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Monroe Place
Master Critic Review
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
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Neighborhood shop serving creative sandwiches with artisan breads and unique flavor combinations from Brooklyn-trained chefs
Who should go: Sandwich enthusiasts seeking elevated ingredients and creative builds
When to visit: Weekday lunch before sellouts, 11am-4pm Tuesday-Friday
What to order: Italian Spaniard with jamón serrano and mortadella, Serenity Now with spicy serrano spread, Court Street roast beef
Insider tip: Order online ahead to skip the lunch rush
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Monroe Place and surrounding blocks, typically easy to find. Small lot behind building with 4-5 spaces.
Dress code: Super casual - activewear, jeans, whatever. It's a counter-service sandwich shop.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - small space with minimal seating, easy conversation
Weekend wait: Closed weekends - Tuesday-Friday only
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min wait during peak lunch (12-1pm), sandwiches made to order
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several options including veggie-focused builds with roasted vegetables and creative spreads
Vegan options: Limited - 1-2 options possible, best to call ahead as menu rotates
Gluten-free options: No - breads are essential to the concept (Bub and Grandma's, Out of Thin Air). Not recommended for celiac.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - it's counter-service with limited seating and closes at 4pm. Better as a casual lunch date if you both love great sandwiches, but choose elsewhere for evening romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's first-come, first-served counter service. Order online ahead to guarantee availability since popular items sell out daily.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) who appreciate quality sandwiches. Limited seating and no kids' menu, but casual vibe and quick service work well. Not ideal for toddlers due to gourmet ingredients and small space.
How does it compare to Bay Cities or All'Antico? More inventive and Brooklyn-deli influenced than those Italian delis. Smaller operation with rotating specials vs. massive menus. Choose Monroe Place for creative builds and artisan bread, Bay Cities for classic Italian subs and market atmosphere.
Do they deliver? Yes through major apps (DoorDash, Uber Eats), but pickup recommended - sandwiches are best fresh and the location is easy to access with parking.
Best For
Better for: Creative sandwich builds that go beyond traditional deli fare, artisan bread quality, Mediterranean influences (serrano-cilantro spread, fig jam), intimate neighborhood spot experience, Tuesday-Friday lunch routine
Skip if: You need weekend or dinner hours, want a full restaurant experience with table service, prefer classic deli sandwiches without creative twists, need extensive seating for large groups (6+), or require strict gluten-free options