How to Plan a Sandwich Tour in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is a coastal city renowned for its vibrant culture, diverse neighborhoods, and an extraordinary food scene that rivals many major metropolitan areas. While it’s famous for its pier, waterfront views, and the Queen Mary, one of its most deliciously underrated attractions is its sandwich culture. From classic deli-style subs to inventive fusion creations, Long Beach offers a rich tapestry of sandwich shops that reflect its multicultural heritage—Mexican, Vietnamese, Italian, Middle Eastern, and American comfort food all find their way onto freshly baked bread.

A “sandwich tour” in Long Beach isn’t just about eating—it’s an immersive culinary journey. It’s a way to explore neighborhoods you might not otherwise visit, meet local artisans, understand the stories behind family-run businesses, and taste the evolution of comfort food in Southern California. Planning a sandwich tour allows you to move beyond tourist traps and discover authentic, community-driven eateries that have been serving the same recipes for decades.

Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your city or a visitor seeking a meaningful food experience, a well-planned sandwich tour can transform a casual afternoon into a memorable adventure. This guide will walk you through every step of planning, executing, and maximizing your sandwich tour in Long Beach—with practical advice, insider tips, and real examples to ensure your experience is as flavorful as the food itself.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define Your Goals and Theme

Before you start mapping out locations, decide what kind of sandwich tour you want to create. Are you interested in:

• Classic American deli sandwiches?
• Latin-inspired tortas and cubanos?
• Asian fusion rolls and banh mi?
• Vegetarian and vegan options?
• A mix of all of the above?

Defining your theme helps narrow your focus. For example, a “Taste of Long Beach Diversity” tour might include a Vietnamese banh mi in East Long Beach, a Italian hero in the Belmont Shore neighborhood, and a Mexican torta in the Los Cerritos area. A “Retro Deli Experience” might focus on old-school sandwich counters with cured meats and house-made pickles.

Consider your audience. Are you planning this for yourself, a group of friends, or a small tour group? Tailor the number of stops and the pace accordingly. A solo explorer might hit five spots in a day, while a group might prefer three or four with more time to linger.

Step 2: Research Sandwich Shops Across Long Beach Neighborhoods

Long Beach is divided into distinct neighborhoods, each with its own culinary identity. Start by mapping out key areas known for sandwich excellence:

• Belmont Shore – Upscale delis and artisan bakeries
• East Long Beach – Authentic Mexican and Vietnamese eateries
• Los Cerritos – Family-run Mexican and Central American spots
• Downtown Long Beach – Trendy cafés and food halls
• Signal Hill – Hidden gems with loyal followings
• North Long Beach – Budget-friendly, no-frills favorites

Use online resources like Google Maps, Yelp, and local food blogs to compile a list of potential stops. Look for shops with consistent ratings (4.5 stars or higher), recent reviews mentioning sandwich quality, and photos of the actual products. Avoid places with only generic reviews like “great service” without mentioning food.

Pay attention to keywords in reviews: “hand-sliced meats,” “freshly baked bread,” “house-made aioli,” “secret sauce,” “family recipe since 1978.” These indicate authenticity and craftsmanship.

Step 3: Prioritize Based on Proximity and Variety

Once you have a list of 8–12 potential spots, map them out using Google Maps. Group them by geographic proximity to minimize travel time. For example:

• Group 1: Belmont Shore → Shoreline Village → Downtown
• Group 2: East Long Beach → Los Cerritos → 7th Street
• Group 3: Signal Hill → North Long Beach

Choose one cluster per tour day to keep logistics simple. Aim for a mix of sandwich styles—don’t do five Italian subs in a row. Balance is key. Include:

• One classic deli (e.g., pastrami on rye)
• One Latin sandwich (e.g., torta ahogada or cubano)
• One Asian fusion (e.g., banh mi)
• One vegetarian/vegan option
• One wildcard (e.g., a gourmet grilled cheese or seafood sub)

This ensures your tour feels dynamic and representative of Long Beach’s diversity.

Step 4: Contact Shops for Hours and Specials

Don’t assume opening hours. Many sandwich shops in Long Beach are family-run and may have irregular schedules—closed on Mondays, limited lunch hours, or special weekend only menus. Call ahead or check their Instagram or Facebook pages for updates.

