Best Cheap Eats Sandwiches Restaurants in Los Angeles
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Baba's Deli Subs
Independent deli laser-focused on overstuffed subs with top-tier ingredients.
Notable Picks
8.8
Baba's Deli Subs is a dedicated sandwich counter on Pacific Coast Highway known for stacked cold cuts, soft dark-sweet rolls, and a long board of signature creations. Regulars come for generous portions, crisp produce, and consistent execution that has quickly made it a go-to sandwich stop in South Torrance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baba's Deli #1 Sandwich (bold Cajun turkey on dark sweet wheat), Italian Submarine Sandwich, The Monster Special Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Independent deli laser-focused on overstuffed subs with top-tier ingredients.
#2
For The Win
8.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
For The Win’s Franklin Avenue outpost is a tight, counter-service smash burger stand where thin, crispy-edged patties and very dialed-in fries are the whole point. Locals line up for cheeseburgers buried in fry sauce and shoestring fries that stay hot and crisp on the walk back to nearby apartments or studios.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeseburger with fries combo, Loaded fries with fry sauce, Sweet potato fries
What Makes it Special: Smash burgers and ultra-crisp fries built for obsessive regulars.
#3
Monroe Place
8.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Brooklyn transplants Sara Fakhfouri and Alex Maj craft inventive sandwiches on artisan breads from Bub and Grandma's and Out of Thin Air bakery. Their signature builds blend Mediterranean and deli influences with unexpected twists like serrano-cilantro spread and fig jam with turkey, earning praise from Eater LA as a standout sandwich destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Spaniard, Serenity Now, Court Street
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood shop serving creative sandwiches with artisan breads and unique flavor combinations from Brooklyn-trained chefs
8.5
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Arto's Broadway Deli focuses on griddled panini-style sandwiches—think pastrami melts, chicken pesto, and Philly cheesesteaks—on crisp toasted baguettes. Salads, gyros, and fajita plates round out a menu built for fast but satisfying Downtown lunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, Hot Lean Pastrami with Melted Cheese, Turkey, Ham, Cheese, Bacon & Avocado Club
What Makes it Special: Efficient Broadway deli turning out griddled panini-style sandwiches with strong value.
#5
Berlins
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Berlins brings Berlin-style döner kebabs to 3rd Street, stacking spit-roasted meat, vegetables, and sauces into overstuffed wraps and boxes. The focus is squarely on hearty, portable sandwiches with bright sauces and plenty of crunch, making it a go-to when you want something more flavorful than a basic gyro.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef and lamb döner sandwich, Chicken döner wrap, Döner box with fries
What Makes it Special: Dedicated döner shop channeling Berlin’s kebab culture with generous wraps and bowls.
#6
Egg Tuck
8.4
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Koreatown’s egg-sandwich specialist brings its soft-scrambled brioche stacks and breakfast burritos to the heart of Westwood Village. It’s a high-output, touchscreen-ordering operation geared to students and commuters who want something more interesting than a basic egg sandwich without sacrificing speed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Avo Egg, Bacon & Cheese, Original Eggcellent Burrito
What Makes it Special: Korean-influenced soft-scramble sandwiches and burritos built for grab-and-go mornings.
8.4
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Made in Havana is a compact Melrose spot focused on pressed Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, and rice bowls built around slow-cooked pork and garlicky mojo. It’s where locals go when they want a crunchy, salty, mustardy Cuban on real pan de agua rather than a generic deli interpretation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Cuban sandwich, Medianoche pressed sandwich, Lechon bowl with rice and plantains
What Makes it Special: Proper Cuban sandwiches with crackly bread and deeply seasoned pork.
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
World Famous Grill is a busy halal Mediterranean counter spot on Florence Avenue known for shawarma, kabob plates, and build-your-own wraps alongside burgers and fries. Locals treat it as an all-purpose comfort stop where you can grab hefty plates, garlic-drenched fries, and sweets late into the evening in a casual strip-mall setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma fries, Beef kabob combo plate, Chicken shawarma bowl
What Makes it Special: Halal Mediterranean grill where shawarma, kabobs, and burgers share the menu.
