Grinder spots in Pasadena....
Did a search for meatball grinders and didn't come up with much, so let me try and explain what I'm looking for....
Basically, I'm looking for a hole-in-the-wall type place that MAYBE would do pizzas, but the focus would be on grinders. In New England these places are dotted on almost every block, but it seems like most places I've found out here (Pasadena) tend to focus on pizzas and offer sandwiches as an after thought.
Just to be specific... I'm not looking for a "hoagie" or "sandwich" place, but a spot where HOT grinders are the norm, toasted in big ovens, wrapped in butcher paper, and made to-go. Specifically, meatball grinders are what I'm looking for. Usually a place like this has stuff like sausage and peppers, Chicken Cutlit, etc.
I've tried Pasadena Sandwich Company, and while I like the sandwiches, they don't offer meatball grinders. I like Domenco's for Italian, but their meatball grinder doesn't even come close to what I'm looking for....
I was thinking about trying Pietro's, but have read mixed reviews. Another place mentioned was Hey That's Amore, but the idea of driving over near Old Town to get take-out kind of puts me off. I've also tried The Kitchen, but was disappointed to say the least.
Anyone help me out there?
Gusto
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Hey That's Amore
27 E Holly St, Pasadena, CA 91103
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WildSwede
Feb 21, 2011 12:12 PM
Finally was able to get to Gene's in Monrovia when it was open on Saturday. I ordered the pastrami dip, add cheese. It came piled high with some of the most tender, delicious pastrami I have ever had (beats the Hat and Tops), pickles and mustard. I am pretty sure the "dip" part of that sandwich means that the bottom bun was dipped in au jus, but it could have been the moisture from the pastrami seeping it. It was divine! Did not even need the cheese. I took out about half the pastrami and made myself a sammie at home the next morning (there is still more left!).
When I was leaving a lady came up and ordered several of the pastrami sandwiches. She said this is the best. She said she moved away for a while and had been all over the world and when she came back, this is the first place she went. She said she craves it and many other people who move away and come back to visit have to stop by. I am glad that I live so close.
I just noticed that Jersey Mike's was mentioned. I have been to the one in the Henry's center on Huntington in Monrovia. I agree that the prices are high, but damn those sandwiches are good. Make sure to get a side of that hot red pepper sauce - nice kick to it. I got the Italian Sub (the one with all the meats). Regular size, lasted me for 2 meals. Found a coupon to the Monrovia location one: http://www.eatingistheway.com/2011/01...›11 Replies-
re: WildSwede
WildSwede
Jun 9, 2011 02:54 PM
Okay, I just wanted to bring up again how delicious the pastrami at Gene's is for those of you who may not have seen this post last time around. I had one this past weekend (large Pastrami Dip - comes with pickles and mustard, I got the dip on the side to go). So fantastic!
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re: reality check
WildSwede
Jun 9, 2011 04:51 PM
It does. I think they are only open until 3:30. So sad. I would definitely run there during the FM. I always stop and get 2 of Tommy's Shrimp Cocktails (they always sell out, so this is my first stop) . And sometimes I go get dinner at Pho Lemon. YUM!! ;-)
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re: WildSwede
Not sure I've ever seen Tommy's shrimp cocktails sold at the Monrovia Farmer's Market. I'll usually get the kebobs or wait and go to Taco Lita. But when I go next Fri., I'll try and find Tommy's. But, you better not take all the shrimp cocktail! Are they the Mexican style?
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Taco Lita
120 E Duarte Rd, Arcadia, CA 91006-
re: reality check
WildSwede
Jun 10, 2011 05:30 PM
Nah, I get 2 at a time. ;-) They have been bringing more now that it is summer and there are so many people that go. They are Mexican style and they will add lime, salt and tapatio if you want, and give you saltines. Don't forget to get a punch card. With the 5th one purchased, you get $1 off and with your 10th purcase, you get one free. They are $4/each. They are usually in front of that new apartment complex that they built on Myrtle on the east side of the street, just before you get to all the fruit and veggie vendors. They only sell the shrimp cocktails - nothing else and they have a simple sign and it is husband and wife. There is another vendor who sells almost the same (but has other options) but they do not seem as good to me. They are located in that part where there are a few booths in the center of the street down by the food. Where there is always a bottleneck since there is no room for all the people to merge nicely.