Ask:

• What’s your most popular sandwich?
• Do you offer any seasonal or limited-time specials?
• Can I order ahead to avoid lines?
• Do you have outdoor seating or takeout options?

Some places may offer a “tourist tasting” or a mini portion for sampling. Even if they don’t advertise it, asking often leads to a personalized experience.

Step 5: Plan Your Route and Transportation

Long Beach has decent public transit (Long Beach Transit buses, the A Line light rail), but for a sandwich tour, walking or biking between nearby stops is ideal. If your chosen cluster spans more than 2 miles, consider using rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) or renting a bike via Lime or Jump.

Plan your route in order of:

1. Lightest sandwich first (e.g., a veggie wrap)
2. Medium-weight next (e.g., a turkey club)
3. Heaviest last (e.g., a loaded cubano or meatball sub)

This prevents palate fatigue. Also, schedule water breaks and rest stops. Many sandwich shops are near parks or beaches—take advantage of them.

Step 6: Set a Budget and Allocate Portions

Most sandwiches in Long Beach range from $10–$18. Plan for 3–5 stops per tour, which means a budget of $50–$90 per person. To keep costs manageable:

• Order half-sandwiches if available
• Share one large sandwich between two people
• Skip sides like chips or drinks if you’re already full

Some shops offer combo deals with a drink or side—evaluate whether it’s worth it. Sometimes, buying a soda separately at a nearby convenience store is cheaper than the combo.

Step 7: Create a Sandwich Tour Checklist

Prepare a simple checklist to bring with you:

• Map of route (printed or on phone)
• Restaurant names and addresses
• Opening hours
• Special requests (e.g., gluten-free bread, no pickles)
• Payment methods accepted (cash vs. card)
• Notes on what to order at each stop
• Camera or phone for photos
• Reusable napkins and wet wipes

Having this checklist ensures you don’t miss a stop, forget dietary needs, or get caught without cash at a cash-only establishment.

Step 8: Document and Reflect

After each stop, take a moment to jot down your thoughts:

• What made this sandwich stand out?
• Was the bread fresh? Was the meat properly sliced?
• Did the flavors balance well?
• Was the staff friendly and knowledgeable?

Consider creating a digital journal or Instagram post series to share your experience. Not only does this reinforce your memory, but it also helps others plan their own tours. Many Long Beach sandwich shops appreciate the exposure and may even offer a discount to future visitors who mention your review.

Best Practices

1. Start Early, Finish Before Sunset

Many sandwich shops in Long Beach are busiest between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Arriving at 10:30 a.m. gives you a quiet window to order without a line, and allows time to enjoy your sandwich at a nearby bench or beach. Starting early also ensures you’re not rushed at the last stop.

2. Pace Yourself—It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

It’s tempting to try everything at once, but overeating can ruin the experience. Eat slowly. Savor the textures. Let your palate reset between stops. Drink water. Take breaks. A sandwich tour is about appreciation, not competition.

3. Respect Local Customs

Some sandwich shops in Long Beach are tucked into strip malls or residential areas. Park respectfully. Don’t loiter. If there’s a small seating area, be mindful of others. Many owners take pride in their space and appreciate guests who treat it with care.

4. Ask Questions—It’s Part of the Experience

Don’t just order. Ask the person behind the counter:

• “What’s the story behind this sandwich?”
• “How long have you been making this recipe?”
• “Do you make the bread in-house?”

These questions often lead to fascinating stories—like a 75-year-old torta recipe passed down from a grandmother in Guadalajara, or a deli owner who trained in Brooklyn and brought his technique to Long Beach in the 1980s.

5. Leave a Review (Thoughtfully)

After your tour, leave detailed reviews on Google and Yelp. Mention specific sandwiches, ingredients, and service. Avoid vague comments like “great food.” Instead, write: “The banh mi at Pho 79 had house-pickled daikon with a perfect tang, and the cilantro was fresh, not wilted. The bread was crusty but not overwhelming.”

These reviews help the business and future tourists. They also improve local SEO, making it easier for others to discover these hidden gems.

6. Consider Seasonal and Cultural Events

Long Beach hosts food festivals year-round, including the Long Beach Seafood Festival and the Downtown Long Beach Art Walk. Some sandwich shops participate with special pop-up menus. Check the city’s official events calendar and align your tour with these moments for a richer experience.