#9
Dr. Sandwich
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Hidden Gems Heaven
Dr. Sandwich on Beverly is a fast-casual Middle Eastern counter known for shawarma, kebabs, and overflowing pita and plate combos built from a broad salad and sauce bar. It’s a go-to for quick, filling halal lunches and late-afternoon bites where flavor and volume matter more than décor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma plate, Mixed grill kebab platter, Falafel pita
What Makes it Special: Halal shawarma and grill plates piled high with salads and sauces.
8.3
A 1929 holdover from LA's original Little Italy that still builds oversized Italian sandwiches around housemade Maestro sausage—a recipe that started inside the market and never left. The draw is old-line deli craft at counter-service speed and price, landing it squarely in the pre-game Dodger Stadium rotation for anyone who wants a real sandwich without a real wait. Expect a no-frills storefront, street parking that thins out fast at lunch, and portions that make splitting reasonable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastrami Sandwich, Spicy Italian Cold Cuts Sub, Italian Meatball Hot Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Family-run since 1929 in LA's original Little Italy, still slinging enormous Italian sandwiches with housemade Maestro sausage from a recipe born inside the market itself.
#11
Irv's Burgers
8.3
Irv’s Burgers is a historic West Hollywood burger stand reborn, serving griddled patties, fries, and shakes with classic roadside energy. The focus is on simple, well-executed burgers and cheerful service rather than frills, making it a go-to for quick, nostalgic American fast-casual.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic cheeseburger, Double burger with grilled onions, Fries with special sauce
What Makes it Special: A revived classic burger stand that keeps the focus on griddled patties, fries, and old-school charm.
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Tucker's Market & Deli is a family-run corner market that has quietly anchored Walteria for decades, with a deli counter turning out hefty Boar’s Head sandwiches. It’s the kind of place where locals grab an Italian sub, browse the coolers, and eat at the small outdoor setup after a round at the nearby golf course.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot Pastrami Sandwich, Italian Sub, Turkey Bacon Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Long-running market deli pairing Boar’s Head meats with throwback neighborhood charm.
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Attari is a Persian sandwich counter tucked off Westwood Boulevard’s main drag, where lawyers, grad students, and office workers queue together for tongue sandwiches and Osh. It’s fast, affordable, and memorable—ideal when you want a working lunch that shows real neighborhood knowledge rather than another chain salad.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef tongue sandwich, Osh soup, Kabab koobideh sandwich
What Makes it Special: A long-running Persian sandwich counter that eats far above its price point.
#14
OBRA HandBakery
8.2
Latin American-inspired bakery specializing in scratch-made baked empanadas since 2014. Chef-owner Cesar Villarreal brings Colombian heritage to creative fillings like chicken curry and BBQ pork, plus Cuban sandwiches and breakfast burritos served alongside specialty coffee drinks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Curry Empanada, Cuban Sandwich, BBQ Pork Empanada
What Makes it Special: Hand-made empanadas baked every half hour with Colombian family recipes
8.2
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
The 1908 original that put French dip on the map—beef hand-carved to order, rolls dunked in natural jus at the counter, sawdust still on the floor. The communal-table, cafeteria-line format rewards decisive ordering and a willingness to elbow in during peak hours. Go for the double-dipped beef and expect the experience to feel like a working lunch counter that happens to be a monument.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef French Dip Double-Dipped, Lamb French Dip, Pickled Eggs
What Makes it Special: Credited as the birthplace of the French dip sandwich since 1908, with meat hand-carved and rolls dipped in natural roasting juices
#16
Ray's
8.2
A 1977-vintage takeout window — one of the last original burger stands in West LA — that quietly pivots between charbroiled burgers, teriyaki plates, and breakfast burritos with equal conviction. The chicken teriyaki over rice is the anchor order: white-meat breast, grilled vegetables, and a restrained sauce portioned well beyond the under-$15 price tag. Expect a sidewalk wait, free agua fresca samples, and a meal built for the car ride home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Western Cheeseburger, Mushroom Swiss Burger, Patty Melt
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood grill burgers that taste like L.A. used to.
#17
The Coop Pizza
8.2
A cash-only, no-frills slice counter on National Blvd turning out fresh-daily New York-style dough at prices that barely register — whole pies starting at $7. It draws Westside pizza purists who want a proper fold-and-eat slice without the ceremony, and the 85% five-star rate across 450+ reviews suggests the simplicity is the point, not a limitation.
Must-Try Dishes:
New York Style Cheese Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, Meatball Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Cash-only, no-frills slice shop serving fresh-daily New York-style dough at prices that feel stuck in a time warp — whole pies from $7.
