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Guide to Costa Mesa

Sandwich lunch spots

A quick, reliable sandwich is the only thing standing between a productive afternoon and a slump.

Based on 690 Opinions
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01
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Small deli with authentic German vibe and cozy, homey atmosphere feels like a European Gasthaus. Friendly energy invites relaxation and enjoyment. Known for exceptional sandwiches and great German beer selection.

Lunch features fresh deli sandwiches and draws people from outside the area. Saturdays see a steady flow of visitors making a trip just for the midday meal.

Sandwiches feature in-house cooked meats and come in huge portions. The meatball sandwich on C'est Si Bon bread and the Rueben stand out as favorites.

People are saying

"I thought the lunch here was the best in town."

"I considered their schnitzel sandwich the finest in Orange County."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging on Saturday afternoons.

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Goulash is a generous portion for $20.

3

The deli sources high-quality meats from a small company.

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Butcher shop deli with modern, clean design and small indoor and outdoor seating offers a friendly, comfortable atmosphere. It serves high-quality halal meats, including Wagyu burgers and pastrami, known for freshness and gourmet taste. Portion sizes are generous, and the place maintains impeccable standards.

Busy during lunch hours but sometimes you can get a seat without waiting. The carnivore lunch includes 4 eggs, 1lb asada, and 4oz guacamole.

Steak sandwiches stand out with tender prime cuts, fresh greens, and Dutch crunch bread. Options like the Wagyu Hot House and pastrami sandwiches combine high-quality meats with fresh ingredients and flavorful toppings.

People are saying

"The Prime Steak Sandwich tasted so good with tender steak and greens."

"This lunch spot's steak sandwiches and burgers are delicious."

Good to know

1

$5 Wagyu Tacos are available every Tuesday.

2

The restaurant accepts cash only due to a down credit card machine.

3

Everything on the menu is Halal.

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Small bistro with Parisian decor and red-and-white checkered tablecloths creates an authentic French atmosphere. Cozy space with 7-8 tiny tables offers a peaceful, relaxing vibe. Games and toys for kids add a welcoming touch during wait times.

Offers a good variety of breakfast, brunch, and lunch options in a cute little cafรฉ setting. Serves as a convenient spot for a quick lunch break after cycling or wandering nearby.

Beef sandwich stands out with its fresh, savory flavor and unique Normandy style. The menu offers fresh French sandwiches and homemade Parisian options alongside crepes and baguettes.

People are saying

"This croissant sandwich is a masterpiece of buttery, flaky pastry."

"This lunch spot's food is delicious, fresh, and authentic."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at the gas station, but it can get crowded.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

3

The cafรฉ offers a variety of breakfast, brunch, and lunch options.

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Open kitchen design reveals chefs preparing authentic Aegean cuisine with visible care. Warm, cozy atmosphere combines with live music to create an inviting and peaceful dining experience. Regulars appreciate family-style hospitality and dishes that evoke traditional Turkish flavors.

Lunch offers flavorful dishes like the kefta plate and fire roasted eggplant that satisfy well without needing more.

Meatball sandwich comes in a very large portion and has strong flavor. The chicken sandwich offers fresh ingredients and bold taste. The kofte sandwich mimics a Turkish street style. Falafel sandwich lacks flavor and feels dry.

People are saying

"The food at this Lunch Spot is out of this world, with fresh, quality ingredients."

"That meatball sandwich was so big, I needed a nap."

Good to know

1

Parking nearby is available, but it can be challenging during peak hours.

2

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during dinner rush hours.

3

The menu features a variety of authentic Turkish dishes at reasonable prices.

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Bagel shop with a retro vibe and modern, inviting space featuring natural light and tasteful music selection. Atmosphere feels relaxing and welcoming, with indoor seating, outdoor dog-friendly patio, and a kid's corner. Korean-inspired bagels and dishes create a unique culinary experience.

Offers Korean styled bagels and sandwiches with traditional recipes for lunch. Some options suit quick grab-and-go, but basic lunches can take an extra hour.

Korean BBQ bagel sandwiches stand out with options like spicy pork and beef bulgogi. These sandwiches blend authentic Korean flavors with breakfast classics, offering unique egg sandwiches that satisfy cravings.

People are saying

"I found the Korean beef or pork egg sandwiches very tasty and unique."

"I loved the Korean Bowl and steak and egg bagel."

Good to know

1

Cash is preferred for payment.

2

The new location is spacious with plenty of parking.

3

There are many seating spots available for diners.

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Small sandwich shop with classic old school vibe and walls covered in local sports memorabilia creates a nostalgic atmosphere. Sandwiches feature fresh, top-notch bread and simple, satisfying flavors in a low-key setting.

Plenty of seats are available around lunch time, making it easy to find a spot. The staff during lunch are friendly and the place serves as a solid local option for a midday meal.

Sandwiches feature excellent bread and a simple menu focused on quality. Options include a pastrami sandwich and a popular grinder, with choices for double meat and healthier alternatives.

People are saying

"I've been going to this sandwich shop for over 25 years."

"The sandwiches here are delicious and simple."

Good to know

1

The $12 for a 10-inch sub is considered expensive by many.

2

Their giant 14-inch sub costs $19.

3

The public restroom at Lil Pickle is clean.

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Small outdoor pizzeria offers authentic New York-style pizza with thin, foldable crusts and quick service. Atmosphere feels warm and friendly, attracting those seeking affordable, classic slices and sandwiches. The place stands out for its long-standing tradition and consistent quality over decades.

Lunch offers large slices of pizza with a drink at a reasonable price. Specials provide good value and suit both lunch and dinner.

Pastrami piled high defines the deli sandwiches, making the first bite a challenge. The Italian submarine and meatball sandwiches stand out, though sandwiches tend to be on the small side.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's pizza is hot, crispy, and flavorful."