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re: kevin
WildSwede
May 2, 2012 02:13 PM
I love Taco Treat - more than Taco Lita, but I like Lita as well. Which is the other one?
Actually, I have now changed my mind about the Ceviches from the Monrovia Farmer's Market. I now only get it from the guy who also does fruit and snocones, not Tommy's. Tommy's seems to have become only tomato juice and much less shrimp that it used to be. Now I get from the other guy and doctor them up same as I mentioned above.
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I just wanted to mention a place I drove by the other day that has an awesome meatball sub. Jersey Mike's Subs on Lake Avenue just south Green Street. Website found here:
http://jerseymikes.com/menu/
It's a franchise, so I was kind of skeptical. But I have to admit... the meatball was probably close to the best, if not THE best I've tried in Pasadena thus far. Excellent, soft, slightly crusty bread. Each meatball was halved and layered on the inside of the bun with melted provologne and slightly chunky, not too overbearing marinara sauce that kept me coming back for more. All nicely wrapped up in some tinfoil. The bread, although soft, wasn't excessively chewy, while the meatballs were seemingly melting as I was chewing. A definite winner on the taste scale!Ok... so why won't I be visiting Jersey Mike's every day? Well, it goes like this. Virtually all subs on the menu are right around $8 each, and that's for a "Regular," which is around 7 inches. If you want the "Giant," which is around 14 inches, it's going to cost you a whopping $12. Between my wife and I (one giant and one regular), the bill was $20 with no sides and no drinks.
Was it worth $12? Ehhhhhhh???? I would probably have to say yes, and judging by what I've read about their other subs, it seems like most people are agreeing the quality is justifying the prices. I'm no cheapskate when it comes to food. If I like something, I buy it, but just look at these other prices for large meatballs.....
Gene's Grinders Monrovia - $7.00
Lee's Hoagie House - $6.75
Pietro's - $6.95Now those are just prices I pulled off the internet, and I think a couple of the places have gone up a little. But even still.... at $12 you're talking nearly double the price of the competition. Hmmm...........
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Gene's Grinders
800 S Myrtle Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016Lee's Hoagie House
2269 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107Green Street Restaurant
146 S Shopper's Lane, Pasadena, CA 91101Jersey Mike's
423 E Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023 -
Last weekend (Saturday) I called in a lunch order over at Gene's Grinders on Myrtle in Monrovia. I ordered one meatball (for me) and one turkey (for wifey). All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by this place. As far as the grinder goes, it was definitely different than what I was used to, but tasty none-the-less. First off, they take a long, white sub roll and half it, so the meatballs are visible both on the top and on the bottom. Gene's DOES NOT toast any of their subs, including the hot subs like meatballs, but their bread was definitely a step above the other places I've tried. (But in all honesty, I prefer a slightly sub-par bread that is toasted, verses a better bread un-toasted). Meatballs were definitely homemade, and for those that like onions, you'll definitely love the meatballs at Gene's. There were enough onions mixed in with the meat to get a distinct 'semi-onion' taste, which sometimes even overpowered the mildly placed marinara sauce. All that mixed in with some cheese and wrapped up in some butcher paper and you're good-to-go. (Total for 2 large subs was $17). One thing that really stuck out at Gene's was the service. The person who took the order, both on the phone and on location, was super nice. Excellent customer service to say the least. I would find myself going back to Gene's, but probably not for the meatball. Not that it wasn't good, it just wasn't what I was looking for.
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Gene's Grinders
800 S Myrtle Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016 -
WildSwede
Jan 5, 2011 10:50 AM
Okay, I was out driving on Sunday and saw a place called Gene's Grinders. I cannot vouch for it in any way, but I just recalled this post when I saw the word Grinder in the name. It is not Pasadena, but not too far away. I just googled it and they seem to have several locations. The one I drove by was on Arrow Highway. I would call to make sure they are still there. Good luck!
http://www.insidesocal.com/bentorama/...
