've tried not as tasty as those at Bay Cities.

[hrhboo]

It close to the same size as the Godmother, and really quite similar. It's just different enough to be a pleasant change, yet not so different as to risk disappointment.

[sel]

I live a long ways from anywhere but I think I'm gonna have to point the Prius towards Santa Monica tomorrow!

[Wolfgang]

I believe it has bologna, cotto salami and swiss cheese. I may be missing a third meat. It's called a Poorboy because it's cheaper than other sandwiches there.
I think the last one I had there was $5.70 for a large.

[bulavinaka]

You're right - those two meats and cheese, but I think it comes with provolone. Anyhoo, that's a great-tasting sandwich too... again, it's all about the bread...

[Diana]

Brents pales in comparison to a Langer's #19

[Hapafish]

Houston's French Dip I call the "gift from God".BTW, someone above mentioned Bandera's French Dip--it's probably the same sandwich because they are owned by the same company.

[kevin]

you're most likely right.

their burgers aren't too shabby either.

[QualityMart]

Ya know what ... I went to Houston's for the first time a few weeks ago, not expecting to be impressed at all. But the French Dip, which is what I got, was the best one I've ever had! Who knew? So I 2nd that rec...

[B Minus]

The second best sandwich in L.A. is the Torta Cubana from El Gallo Giro.

[alexfood]

I'll see you guys a few that have been mentioned (Godmother @ BCI, Brent's Black Pastrami Reuben, Media Noche Preparada at Porto's), and raise you:
- a Carlitos Gardel Steak Sandwich and
- a Duck Confit sandwich from the Artisan Cheese Gallery
Those are my two absolute favorites these days.

[Golem]

I'm an old-fashioned guy. The corned beef on rye at Brent's is wonderful. It's served on Jewish rye, which I love. They also have really good, not too highly seasoned, potato knishes. A Doctor Brown's. Ahhh, life is good.

[purplescout]

The potato-ball sandwich at Porto's bakery/deli in Glendale is weird and wonderful. Don't like the idea of potatoes on your sandwich? Just get a few potato balls to go!

The Wimpy burger at Gorikee deserves a mention. It's a thick burger (at least 8 oz), topped with caramelized onions and garlic/ginger/mango chutney, and served with a side order of cajun fries topped with sauteed garlic. Avalable at lunch only.

[Burger Boy]

Where is Gorikee?

[katkoupai]

Is this it?

Gorikee
[phone]
21799 Ventura Blvd
Woodland Hills, CA 91364

[ipsedixit]

Yup.

It's sort of hidden in a little nook in a strip mall.

[kevin]

if it's dinner time, you can special order your burger and take it over to the bukowski-esque bar next door, and munch on it with some beer or rum and cokes.

[Dommy]

I had NO idea they made them into a sammich!! That is so good... it's EVIL!!

--Dommy!

[bigtums]

What about the Pasadena Sandwich Company? Those sandwiches can get pretty damn big. Although is Pasadena still considered in "Los Angeles"?

[katieleigh]

I just tried their regular sub yesterday (the waitress said it was her favorite) and I have to say I was really frustrated by it. It was stacked WAY to high and it was completely impossible to get a bite with even half of the ingredients in it. It didn't really taste that great either.

[Elliott Koretz]

When I see this topic it reminds me of hands down the best and most unique sandwich I have ever come across. The long gone "Subway" on Radford in Studio City had a chinese roast pork on toasted garlic bread with hot mustard and sweet plum sauce. Today, the cuban sandwich at Mambo's in Burbank is a good bet.

[chuck]

I remember the Subway on Radford. I used to go there all the time. They also had the best steak and mushroom sanwiches. There was another one at Sherman Way and Coldwater that is also long gone.

[Ken A]

Not to be confused with the awful chain, the "Subway" had the absolut best Philly cheesesteaks In LA. Oh the memories.

[Jack Flash]

Langer's - pastrami

Lee's Hoagie House - Lee's Italian

Philippe's - French dip

Mustard Seed Cafe - sunrise breakfast sandwich

Connal's - gyro

Mendocino Farms - just about anything on the menu, but I'm particularly fond of the chicken MBT.

