60359 Wed May 19 18:32:25 -0700 2004 51 2 Los Angeles Area 0 319233 I'm wondering some personal favorite sandwich joints around LA. So far, Bay Cities Italian Deli on Lincoln in Santa Monica has the best meats, cheeses, and served on the best bread -- great sandwich all around. Any other suggestions? Wed May 19 18:32:25 -0700 2004 0 Josh 1 319265 the Italian Bakery in Eagle Rock. As much as I hate to make this place even more crowded (try going on a Saturday if you enjoy feeling like a clown stuffed into a Volkswagen) I have to give it a shout-out. Wed May 19 20:45:50 -0700 2004 319233 0 lahgreen 2 319270 Which sandwiches are your favorites? I have gone there once and wasn't impressed - they use shredded lettuce a la subway. I'd like to try again since it is so close- maybe you can recommend some of their better sandwiches..? Wed May 19 21:26:13 -0700 2004 319265 0 tokyoastrogirl 3 319292 I think that one of the things making the E.R. Italian Bakery sandwiches stand out is the quality of their sandwich rolls which are freshly baked on the premises every morning. For me, one of their Italian salame and ham sandwiches is really satisfying. Wed May 19 23:32:28 -0700 2004 319270 0 Sam D. 3 319328 Aside from sandwiches they sell their own marinara sauces which I get sometimes and use as a base/starter when I'm feeling to lazy to make it all from scratch. Thu May 20 10:21:21 -0700 2004 319270 0 slowrider 3 319341 I like the mozzarella and tomato sandwich (no lettuce on this one!) The mozzarella is fresh and the tomatoes are sometimes wonderful and sometimes just OK. They drizzle vinegar and oil on the bread and it's a wonderful combo. They don't have fresh basil, which I think would be a good addition, but sometimes I add my own. I also like the honey-mesquite turkey sandwich. I usually get it with extra cheese (provolone and swiss) and no mustard or lettuce. However, the bread is the star of these sandwiches! They also have great desserts which, after standing in line for over half an hour staring at the bakery counter, become irresistable. Thu May 20 12:12:00 -0700 2004 319270 0 lahgreen 1 319268 Well, if you read Thi's most recent paean to Langer's Pastrami Sandwich, I think you will go no further. Look back in the postings for "Langers At Last" I think the title was. Pure poetry! Wed May 19 21:16:09 -0700 2004 319233 0 ChefLisa 2 319279 Went to Langer's for PRE-Lunch(10:30a) today, actual Lunch happened at Noon at Lake Spring, followed by Post lunch at a Taco Stand in Placentia, same BEST PASTRAMI SAND it's alway been. Wed May 19 22:22:16 -0700 2004 319268 0 russkar 2 319369 regardless of langer's raves, i prefer The Hat for pastrami, preferably the location on garvey and (i think) del mar. If i have the choice between a sandwich with pickles, and one without, I'll always go for the one with pickles, hence, I'm at The Hat. Thu May 20 14:20:07 -0700 2004 319268 0 mr mouther 3 319414 The two categories of pastrami sandwiches, the Jewish deli style and the "dip" are so distinct that a comparison is like apples and oranges. Thu May 20 17:05:56 -0700 2004 319369 0 Sam D. 4 319501 Eggzactly. And if I eat two Hat pastramis I am certain to get a real good grease induced stomach ache, not so two Langer's pastramis. I am not saying the Hat is bad, just that its pastrami dip is a completely different experience than Jewish deli pastrami on rye. Thu May 20 22:24:37 -0700 2004 319414 0 Chino Wayne 5 319593 The Pastrami at Langers is small and the sandwhich at The Hat is HUGE. Eat anything the bulk of two Hat pastrami's and you will be bloated. Langers, however, requires two to get filled up and at twice the price it would be >$20 at Langers vs. >$5 at the Hat. That having been said, I agree that they are totally different and canno be compared. Best regards Fri May 21 17:20:43 -0700 2004 319501 0 Wes 1 319273 I live quite a ways from Phillipes the Original. However, I will find myself driving all the way out there just so I can have a bite of that wonderful french dip. On another note, does anyone have any recs on good french dip on the westside? Wed May 19 21:35:26 -0700 2004 319233 0 JeniH 2 319276 HOUSTON'S Wed May 19 22:16:48 -0700 2004 