8.1
An owner-operated DTLA breakfast counter built on from-scratch cooking and oversized portions at budget-friendly prices—the kind of place where a fried egg sandwich and horchata latte become a weekly detour. It runs a tight, small-space operation that rewards early arrivals before the counter fills up, with a calm enough atmosphere for laptop work between rushes.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Toast, Breakfast Burrito, Fried Egg Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Owner-operated DTLA breakfast counter known for oversized portions, from-scratch cooking, and a horchata latte that regulars detour for.
#19
Egg Tuck
8.1
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Korean-inspired egg sandwich concept serving ultra-soft scrambled eggs on house-made brioche buns with signature sriracha aioli. The Royal West features Korean short rib patties while breakfast burritos pack fluffy eggs with crispy tater tots into flour tortillas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Royal West Sandwich, Bacon & Cheese Egg Sandwich, Eggcellent Burrito
What Makes it Special: Korean street toast technique creates impossibly silky scrambled eggs on fresh brioche
8.1
A family-run kosher bakery holding down Robertson Blvd since 1949, turning out Eastern European and French pastries—challah, cheese danishes, croissants—with the kind of muscle memory that only comes from three-quarters of a century at the same craft. The deli side handles lunch with unfussy sandwiches and lox plates priced for regulars, not tourists. It works best as a morning stop where you grab a bag of pastries and don't overthink it.
Must-Try Dishes:
Challah Bread, Cheese Danish, Bagel with Lox
What Makes it Special: Family-owned kosher bakery since 1949 specializing in Eastern European and French pastries on Robertson Blvd
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Fast-casual Israeli-Mediterranean with a tight focus on shawarma, schnitzel, and grilled skewers served in a bright, efficient setup. It’s a high-utility stop for quick plates and wraps that still deliver real char and spice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma laffa, Jerusalem mixed grill, Falafel pita
What Makes it Special: Speedy Israeli grill with dependable shawarma-and-schnitzel execution.
8.1
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Jack's Pizza & Subs is a strip-mall standby where East Coast-style subs share the spotlight with pies, giving South Torrance a casual spot for toasted sandwiches and game-night takeout. Beyond the pizza, locals talk up the meatball, Philly-style cheesesteaks, and classic cold-cut combos built on sturdy rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Meatball Sub, Philly Cheesesteak, Jack's Special Cold-Cut Sub
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood pizza shop that takes its toasted subs as seriously as its pies.
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Pet Friendly Paradise
A Vietnamese-rooted banh mi counter built on fresh-baked baguettes and Groundwork organic coffee, anchored in a Palms strip mall with a low-key patio that draws remote workers and dog owners through the afternoon. The menu stays tight—classic and fusion banh mi variations alongside a solid breakfast burrito—keeping prices in cheap-eats range without cutting corners on bread or fillings. It runs like a reliable neighborhood refuel stop where the line moves and the sandwiches land the same way every time.
Must-Try Dishes:
Old Skool Banh Mi, K-BBQ Banh Mi, Vietnamese Iced Coffee
What Makes it Special: Vietnamese-rooted sandwich shop built around classic banh mi on fresh-baked baguettes, with Groundwork organic coffee and a laid-back West LA patio.
8.1
A Chinatown market counter that has been building banh mi on warm, crusty French bread for three decades—the kind of place where the bread-to-filling ratio and pate spread feel dialed in by sheer repetition. Locals line up for sub-$5 sandwiches that hold up against shops charging twice as much, making it a reliable default for anyone passing through Ord Street on a lunch run.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dac Biet #1 Special Banh Mi, #12 Pork Belly Banh Mi, Tofu Banh Mi
What Makes it Special: A 30-year-old Chinatown market stall turning out some of the cheapest and best banh mi in Los Angeles on warm, crusty French bread.
A 1964-era sub counter that builds every sandwich on lightly steamed sesame seed bread and finishes it with a chunky Italian tomato salad dressed in oil, vinegar, and cracked black pepper—a two-part signature that has kept CSUN students and Northridge regulars cycling through a three-table strip mall space for six decades. The menu runs deep on cold cuts and Italian-style subs at prices that match the no-frills setup, making it a reliable lunch stop where the craft is in the bread and the salad, not the decor.