[chefthisguy]

Mario's in Glendale (triple decker amarosa style roll with gabagool, proscuit, soppresata, provolone, pepericin's,,,,delish!

[bcorne]

Marios...a classic...

[David Kahn]

Philippe's is pretty damn good. I like the lamb sandwich, in particular

http://www.philippes.com/

[phant0omx]

the lamb is really good. better then expected. the pork is good too, but the ham is too salty at least for my taste.

[estone888]

The grilled chicken breast with roasted fresh poblano chili, avocado and cheese at Ya Ya's Burgers on Gage in Bell (is it?) I can't recall the name of it - there are 60 or so different sandwiches after all - but if you describe it they'll know what you're talking about.

Langer's pastrami on rye - simple but perfect.

The BBQ pork banh mi at Banh Mi Che Cali - any branch.

Choripan at Mercado Buenos Aires.

Plain old ham and cheese at Portugal Imports in Artesia.

[livinglegend]

Doughboys on 3rd street between LaCienega and Fairfax has an amazing vegi sandwich with a pesto olive oil dressing that will make you devour the entire beast of a sandwich in a second.

[bosanova99]

I am also a fan of My Hero in Northridge for a classic sub sandwich. They steam the bun just enough to make it soft and the tomato relish is fabulous. I also like the Cuban sandwiches at Porto's in Burbank. I especially like the garlic sauce!

[budlit]

ohhhh, my hero, brings back childhood memories, love their tuna salad sub with that relish

[pgofman]

my hero is good

[malibumike]

The Eastside Deli just west of Chinatown(1013 Alpine street, Los Angeles, CA 90012) http://www.esmdeli.com/ has the best sandwich in LA hands down. It is the #7 hot roast beef and pastrami with provolone on an italian roll and the best maranara type sauce Ive ever had.

[phant0omx]

i had one last week. i was only gonna eat half and save the rest, but it was soo good i just had to eat all of it.

[pharmnerd]

Tried Eastside Market & Italian Deli today for the first time, per recs on this thread. I can't believe I've worked less than 10 mins away for 10+ yrs without hearing about this place!

Tried the roast beef + pastrami + provolone + grilled peppers as per malibumike. Was huge, tasty, artery-clogging, cheap and messy. Store and food reminded me of an Italian version of Phillipes. I'm definitely adding this place to my regular rotation of lunch spots. Thanks for the tip CHers.

[David Kahn]

Personally, I like their number 3 meatball and sausage with provolone.

[pharmnerd]

Am gonna try this one next time.

Man, this thread has created a large CH to-do list for me.

[mc michael]

The Pastrami Ruben at Victor's in Hollywood is pretty good. It's not like Langer's pastrami, but it's the combo of tasty ingredients. Should come with a cardiac consult. But you can get some red wine to counteract the effect.

[jonahlee]

Yea, I am not sure I would call it the best in LA, but the Rueben at Victor's is pretty damn tasty, pretty big, and a sandwich that will get all over your face and yoru clothes. It is too bad it is $15, and one is enough to clog your arteries, because I live right around he corner from them.

[bulavinaka]

How about some love from Philly? Markie D's in Culver City makes a pretty mean cheesesteak. Grilled beef slices, provolone (my preference), and grilled onions and peppers, all grilled and minced together on the griddle until it forms one nice gooey glob that makes me think how Philly would make a queso fundido, with the nicely browned edges. They form this into a the shape of a sausage and slide that on to a nice italian roll, throw in a side of their curly fries, and you're rooting for the Eagles!

Another Culver City place for great sandwiches is Victor Jr's. Although they do some great Italian subs, hoagies, cheesesteaks, and pizza, what I found to be memorable for me was their tuna salad on an italian roll. They mix in a generous amount of hard-boiled egg into their tuna salad, making it rich and substantial. The order comes with cheese so have them toast it in their ovens, and it's tuna melt Italian-style. FoodDude37 did a post on this one about a month ago. Thanks bunches!

http://www.markiedstasteofphilly.com/

http://www.geocities.com/victorjrs2004/

[Diana]

The burgers at Billy's grill are amazing. Beef, buffalo, ostrich turkey or tuna burgers, yum!