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Gene's Grinders
800 S Myrtle Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016›19 Replies-
re: WildSwede
Peripatetic
Jan 5, 2011 12:02 PM
According to lileor (above) there's one in Monrovia. I asked (also above) if the others were related but no replies , , , yet.
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re: WildSwede
WildSwede,
I've been going to Gene's Grinders in Monrovia for over a decade and my favorite grinders are the meatball, tuna, grilled kielbasa, and of course their tasty pastrami which is my favorite in the SGV. Their pastrami is opposite of The Hat - not overly greasy, fatty or salty. They bake their own rolls for the grinders, but when they run out they close early which is normally around 3 to 4:00pm.
This place is truly a little gem that's been in Monrovia for many decades!-
re: SoCal Foodie
WildSwede
Jan 7, 2011 11:59 AM
I am so happy to hear that. I love pastrami, so I will definitely be trying it this weekend (or tonight if they are still open when I get there!). Thanks!!
BTW, do you know if they are related to the one I drove by on Arrow Highway? Same name. Thanks again!!-
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re: WildSwede
ipsedixit
Jan 9, 2011 09:23 AM
And don't forget The Market Grill in Monrovia. Hidden gem of a potato salad.
http://www.themarketgrillmonrovia.com...
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The Market Grill
525 S Shamrock Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016-
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re: ipsedixit
Peripatetic
Jan 9, 2011 01:34 PM
Love the fries and the homemade New England-style hot dog buns at Market Grill. Wish they used a better dog, though. The fries were better than the ones at Oinkster when they were at their peak.
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re: Peripatetic
WildSwede
Jan 10, 2011 11:16 AM
Cannot wait to try it. If they were open on Sunday, I would have gone by yesterday. Wonder if they would sell their buns separately? I did notice on the menu that they have New England Style buns. Bet they would be great as lobster roll rolls! ;-)
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re: WildSwede
Peripatetic
Jan 10, 2011 11:30 AM
They did tell me they would sell the buns separately if I called in advance, but I haven't taken them up on it yet, and this was nine months ago. These buns would be perfect lobster rolls. I grew up in Boston, so I like to think I have an informed opinion in this matter.
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re: heckonwheels
Peripatetic
Jan 10, 2011 11:58 AM
Open Monday-Saturday 11am-7pm. When I was there last they had run out of hot dog buns by 3pm. (Not sure if they made another batch, though.)
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re: raytamsgv
Peripatetic
Jan 10, 2011 04:19 PM
Had to look:
"The Angry Beast: roast beef, swiss, grilled onions, spinach, roasted green chilies, horseradish mayo"
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re: condiment
Connals is strictly a burger place for me... Double BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger with those awesome fries and a peanut butter shake.....sooooooo good.
Anyhow, went over to Pietro's tonight and was pleasantly surprised at my 12" meatball sub. Bread was slightly toasted, plenty of scrumptious meatballs with no shortage of marinara sauce, all lightly toasted with some nice melted cheese on the top, all wrapped up in some aluminum foil.
So what was my one quam? The bread was a little more chewy than I would have expected. I know it sounds picky, and it probably is, but I kept thinking to myself, "Man, it is taking me a long time to chew on this bread....." Other than that, Pietro's was definitely a hit. I would totally go back there.
I also stopped by Roma Market next door looking for "soupy," as it was known where I grew up (dried, spicy sausage). The guy behind the counter pointed out some home-made spicy sausage, which turned out not to be what I was looking for, but good none-the-less. The lady at the check-out overcharged me, but I didn't figure that out till I was halfway home. (My fault on not checking that one when I was in the store).
More grinders coming soon...
Gusto
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Connal's
1505 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104
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re: Selter Head
This is what I was talking about:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pietros-pasadena
The reviews are mixed... some rave, some not so much. I'm still going to give it a whirl for sure. I just wanted to see if there was something EXACTLY what I was looking for before I went out all over town trying different places. I've got to get over to Marios soon too.
