This L.A. deli is one of America's top 10 sandwich shops, says Yelp
In fact, with 14 stunning sandwiches, California as a whole had more than any other entries on Yelp's list of top 100 sandwich shops in the U.S., which relies on reviews from customers to highlight the spots whose bread and fillings made hearts soar. (Second-place state Texas came close with 11.) And one of L.A.'s own snagged a coveted spot in the sandwich top ten.
Coming in at number five is Huntington Park showstopper WoodsDeli. Owner Robert Valdez opened it three years ago and, at the time, it was the only deli within four miles that served 'clean and full of flavor' food, he told Yelp. In this food desert, Valdez serves specialty sandwiches like the Saucy Turkey Pretzel (turkey, avocado and house-made chipotle sauce on a locally made soft pretzel bun) and the Italian Stallion (four kinds of meat, spicy pickled onion and a red bell pepper sauce).
On the deli's website, Valdez mentions being inspired by Dagwood Bumstead, the sandwich-loving character in the cartoon Blondie —the word 'woods' in the deli's name pays homage to him.
Considering it part of the restaurant's mission, Valdez organizes giveaways of food and clothing and works with youth programs to get jobs for teens. For August's National Night Out, he provides free sandwiches. Plus, a scholarship is in the works for high school athletes. Another thing on the horizon? Merch!
Elsewhere on the list, the top spot belongs to Franky's Deli Warehouse in Hialeah, Florida with made-to-order deli sandwiches and warm greeting upon entry. Continuing the California bonafides is runner-up Sierra Subs and Salads in Three Rivers, California—in this bright yellow structure on the edge of the Kaweah River, patrons can enjoy muffalettas, manwiches, a 'wasabi stinger' (grilled chicken with wasabi-sesame mayo), quesadillas and a huge selection of vegetarian sandwiches.
And another Cali-based spot rounded things out: Super Subs, a downtown Banning spot serving meatball subs, Chicago hot dogs, spicy Asian chicken sandwiches and more.
Here are the top 10 sandwich shops in the U.S., per Yelp:
1. Franky's Deli Warehouse in Hialeah, Florida
2. Sierra Subs and Salads, Three Rivers, California
3. Tony's Beechhurst Deli, Whitestone, New York
4. Tony's Italian Delicatessen, Montgomery, Texas
5. WoodsDeli, Huntington Park, California
6. Chicago Paulies, Tampa, Florida
7. Hugs Cafe, McKinney, Texas
8. Blues City Deli, St. Louis, Missouri
9. Gino's Deli Stop N Buy, San Antonio, Texas
10. Super Subs, Banning, California
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