7. Be Inclusive and Mindful of Dietary Needs

Long Beach has a growing number of vegan, gluten-free, and halal sandwich options. When planning your tour, ensure you include at least one option that accommodates dietary restrictions. This makes your tour welcoming to everyone.

Examples:

• Vegan: The Vegan Junkie Bar (Downtown) offers a jackfruit “pulled pork” sub
• Gluten-Free: The Sandwich Spot (Belmont Shore) has GF bread options
• Halal: Al-Nasr Mediterranean Grill (East Long Beach) serves halal chicken shawarma wraps

Tools and Resources

Google Maps

Use Google Maps to plot your route, save favorite locations, and check real-time traffic and walking times. Create a custom map titled “Long Beach Sandwich Tour 2024” and pin each stop. Add notes like “Best: Cubano” or “Cash Only.”

Yelp

Filter searches by “Sandwiches” and sort by “Highest Rated.” Read the most recent reviews (last 3–6 months) for accurate insights. Look for photos uploaded by users—these show the actual sandwich size and presentation.

Instagram

Search hashtags like

LongBeachSandwich, #LBSub, #BanhMiLB, or #LongBeachEats. Many local shops post daily specials, behind-the-scenes prep, and customer reactions. Follow 5–10 key accounts to stay updated.

Local Food Blogs

These are goldmines for authentic recommendations:

• Long Beach Foodie – Weekly features on hidden gems
• SoCal Eats – In-depth reviews with photos
• The Food Network’s Local Picks – Occasionally highlights Long Beach spots

Podcasts and YouTube Channels

Listen to “The Sandwich Chronicles” podcast, which has an episode on Long Beach’s best subs. YouTube channels like “Eat This, Not That: California” and “Food Explorer LA” feature sandwich tours that can inspire your own.

Books

While not directly about sandwiches, “California Eats: A Culinary Journey Through the Golden State” by Sarah Lohman includes chapters on immigrant food traditions in Southern California, which contextualize the origins of many sandwich styles in Long Beach.

Local Libraries and Archives

The Long Beach Public Library has a local history section with old newspaper clippings and interviews with longtime restaurant owners. You might find articles from the 1970s about the first banh mi shop opening in East Long Beach—adding historical depth to your tour.

Real Examples

Example 1: The “Coastal Fusion” Tour

Four stops, 5 hours, $65 total

• Stop 1: The Sandwich Spot (Belmont Shore) – “The Shoreline Hero”: roasted turkey, pepper jack, applewood bacon, cranberry aioli on sourdough. Why it stands out: The cranberry aioli is house-made and adds a sweet-tart balance that elevates the whole sandwich.
• Stop 2: Pho 79 (East Long Beach) – “Banh Mi Special”: grilled pork, pâté, pickled carrots, jalapeño, cilantro on baguette. Why it stands out: The bread is baked daily by a Vietnamese bakery two blocks away. The pâté is smooth, not grainy.
• Stop 3: Los Cerritos Tacos & Tortas (Los Cerritos) – “Torta Ahogada”: carnitas, refried beans, pickled red onion, queso fresco, drowned in spicy tomato sauce. Why it stands out: The sauce is made from dried chiles and has a smoky depth. Comes with a side of lime and cucumber to cool the heat.
• Stop 4: The Vegan Junkie Bar (Downtown) – “Jackfruit BBQ Sub”: slow-cooked jackfruit, smoked paprika BBQ sauce, vegan coleslaw, on toasted ciabatta. Why it stands out: The texture mimics pulled pork so convincingly that meat-eaters ask for the recipe.

Result: A balanced, culturally rich experience that showcases Long Beach’s immigrant-driven food innovation.

Example 2: The “Retro Deli” Classic Tour

Three stops, 3.5 hours, $45 total

• Stop 1: The Original Deli (Downtown) – “Pastrami on Rye”: house-cured pastrami, mustard, pickles. Why it stands out: Open since 1958. The pastrami is still cut by hand, not sliced by machine.
• Stop 2: Art’s Deli (Signal Hill) – “Reuben”: corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut, Russian dressing on grilled rye. Why it stands out: The rye is toasted with butter, not margarine. The sauerkraut is fermented in-house.
• Stop 3: Bubba’s Sandwiches (North Long Beach) – “Meatball Sub”: homemade meatballs, marinara, provolone on toasted hoagie. Why it stands out: The meatballs are made with a secret blend of beef, pork, and veal. The owner’s grandmother brought the recipe from Naples.