I gave Lee's Hoagies on Colorado here in Pasadena a try yesterday, and the meatball was pretty decent. Lightly toasted, not exactly overflowing with meatballs, but a good taste none-the-less. It was even wrapped in butcher paper, which was a nice touch. Two 9" subs (my wife went with the turkey) for just over $12. My wife was raving about hers.
I'll report back with more (meatball) grinder news soon...
Gusto
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re: lileor
Peripatetic
Jan 1, 2011 06:56 PM
What's the relationship between Gene's Grinders in Monrovia and the others in Covina, La Verne, Chino, etc? From various photos, the menus and signage look totally different. Also, this article seems to imply that Gene's in Monrovia is a stand-alone entity:
http://www.insidesocal.com/bentorama/... .
Maybe the others are franchisees that became independent?
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re: grubjay
Peripatetic
Dec 31, 2010 08:50 AM
I can't believe I didn't remember to mention Dave's. Yes, their meatball sub is excellent!
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cant talk...eating
Dec 30, 2010 07:53 PM
I'm just curious how The Kitchen prepared it - probably the most unremarkable Italian restaurant I've been to in L.A., or anywhere maybe.
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trolley
Dec 30, 2010 03:08 PM
there is an Italian place called Lucianos next to the Vons shopping center across from the hospital. i'm pretty sure they make meatball subs or grinder or whatever you want to call them. pretty standard place. never had their sandwiches but i'm sure it'll be just fine.
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re: trolley
cant talk...eating
Dec 30, 2010 07:51 PM
This is a terrible place (Lucianos) for that particular item (in my opinion), or at least was so 10 yrs ago when I tried it last - haven't returned!
Report back about Porta Via - at least they have top-flight ingredients to work with.
Searching on "grinders" won't find much here, since that term is really used locally (so. New England?? I'm not even sure, and I used to live out there). I never associate hot sandwiches with that term, and out here, people call them 'meatball parm(agiana)' or 'meatball (or whatever) sub'.
Of course, you need it to be a pizza place, since you need that hot blast of the oven to get it right. Just a local sandwich place won't do it properly, like they'll microwave it or just cobble something weird together.
Tony Pizza in San Marino (just south of Pasadena) might fit the bill - they're pretty standard, nothing fancy, as I remember, but this is going back years and years.
Haven't seen sausage and peppers much out here like you'd see at any stadium or fair out there, but meatball, eggplant and chicken cutlet shouldn't be too hard to come by, though this does seem like an unusually unpopular, hard-to-find item in L.A. for some reason.
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re: cant talk...eating
WildSwede
Jan 1, 2011 11:45 PM
I wonder if Vince's Deli has a meatball sub. All their sandwiches that I have had over the years have been very good. But, since I am not a meatball fan, I cannot say that I have ever even looked to see if they have one.
Maybe Carmine's meatball sub is good. In fact, I would bet on it since all their food is good. They have 2 locations - So Pas and Arcadia. AND they have awesome pizza! -
re: cant talk...eating
cant talk...eating
Jan 23, 2011 01:41 PM
Just sampled Tony's in San Marino (for reason I wrote "Tony" above) yesterady, ordering the eggplant parm. Anyway, it's a standard-issue, New England-style sandwich - eggplant, marinara, cheese, roll, toasted in the pizza oven. They have sausage, meatball and chicken as well.
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In regards to Hey That's Amore, I know it's kinda close to Old Town, but you mind he experience of going there not so bad. It is right around the corner from the parking garage on Raymond near Walnut that has free parking for the first 90 minutes. Perfect for pick-up or even a leisurely lunch.
That said, they seem to only have lunch hours and since I don't work (though live) in the Pasadena area, I've never made it there.
As for other places, I know Porta Via makes a meatball hoagie with their fresh made meatballs, though I couldn't tell you if it is what you are looking for.