319273 0 russkar 3 319366 where is houston's and what kind of sandwich? Thu May 20 14:17:25 -0700 2004 319276 0 mr mouther 4 319422 Houston's is a chain restaurant, but they have one of the best french dip sandwiches I've tasted. They use prime rib cuts... almost melting in your mouth. Just had one over the weekend. :) www.houstons.com Thu May 20 17:25:43 -0700 2004 319366 0 sc 2 319297 Bandera Thu May 20 00:01:20 -0700 2004 319273 0 Ernie 1 319275 I'd vote for the Top Baguette in Westminster for banh mi. Take a look for Slow Foodie's rec for banh mi in the SGV. Wed May 19 21:46:54 -0700 2004 319233 0 Professor Salt 1 319280 I'd have to agree with the perfesser on the bahn mi catagory (Top Baguette). I was there again yesterday and had a BBQ pork sandwich on a still-warm baguette that was heaven on a bun. But Top Baguette has been touted to death here lately. My vote for the ultimate LA sandwich has to go to Angelos Italian Deli in Long Beach. As a transplanted New Yorker I like to think I know something about the world of heros, grinders, submarines, poor boys (New Yorkers are nothing if not arrogant - I prefer to think of it as self-confidence...) I used to make the drive to Bay Cities for a regular fix - the Godmother is good, but something was missing. Anyway I don't mean to put Bay Cities down, they were the only game in town BA (Before Angelo). He puts it all together and the sum is greater than the parts - Killer bread (several different kinds, fresh daily), authentic italian meats and cheeses, a garlic spread to gild the usual mustard and mayo, oil and vinegar, just the right amount of veggies, hot peppers on request, and you can stock your Italian pantry with staples like great pancetta, sausages, wine, arborio rice, etc at the same time... Wed May 19 22:32:52 -0700 2004 319233 0 Foodlum 2 319286 Where is Angelos? Thanks. Wed May 19 22:54:31 -0700 2004 319280 0 juny1cat 3 319289 Angelo's Italian Deli 190 La Verne Ave (Off 2nd Street, across from Cafe Gazelle) Long Beach, CA 90803-3342 Phone: (562) 434-1977 Wed May 19 23:13:50 -0700 2004 319286 0 Foodlum 2 319320 Yes! A wholehearted, raving second for Angelo's. I was going to mention the same place but you beat me to it. Angelo's by far serves a much better sandwich than Bay Cities - the best Italian deli sandwiches I've found in the greater LA area for that matter. I love the rosemary ham, the soprasetta with gorgonzola, the proscuitto - really everything I've had there. Angelo's is a gem, and if it wasn't off the beaten path (or if it was in West LA) it would have huge crowds. They serve a truly first-class sandwich. I'm a transplanted New Yorker as well, and I'd be hard pressed to find a better sandwich in New York, Long Island, or Jersey (unless you're talking Jewish delis, but even then we've got Langers). Angelo's is definitely worth seeking out any time you're in the 2nd St. area or even within 15 miles of Long Beach. And you can get a nice gelato at Aroma di Roma for dessert. The sandwiches run about $7, but they're big enough for two. Please give it a try - I'd hate to see this place go the way of the much lamented Al Dente Italian market in Los Alamitos. Thu May 20 03:54:24 -0700 2004 319280 0 Chris G. 1 319295 Not sure if it is still there or still good, but when I was growing up in Culver City (about 25 years ago...), Sorrento's was the bomb! They used to put a pizza/tomato sauce on their sandwiches that was to die for. Wed May 19 23:45:45 -0700 2004 319233 0 z-man 2 319305 Its very good, It doesen't soar though. But I am doing what a lot of people on this list do and compare it to the east coast eateries of my youth. Sorrento Italian Market 5518 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City Cross Street: Playa St. Phone: (310) 391-7654 a Tidbit I found online: Sorrento is owned by former Culver City mayor and current councilman Albert M. Vera and his wife, Ursula Vera. Mortadella, salami and eggs fresh from the couple's farm in Tulare are among the specialties here. Thu May 20 00:37:39 -0700 2004 319295 0 P. 2 319315 Used to love those pizza-subs after grade school. I asked the owner about them recently and he said he'd make some up special if I