Cuisine Scene: Sandwiches

Ah, the sandwich. That perfectly packed, wonderfully stacked bit of gastronomic goodness. Long Beach offers all manner of Lord Sandwich’s creation, from classic turns to creative interpretations, offered everywhere from delis to sit-down eateries. Here are a few versions you’ll be glad to get your hands and taste buds on.

BOK BOK SANDWICH, Hangry Belly

Hangry Belly (3768 Long Beach Blvd) is a relatively new addition to Bixby Knolls that has quickly gained attention for its delicious food with fresh ingredients. Its terrific chicken sandwich begins with a generous portion of grilled chicken placed between two slices of cheesy Texas toast. Swiss cheese, bacon and roasted garlic aioli are added and it’s finished with lettuce and tomato to produce an incredible sandwich with exceptional depth of flavor.

LOBSTER ROLL, Gaucho Beach

Occupying a prime dining spot in the city–on the sand at Alamitos Beach with an unencumbered view of the harbor–Gaucho Beach (780 E Shoreline Dr) has a full menu of apps, entrees and drinks. Its take on this classic seafood sandwich starts with a mound of fresh lobster meat tossed in a creamy mayonnaise and topped with–wait for it– guacamole! Served on a soft brioche roll with a black bean spread, it’s finished with a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick.

MEATBALL SANDWICH, Modica’s

Modica’s (455 E. Ocean Blvd), one of the city’s most popular Italian delis/restaurants, makes about 200 sandwiches a day, like their classic Italian subs and pastrami sandwich acknowledged as one of the best in the city. But arguably its signature sandwich is an amazing meatball sandwich, served on fresh baked bread, with a healthy helping of delicious meatballs covered in gooey cheese and a tangy marinara that infuses both meatballs and bread.

CORNED BEEF SANDWICH, The Auld Dubliner Irish Pub

The Auld Dubliner Irish Pub (71 S Pine Ave) strives to present all aspects of an authentic Irish public house. To that end, it offers plenty of ways to enjoy corned beef, whether traditionally with cabbage or Californian in tacos. It also does its own fantastic take on the corned beef sandwich, with moist, flavorful beef arranged on rye bread under a bedding of swiss cheese and apple onion relish, all of it covered with a zesty spread of horseradish cream.

MONTE CRISTO, Wild Chive

It figures that a place as beloved as vegan landmark Wild Chive (2650 E. Broadway), which made its name in part due to an incredible stuffed French toast, would also produce an exceptional vegan version of the Monte Cristo, a classic French creation. Vegan ham is combined with grilled vegan cheese on caramelized potato French toast that is dressed with strawberry jam and maple syrup to create a satisfying savory, sweet mix.

GARLIC SPREAD, Angelo’s

This Belmont Shore mainstay is well known for fresh ingredients, from cured meats to freshly baked bread. But the best ingredient at Angelo’s (190 La Verne Ave) may be the heavenly garlic spread it puts on nearly 20 of its cold sandwich creations. So, whether you’re enjoying a classic Italian Torpedo, indulging in a prosciutto sandwich or the artistic simplicity of the turkey and salami sandwich, garlic spread will tie all flavors together into a tasty bit of magic.

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About the 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.