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Porta Via Italian Foods
1 W California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105Hey That's Amore
27 E Holly St, Pasadena, CA 91103›2 Replies-
re: inlikeflt
Can't believe I didn't mention Porta Via. I get their meatballs all the time (to serve w/spaghetti); just never thought of getting them in a sandwich. They have both beef and turkey; surprisingly, I actually like the turkey ones better than the beef!
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Porta Via
424 N. Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 -
re: inlikeflt
Tried Porta Via last night.... I like their meatballs, but it's more of a meatball sandwich. Not to mention, at $7.95 (for more or less a 6" 'sub,' I think it's a little overpriced. Nice, crisp bread, maybe one layer of provologne melted on the inside of the bun, just a spattering of marinara sauce. This would be something I might consider for lunch, but not for dinner, which is what I got it for. Picture a 6" sub roll cut in half with 2 meatballs on each side and that's what you get. Like I said, it was tasty, but just not my style.
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Porta Via
424 N. Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
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First off, if you did your search for "grinders," specifically, it's not surprising that you found so little. That's simply not the nomenclature used in this part of the world.
I know you're not looking for a "hoagie" or "sandwich" place, but basically, that is the type of place where you are going to find a hot meatball sandwich.
Lee's Hoagie House in Pasadena would be the best choice.
Eastside Market and Italian Deli is, at non-rush hour, 20 mins. or less from Pasadena.
http://www.esmdeli.com/Here's a link on the exact same subject. It's from 2009, but the info. therein appears to be accurate.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/621780
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Eastside Market
1013 Alpine St, Los Angeles, CA 90012Lee's Hoagie House
2269 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107›4 Replies -
ipsedixit
Dec 29, 2010 01:38 PM
Couple of places come to mind that you may want to try, although I fear neither will live up to NE standards.
Luigi Ortega. http://www.luigiortegas.com/home.html
Tarantino's.
784 E Green St
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 796-7836And a bit out of the area in nearby Arcadia is Roma, which does a fine meatball sub and also serves pizza.
Roma http://www.romaarcadia.com/
Pasadena Sandwich Co. has really gone downhill in the past 6 months unfortunately.
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monku
Dec 29, 2010 01:23 PM
Mario's Italian Deli in Glendale has butcher paper wrapped sandwiches you're looking for.
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re: monku
Mario's Italian Deli & Market
740 East Broadway
Glendale
(818) 242-4114-
re: Norm Man
I tried Mario's in Glendale last weekend, and it was fantastic. The entire deli/shop/sub counter is an absolute gem. Fresh baked breads await the scrumptious grinders being made by the friendly staff. If you call your grinder in ahead, there's a separate counter for express check-out. (As long as you're not getting anything from the deli).
The meatball was superb. The bread is already pre-toasted, meaning the shell is already slightly crusted, while the inside remains soft. (They don't put their grinders in the oven AFTER making it, as far as I could tell). Meatballs were top-notch with just enough marinara and ample mozzarella. Their grinders only come in one size, but you won't be disappointed. Not quite as big as Pietro's in Pasadena, but definitely bigger than Porta Via.
Marios also offers quite a selection of Italian wines, some nicer bottles for those interested in that sort of thing. They even had a couple bottles of Opus One.
The deli is split between meats (on the right) and cheeses (on the left). The rest of the store has all different kinds of Italian gems like homemade spumoni, italian imported noodles, dried sausages and salami, a nice selection of sodas (Americana, Boyle's, Stewart's, etc.), even Cappuccino flavored ice cream. Mmmm...... There's also a spattering of tables where you walk in, so you can eat your food there, if you wish.
Not only the best meatball grinder I've tried thus far, but a great place all around. I will definitely be heading back to Mario's!
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Porta Via
424 N. Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210-
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re: Norm Man
It's funny you should mention that, because my wife (as always) ordered a Turkey Molasse grinder and kept asking,"Is there an extra piece of bread in this?" I guess she was right! As for the meatball, though, no extra piece of bread in the middle that I remember. I can't tell you how much I really enjoyed this place. I wish Mario's was a little closer so I could visit more often!
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