Noah GalutenNothing but a little leftover quinoa salad in the communal work fridge for lunch today? Wincing at the thought of what the office food cart guy has in store for you? Allow us to make you feel even worse, or perhaps to motivate you to run out for something better. Below is our photo gallery of 10 great L.A. sandwiches that are most likely a whole lot nicer than whatever you had planned on eating.
1. Mozza2Go: Yes, their porchetta panini panino is something to behold as well, but this luscious, soft and salty sandwich is lighter, and perfect for that weekday afternoon picnic you wish you were on. 6610 Melrose Ave., Hollywood; (323) 297-0100.
Basturma sandwich from Sahag's Basturma; Credit: N. Galuten
2. Sahag's Basturma: Basturma, often known as Middle Eastern pastrami, makes for a robust, intensely garlickly sandwich, and Sahag's makes some of the best ones in town. One caveat: no dating for the next 24 hours. 5183 Sunset Blvd. Los Feliz, (323) 661-5311.
Albacore BLT from Beacon; Credit: N. Galuten
3. Beacon: This Asian fusion café seems to fly under the radar these days, but one reason it shouldn't is this refreshing and deeply satisfying albacore BLT. 3280 Helms Ave., Culver City, (310) 838-7500.
French dip from Cole's; Credit: Guzzle & Nosh
4. Cole's: Phillipe's or Cole's, who makes a better French dip? Do we really have to choose? Try meeting a friend on neutral ground and splitting half of each. 118 East Sixth Street, Los Angeles; (213) 622-4090.
Beef milanesa and head cheese cemita from Pal Cabron; Credit: Dara Hashemi
5. Pal Cabron: Much as we like their paintings of women pointing down at you and laughing from above the urinals, we like their cemitas more. Large rolls of egg bread, stuffed with assorted meats, spicy sauces and Oaxacan string cheese go rather well with a michelada. 2560 E. Gage Ave., Huntington Park, (323) 277-9899.
Bay Cities meatball sandwich; Credit: N. Galuten
6. Bay Cities Italian Deli: We're not trying to keep you from your Godmother, but this fat, sloppy sandwich is a star in its own right. What makes it even more appealing is that you can simply pick one up from the hot food counter without even bothering to take a number. 1517 Lincoln Blvd. Santa Monica, (310) 395-8279.
Open faced egg salad sandwich from Euro Pane; Credit: Exile Kiss
7. Euro Pane: This is not a vending machine egg salad sandwich. This is a soft, delicate open faced sandwich on olive bread with chives, freshly cooked eggs and a lemon and sun dried tomato pesto. Note the difference. 950 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, (626) 577-1828.
Unadorned pastrami sandwich from Langer's; Credit: N. Galuten
8. Langer's Deli: We're not sure what else to tell you other than that this is the undisputed pastrami champion of the world. If you haven't had one yet, you've made a huge mistake. 704 S Alvarado St, L.A., (213) 483-8050.
Pork belly sliders from Animal; Credit: Dara Hashemi
9. Animal Restaurant: Okay, so you can't have this for lunch. But when Animal opens up for dinner, they will be serving these beloved barbecued pork belly sliders. To quote every grandmother ever: “what's not to like?” 435 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A., (323) 782-9225.
Sicilian tuna melt from Little Dom's; Credit: N. Galuten
1o. Little Dom's: Don't think of this so much as a tuna melt, but rather, as a highly citric and bright Italian tuna sandwich, pressed and grilled until golden and crispy, and served with a steaming side of fried potatoes. 2128 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz, (323) 661-0055.
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