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A Handy Guide to Los Angeles' Best Sandwiches

by Matthew Kang@mattatouille Oct 18, 2012, 5:26am PDT

57 comments / new

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by Matthew Kang@mattatouille Oct 18, 2012, 5:26am PDT

57 comments / new

Los Angeles is a diverse city, especially with regard to its cuisine. As a true cultural melting pot, a compilation of LA's the best sandwiches wouldn't be complete without several ethnic representations. There are still many more sandwiches to add, but as the first edition, this one does touch on many different types: deli, Italian, Cuban, farm-to-table, classic American, even Persian and Korean. Without further ado, Eater presents a selection of the city's best sandwiches.

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#54 at Langer's Deli

Most people love the #19 pastrami sandwich, but the real treasure is the #54, which is a true sandwich lover's combo of Langer's stellar pastrami and corned beef on two pieces of house-baked rye. The tomato-cream cheese pastrami sandwich is also worth a try.

Open in Google Maps

704 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Visit Website

Double Dip Lamb at Philippe the Original

Philippe is known for either inventing or being credited with inventing the French Dip but nearly a hundred years later, it doesn't really matter. Philippe's double-dip lamb sandwich with extra hot mustard spread on is a terrific bite of L.A. history.

Open in Google Maps

1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

Chicken Parmesan at Bay Cities

The Godmother sandwich is the most talked about sandwich in L.A., but the chicken parmesan and other hot sandwiches might be even better on the dense, house-baked Italian bread. Thick, juicy pieces of chicken breast, nicely breaded and served with copious marinara and topped with provolone cheese makes this sandwich the best one here, Godmother included.

1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Southern Fry at Plan Check Kitchen + Bar

Though the burgers are the main draw, the real star is the Southern Fry, a marvelous chicken sandwich to behold with wide eyes. The jidori chicken is fried to an elegant crisp almost like izakaya-style karaage and then paired with duck breast ham and pimento cheese before being placed between two swell buns.

1800 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Porcetto Sandwich at Sotto

Available only at lunch from Wednesday to Friday, this ode to the glories of pork involves well-seasoned belly roasted to perfection with a crisped end. It's nestled between two house-baked slices of rustic bread and balanced with a vegetable giardiniera.

9575 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Short Rib Pastrami at ink.sack

Michael Voltaggio's award-winning ink restaurant is just steps from this casual sandwich grab-and-go, where the Top Chef winner puts together great ingredients in smaller packages, if only to have two sandwiches in one meal. The short rib pastrami is epic despite the small size, with horseradish and pickles to counter the meat.

Open in Google Maps

8360 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069

Visit Website

Fried Chicken Sandwich at Son of a Gun

A rare non-seafood item at this casual yet high-end nook of a restaurant on West 3rd from the Animal duo, the fried chicken sandwich has a thick battered crust and ample slaw. Definitely a must order if it's first visit.

8370 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Pork Belly Banh Mi at fundamental LA

Most of the sandwiches at this minimalist Westwood spot are very good, but the chicken torta and pork belly banh mi stand out. The banh mi gets a smear of duck liver pate and a smattering of pickled root vegetables.

1303 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Bacalao at Cook's Tortas

This East LA favorite makes a few dozen variations of tortas, but this version with salt cod stewed with spices and peppers makes the cut.

Open in Google Maps

1944 S Atlantic Blvd, Monterey Park, CA 91754

Visit Website

Double B-LTA at The Sycamore Kitchen

While most of the menu plays it safe, Karen and Quinn Hatfield's casual bakery and sandwich shop on burgeoning La Brea has a terrific take on the classic BLT - this time with pork belly. Butter lettuce and avocado play second fiddle to the delicious sliced bread holding it all together.

143 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Also featured in:

Meatball Sub at All About The Bread

A bit of a Bay Cities knockoff, Mid City's All About the Bread still makes impressive sandwiches with a similar formula. The meatball sub has a heartiness that belies most food in L.A. with a marinara sauce that doesn't overwhelm the sandwich. Of course, some extra sauce is served on the side just in case.

Open in Google Maps

7111 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Visit Website

Pork Belly Banh Mi at Mendocino Farms

Known for making a great selection of seasonal sandwiches, Mendocino's Pork Belly banh mi probably doesn't resemble the Vietnamese sandwich very much, but makes up for it with large pieces of kurobuta pork, housemade pickles, and smear of spicy aioli placed in grilled ciabatta bread. You'll soon forget about authenticity after a bite or two.