called in advance. Ursula has been very sick lately and I really don't think I'll put them through the trouble. But they were wonderful things to eat back then. Thu May 20 03:05:08 -0700 2004 319295 0 gj 2 319389 I loved Sorrentos! I also grew up in Culver City and would go there all the time. Thu May 20 15:29:40 -0700 2004 319295 0 yby1 1 319311 I hate to be redundant but... Top Baguette for Banh Mi Langers for Pastrami on rye Bay Cities for their killer meatball sandwich Duke's (on Sunset Strip), for their grilled cheese and bacon with sauteed mushrooms and onions Thu May 20 01:34:01 -0700 2004 319233 0 Sandra W. 1 319314 Pastrami: Arnie's Manhattan on South Bristol in CM Sammy's #2 on Beach and Talbert in HB (they grill the pastrami until it tastes like you're eating a bacon sandwich) Banana Cabana on Brookhurst and Ellis in FV I really like their avocado sandwich (something about Spike sprinkled on avocado) and it's even better when you get the slice of optional white sharp cheddar. I also really like their peanut butter and banana sandwich. Taco Mesa for their Torta de Huevo (something about a really good egg sandwich) Also I know this isn't very chowish, but LUCILLE'S in Long Beach makes a great Portabella Mushroom sandwich... when you dip it in their spicy bbq sauce it's even better. Thu May 20 02:16:10 -0700 2004 319233 0 davidt 2 319361 i'm not quite up on the abbreviations: CM? HB? FV? the sandwiches sound great, thanks Thu May 20 14:10:01 -0700 2004 319314 0 mr mouther 3 319368 "i'm not quite up on the abbreviations: CM? HB? FV? the sandwiches sound great, thanks" CM=Costa Mesa HB=Huntington Beach FV=Fountain Valley Thu May 20 14:19:39 -0700 2004 319361 0 Grog 2 319376 IMO, I think the pastrami sandwich at Kaplan's in CM is better than Arnie's. Both don't compare to Langer's though. Tortas at Taco Mesa in CM are good, but I usually go to Taqueria El Granjenal down the street when I'm in the mood for a torta. Still need to try Q's Tortas in Placentia though, which my friend says is the "bomb". I'm going to Lucille's tonite. Several people on Chowhound rave about the pulled pork sandwich, so I'll probably try that. Thu May 20 14:40:05 -0700 2004 319314 0 NinoHB 3 319515 i don't know why, but i've never had a great or even good meal at Kaplan's in Costa Mesa. For some reason I always feel like I'm at a Denny's or CoCo's. I love the tortas at El Granjanal (it's literally 100 yards from my house) especially the chicken which has about 3/4 pound of skinless really thick chicken breast and the vege torta which has really thick slices of light mexican cheese. I just really like the flavor combination of the torta de heuvo at Taco Mesa. You know the sandwiches at Big Belly Deli on PCH in Newport just south of Huntington are also pretty good... just not "the best." Fri May 21 01:37:42 -0700 2004 319376 0 davidt 4 319530 One dislike about Kaplan's is that they seem to put limitations on customer that make you feel like you're a nuisance. Maybe they are just holding the customer's hand and giving them notice ahead of time. Looking at my copy of their menu, they have "Sorry, No Checks" on the cover and credit cards are accepted but $10 minimum purchase. Inside the menu it says no seperate checks or credit card splits. They also have the dreaded "No Subsitutions" in the sandwich section. Plus if you want fries instead as your included side, it's 50 cents extra and a $1 for onion rings. Oh no double fries or rings are allowed either. They also have a sign posted somewhere on your way in that says not to conduct business meetings during meals. In a way I understand they are running an eating establishment, but it seems overkill to spell everything out. Maybe they got their share of "needy" customers, so its easier just to put it on paper. BTW, I usually just get my sandwich there to go. Fri May 21 10:00:40 -0700 2004 319515 0 NinoHB 1 319317 The sandwich corner of Torrance Bakery has those interesting quadrilateral ground beef-filled things; very tasty, along with some nice sandwiches. Personally I think Bay Cities has long ago lost its charm and value. Long waits for what doesn't strike me as a particularly great sandwich. They were