Atwater Village, Los Feliz & Highland Park: 3 Good Veggie Sandwiches

An Italian sub can be a glorious thing, but cold cuts aren’t for everyone. If you’re a vegetarian, or if you just prefer a meatless lunch now and again, finding a good veggie sandwich can be a task. Sometimes all you get is lettuce, tomato and cheese. Talk about blah. Still, there are some satisfying veggie sandwiches out there that demonstrate real deliberation and craftsmanship. Here are three good ones:

The Trails Cafe: The Avocado Sandwich and The Trails in Griffith Park is one of the best citywide. Thick chunks of ripe avocado, tomato, red onions, alfalfa sprouts and cheddar cheese are stacked high between two slices of sweet squaw bread. Mayo and soy bacon bits complement each bite. It’s the kind of sandwich that you miss when it’s gone, but the lavender shortbread cookies they sell are will console you. 2333 Fern Dell Dr Los Angeles, 90068

Schodorf’s Luncheonette: Highland Park’s Schodorf’s meatier sandwiches leave a lot to be desired—the cold cuts taste over-processed and lack flavor. That Vegetarian Sandwich, however, suffers neither problems. This giant veggie sub comes on a crusty baguette and includes fresh avocado, sprouts, cucumber, and spinach all glued together by chipotle mayo and hummus. Refreshingly, the sandwich is sloppy in a way that veggie sandwiches rarely are. 5051 York Blvd Los Angeles, 90042

Proof Bakery: A decidedly delicate veggie sandwich is offered Proof Bakery in Atwater Village. Filling options change daily, but one standout is the beet sandwich with crispy potato skins, arugula and pesto. Proof’s baguettes are skinny and flecked with sea salt, so they won’t be outdone by what’s inside. Their sandwiches are so light that you’ll probably be tempted to get another, but that’s a waste with all those desserts sitting around. If you like the simple things in life, end with the chocolate chip cookie, which is one of the best in all of Los Angeles. 3156 Glendale Blvd Los Angeles, 90039

-Valentina