Open in Google Maps

4724 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Falafel Laffa at Joe's Falafel

In a city full of falafel, Joe's Falafel stands out for its laffa, a thin, naan-like bread that delightfully envelopes the well-spiced falafel. Lined with tahini sauce and flecked with house-made chili sauce, it's an ideal handheld meal.

Open in Google Maps

3535 Cahuenga Blvd. W, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Steak Oyster Sandwich at Tom Bergin's

This off-the-menu item takes pan-seared ribeye, fried oysters, and Bearnaise sauce, and puts them on a butter-toasted roll. There's no way to go wrong with that.

840 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Bulgogi Cheesesteak at Sandwich Shop

This extremely simple Downtown shop does a good job with making familiar sandwiches that are a step above the average joint. The bulgogi cheesesteak is a Korean take on the Philadelphia classic, with marinaded meat and slices of jalapeno to spice it up.

531 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Visit Website

Also featured in:

11 Gut-Busting Philly Cheesesteaks to Try in Los Angeles

Pan Con Lechon at Porto's Bakery & Cafe

Served dripping with mojo sauce, this simple roasted pork sandwich seems to work perfectly with Tapatio. Placed on house-made a cuban baguette, it's an affordable sandwich that feels like an every day indulgence.

315 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Breads, Cakes, and Pastries in Los Angeles: Where to Find the Best

The Farmer at The Daily Dose

Though the ingredients may change depending on what's in season, this sandwich is almost always greater than the sum of its parts (which are no slouch). The Farmer features roasted potatoes, heirloom tomatoes, chili jam and almond pesto for a great sandwich that won't make you miss meat.

1820 Industrial St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Also featured in:

Cubano at La Caridad Restaurant

This low-key Cuban restaurant in Historic Filipinotown keep things simple and inexpensive. The Cubano sandwich and medianoche are both delicious, packed with pork and ham.

Open in Google Maps

2137 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Lamb Tongue Sandwich at Attari

The pickles dominate on this adventurous Persian sandwich in Westwood, but the tender, slightly gamey lamb tongue is a departure from the ordinary at Attari.

Open in Google Maps

1388 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Cheesesteak at Boo's

Perhaps the best and most authentic cheesesteak in town, a former fast food stand in Silver Lake isn't shy about their cheese whiz and grilled meat held together in an authentic Amoroso roll. Grilled onions and mushrooms are an ideal addition.

4501 Fountain Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90029

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#54 at Langer's Deli

704 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Most people love the #19 pastrami sandwich, but the real treasure is the #54, which is a true sandwich lover's combo of Langer's stellar pastrami and corned beef on two pieces of house-baked rye. The tomato-cream cheese pastrami sandwich is also worth a try.

Open in Google Maps

704 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Visit Website

Double Dip Lamb at Philippe the Original

1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Philippe is known for either inventing or being credited with inventing the French Dip but nearly a hundred years later, it doesn't really matter. Philippe's double-dip lamb sandwich with extra hot mustard spread on is a terrific bite of L.A. history.

Open in Google Maps

1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

Chicken Parmesan at Bay Cities

1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

The Godmother sandwich is the most talked about sandwich in L.A., but the chicken parmesan and other hot sandwiches might be even better on the dense, house-baked Italian bread. Thick, juicy pieces of chicken breast, nicely breaded and served with copious marinara and topped with provolone cheese makes this sandwich the best one here, Godmother included.

1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Visit Website

Southern Fry at Plan Check Kitchen + Bar

1800 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Though the burgers are the main draw, the real star is the Southern Fry, a marvelous chicken sandwich to behold with wide eyes. The jidori chicken is fried to an elegant crisp almost like izakaya-style karaage and then paired with duck breast ham and pimento cheese before being placed between two swell buns.

1800 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Visit Website

Porcetto Sandwich at Sotto

9575 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035

Available only at lunch from Wednesday to Friday, this ode to the glories of pork involves well-seasoned belly roasted to perfection with a crisped end. It's nestled between two house-baked slices of rustic bread and balanced with a vegetable giardiniera.

9575 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035

Visit Website

Short Rib Pastrami at ink.sack

8360 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069

Michael Voltaggio's award-winning ink restaurant is just steps from this casual sandwich grab-and-go, where the Top Chef winner puts together great ingredients in smaller packages, if only to have two sandwiches in one meal. The short rib pastrami is epic despite the small size, with horseradish and pickles to counter the meat.

