There's something magical about a perfectly crafted sandwich enjoyed with your toes in the sand and the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop. The Sea View Inn is just steps from the beach. With its laid-back coastal vibe and walkable downtown, it offers some of Southern California's best sandwich spots. Whether you're fueling up before a surf session, grabbing lunch between beach volleyball games, or simply savoring a lazy afternoon by the water, these local favorites deliver.
Location: Downtown Manhattan Beach
Website: https://www.breadheadla.com/
Hours: OPEN: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm Daily
The buzz around Manhattan Beach's newest sandwich destination is well-deserved. Bread Head brings artisanal craftsmanship to every bite, focusing on house-made breads that elevate simple ingredients into memorable meals.
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The beauty of Bread Head? It's designed for the Manhattan Beach lifestyle. Order your sandwich, walk two blocks west, and you're spreading out your towel on one of California's most beautiful beaches.
Location: 1101 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Website: www.ercoles1101.com
Hours: Open Every Day, 10 am - 2 am
This Manhattan Beach institution has been serving authentic Italian sandwiches since 1927, and locals will tell you it's non-negotiable eating when you visit.
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Pro tip: The line can get long during peak lunch hours (noon-1:30 PM), but it moves quickly, and the wait is absolutely worth it. Grab your sandwich and head to the beach—it's less than a five-minute walk.
Location: 1142 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Website: www.eatmbpost.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday
10:00 am – 2:30 pm (Brunch)
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Happy Hour)
5:00 pm – 9:30 pm (Dinner)
While technically a full-service restaurant, MB Post's sandwich game is strong enough to earn a spot on this list, and they offer takeout perfect for beach dining.
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The upscale-casual vibe translates to sandwiches with creative touches and premium ingredients. Perfect for when you want something a step above standard beach fare.
Location: 3414 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Website: www.thelocalyolk.com
Hours: Mon-Thursday 7 am – 12 pm
Friday – Sunday: 7 am – 2 pm
Known primarily for breakfast, The Local Yolk serves breakfast sandwiches that deserve their own category.
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Get there early on weekends (the line forms by 8:30 AM), grab your breakfast sandwich, and enjoy it during a morning beach walk when the sand is still cool and the crowds haven't arrived.
Location: 3421 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Website: www.northendcaffe.com
Hours: Daily 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
This cozy neighborhood spot serves excellent sandwiches and paninis, along with its coffee program.
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Their espresso drinks are top-notch, too, so consider grabbing an afternoon iced latte to accompany your sandwich on the sand.
What makes Manhattan Beach sandwich culture special isn't just the food (though that's exceptional). It's the entire experience:
The Walk to the Beach
Every sandwich shop mentioned is within a 10-minute walk of the sand. There's something deeply satisfying about ordering your lunch, strolling down tree-lined streets past charming beach cottages, and arriving at the beach with your meal still warm.
The Perfect Picnic
Manhattan Beach's wide sandy beaches offer plenty of space to spread out. Find your spot, unwrap your sandwich, and enjoy ocean views that would cost a fortune at a restaurant. Sunset sandwiches hit differently when you're watching the sun sink into the Pacific.
The Lifestyle
This is casual California living at its best. No reservations needed, no dress code, no pretense: just good food, good weather, and good vibes. You'll see everyone from surfers to families to remote workers enjoying their sandwiches beachside.
Insider Tips for the Perfect Beach Sandwich Experience
Timing Matters: Weekday mornings and early afternoons (before 11:30 AM or after 2:00 PM) mean shorter lines and quicker service.
Bring Extras: Pack napkins (sandwiches can get messy), water bottles, and a trash bag. Keep Manhattan Beach beautiful.
Consider the Menu: Some sandwiches travel better than others. Hot sandwiches are best enjoyed within 15-20 minutes, while cold sandwiches can wait a bit longer.
Check the Weather: Manhattan Beach is known for "May Gray" and "June Gloom" when marine layer clouds linger until afternoon. Even on overcast days, the beach vibe is perfect for a sandwich lunch.
Make It a Day: Combine your sandwich outing with other Manhattan Beach activities, such as borrowing bikes from us at The Sea View Inn, browsing the boutiques on Manhattan Avenue, or catching a beach volleyball game at the pier.
While you're in Manhattan Beach for the sandwiches, don't miss:
The Bottom Line
Manhattan Beach proves that sometimes the best meals are the simplest: a thoughtfully made sandwich, a beautiful beach, and California sunshine. Whether you're trying the artisanal creations at the new Bread Head, experiencing the legendary Italian sandwiches at Ercole’s, or discovering your own favorite spot, you're participating in a quintessential Southern California tradition.
So grab your sandwich, kick off your shoes, and head to the sand. You're about to understand why locals never take this lifestyle for granted.
Planning your Manhattan Beach sandwich tour? Start with Bread Head to try the new spot everyone's talking about, hit Ercole’s for the classic experience, and let your taste buds guide you from there. With the beach steps away from every shop, you really can't go wrong.
Pro tip: Follow your favorite spots on social media for daily specials, seasonal menu items, and insider updates on the best times to visit.
Image by Romjan Aly from Pixabay