[Burger Boy]

Where is Billys?

[mc michael]

Wait a minute! Burgers shouldn't be considered on a sandwich thread. OK, resume hinting for Billys (presumably not the deli in Glendale).

[Diana]

Let see, meat and oher toppings o two peices of bread...yup, it's a sandwich! many restraunts put burgers under "sandwich" headings in the menu in recognition of this fact.

[mc michael]

Right, but given the history of burger controversies here (just search Apple Pan), burgers are their own category.

[Diana]

Well, think of it more like this. All hamburgers are sandwiches, but not all sandwiches are hamburgers.

I'm not familiar with the Great Historical Hamburger Controversy. (although I have heard about the Bonzai Burgers used to take out warships in world war two, and the Great Chilly/Chilli Burger catastrophe in '32) The only one I'm aware of is that so many places claim to have invented them.

Never had the apple pan burger, but I have heard mention as to some silly squabble over what toppings/meats are "allowed". It's not as if it's HAM? is it? t's a hamburger steak on a roll or bun, which I think refers to the town of hambourg more than the complete package.

Frankly, whatever you pile on that you like is OK with me.

People get this silly about hot dogs, too. Where I was born, a hot dog wasn't a dog without a heap o slaw. Chicago people decry catsup (or is it Ketchup? ).

People are weird.

[mc michael]

See, the hot dogs are a whole 'nother category to themselves. But you've got the flava.
As for burgers, about once a week somebody searches for the best in LA/SoCal. You'll see. It would not be fair to strap the other sandwiches with that baggage.

[Diana]

South east corner of the Van Nuys Magnolia intersection in Sherman oaks.

Lamb,
Beef,
Ahi Tuna,
Buffalo,
Ostrich

They will put that between a bun or in a salad. they also do great sides, chili, breakfast items, shakes, smoothies, coffee and such.

[JeetJet]

Thanks, from what I have found this place sounds special. Bacon cheeseburgers but also buffalo, venison, lamb, Ahi, ostrich, and seasoned fries on the side. I gotta try the Ahi – my doctor says so. I hope I got the address correct.

Also, “A hamburger is a sandwich that ...”. Wikipedia.

Hamburger sandwich – Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamburger

Hot dog sandwich – Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_dog

Sandwich – Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandwich

BTW, I have had several responses recently from the proof-readers, and even surveyors, all chiming-in with spell-checks and even which side of a freeway a discussion should be restricted to. I might expect such concern from my secretary but the corrections are never brought directly to my attention because , 1), it is not substantive, 2), and as such only adds baggage to my day...... The baggage gets even heavier when the input is wrong!

Billy's Grill Incorporated (bacon cheeseburgers, buffalo, venison, lamb, Ahi, ostrich, and seasoned fries
)5162 Van Nuys Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
[phone]
Monday-Friday: 7am-8pm, Saturday: 8am-7pm; Closed Sundays

[mc michael]

Jeet,
If you get any wittier, I may have to find you a knuckle sandwich.

[JeetJet]

Whadaya Whadaya? Knuckle sandwich. Now you really remind me of my secretary. Talk about me being wittier? Love it. Now, about that venison. You gotta agree that a short drive to Sherman Oaks for some venison on a burger bun sounds better than hav'n to go hunt'n in Jersey.

[mc michael]

Way better, tho' a buffalo burger at Josie sounds better still.

[voodoochild]

Wiki is good for some things, but categorizing food isn't necessarily one of them.

As an original Pittsburger, I went on there to find "City Chicken" a local delicacy made not-of-chicken, but rather, pork and veal.

Wiki told me City Chicken was a chicken fried steak.

