Best Pastrami in Long Beach (2026)

NYC Chop Cheese is betting on a single New York City bodega staple to win over a California city, and on the strength of the sandwich itself, the bet mostly lands. The Classic Chop Cheese is the reason to walk in the door: griddled beef chopped and folded with melted cheese, stuffed into fresh bread, built to eat with two hands over a napkin rather than a fork. It is a working-class New York institution translated whole rather than reinterpreted, and that fidelity to the original format, cheese folded into the meat rather than draped over it, bread that holds up to the juice, is exactly what separates a real one from a burger dressed up in different bread. Beyond the flagship sandwich, the counter runs a breakfast sandwich for the morning crowd and a specialty iced coffee program that turns the shop into a coffee break stop as much as a lunch spot.

That range, hot griddle sandwiches and cold specialty drinks out of the same small counter, points to a menu built for quick turnover rather than lingering. The corner at 4th and Cherry puts it in the middle of Long Beach proper, walkable for the neighborhood's daytime foot traffic and built for grab-and-go rather than a sit-down meal. Pricing lands in the moderate range, appropriate for a sandwich shop competing on speed and comfort rather than plating. The room's character reads as counter-service, casual, quick in and out, the kind of place built to be a reliable weekday habit rather than an event.

Execution has apparently been inconsistent: some visits produce the sandwich at its best, fresh bread, well-seasoned beef, cheese properly melted through; others have reportedly missed. For a format this simple, that gap matters, since a chop cheese lives or dies on griddle technique and bread quality every single time, not just on a good day.

Anna's Joint reads less like a single-format wine bar and more like a neighborhood bodega that grew a wine list, and that dual identity is the point. Mornings belong to espresso and sandwiches on thick-cut bread; evenings shift toward a seasonal wine flight and a cheese and charcuterie board built for sharing among friends who came to sit, not to be fed quickly. The board is the through line, the kind of order that works at either end of the day and anchors the room's identity as a place to graze rather than dine. The espresso holds up on its own, which matters for a spot trying to be a daytime cafe and an evening pour all at once.

Not everything on the menu is at that level. A tomato bisque has drawn criticism for tasting more like a warmed can than a made-from-scratch soup, a reminder that the kitchen's strength sits with the cold plate and the glass, not necessarily the stove. That is a fair trade for a wine bar, where the board and the flight are supposed to be the argument and the soup is a side note. Long Beach's dining map runs deep with Cambodia Town's density and harbor seafood elsewhere in the county, but this pocket of the city needed exactly this kind of low-key, all-purpose room: indoor and outdoor seating, a patio that welcomes dogs, and a menu that does not ask for a reservation or an occasion.

The price sits in moderate territory, which suits the format. This is not the anniversary call. It is the after-work glass with a friend, or the Saturday coffee that turns into an afternoon, and the room is built for exactly that kind of low-stakes return visit.

Tucked into a straightforward strip of Lakewood Boulevard in Long Beach, Steel Cup Café has become a neighborhood mainstay for anyone craving a proper cup of coffee alongside a menu that takes breakfast and lunch seriously. It's the kind of spot locals return to week after week, not because it's flashy, but because it consistently delivers on flavor, portion size, and genuine hospitality. Positioned in a shopping center suite, the café doesn't rely on curb appeal to draw crowds, the food and coffee do the talking, earning it a loyal following and a reputation that spreads by word of mouth.

The menu leans into hearty, satisfying comfort food built around expertly crafted sandwiches, brunch classics, and a coffee program that rivals dedicated cafés. Breakfast standards get elevated treatment, while the sandwich lineup offers layered, generously stacked options perfect for a filling lunch. Espresso drinks are pulled with care, and the tea selection rounds out the beverage program for diners who want something warm without the caffeine kick. Regulars tend to gravitate toward a rotating list of specials alongside dependable staples, making repeat visits feel fresh each time.

Inside, Steel Cup Café keeps things casual and unpretentious, with simple seating arrangements that encourage lingering over a laptop or catching up with friends. The space favors function over frills, with a clean, café-style layout that feels equally suited to a quick solo breakfast or a relaxed group brunch. Natural light and a low-key counter setup give it an easygoing, community coffeehouse feel rather than a formal dining atmosphere.