perhaps a notch better before the apparent management change of a few years back. Thu May 20 03:08:35 -0700 2004 319233 0 gj 1 319318 I still like bay cities. interesting meats to choose from. kokomo's makes a pretty good BLT. Langer's pastrami is good. so is label's table, and easier hours and parking. Thu May 20 03:37:11 -0700 2004 319233 0 elisha 1 319322 The Sunrise breakfast sandwich at the Mustard Seed Cafe in Los Feliz. Somehow far greater than the sum of its parts, I crave this more than any other breakfast food. Consists of eggs, cheese (cheddar) & good bacon on an English muffin w/leaf lettuce (red leaf, I think) tomatoes and avocado. Plus some sort of herb mayo, on an oversized muffin. Thu May 20 05:20:50 -0700 2004 319233 0 Jack Flash 1 319324 For Italian, we go to Mario's at 740 E. Broadway For Kebab/Falafel it's mostly Elena's at 1000 S. Glendale Blvd. Otherwise Marouch in Hollywood or Rafi's in Glendale. Picholine on 1st near Virgil in South Silverlake makes great gourmet sandwiches (I stopped going to Say cheese due to poor service). Thu May 20 08:33:41 -0700 2004 319233 0 Grog 1 319362 Ok, a blast from the past. Does anyone remember the sandwich place right at 5th & Grand, it has been gone for 20 years is my guess. They had the bomb ass sandwiches, the owner would cut these great soft seeded loaves into 3rds and build some great sandwiches. Does anyone remeber the name? Thu May 20 14:10:03 -0700 2004 319233 0 Burger Boy 1 319379 Here are some of the ones not yet mentioned that get my vote: Italian deli style - Eastside Italian Deli, just outside Chinatown at 1013 Alpine St. The sandwiches are piled high and heavy with meats, cheese and/ or other items on sandwich rolls from the Frisco Bakery. Among the hot items, there is a mouth-watering combination of hot roast beef (brisket), pastrami, provolone cheese and roasted peppers. The roast beef brisket is cooked fresh daily. The other hot sandwiches include the combination sausage, meatball, provolone with roasted peppers and the eggplant parmagiana. All are very good and reasonably priced. Long lines develop at lunchtime but service is fast and efficient. Pastrami Dip - Dino's on Pico. Tortas de carnitas - El Abajeño on Inglewood near Culver Bl. and also Tacos D.F. (IIRC) on Sawtelle near Washington Pl. Thu May 20 14:45:28 -0700 2004 319233 0 Sam D. 1 319388 I must say, sandwiches might be my favorite universal food. Every culture has one and the choices in LA are downright wonderful. That said, I tend to be partial to some of the mom and pop places in the south bay. Here are my favorites: The Original Giuliano's Delicatessen & Market 1138 Gardena Blvd. Gardena (310) 323-6990 So many good sandwiches to choose, but the Gaetano stands out. Roast beef, ham, capocollo and hot pepper cheese - yummmmm! Big Mike's 1314 Hermosa Ave Hermosa Beach, CA Phone: (310) 798-1499 My favorite cheesesteaks in the west (and good french fries too). They also have good cuban-style sandwiches. Busy Bee Market 2413 S. Walker Avenue San Pedro, CA 90731 310-832-8660 *Note: closed Sunday; closes at 5pm other days Call ahead or stand in a very long line Ohh, how can words describe the goodness. The BBQ chicken is to die for. Good pastrami, too. For the not-faint-of-heart, get the Belly Buster: double the meat of any sandwich. Oh my. Thu May 20 15:22:06 -0700 2004 319233 0 JPups 1 319391 Some of my faves (HATE HATE HATE best of anything in topic) langers - SIMPLE pastrami on corn rye. Maybe a little horseradish. period. Art's deli in studio city - corned beef sandwich and tip tongue on either rye or kaiser roll. Van Nuys German Deli on Roscoe- Thuringer rotwurst sandwich on roll, maybe tomato -little mustard. Meatball sandwich (as I remember) at PInocchio/montecarlo on Magnolia in Burbank Basturma from that place I can't remember on allen in pasadena where they make their own basturma - their sandwich or my own. Cemita at that place (can't remember a lot today) across from Serenata de Garibaldi and just east - big sign on side of building - cemitas. Zankou tarna sandwich. Falafel king's turkish salad pita. in Westwood. technically - mongolian bbq in a good shaobing, anywhere you can get it. And