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Ike's Love & Sandwiches
Master Critic Review
Ike's Love & Sandwiches
7.7
California chain featuring Dirty Secret Sauce baked into Dutch Crunch bread with over 500 sandwich combinations. Extensive menu includes meat, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options with creative names like the Dirtbag and Matt Cain, served with signature caramel apple lollipop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dirtbag (Pastrami & BBQ Habanero), Matt Cain, Love Triangle (Vegan)
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Dutch Crunch bread with proprietary sauce and massive vegan selection
Who should go: Sandwich customization fans and vegans
When to visit: Lunch or late afternoon avoiding peak rush
What to order: Dirtbag, any sandwich with Dirty Secret Sauce, chicken nuggets
Insider tip: Every sandwich comes with a caramel apple lollipop
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking lot on-site, additional street parking available on 2nd Street
Dress code: Ultra casual - come as you are, gym clothes perfectly fine
Noise level: Moderate to loud - counter service energy, better for groups than intimate talks
Weekend wait: 15-20 min for order preparation, minimal line wait
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min peak rush (12-1pm), otherwise walk right up
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options with 100+ veggie combinations including plant-based proteins
Vegan options: Yes - one of the best vegan sandwich selections in Long Beach, dairy-free cheese available
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free bread available, but shared prep area (not celiac-safe)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates than romantic dinners. Loud counter-service environment works if you both love creative sandwiches, but atmosphere won't do the heavy lifting - skip if you want intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or accepted - pure counter service with indoor/outdoor seating. Grab your sandwich and find a spot, though seating can be tight during lunch rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - casual vibe, customizable sandwiches, and that signature lollipop seals the deal. Works for all ages but especially hits with tweens and teens who love the quirky sandwich names.
What if I can't decide what to order? Start with staff favorites like the Dirtbag (breaded chicken, mozzarella sticks, Dirty Sauce) or ask the counter crew for recommendations. With 500+ combinations, you can't really go wrong - just ensure you get the Dirty Secret Sauce.
How long do sandwiches take to make? 10-15 minutes during normal hours, up to 20 minutes during lunch rush. They make everything fresh to order including baking the sauce into that signature Dutch Crunch bread.
Best For
Better for: Unmatched vegan/vegetarian variety, creative flavor combinations, and late-night sandwich cravings (open until 10pm). The Dutch Crunch bread baked with Dirty Secret Sauce creates a texture and flavor you won't find at Jersey Mike's or Subway.
Skip if: You want a traditional deli experience with premium cold cuts and simple preparations - head to Bay Cities or a classic Italian deli. Also skip if you need a quiet meal environment or full table service.