Must-Try Dishes:
My Hero Special Sandwich, Pastrami Sandwich, Breast of Turkey
What Makes it Special: Open since 1964, every sub is built on lightly steamed sesame seed bread and topped with their signature chunky Italian tomato salad marinated in oil, vinegar, and cracked black pepper.
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
This sandwich shop pairs artisan ciabatta bread with quality meats and cheeses, creating satisfying builds like the Brie Special with caramelized onions and Granny apple. The thoughtful sandwiches justify slightly higher prices with proper bread-to-filling ratios and an eclectic selection of regional potato chips from around the country.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian, Brie Special, Pastrami
What Makes it Special: Sturdy ciabatta bread that holds ingredients without getting soggy paired with curated regional chip selection
8.1
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Uncle Paulie's Deli is a New York-style Italian-American deli on 3rd Street known for stacked cold cuts, hot soppressata, and classic chopped salads. With hundreds of reviews and a steady daytime crowd, it’s one of the area’s go-to spots for traditional deli sandwiches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Combo Sandwich, Hot Soppressata Sandwich, Chopped Salad with salami and provolone
What Makes it Special: Italian-American deli turning out stacked subs and chopped salads with an East Coast sensibility.
Open since 1949, Eagle Rock Italian Bakery & Deli is famed for classic Italian sandwiches, fresh cannolis, and friendly counter service. It’s a beloved, old-school spot for takeout brunch favorites or a quick sweet treat in a nostalgic setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Combo Sandwich, Pistachio Cannoli, Tomato Focaccia
What Makes it Special: Family-run bakery serving Italian deli classics since 1949.
8
Fat Sal's at the base of Washington Blvd is a late-night favorite for over-the-top sandwiches, chopped-cheese style burgers, and loaded fries a short walk from the sand. It’s less about restraint and more about big, messy, satisfying comfort food before or after bar time.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fat Jerry, Fat Texas, Fat Hot Chick
What Makes it Special: Maxed-out, stunt-level sandwiches and burgers served deep into the night steps from the beach.
#30
Homegirl Cafe
8
A Homeboy Industries social enterprise cafe in Chinatown where every plate—chilaquiles, carnitas tacos, chile relleno grilled cheese—funds job training for formerly incarcerated women, with ingredients pulled from their own organic garden. The room runs quiet and calm, built for conversation over a cheap, filling meal that lands with more care than the price suggests. It works best as a weekday lunch stop where the food carries real weight and the mission gives the whole experience a different kind of purpose.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles, Pork Carnitas Taco, Chile Relleno Grilled Cheese
What Makes it Special: A Homeboy Industries social enterprise where every meal funds job training for formerly incarcerated women, with ingredients grown in their own organic garden.
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Neli's is a hidden local cafe, beloved for affordable, freshly made breakfast classics, hearty quiche, and daily specials. Family-owned since 1984, they combine catering expertise with a sit-down menu. It’s a staple with reliable quality and super-friendly service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quiche of the Day, California Chicken Grill, White Chocolate Macadamia Cookie
What Makes it Special: Homemade quiche and unbeatable breakfast value since 1984.
#32
Pikunico
8
A Michelin-trained chef applying fine-dining karaage technique to a tight, mostly gluten-free counter menu inside the ROW DTLA complex. The fried chicken sandwich — built on pickled daikon, jalapeño, and miso jam — has carved out real neighborhood standing in a district that burns through concepts fast. Works best as a quick, purposeful stop where the technique-to-price ratio does the convincing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Golden Chicken Sandwich, Pikunico Bowl, Classic Fried Chicken
What Makes it Special: A Michelin-trained chef's take on Japanese karaage — nearly the entire menu is gluten-free, and the fried chicken sandwich with pickled daikon, jalapeño, and miso jam has become a DTLA icon.
#33
Salt N' Peppa
8
Salt N' Peppa blends burger-joint comfort with Middle Eastern touches, serving stacked sandwiches, hearty burgers, and breakfast plates from a compact Hill Street storefront. Portions are generous, pricing is moderate, and the menu runs from house breakfast wraps to carved turkey sandwiches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salt N Peppa Morning Wrap, Hand Carved Turkey Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Breast Panini
What Makes it Special: Daytime spot where breakfast wraps, burgers, and substantial sandwiches share the same grill.