battera from Sushi Shibucho in Costa Mesa. Thu May 20 15:40:53 -0700 2004 319233 0 Jerome 2 319498 Well as long as we are remembering meatball sandwichs, the meatball from Dario's grocery in the heart of Chinatown. Wonderful meatballs and sauce, blanketed with provolone, in a nice crusty Italian roll, all of it just out of a hot oven. Thu May 20 22:16:10 -0700 2004 319391 0 Chino Wayne 3 319517 A lot of Dario's sandwiches were named after L.A.'s movers and shakers of that era such as the Joe Busch and the Al Campanis. I still have one of their menus. Fri May 21 02:18:22 -0700 2004 319498 0 Sam D. 1 319406 After spending the entire last weekend schlepping back and forth fetching sandwiches from San Gabriel, I think I have a new favorite Banh Mi--Baquette Express, which is having a one year anniversary with customer appreciation baguette gifts this weekend. We got them to make their sandwiches on sesame bread and they were absolutely divine. The people were so incredibly nice that I nearly wept. Alas, I think they're more consistant than Ba Le and the grilled marinated beef is sublime. Baguette Express 400 E Valley Boulevard San Gabriel, CA 91776 ph: 626.280.8883 fx: 626.280.9408 And, I'm surprised that no one has mentioned Super Torta. Pup major (chip off old block...) has a new obsession with Tortas, so we've eaten many of late. We've yet to come anywhere close to topping the wonderful Super Torta. 360 S. Alvarado St., (213) 413-7953; also at 1253 Vine St., (323) 469-8912. Thu May 20 16:54:32 -0700 2004 319233 0 Slow Foodie 2 319579 Have to agree about Baguette Express. Nice staff, very clean shop. Although I have to say I'm warming up to Mr. Baguette farther east. Fri May 21 16:14:18 -0700 2004 319406 0 Richard 1 319408 Egg Salad @ EUROPANE Milanesa Torta @ TACOS TUMBRAS A TOMAS (Central Market) Pastrami @ LANGERS Tarna @ ZANKOU Thu May 20 16:57:11 -0700 2004 319233 0 weebie 2 319425 What, pray tell, is a "Tarna"? Thu May 20 17:31:00 -0700 2004 319408 0 David Kahn 3 319438 Tarna is Boneless Chicken cooked in the same fashion as Swarma, then sliced off as it rotates. Thu May 20 18:16:12 -0700 2004 319425 0 russkar 2 319569 Just reading the subject line, I immediately thought of the Godmother at Bay Cities....so we're in the same camp Fri May 21 15:03:38 -0700 2004 319408 0 Crunk 1 319606 This is a long thread so I may have missed it, but since I haven't noticed any mention of Clementine, I have to mention it for the record. The menu varies daily so it is hard to pick one favorite sandwich, but the Reuben (which I posted about before) comes close, as do many of the other melted cheese works of art. However, it's not just the cheesy ones: I just came back from having a really excellent braised brisket sandwich, simply served on a soft roll with jus and jus, and a side of thick, strong, creamy horseradish sauce. Only real complaint would be that it cost $10 and had no cole slaw or other salad on the side, so it is rather pricey. But great. They were also offering a cheese steak sandwich as a daily special; it would be interesting to see how that comes out at such a "haute" place, but unfortunately I didn't see anyone ordering one while I was there. BTW, Clementine has just extended its closing time from 7 to 7:30pm, if you want to swing by to pick up dinner. Fri May 21 18:36:47 -0700 2004 319233 0 PayOrPlay 2 319650 Er, I meant to write that in the Clementine's braised brisket sandwich, the meat came with just jus and a few onions, not "jus and jus." The bread was actually not all that heavy with jus, at least compared to a Philippe's double dip. Fri May 21 21:55:01 -0700 2004 319606 0 PayOrPlay 1 322612 I am new here this is my first post! YAY. Anyway, I can't belive no one said Giamela's Submarine Sandwiches! OMG the peppersteak sandwich is well....Damn, I may have to go get one right now. I go to the one in Atwater village. There are others too in burbank. You have to be careful tho, cuz the ones in burbank close when they run out of the homemade if bread. :) So call before you go. The atwater village one stays open late til 11pm. And the price is right too $5-8 for huge sandwiches. Wed Jun 16 15:30:04 -0700 2004 319233 0 renee