Result: A nostalgic journey through mid-century American deli culture, preserved in Long Beach’s oldest neighborhoods.

Example 3: The “Budget-Friendly” Tour

Five stops, 6 hours, $35 total

• Stop 1: El Ranchito (East Long Beach) – “Torta de Milanesa”: breaded beef cutlet, refried beans, lettuce, tomato, mayo. $7.50
• Stop 2: Mike’s Subs (North Long Beach) – “Italian Sub”: salami, ham, provolone, peppers, oil, vinegar. $8
• Stop 3: La Torta Loca (Los Cerritos) – “Torta de Pollo”: grilled chicken, avocado, chipotle mayo. $8.50
• Stop 4: The Corner Market (Belmont Shore) – “Veggie Wrap”: hummus, spinach, cucumber, roasted red pepper. $6
• Stop 5: Taco Stand

  3 (Downtown) – “Taco Sandwich”: carne asada, onions, cilantro, between two tortillas. $5

Result: A high-value, high-flavor tour proving that great sandwiches don’t require a high price tag.

FAQs

Can I do a sandwich tour if I’m on a tight schedule?

Absolutely. You can complete a meaningful sandwich tour in just 2–3 hours by selecting 2–3 stops within a 1-mile radius. For example: The Sandwich Spot (Belmont Shore), Pho 79 (East Long Beach), and Los Cerritos Tacos & Tortas. Prioritize quality over quantity.

Do I need to make reservations?

No, most sandwich shops in Long Beach are walk-in only. However, if you’re bringing a group of 6 or more, it’s courteous to call ahead. Some places can accommodate larger orders with advance notice.

Are there any sandwich shops that close on certain days?

Yes. Many family-run shops are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays. Always verify hours before heading out. Some only open for lunch, others only on weekends. Check Google Maps for updated hours.

What if I have food allergies?

Long Beach has many allergy-conscious sandwich shops. Always inform the staff of your allergies. Most are happy to accommodate—removing cheese, using clean utensils, or offering gluten-free bread. The Vegan Junkie Bar and The Sandwich Spot are particularly experienced with dietary restrictions.

Is it better to go alone or with a group?

Both have advantages. Going solo lets you move at your own pace and ask more questions. Going with a group lets you share sandwiches and discover new favorites through others’ recommendations. Consider a “sandwich swap”—each person orders one sandwich and shares bites with the group.

Can I bring my dog?

Many sandwich shops have outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. Check for “pet-friendly” signs or call ahead. Belmont Shore and Shoreline Village are especially dog-friendly areas.

What’s the best time of year to do a sandwich tour?

Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for walking between stops. Summer can be hot, but many shops have shaded patios. Winter is quiet and cozy—perfect for a slow, reflective tour.

How do I know if a sandwich is truly authentic?

Look for signs of tradition: handmade ingredients, family recipes, consistent customer base, and staff who’ve worked there for years. Authenticity isn’t about being “ethnic”—it’s about care, consistency, and community trust.

Can I turn this into a recurring monthly activity?

Definitely. Many locals do monthly sandwich tours to discover new spots or revisit favorites. Create a “Sandwich Passport”—collect stamps or photos from each shop. Turn it into a personal challenge.

Conclusion

Planning a sandwich tour in Long Beach is more than a food outing—it’s a celebration of community, culture, and craftsmanship. Each sandwich tells a story: of migration, resilience, innovation, and love. From the bustling streets of East Long Beach to the breezy promenades of Belmont Shore, every bite connects you to the people who made it.

By following this guide, you’re not just eating sandwiches—you’re becoming part of Long Beach’s living food narrative. You’re supporting small businesses, preserving traditions, and creating memories that go beyond taste.

Don’t wait for the perfect day. Start small. Pick one neighborhood. Try one sandwich. Then another. Let curiosity guide you. The best tours aren’t the ones with the most stops—they’re the ones that leave you hungry for more.

Long Beach isn’t just a city by the sea. It’s a city on a roll—layered, flavorful, and endlessly surprising. All you have to do is take the first bite.