[JeetJet]

“Original Pittsburger...” Sounds like a sandwich. I just went on Wikipedia as a chowhounder ( a major plus when searching for food) and found that City Chicken was a Depression Era creation, "when people took meat scraps and fashioned make-shift drumstickis." I love plain-folk food. Today it refers to better cuts of meat and usually pork loin and/or veal are used. It is a regional thing in Pittsburgh and other places. I wonder if such a treat is ever put between two slices of bread or a bun? Maybe that could be a Pits Burger, or is that already the Scrapple Burger? Have you ever seen City Chicken in L.A.? I had scrapple last Friday and it was shaped like a burger. You made me hungry again for scraps.

City Chicken – Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_chi...

[voodoochild]

I have never seen City Chicken outside of Pittsburgh. In fact, I don't recall even seeing it in restuarants in Western PA, I think it's probably only a home cooking thing.

I do know that any butcher in Pittsburgh, if you ask for City Chicken, will cut up the pork and veal and skewer it for you, so I think it's exclusively on a stick. Funny thing is I hated it when I was young and now that I live here I crave it regularly.

[JeetJet]

I was the same way as a kid. When we visited a relative in Jersey she would make scrapple sandwiches and my older brothers loved them but I would take one bite and -- no way!. I think those several bites as a kid must have planted a seed for the taste of that stuff because a craving for it has grown along with me and every now and then I need that mix of pork scraps and seasonings.

Lets see if it is here in L.A. I might even try a little batter on the scrapple, fry it, and spread on some comeback sauce for a real tasty sandwich. Might not be known for sure what is in that scrapple but people eat Pinkberry and nobody knows what that stuff is either -- right?

Scrapple and City Chicken post
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/406613

[oldboardKurt]

shortrib sandwich w. horseradish infused slaw at BLD, nothing mentioned on the list is even close to this + the fries that come with it are the best in town. game over.

[katkoupai]

Where is BLD?

[ipsedixit]

It's on Beverly, near La Brea.

http://www.bldrestaurant.com/

[katkoupai]

Thanks. I've never heard of it. I thought it was an acronym for something.

[mc michael]

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner.

[katkoupai]

Nice. Thanks.

[tritip]

The Autostrada, available daily at La Brea Bakery, less frequently at Campanile's grilled cheese night.

It's all top-notch imported ingredients: Salami, Ham, Mortadella, and Provolone Cheese with a pepper spread on La Brea Bakery Country White Sourdough grilled in a panini press. Spicy. Addictive.

The Godmother at Bay Cities is pretty darn good, too.

[sloanedone]

I won't argue Godmother, but my favorite sandwich at Bay Cities is the Chicken Parm. On the good days it's almost unbeatable.

[JeetJet]

Great idea.

What makes this sandwich so good is, IMO, the totality of the ingredients. The totality of this sandwich, with “everything” on it, creates a unique combination of flavors. This sandwich makes a statement that of all the cities that may claim to be the home of the best chili, LA is the seat of the place that knows best what to do with chili. Now, I am not claiming this is the best chili, not even in L.A. I am saying that this a great sandwich and it has L.A. written all over it.

Original Tommy’s Breakfast Sandwich

I always request a English Muffin rather than a burger bun and I ask for everything including, a sausage patty, fried egg, chili, cheese, tomato, pickles, onions and mayonnaise. The only problem is this is only available in the morning. It should be available 24/7 because, IMO, it is the only thing they do right. I feel Carney’s chili and dogs and superior to any other in LA/OC, but as a final note, I feel the totality of Pink’s 3 Dog Night is a close second, but maybe that is more a burrito than a hot dog sandwich.

http://www.originaltommys.com/

[kiwi]

Ahh!! Like Go Eat? has resurfaced! Only you would discuss the supreme beauty that is the Tommy's breakfast sandwich! Welcome back. You have been missed.