"The pastrami sandwich is piled so high, it's amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; it's first come, first served.

2

The restaurant only offers outdoor seating.

3

Expect a busy lunch hour; consider ordering ahead.

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American restaurant offers a fun, warm atmosphere with a spacious dining room and large TVs for watching games. Seating accommodates large groups comfortably, including a quiet patio option. The bar features a wide selection of tap beers and notable cocktails in a relaxed setting.

Weekday lunch menu offers a great deal with options for a quick lunch. The spot feels relaxing and suits those looking for a nice place to eat midday.

Brisket sandwiches come loaded with meat and look hearty. Chicken sandwiches feature crispy, tender, juicy meat, especially the Buffalo chicken ranch variety.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has great food and friendly service."

"The brisket sandwich was amazing and loaded with meat."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a weekday lunch menu with great deals.

2

Happy hour features half-price appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

3

Sunday brunch is served with a variety of options.

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Italian restaurant combines cozy rustic decor with an authentic East Coast deli vibe and an adjacent fresh pasta market and bakery. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, with soft lighting and aromas of baked bread and simmering sauces. Small, intimate setting suits quiet dinners and casual gatherings.

Portions come generous enough for leftovers. Staff handle large groups smoothly and adjust for unexpected guests. Food works well for catered lunches at offices.

Italian sandwiches come in a giant 2.5-pound size packed with meats like prosciutto, soppressata, and mortadella plus provolone. They taste authentic and excellent, similar to what you'd find in Philly or NYC.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's food was absolutely delicious and high quality."

"I thought the Italian sandwich was the best I had ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating, especially during dinner hours.

2

The market offers a wide variety of fresh pasta, meats, cheeses, and Italian specialties.

3

Expect generous portion sizes; one lasagna can easily serve two people.

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Open kitchen reveals staff at work behind cute decor. Outdoor patio offers airy seating ideal for dogs and sunny days. Loud music and nearby airport noise create a high-energy, noisy atmosphere that challenges conversation.

Lunch features bagel sandwiches and fresh orange juice. The spot fills up around midday, making it a lively place for a casual meal.

Bagel sandwiches feature high-quality ingredients and superb flavor combinations. Options like the cacio e pepe sandwich and MF sandwich stand out for being filling, hot, and flavorful.

People are saying

"You have to try their bagel sandwiches; the bagels are perfectly boiled and baked."

"The bagels here are delicious and inventive."

Good to know

1

Seasonal specials are available only for a day or two, so visit quickly.

2

Expect to wait at least half an hour during peak hours due to popularity.

3

Bagels sell out quickly, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.

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Small gourmet grocery store offers a clean, well-laid-out space with a local vibe and wide variety of high-quality products. Atmosphere feels friendly and convenient, attracting those seeking unique snacks and ingredients for special meals. Prices run higher than typical chain stores, reflecting the focus on top-quality goods.

Offers great sandwiches and local snacks ideal for a quick lunch or a beach break. Regularly serves high-quality ingredients suitable for both casual and special meals.

Sandwiches feature crunchy bread, bold flavors, and fresh ingredients. Options like the Tree Hugger and Godfather stand out for their unique taste and quality.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has super fresh produce and amazing sandwiches."

"I found the sandwiches here to be fresh and loaded with flavor."

Good to know

1

Marbella Market closes at 7:30 PM.

2

If you are in the store after 7:30 PM, they will start turning lights off on you.

3

The prices at this market were about 20% higher than Ralph's.

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Smoke fills the air alongside the scent of barbecue, while old wood floors scattered with peanut shells create a Texas BBQ vibe. Neon beer signs and multiple TVs support a lively sports-friendly atmosphere. Seating accommodates both groups and families, with a comfortable patio adding to the space.

A new lunch menu offers good value. The meals are consistently very good.

Brisket sandwiches come meaty and flavorful with a good size. The hot link adds a spicy kick and pairs well with sides like beans, slaw, and crispy fries.

People are saying

"The brisket sandwich was smoky, flavorful, and meaty."

"This lunch spot's brisket and ribs were so tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 7pm on weekdays and 3 to 6pm on weekends.

2

Taco Tuesday features special menu items and pricing.

3

Parking is generally easy to find near the restaurant.

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Outdoor garden courtyard with airy seating and eucalyptus trees creates a tranquil atmosphere. Live music on weekends adds to the European-inspired vibe. Dog-friendly patio invites relaxed brunches in a cozy, artsy setting.

Outdoor space suits breakfast and lunch well. The spot serves solid options for morning and midday meals with a strong coffee selection.

Ciabatta sandwiches and coffee stand out as especially delicious. The Milligram breakfast sandwich earns strong praise, but some sandwiches like the grilled cheese take a long time and can be poorly made.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating here is lovely and lush."

"The ciabatta sandwiches here are especially delicious."

Good to know

1

Milligram does not have a kitchen.

2

They do not accept cash.

3

Breakfast items are served until 3 PM.

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Small sandwich shop with a cozy patio featuring shade and heat lamps creates a relaxed, friendly vibe. Menu focuses on slider-sized sandwiches and offers meal prep and catering services. Outdoor space is dog friendly and suits casual hangouts or group events.

Sandwiches come in slider size with options like smash, bahn mi, and muffuletta. They are fresh and full of flavor but take over 15 minutes to prepare.

People are saying

"This sandwich offered a fun, unique adventure with a trophy."

Good to know

1

Burritos cost $5 each on weekday mornings from 8 to 9 am.

2

Sliders are available Monday to Friday from 3 to 6 pm at 2 for $8.

3

Deli Nerds hosts Geeks who Drink Trivia on Thursdays at 7pm.

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Costa Mesa, California

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