A vegan comfort-food counter that covers Thai curries, breakfast burritos, and American staples under one roof—broad enough to keep mixed-diet groups from arguing about where to eat. The price-to-portion math holds up well against non-vegan competitors in Palms, which is rare for plant-based spots. Expect a small indoor footprint at a busy National Blvd intersection, offset by sidewalk seating and quick turnaround.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pancakes, Pumpkin Curry, Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: Full vegan menu spanning Thai, American, and Mexican comfort food with enough range to satisfy non-vegans
Worthy Picks
#35
Angelo's Deli
7.9
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Quick Bites Champions
Angelo's Deli is a tiny Bell Gardens counter specializing in made-to-order hoagies and cold-cut sandwiches built on soft rolls. With family-run service and a short but focused menu, it feels more like an old-school neighborhood deli than a modern fast-casual chain.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Italian hoagie, Turkey and provolone sandwich, Veggie sub with house dressing
What Makes it Special: Tiny Italian-leaning deli turning out overstuffed hoagies on soft rolls.
#36
Falafel Inc
7.9
A counter-service Mediterranean spot built on Palestinian family recipes, with za'atar sourced from the founder's own farm — the kind of provenance detail that shows up in the food. Every $10 spent feeds a refugee through the World Food Programme, which gives the low price point a second purpose beyond just being one of Westwood's cheapest solid lunches. It runs like a college-town fuel stop — fast, clean, no frills — and the 84% five-star rate across 276 reviews says the falafel and shawarma wraps land consistently.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel Sandwich, Chicken Shawarma Wrap, Zaatar Fries
What Makes it Special: Social enterprise where every $10 spent feeds a refugee for a day through the World Food Programme, built on the founder's Palestinian mother's recipes with za'atar imported from the family farm.
#37
Mike's Deli 2
7.9
A no-frills deli counter in Little Tokyo that stacks oversized reubens and pastrami sandwiches with quality cold cuts at prices that undercut most downtown lunch spots. The draw is straightforward—big portions, honest ingredients, and a menu that doesn't try to be anything other than a solid sandwich shop. Works best as a weekday lunch play if you time the parking right.
Must-Try Dishes:
Reuben Sandwich, Turkey Sandwich, Pastrami Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Old-school deli counter in Little Tokyo stacking hefty sandwiches with quality ingredients at budget prices
#38
The Melt
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Happy Hour Hotspots
The Melt’s West Hollywood outpost is a modern fast-casual spot for MeltBurgers, grilled cheeses, and garlic fries built around a clean, bright dining room and late-night hours. It’s less about craft obsession and more about reliable, melty comfort food that works for quick lunches and casual pre- or post-movie meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original MeltBurger, BBQ Bacon Melt, Garlic fries
What Makes it Special: A polished fast-casual burger and grilled-cheese shop with late hours and consistently melty comfort food.
7.9
This neighborhood deli offers larger portions and lower prices than nearby competitors with standout items like The Roxbury layering corned beef, pastrami, and Swiss. Hand-rolled bagels are made fresh daily on-premises alongside traditional deli favorites.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Roxbury (triple meat combo), New York Pastrami, Everything Bagel with Lox
What Makes it Special: Hand-rolled bagels and generous portions at fair prices
7.9
An owner-operated American-Lebanese counter spot where charbroiled kabobs and handmade falafel share billing with solid deli sandwiches and fresh-squeezed juices, all served in generous portions that regularly feed two. Helen and Fadi run the room with warmth that keeps Hollywood lunch regulars coming back across a quiet 12-year run, even without any press fanfare. The upstairs loft with jazz playing gives it more personality than the Vine Street storefront suggests, but this is still a come-for-the-food, not-the-scene kind of place.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charbroiled Chicken Breast Kabob, Falafel Plate, Grilled Salmon Salad
What Makes it Special: American-Lebanese fusion deli where charbroiled kabobs and falafel share a menu with classic sandwiches and fresh-squeezed juices
7.9
A counter-service deli built on Bub & Grandma's bread and NPR-themed sandwiches—the roast beef comes with pickled beets and French onion dip, the Italian sub leans meaty and East Coast-inspired. The Chinatown arcade location served the same thoughtful builds as the Frogtown original, with Dole Whip rotating through flavors like lime and Tajin. Note: This location is currently listed as closed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roast Beef Sandwich, Dole Whip, Pasta Salad
What Makes it Special: Creative deli sandwiches with nostalgic touches like Dole Whip and house-pickled vegetables in a Chinatown storefront
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Neighborhood sandwich shop serving fresh-made breakfast and lunch options with LA Mill coffee. The menu spans sundried tomato pesto chicken to salmon bagels with creative spreads, all crafted to order with quality ingredients in a casual counter-service setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sundried Tomato Pesto Chicken, Mama Mia Sandwich, Everything Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: Long-standing Koreatown favorite with loyal regulars and friendly staff who remember orders
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Business Lunch Power Players
A compact Arts District takeout shop focused on crisp bánh mì and strong Vietnamese coffee. The bread-to-filling balance is the draw—fresh herbs, bright pickles, and savory proteins built for a quick, satisfying grab-and-go.