[ipsedixit]

Cold: The House Special Sandwich at Mr. Baguette. www.mrbaguettesandwiches.com

Hot/Warm: The Croque Monsieur at Julienne. www.juliennetogo.com

[Burger Boy]

DeFrankos by the Van Nuys Fly Away

East Side Deli near Chinatown

Tony's in Burbank, they cut the roll in 3rds so you have 2 layers

My Fredos for a cheesesteak in Pasadena

Claros market for a reasonable Italian Sub 5 bucks

El Ruby next to Dinahs Chicken Glendale or The Truck outside Smart & Final on Venice for a Cemitas Poblano get the milanese with the oaxacan cheese

Cardones in Silver Lake Italian Sub a bit pricey

Tropical bakery for a Cuban ask them to leave it on the grill extra

Bay Cities for the Godmother

Palermos on Vermont for a meatball

La Espanola Market in Harbor City for the spanish sandwich they make

Langer's of course for chicken salad! Oops, I mean Pastrami!

Zankou for a beef Shwarma

Golden Fish on Hollywood Blvd for a lula Kebob

Sahag's for a Basturma or a Sojouk sandwich, wish they would do a sojouk and eggs

I like the Panini's they do at Bristol Farms on Sunset Blvd.

El Tourino on Hoover for a torta de anything

The Zekes at Uncle Darrows Oysters, Catfish and Potato salad, there goes the low carb nothing fried diet!

Marias Roast To Go in Grand Central does a Gordita which i like to think of as a sandwich with a corn type exterior

J&J Burger Shack & BBQ on Adams for a chopped pork sandwich, you have to get the coleslaw on the side, he will NOT put it on the sandwich. Tempurmental Chef's, give me a break!

Baguette Express for the Cajun Shrimp Bahn Mi on Valley Blvd. near Howards Appliances

[David Kahn]

Glad somebody else thought to include the East Side Market in this thread. Love their meatball and sausage, and their eggplant parm sandwiches.

http://www.esmdeli.com

[blackbookali]

just tried the number 7, not really my thing. ill try the meatball and sausage but are there any cold cuts that you think stand out?

[JAB]

I'm a #5 guy myself. I don't think any of their cold sandwiches are worth the cost.

[malibumike]

The #21 is a cold roast beef and pastrami with lettuce, tomato, mustard, mayo, cheese, it is pretty good.

[mmmclapclap]

but do you like sandwiches?

[maudies5]

I love the Sloppy Joe Sandwich at Clementine. It is on a soft bun, served with luscious cole slaw and a bit of grated cheddar. It isn't always on the menu, but fortunately, it's on the catering menu and is available for special orders.

[katkoupai]

I love the subs at Big Mo's in West Hills. They are my favorite. I generally go for a hot roast beef with provolone cheese. Yum! You can get spicy or regular mayo on it. I'm not a mayo fan, so I'm okay with getting the sandwich without any sauce.

There's a place called My Hero in Northridge near CSUN. It has been open for many years. Although I've only eaten there once, one thing really stands out to me. Instead of regular tomatoes, they put a marinated fresh tomato salad on top of the subs. This is kind of like a very chunky pico de gallo, without the spices. It's actually quite good.

[Sam Fujisaka]

Rina, great photo!

[bulavinaka]

Is that what the intermediate process of sandwiches de miga looks like? A whole lot of simple velvety goodness... toast those on a griddle and nothing more needs to be said...

[handlertaper]

I love the Godmother Sandwich from Bay Cities as well. I have been going there since a was a junior in high school (almost 28 years!) and still look forward to that sandwich. I like it with extra peppers and with oil and vinegar!

[mc michael]

A certain French Dip sandwich comes to mind.

[The Vapors]

I second the downtown "dip". Could be just nostalgia, though.

[WHills]

1) Langer's pastrami sandwich
2) Sandwich Express's (Reseda) grilled pork sandwich (vietnamese bahn mi)
3) Weiler's Deli's (Woodland Hills) pastrami sandwich
4) Corner Bakery's ham & swiss

[augustus gloob]

Chicken sando at Il Tramezzino in Beverly Hills
Langer's Pastrami
Bay Cities Godmother
Any hot sandwich at Renaldi's in El Segundo

[hrhboo]

I second the chicken sandwich at Il Tram, and the proscuitto sandwich too!

[navystreet]

I love the chicken sandwich at Il Tramezzino too, but I like to add goat cheese to it.

