Greer's OC

It’s National Sandwich Month, a time to celebrate the best sandwiches in Orange County. And even though there’s not much to making a sandwich: two slices of bread and any variation of meat, cheese and vegetables with condiments—not everyone can make a great sandwich—i.e., my mom in the Seventies when she packed school lunches. Thankfully, Orange County has no shortage of great sandwiches, and here are our top picks that you might not have considered before.

The A Market. Chef Shelly Register creates some of the best sandwiches in Orange County, and if we were hard pressed to pick our favorite, it would have to be the Cubano: honey cured ham, melted Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard and mayo on a baguette. $8.50. As a side note, stop by after 4 p.m. for “social hour," almost all prepared salads, Parisian sandwiches and baked goods are 50% off until close. 3400 West Coast Highway in Newport Beach. 949.650.6515.

Beach Barrel Grill. Chef/owner Jared Jones is making some of the best sandwiches on the peninsula, all made from scratch—braised meats, shredded chicken, housemade sauces--using all fresh ingredients from local farmers markets and offering local delivery. We’ve been loving the Playa Cubano, Citrus braised pork, smoked ham, Swiss cheese, housemade pickles and Dijonnaise grill pressed on a French roll, $11.99; but are also fans of the new Chicken Cali Club, on Texas toast with a garlic oil crust, chicken, bacon, Romaine lettuce, tomato, avocado, light mayo, with salt and pepper. $10.99. A side note--all sandwiches and burgers come with a choice of fries or salad and drink--Monday through Thursday. 3305 Newport Blvd. Ste E in Newport Beach. 949.531.6222.

6310 Deli. This surfers’ favorite sandwich shop--formerly the Big Belly Deli for 14 years--has a new name and look, and mostly the same menu. We love the best sandwich--the 6310--fresh turkey, bacon, provolone and avocado on incredible grilled focaccia. $8.99. Get it with a side of baked beans and a pickle. 6310 W. Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach. 949.645.2888.

C’est Si Bon. They’ve been baking their own French baguettes, croissants and more on the spot for 37 years, so naturally they’re going to be making some tasty sandwiches. We love the ordering system, a build your own bag where you can check off the items you want. Or, better yet, call in your order and just pay and go. Our favorite? The vegetarian on baguette—with tomatoes, lettuce, sprouts and cucumbers—ask for Dijon, Cheddar, avocado and cornichons, too. Prices vary depending on size. 149 Riverside Ave. in Newport Beach. 949.645.0447.

Haute Cakes Caffe. For 26 years, Haute Cakes Caffee has been one of the best places in Newport Beach for breakfast and lunch, and it’s a great spot for sandwiches. They offer six signature sandwiches with choice of salad or pommes frites. Right now, we are loving the Roasted Chicken Breast Sandwich with arugula-thyme mayo, caramelized onions, arugula, goat cheese and oven roasted tomatoes on toasted sourdough. And, at breakfast, their “Hello & Good-Morning” sandwich is the best thing to wake up for: two eggs fried, crispy bacon, avocado, tomato, local greens, sharp cheddar and house made onion-jalapeno jam on brioche bun served with oven roasted potatoes. 1807 Westcliff Drive in Newport Beach. 949.642.4114.

Lil’ Pickle. The Lil’ Pickle is reported to be the oldest sandwich shop in Orange County. It opened in 1962, on the corner of Fairview and Baker in Costa Mesa. It’s famous for its subs and you can feel good about eating here. With every dollar, a portion goes back to the community to support youth and young adult activities. We favor the Lil' Pickle Sub with ham, salami, capicolla, cheese with oil and Italian dressing—with bacon, of course. $5.57. 2985 Fairview Road in Costa Mesa. 714.979.5522.

Pascal. If you haven’t yet been down to Chef Pascal Olhat’s namesake Pascal in San Juan Capistrano, you need to get in right away. Pascal is one of Orange County’s most celebrated chefs and he’s also making delicious sandwiches. Our favorites include the grilled Panini with smoked turkey, gruyere, bacon and maple syrup; and the Lamb sandwich with herbs, Feta, roasted tomato and basil. $7.10. 31451 Rancho Viejo Rd #103, San Juan Capistrano. 949.488.0031.

Ruby’s Sandwich Saloon, not to be confused with Ruby’s Diner, is a family owned deli and maker of great sandwiches for nearly 40 years! It’s a favorite lunchtime spot to go for build your own sandwiches. Its best seller is the turkey on squaw with avocado—yet the pastrami is one of the best, too. $5.85. Definitely go for the squaw bread when ordering—it’s a fan favorite. 1673 Irvine Avenue in Costa Mesa. 949.645.1100.

Vaca. Ok, so Vaca is not known for its sandwiches, yet chef Amar Santana’s bikini sandwich is simply one of the best sandwiches in Orange County. If you haven’t yet tried the  “Bikini” with Paleta Iberica, (considered the best ham in the world) with manchego, truffles on grilled panini, you’re missing out.  $13. The bikini, was named after Barcelona’s Bikini Concert Hall, where pressed ham and cheese sandwiches are a late night street staple. Vaca is at 695 Town Center Drive, Suite 170 in Costa Mesa. 714.463.6060.

Vietnam’s Pearl. Orange County is home to some great banh mi sandwiches—we favor the one at Vietnam’s Pearl, also known for its pho. We recommend the Banh Mi with Vietnamese roasted BBQ pork packed with with daikon, carrots, cucumbers, cilantro, jalapenos and served in a crisp french baguette. Get it with a side of their signature curry French fries. $6.50. 1215 Baker St, Ste B in Costa Mesa. 714.540.2212.