Steel Cup Café works well for a leisurely weekend brunch, a quick weekday coffee run, or a casual lunch meeting that calls for something more substantial than a quick bite. Its consistency and friendly service make it a dependable choice for regulars, while newcomers to the area will find it an easy way to get acquainted with a beloved local institution. Whether solo with a book or catching up with old friends, it's a comfortable, reliable choice worth adding to any Long Beach food itinerary.

Tucked along Pine Avenue in the heart of Downtown Long Beach, Coffee Station has become one of the area's most beloved caffeine and juice destinations. This bright, energetic corner spot draws a steady stream of remote workers, students, and neighborhood regulars who stop in for a quick pick-me-up or settle in for a longer stay. With its central location just steps from shops, offices, and the waterfront, it's the kind of place that fits naturally into a morning errand run or an afternoon coffee break, offering visitors a genuine taste of local Long Beach life.

The menu leans into what the name promises, with expertly pulled espresso drinks, cold brews, and specialty lattes sharing space with a rotating lineup of fresh juices, smoothies, and acai bowls. The acai bowls are a particular highlight, layered with granola, fresh fruit, and honey for a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Diners looking for something warm might opt for a lavender oat milk latte, while those craving a refreshing lift often reach for a cold-pressed green juice or a fruit-forward smoothie blended to order.

Tucked along a busy stretch of East Anaheim Street in Long Beach, Lee's Sandwiches brings a taste of Vietnamese-American fast-casual dining to Greater Los Angeles. Part of a well-known West Coast chain, this location offers a quick, no-frills experience for diners craving banh mi, coffee, or a fast bite between errands. Its convenient location makes it an easy stop for both longtime Long Beach residents and visitors exploring the city's diverse food scene.

The menu centers around Vietnamese-style sandwiches, known for their crusty baguettes, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and combinations like grilled pork, pate, or cold cuts. Beyond sandwiches, diners can order banh mi variations, rice plates, and a selection of Vietnamese coffee drinks, including the classic iced coffee with condensed milk. Smoothies, pastries, and boba-style beverages round out the menu, making it a versatile stop for a meal or a caffeine break.

The atmosphere is casual and utilitarian, reflecting its fast-food roots. Bright lighting, simple counter service, and compact seating define the space, with most visitors ordering at the counter and either taking their food to go or sitting briefly at nearby tables. The setting prioritizes efficiency over ambiance, appealing to those who want a fast, functional dining experience rather than a lingering sit-down meal.

Lee's Sandwiches suits diners looking for a quick, affordable meal rather than a destination dining experience. It's a practical choice for grabbing lunch on the go, picking up coffee before a beach day, or introducing out-of-town visitors to Vietnamese sandwich culture in an accessible, low-commitment setting.

Tucked into a small retail strip on N Bellflower Blvd, TOGO'S Sandwiches serves the Long Beach neighborhood with the kind of dependable, no-fuss sandwich experience that's become a staple across California. This location offers a quick and casual stop for anyone craving a hearty deli sandwich without the wait or fuss of a sit-down restaurant, making it a practical choice for lunch breaks, errands, or a fast bite between appointments in the area.

The menu centers on classic deli-style sandwiches piled high with quality meats and fresh vegetables, all served on freshly baked bread. Diners can expect a lineup of hot and cold options, from turkey and avocado combinations to Italian-style cold cuts, along with classic sides like chips and pickles. Those looking for a heartier option often gravitate toward the toasted hot sandwiches, while lighter appetites may prefer the cold-cut classics paired with a fountain drink.

The atmosphere is straightforward and functional, reflecting its fast-food deli roots. Bright lighting, simple counter service, and a handful of tables make this a spot built for efficiency rather than lingering. The décor is minimal, with the focus clearly placed on quick turnaround and grab-and-go convenience rather than ambiance.

This location works best for visitors seeking a fast, familiar meal without surprises. It's a solid choice for a quick weekday lunch, a casual pick-up order, or a simple meal while running errands nearby. Diners who appreciate consistency and speed over elaborate dining experiences will find this TOGO'S a reliable option in the Long Beach area.