Bay Cities is my favorite sandwich in LA, but I also like the sandwiches at Larchmont Wine & Cheese.

[fdb]

Another vote for chicken sandwich at Il Tramezzino.

[quartzcity]

The proscuitto sandwich at Angelo's Deli in Long Beach beats it. Full stop.

[yclops]

If you like cold banh mi, give the #3 a try at Sandwich Express next time - Pork roll and ham. It's like the dac biet, but w/out the headcheese. Good clean taste and texture and the pate flavor comes thru.

It's especially good early in the morning when the bread is fresh out of the oven (but not if this one girl makes it...she has no touch). Also, the cha gio/fried spring rolls are quite good early in the morning.

Not the best sammy in town, but it's my fave in the West Valley.

[JAB]

http://esmdeli.com/

[BIM]

Here's two - not exotic but solid.

First, go to Bay Cities on Lincoln in Santa Monica and wait in line (or on line, whatever)and order a spicy sopressata with provolone, italian dressing and - this is crucial - spicy pepper salad. If you don't like this sandwich email me and I will refund your 5$. But save me the rest.

I have also been making repeat trips to Havana Sandwich Co. on Main St. in El Segundo for their Miami Cuban which is a classic Cuban with salami added. Best Cuban in town IMHO.

Looking forward to more replies on this topic.

[Mateo R]

Brent's deli for mile high, Langers for flavor. The godmother at Bay Cities for those who long for something close to an East coast sub.

[DBoos]

Completely agree Mateo. My mother lives about a mile from Brent's and I make it a point to go there at least twice a month. Their mile high corned beef is to die for....however, I'm almost surprised that out of ALL these 350+ replies....there hasn't been ONE mention of the corned beef at MaGee's in Farmer's Market. It is the second oldest restaurant in the maketplace itself, and of ALL the corned beef in this city of angels, I have to say...bar none that none of the above places...including Brent's, Langer's Nate n' Al's, or any other deli can touch it!! It literally melts in your mouth. It also, IMHO has the BEST french dip sandwich...topping both Philippe's, (by a landslide) and Bandera's hands down!!! Phillipe's will NOT give you any extra au jus for dipping...(really pisses me off) and the sandwich is NOT that big. Everyone who has commented on either a french dip or a corned beef sandwich on this blog needs to try MaGee's and then give me your response because you are ALL missing out. I grew up on Nate n' Al's deli and although their corned beef has improved greatly over the years, it still doesn't compare to either Brent's, and can't hold a candle to MaGee's! I'm a foodie AND a chef, and it still amazes me that after being gone from here for the most part of almost 30 years until my recent return to live full time, that each and every time I came back to visit, MaGee's was still there, exactly as I remembered it, tried and true EVERY single time. Do yourselves a favor and GO GO GO. You won't be disapppointed!!

[Fru]

Magee's NOT MaGee's. But for me, it's their French Dip...awesome! Been eating it for about +30 years!

[spicychow]

I love Bay Cities.

I really love vietnamese sandwiches in Westminster. Lee's is the best known, I think. They're not mile high, by any means, but it has spiciness with lots of herbs like cilantro. And they're like $1.50 last time I bought some. Can't beat that.

[Burger Boy]

What sandwich at Bay Cities is $5 ? are they selling half sandwiches now?

[Ogawak]

The Poor Boy small is $4.00 as is the vegetarian.

[Penne4YourThoughts]

Thanks BIM for the recommendation for good Cuban in LA! Can't wait to give it a try!

[Ernie]

Langer's pastrami and Bandera's French dip. Neither are packed a mile hile, but they are both still substantial and delicious

[Diana]

Lnager's s the best tasting, But I think Art's in Studio City has the "mile high" sandwiches, of all varieties. They're pretty good.

I like the sandwiches at Artisan Cheese gallery, especially the duck confit!

Porto's does some OK cuban sandwiches.

[Dogbite Williams]

Second the sandwiches at Artisan Cheese Gallery. I too like the duck confit, but I've enjoyed every sandwich. Make certain the sandwich is accompanied by a precious few Tony Packo's Pickles and Peppers.

