When we here at Woodland Hills Magazine set out to put together a list of the best sandwich shops around town, things get philosophical–we ask one another, “What exactly is a sandwich shop?” and “Can a deli be considered a sandwich joint?” Indeed, it’s enough to make even Plato’s head spin.

To clarify things a little, the spots we’ve chosen for this roundup can be anything from a sandwich shop to a sandwich restaurant, serving not just fantastic subs, hoagies, or heroes but specializing in the sacred art of sandwich-making.

Look between the bread and enjoy what these standout Woodland Hills sandwich joints have to offer.

Dan’s Super Subs, located at 22446 Ventura Boulevard, puts quality and community above all else, happily serving sandwiches to community members for over 40 years. KTLA awarded Dan’s with the “Best Alternative Deli” award live on television, an accolade not easily garnered, and the shop even received some appreciation from Joe Rogan on his podcast. Dan’s Super Subs also remains home to the “L.A. Street Pastrami” and caters to large company events on party orders of 10 subs or more. New hours run from 9 am to 5 pm every day except Sunday.

Cricca’s Italian Deli, located at 4876 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, is owned by Kevin and Marla McHenry, who took over this small gem hidden “South of the Boulevard” in a strip mall on July 1, 2016 – it had always been a dream of Kevin’s to own a sandwich shop, having worked for another local deli for 15 years prior to meeting Marla. Today, Cricca’s acknowledges and values all of the original recipes from 1969, offering hot and cold sandwiches, lettuce-wrapped sandwiches, vegetarian items, and salads, all customizable to suit individual taste, with subs available on soft or crusty rolls (or a pretzel roll/sliced wheat, rye or sourdough). You’ll also be asked if you want your sandwich “the regular way” or “loaded,” with additional items to add on to make it just the way you want. Open 10 am to 5 pm daily.

Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, located at 23355 Mulholland Drive Unit A, offers sandwiches for all meat lovers, vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diners; the shop itself has become a worldwide phenomenon that began in San Francisco and grew to the point it was voted the business serving the “Best Sandwiches in the World.” What’s more, the Dutch Crunch bread, combined with Ike’s secret “Dirty Sauce” (a creamy garlic aioli toasted right into it), remains as iconic as Ike Shehadeh himself, each guest encouraged to explore the menu of eclectically-named sandwiches that include nods to local celebrities and athletes. To show love to its loyal patrons, Ike’s includes a sweet surprise with every order – a Raspberry Blow Pop or Caramel Apple Pop. Open daily from 10 am to 9 pm.

Pickles & Swiss, located at 6344 Topanga Canyon Boulevard Suite 1030, is considered by Woodland Hills locals to be a premium sandwich shop, locally owned and operated and offering a wide variety of hot and cold sandwiches, build-your-own menu items, paninis, wraps, and even soups. Be as imaginative as you like by creating your own sandwich, whether it’s hot or cold, toasted, or any way you want – you can even select from gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian options. Pickles & Swiss is all about getting the details right to ensure your sandwich experience is sublime…and we believe they’ve succeeded based on what we’ve tasted. Open Sunday through Thursday from 11 am to 6 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.

Tomato Patch, located at 19730 Ventura Boulevard, combines an attentive staff, delicious and healthy food options, and a centralized location where you can indulge in house specialties like Chicken Salad on Pita, Passion Iced Tea, Tuna Sandwich, and more. This hidden gem in Woodland Hills ensures everything is made fresh to order, including a variety of crisp salads, so if you’re looking for an old-fashioned sandwich shop experience, Tomato Patch has your fix. Open Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm, Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, and Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm.

Lodge Bread, located at 20929 Ventura Boulevard Suite 22, was established in 2015 and is the brainchild of Or Amsalam and Alexander Phaneuf; the bakery is now focused on whole-grain sourdough bread-making and flour milling. This owner-operated and team-focused business invites you to explore its humble roots daily and hopes you take away from it every ounce the team pours intake, for example, the myriad of sandwich items Lodge Bread offers alongside its legendary bread: choose from the Breakfast Sammie, BLT Sammie, Jambon Beurre, Roasted Turkey Sammie, Tuna Sammie, Smoked Pastrami, Fat Pita Sandwich and the Fresh Veggie Sammie. You can’t say you’ve had a loaf of bread or a delicious sandwich until you’ve tried Lodge Bread.

Sandwiches are arguably the world’s most perfect self-contained food item, and Los Angeles boasts more than a handful of greats in this broad genre. Some strongly disagree about which L.A. sandwiches are the best, but there’s no shortage of between-the-bread excellence in and around the Woodland Hills area.