Must-Try Dishes:
Special banh mi, Grilled pork banh mi, Vietnamese iced coffee
What Makes it Special: Straightforward bánh mì with fresh bread and bright fillings.
#44
Cherry Pick Cafe
7.8
A compact counter-service cafe on South Hill Street that keeps the menu tight—sandwiches, bagels, and flaky croissants turned out fresh from early morning for the DTLA office and hotel crowd. Prices stay low for the neighborhood, and the small footprint means a quiet, no-fuss stop rather than a linger-and-laptop setup. It delivers on speed and simplicity without cutting corners on the baked goods.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sandwich, Bagel, Cheese Croissant
What Makes it Special: Fast, affordable cafe steps from Downtown LA hotels turning out fresh sandwiches and baked goods from early morning
#45
Flake
7.8
Casual counter serving straightforward breakfast and turkey sandwiches with fair prices. A reliable Rose Ave stop for speedy beach-day fuel.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Fatty (turkey, swiss, avocado), Rad Muffin, Bubba’s Basic
What Makes it Special: Affordable, fast breakfast-leaning sandwich lineup.
#46
Mamie
7.8
Mamie is a daytime Italian cafe offering Tuscan-style panini, salads, and espresso in a bright counter-service environment. It caters to neighborhood lunch crowds with fresh breads and simple, well-prepared combinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto mozzarella panini, Turkey pesto panini, Tiramisu cup
What Makes it Special: Tuscan-inspired sandwiches made with fresh breads and fillings.
#47
Nikó Sando
7.8
A four-item Japanese sando shop built around precision-cut, no-crust milk bread with Jidori chicken and organic eggs — the kind of tight menu that signals a kitchen obsessing over a narrow lane rather than spreading thin. Works as a quick Brentwood lunch stop where the format is grab-and-go and the quality-to-price ratio lands well for what you get. Still building its review base with only 23 ratings, so the track record is short but early signals are strong at 74% five-star.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Katsu Sando, Egg Salad Sando, Seasonal Fruit & Cream Sando
What Makes it Special: A focused Japanese sando shop doing only four types of precision-cut, no-crust milk bread sandwiches with Jidori chicken and organic eggs
#48
Rock'n Egg Cafe
7.8
Rock'n Egg Cafe is a classic diner known for gigantic breakfast platters, fluffy pancakes, and house-made ham. Families and regulars flock to this casual mainstay for its quick service, generous portions, and a no-frills, old-school atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Big Blueberry Pancake Stack, Eggs Benedict, Ham Scramble
What Makes it Special: Massive brunch portions and diner classics at wallet-friendly prices.
#49
Sunset Bánh Mì
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Straightforward Vietnamese sandwich counter delivering authentic bánh mì with housemade pickled vegetables and fresh herbs. The beef steak bánh mì leads their menu with tender marinated beef and traditional fixings on crispy-chewy baguettes, while vegan and tofu options cater to plant-based diners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Steak Bánh Mì, Chicken Bánh Mì, Lemongrass Shrimp Bánh Mì
What Makes it Special: Authentic Vietnamese flavors with quality ingredients at budget-friendly Echo Park pricing
7.8
A gas station deli on Sepulveda that earns repeat visits on the strength of its breakfast burritos and smash-style burgers, priced well below what the neighborhood typically charges. It runs as a no-frills counter operation where the draw is portion-to-dollar ratio and reliable execution across a short diner-style menu. Go for the morning rush order or a quick lunch stop—expect to eat in your car or at a parking lot table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Burgers, Pastrami Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Gas station deli on Sepulveda turning out legitimately great breakfast burritos and burgers at prices that feel like a time warp.