[DoctorQuality]

The Godmother from Bay City in SM.

[reverendalexg]

This sandwich is so good, I nearly passed out last time I had one.

[hrhboo]

Everyone I know is obsessed with this sandwich! My boyfriend happily waits in line for over an hour at least once a week. I personally find it waaaay overrated. The few times I've tried it the bread totally shreds the roof of my mouth making it extremely uncomfortable to eat. Tastes good enough, but definitely not my favorite.

[Dommy]

My goodness... Have the boy fax his order in!! Its the only way to get it... just fax and pick it up!

--Dommy!

[hrhboo]

He's since learned that they keep a stash of prepared sandwiches in a basket on the counter so he can just grab n' go. Don't tell anyone, I assured him his secret would be safe.

[daftpunkxl]

I know this was a while ago, but I really hope you've changed your tune.... many people have died and/or been late for important meetings in order to savor the godmother....

[a_and_w]

Ordering on-line is even easier! Don't forget to bring cash so you can use the shorter cash-only line.

[QualityMart]

Ha, yes the bread has a crispy hard crust that can be a bit rough on the mouth. But it's damn good IMO ... I've learned to eat it carefully enough to avoid damage. :)

[Dommy]

This is another reason why one must allow a resting period with the Godmother. Once it is wrapped for a bit, then the crust starts to give, although never really looses its great texture... TRUST me... Get a god mother, let it rest for about 1/2 hour (Nothing bad will happen, with all the salt in the meats and vinegar in the dressing a such), and THEN enjoy... the experience is otherworldly and is WHY the Godmother is the perfect picnic/doger game/hollywood bowl sandwich...

--Dommy!

[cecibean]

We had the Godmother for the first time this weekend and it was AMAZING!!! My husband is from Brooklyn and has had many gripes since being in LA about the sandwhich options. We live in West Hollywood and I am sure we will be driving to Bay Cities in Santa Monica on a regular basis! Fantastic! Thanks to everyone who enthusiastically recommended this sandwich!

[bulavinaka]

You may have read this elsewhere in this or other posts relating to ordering at Bay Cities - you can fax your order in - having it waiting for you ain't bad - as Dommy! has mentioned - the flavors meld nicely with a little aging... I think faxing just before you leave from WeHo would be perfect timing... Check out their online menu - lots of great sammies that your hubbie could probably relate to...

[cecibean]

Thank you for this! Perfect!

[Wolfgang]

Dommy, I agree that the sandwiches are great after a 30 minute rest but I'd add one caveat to this. Bread is baked throughout the day, so you're always getting fresh bread, but sometimes, you'll get a roll that was just brought out from the oven. When the sandwich artist hands me a cold sandwich wrapped in the white deli paper that is warm to the touch, my heart skips a beat and I know I have to eat the sandwich as soon as possible to savor the warm crusty yet pliable bread playing against the cool meat and vegetable filling.

[Dommy]

I sir, have never had such good fortune... Thanks for letting me know!!

--Dommy!

[Rina]

heard good things about the "godmother", but what makes it such a great sandwich?

[mc michael]

It's got a lot on it. The bread is good. And it tastes good with all the trimmings piled on it.

[bulavinaka]

Evolution - I don't think any great icon in the food world happens overnight...

[QualityMart]

IMO it's the peppers that sell the thing. And good quality meats. Make sure to get it with "the works", which'll get you peppers and italian sauce amongst others. I wouldn't say the sandwich is heavenly (as opposed to some of my favorite sandwiches in other cities), but it's definitely a hearty and satisfying meal.

[nosh]

Actually, the "peppers" topping varies. The mild is chopped marinated peppers. The hot is mostly an olive spread with peppers.

[mmmclapclap]

where is baycity? friends were talking about it the other day....

[mc michael]

Bay Cities is on Lincoln North of the freeway.

[HerbyN]

Bay Cities has the best deli sandwich bread in town. Light, crunchy, just enough flavor to accent the sandwich without overpowering the other flavors. The Godmother is a top notch sandwich.

