The Best of Long Beach—

Cuisine Scene: Sandwiches

Long Beach knows a thing or two about sandwiching deliciousness between two slices of bread.

From deli classics to creative mashups that take familiar favorites in delicious new directions (pastrami banh mi? Yes, please!), the city serves up something for every craving: towering Italian subs, crispy chicken sandwiches, meat-free masterpieces … Call them subs, sandos or sammiches, these 11 standouts are stacked with reasons to take a bite.

PHO FRENCH DIP, SESAME DINETTE

Sesame Dinette (1750 Pacific Ave) puts its own creative twist on this sandwich classic, placing seasoned beef between focaccia slices and serving it with a bowl of fragrant pho broth for dipping. The result brings together rich, savory flavors and a satisfying contrast between crusty bread and warm broth. It’s a perfect example of this cafe’s contemporary approach to Asian cuisine, where familiar comfort food gets an unexpected and delicious twist.

MEATBALL SANDWICH, MODICA’S DELI

At Modica’s Deli (455 E Ocean Blvd), the meatball sandwich makes a strong case for sticking with the classics. Tender, generously sized meatballs meet house-made marinara, melted cheese and a lightly toasted Italian roll. The sauce delivers plenty of flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients, while the soft bread holds everything together. It’s hearty, satisfying and just messy enough to feel authentic.

PROUD BIRD, PROUDLY SERVING

Made especially for Long Beach, the Proud Bird sandwich at Proudly Serving (6332 Pacific Coast Hwy) puts a local spin on one of America's favorite sandwiches: fried chicken. Expect a satisfying combination of crunchy coating and juicy chicken, delivering the kind of crispy, savory goodness that makes a great chicken sandwich hard to resist. It's a fitting signature for this neighborhood-minded spot that celebrates the city through food.

SANDO OF THE DAY, OH LA VACHE

At Oh La Vache (2112 E 4th St), the daily sando is an afternoon surprise, assembled from the European-style shop's selection of cheeses, meats and other provisions. The result is a rotating lineup of grab-and-go creations shaped by whatever inspires the kitchen that day. There's always something new to discover, but you'll have to move quickly; these limited-run sandwiches are available until they sell out.

JOE’S SPECIAL, JOE JOST’S

A Long Beach legend since 1924, Joe Jost’s (2803 E Anaheim St) keeps things deliciously simple with its famous Joe’s Special. The classic combination features a Polish sausage, Swiss cheese, pickle and mustard on rye bread. Want to change things up? Add a slice of salami or explore variations with liverwurst, egg salad or cheese. For the full Joe Jost’s experience, pair your sandwich with a frosty schooner of beer and the bar’s iconic pickled eggs.

TIRED OF TAXATION, ISM BREWING & KITCHEN

ISM Brewing & Kitchen's (210 E 3rd St) Tired of Taxation is a modern take on the classic bologna sandwich. Flat-top-fried bologna gets cozy with melted American cheese, tomato, romaine and house-made mayo-mustard, all tucked into buttery brioche. The combination delivers salty, creamy, tangy goodness with a satisfying crunch of fresh vegetables. Best of all, this comfort-food throwback costs less than $10.

THE BEN FRANKLIN, EGGBRED

Breakfast gets an upgrade at EggBred (777 E Ocean Blvd) with the Ben Franklin, a sandwich that brings together rich flavors and thoughtfully prepared ingredients. Black Forest ham and a fresh-cracked, over-medium egg share a custom EggBred English muffin with peppery arugula dressed in truffle oil. A side of classic hollandaise adds an extra layer of buttery indulgence; a breakfast sandwich with a little sophistication.

MONTE CRISTO, THE CROOKED DUCK

The Monte Cristo at The Crooked Duck (5096 Pacific Coast Hwy) puts a delicious spin on a classic favorite. Ham, turkey and Swiss cheese are tucked into a sandwich that's deep-fried until golden, creating a crisp exterior and a warm, melty center. Raspberry preserves provide the finishing touch, balancing the salty meat, sweet fruit and rich cheese, making this delicious take on an old-school favorite.

SPECIAL SANDWICH, SANTA FE IMPORTERS

Since 1947, family-owned Santa Fe Importers (1401 Santa Fe Ave) has been a Long Beach destination for Italian deli classics, and its Special Sandwich shows why. A 10-inch roll is loaded with imported ham, cotto salami, dry salami and Swiss cheese, delivering a generous combination of savory meats and creamy cheese in every bite, it’s simply a classic in every sense.

TOM’S FAMOUS PASTRAMI BANH MI, GOLD BANH

Gold Banh (315 The Promenade N)–which shares space inside Loose Leaf Boba Company–brings together a Vietnamese sandwich tradition with American deli fare in a pastrami banh mi that's simply extraordinary. The star is thick-cut pastrami smoked for 14 hours, delivering a deep, smokey flavor balanced by the sweet tang of the banh mi’s traditionally pickled veggies.

THE CALIFORNIA VEGAN, LE CROQUE

Proof that a sandwich doesn't need meat or dairy to deliver, Le Croque's (371 Redondo Ave) California Vegan keeps things fresh and uncomplicated. Baby arugula tossed in olive oil joins creamy fresh avocado and sun-dried tomatoes, with sea salt and black pepper bringing flavors into focus. Everything comes piled onto thick slices of whole-grain seeded bread for a satisfying mix of textures and earthy flavors.

Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.