Open in Google Maps

8360 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069

Visit Website

Fried Chicken Sandwich at Son of a Gun

8370 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048

A rare non-seafood item at this casual yet high-end nook of a restaurant on West 3rd from the Animal duo, the fried chicken sandwich has a thick battered crust and ample slaw. Definitely a must order if it's first visit.

8370 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Visit Website

Pork Belly Banh Mi at fundamental LA

1303 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Most of the sandwiches at this minimalist Westwood spot are very good, but the chicken torta and pork belly banh mi stand out. The banh mi gets a smear of duck liver pate and a smattering of pickled root vegetables.

1303 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Visit Website

Bacalao at Cook's Tortas

1944 S Atlantic Blvd, Monterey Park, CA 91754

This East LA favorite makes a few dozen variations of tortas, but this version with salt cod stewed with spices and peppers makes the cut.

Open in Google Maps

1944 S Atlantic Blvd, Monterey Park, CA 91754

Visit Website

Double B-LTA at The Sycamore Kitchen

143 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

While most of the menu plays it safe, Karen and Quinn Hatfield's casual bakery and sandwich shop on burgeoning La Brea has a terrific take on the classic BLT - this time with pork belly. Butter lettuce and avocado play second fiddle to the delicious sliced bread holding it all together.

143 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Meatball Sub at All About The Bread

7111 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90048

A bit of a Bay Cities knockoff, Mid City's All About the Bread still makes impressive sandwiches with a similar formula. The meatball sub has a heartiness that belies most food in L.A. with a marinara sauce that doesn't overwhelm the sandwich. Of course, some extra sauce is served on the side just in case.

Open in Google Maps

7111 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Visit Website

Pork Belly Banh Mi at Mendocino Farms

4724 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Known for making a great selection of seasonal sandwiches, Mendocino's Pork Belly banh mi probably doesn't resemble the Vietnamese sandwich very much, but makes up for it with large pieces of kurobuta pork, housemade pickles, and smear of spicy aioli placed in grilled ciabatta bread. You'll soon forget about authenticity after a bite or two.

Open in Google Maps

4724 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Falafel Laffa at Joe's Falafel

3535 Cahuenga Blvd. W, Los Angeles, CA 90068

In a city full of falafel, Joe's Falafel stands out for its laffa, a thin, naan-like bread that delightfully envelopes the well-spiced falafel. Lined with tahini sauce and flecked with house-made chili sauce, it's an ideal handheld meal.

Open in Google Maps

3535 Cahuenga Blvd. W, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Steak Oyster Sandwich at Tom Bergin's

840 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

This off-the-menu item takes pan-seared ribeye, fried oysters, and Bearnaise sauce, and puts them on a butter-toasted roll. There's no way to go wrong with that.

840 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Visit Website

Bulgogi Cheesesteak at Sandwich Shop

531 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

This extremely simple Downtown shop does a good job with making familiar sandwiches that are a step above the average joint. The bulgogi cheesesteak is a Korean take on the Philadelphia classic, with marinaded meat and slices of jalapeno to spice it up.

531 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Visit Website

Related Maps

Pan Con Lechon at Porto's Bakery & Cafe

315 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203

Served dripping with mojo sauce, this simple roasted pork sandwich seems to work perfectly with Tapatio. Placed on house-made a cuban baguette, it's an affordable sandwich that feels like an every day indulgence.

315 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203

Visit Website

The Farmer at The Daily Dose

1820 Industrial St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Though the ingredients may change depending on what's in season, this sandwich is almost always greater than the sum of its parts (which are no slouch). The Farmer features roasted potatoes, heirloom tomatoes, chili jam and almond pesto for a great sandwich that won't make you miss meat.

1820 Industrial St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Cubano at La Caridad Restaurant

2137 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

This low-key Cuban restaurant in Historic Filipinotown keep things simple and inexpensive. The Cubano sandwich and medianoche are both delicious, packed with pork and ham.

Open in Google Maps

2137 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Lamb Tongue Sandwich at Attari

1388 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

The pickles dominate on this adventurous Persian sandwich in Westwood, but the tender, slightly gamey lamb tongue is a departure from the ordinary at Attari.

Open in Google Maps

1388 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Cheesesteak at Boo's

4501 Fountain Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90029

Perhaps the best and most authentic cheesesteak in town, a former fast food stand in Silver Lake isn't shy about their cheese whiz and grilled meat held together in an authentic Amoroso roll. Grilled onions and mushrooms are an ideal addition.

4501 Fountain Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90029

Related Maps