[EarlyBird]

Bay Cities is really hard to beat. I second, or triple, the Godmother sandwich. Simply awesome.

[gr8pimpin]

I have had Bay Cities and IMHO, there is a better place in Agoura (I know it's a trek). Italia Deli & Bakery. The perfect blend of meat, cheese and toppings on your choice of homemade Italian Hard or Soft Roll. Totally worth the drive though call ahead -- they get slammed.

Italia Deli & Bakery
http://www.italiadeli.com/

-----
Italia Deli & Bakery
5657 Kanan Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301

[mc michael]

Let's start with the Langer's hand cut pastrami on rye and go from there.

[mcmal]

I second Langers, but I'd like to point out that it's not stacked "mile high"
But give it a try and maybe you'll find that great pastrami doesn't need to be monster portioned like at Carnegie Deli.

[GroovinGourmet]

Sorry, but you both are deli misguided. The best deli in the LA area is Brent's in Northridge (have not been to their 2nd location in Westlake Village).

And they have the best sandwich, the Black Pastrami Reuben, with their Brisket Ortega Melt not too far behind. Get homefries with onions instead of fries it's a plate overflowing with heaven.

[mc michael]

We're only taking the hand cut pastrami at Langer's and maybe a Dr. Browns.

[Diana]

Brent's CAN NOT compete with langer's pastrami.

[glutton]

As a regular at both brent's and Langer's, I have to say that the pastrami at Langer's is much superior. Virtually everything else on the menu is better at Brent's. In fact, I love Brent's whitefish salad with some rye bread and pickles more than just about anything else I've ever eaten at a deli.

[adlevy]

"Deli misguided" I think not. Sorry but Langer's pastrami sandwich is second to none. Three votes to one! I guess that settles it!

[jerry200]

Would you say you were "Deli-luded"?

[fatboymig]

lol...

[Golem]

I'd give anything for a deli war to break out. Brent's versus Langers. Now that's a shootout I'd pay to see. May the best deli win. Smackdown!!!

[normalheightsfoodie]

Philipes near the train station.

[rednyellow]

Philipes has gone down hill. last two times were pretty sad.

[Mst917198]

I disagree with the Brents recommendation. I found Brent's to be so-so, edible but nothing to write home about, and the service was horrid!

[glutton]

Just order their whitefish salad and you'll be happy -- it's the best thing on the menu, the best whitefish salad in LA, and one of the best things to eat in LA.

[wutzizname]

I went to Brent's for the first time recently and everything was spectacular. Much better than any of the delis further south.

[bruinike]

Ditto on Brent's!!

[Penne4YourThoughts]

I agree....Brent's in Northridge is the great! We have had catering from there many times and the cookies there are amazing! Love their rugalah (?) We make a trip to the Valley just for their cookies.

[Eastside Eater]

I have to agree...Some places try to get away with piling their meat high...usually fatty if we are talking pastrami.

[anothernotch]

Agreed. the number 19 is tough to beat.

[Otius Gojius]

I had the #19 (paid for the lean cut) today, it was so perfect, I got dizzy. I planned a couple appointments in the area around a Langers lunch, and it was so totally excellent. I am a regular at Brents and a life-long Philippe's loyalist, but the #19 (lean) today was in another class altogether. Eating that at the counter while reading the last Al Martinez column in the LAT was a bittersweet experience.

[JosephEBacon]

YES on Langer's #19, with a dish of their potato salad and a cream soda. Nothing comes closer to heaven. If the doctor gets on you, they will also make it with thin sliced turkey too.

[David Kahn]

Agree. The Langer's number 19 would be my pick. Thi gets it exactly right (as usual) here: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/60237 .

[Cybernaut]

A friend suggested I have the #19. I don't like rye bread, coleslaw, or pastrami... 3 bites into the sandwich, and he was talking to me, but I wasn't hearing anything. The angels wept, and I have never tasted a better sandwich in my life. It is magical.
Brb, I have to change my pants now, just thinking about it.