Santa Cruz is renowned for its surfer lifestyle that stretches beyond the waves into the spirit of the county including the casual dining options available to visitors and locals. When it comes to casual dining options in Santa Cruz County, sandwiches reign supreme. Sandwich enthusiasts can find an impressive array of options that cater to all tastes and preferences, where flip-flops and board shorts are the dress code and a friendly conversation with the chef is as common as the crashing waves. Whether you prefer classic deli-style sandwiches or innovative, fusion creations, these sandwich spots are sure to leave you satisfied and eager to return for more. Join us as we embark on a mouthwatering journey through the top sandwich spots in Santa Cruz County, where every bite is a delectable blend of California’s coastal charm and culinary creativity.

Bottega del Lago
Santa Cruz County’s sandwich scene just got an exciting new addition with Bottega del Lago, an Italian market and deli from the owners of the beloved Lago di Como Ristorante & Pizzeria. This charming spot is a haven for anyone craving authentic Italian flavors, offering ready-to-eat delights like their standout paninis. Each sandwich is a work of art, with irresistible combinations like mortadella, creamy burrata, and nutty pistachio pesto layered between perfectly pressed bread. Beyond the sandwiches, Bottega del Lago is a one-stop shop for all things Italian, stocking premium products like olive oil, pasta, and wines, alongside their expertly crafted carry-out fare. Whether you’re looking for a quick, delicious lunch or ingredients to elevate your own Italian cooking, this new deli has it all. Located just a few blocks from the beach, this new sandwich haven is the perfect spot for grabbing a bite for a beach picnic at Sunny Cove or Black’s Beach!

The Picnic Basket
If you’re exploring the best sandwiches in Santa Cruz County, The Picnic Basket should be high on your list, especially after its stunning recent renovation. Located just steps from the beach, this cozy spot offers a mix of ready-made items and a mouthwatering menu of made-to-order sandwiches, all crafted with ingredients delivered daily from the farms, fields, and food artisans of Santa Cruz County. Their signature Reuben – Basket Style is a must-try, featuring tender pastrami, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss on perfectly toasted rye. Another standout is the roasted turkey sandwich, elevated with turmeric-pickled onions and fresh greens for a vibrant, flavorful bite. Whether you grab a sandwich to-go or settle in to soak up the beachside sunshine, The Picnic Basket is the perfect spot to enjoy fresh, local flavors with a view.

Seabright Deli
Just a block from the beach, Seabright Deli is the perfect sandwich spot in Santa Cruz County, whether you want to eat on their patio or take your sandwich to the beach. The hefty sandwiches are fully stacked with delicious meats like their house-smoked chicken and brisket as well as fresh veggies and slaws. Every unique sandwich is a labor of love packed with vibrant flavors and the freshest ingredients. With so many stellar sandwiches to choose from, there are a few standouts visitors and locals alike have to try. The Pulled Pork is a phenomenal combination of slow-roasted pork, bright apple fennel slaw, smoky cheddar, and Chipotle-BBQ aioli on a perfectly toasted French Roll. Any of their sandwiches featuring their succulent house-smoked brisket like the iconic Castle Beach or the Cove are a must! Don’t forget to try their delectable sides and desserts that are lovingly crafted in-house, like their homemade chili packed with their smoked brisket and the classic banana pudding that pairs perfectly with any of their sandwiches! From their sandwiches and sides to their desserts and curated drink selection full of local names like Humble Sea and Discretion Brewing, Seabright Deli has earned its spot as one of the Best Sandwich spots in Santa Cruz County!

Surf City Sandwiches
Surf City Sandwiches captures the spirit of Santa Cruz County by combining a passion for surfing and a dedication to bringing delicious food to the people of Santa Cruz. This classic sandwich spot creates delectable sandwiches that will leave you happy, full, and stoked to come back to try something new from their expansive menu. Visitors can indulge in their delicious and unique sandwiches as they are immersed in images of Santa Cruz’s surf culture, including an interior lined with rare vintage surfboards. The inventive sandwiches served up in this relaxed setting mean serious business. Highlights of the menu include their Green Chili Philly filled with hatch green chilis, smoked pork shoulder, and grilled onions and the Pork Belly Banh Mi featuring Char Siu style BBQ pork, pickled cucumber, carrots, onions, and fresh jalapeno. With so many incredible options, there is a creatively crafted sandwich perfect for everyone at Surf City Sandwiches!

LG Meats Capitola
The newest sandwich spot in town, LG Meats Capitola, brings over a century of tradition to the Santa Cruz County food scene as the second location of this Los Gatos institution, which first opened its doors in 1891. LG Meats is a sandwich and sweets shop, serving up incredible sandwiches alongside a selection of delicious ice cream treats. Their Super Hero sandwich is a must-try: tender BBQ tri-tip paired with smoky cheddar cheese, all piled high on perfectly crisp Dutch crunch bread. Every bite is a flavorful masterpiece, striking the perfect balance between smoky, savory, and satisfying. Located just a block from the beach, LG Meats is an ideal spot to grab a picnic sandwich before heading out to enjoy the coastal views. Whether you’re a local or visiting Capitola, LG Meats offers the perfect blend of history and flavor, making it a must-visit spot for your next beachside outing.

Mission Street BBQ
When it comes to mouthwatering barbecue sandwiches that exceed expectations, Mission Street BBQ stands in a league of its own. While Mission Street BBQ is known for their delicious BBQ platters, they also serve up epic sandwich creations paired with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, beans, and garlic bread. Specials like their Guacho sandwich, which features tender smoked brisket, grilled onions, melted provolone and smothered in a house-made chimichurri combine to make an exceptional sandwich you won’t forget. The Rib Sandwich, served boneless, as well as the Squealing Pig, spicy pulled pork smothered in BBQ sauce are also must-try items on their sandwich menu. Everything comes with house-pickled veggies and different BBQ sauces all complimented by an excellent draft-list of beer and cider. Prepare to indulge in a symphony of smoke and taste that will have you coming back for more, as Mission Street BBQ invites you to experience the true joy of barbecue, one sandwich at a time.

Garden Liquors and Deli
One of the best sandwiches in Santa Cruz County actually comes from an unassuming Liquor store called Garden Liquors and Deli. This hidden gem is a favorite for locals and the lunch rush crowd is a true testament to the loyal following Garden Deli has accrued. For nearly five decades, Garden Liquors and Deli has been a beloved family-run business, delighting locals with their renowned sandwiches and salads. The secret to their enduring success lies in their commitment to quality and personalized service. From the moment customers walk through the doors, they are greeted with warmth and familiarity, as the staff takes the time to know them by name and even by their favorite sandwich. Each sandwich is crafted with care using quality ingredients, ensuring a delicious experience with every bite. Customer favorites include the hot pastrami, featuring slow-cooked, in-house brisket or the turkey/bacon/avocado, a tantalizing combination of oven-roasted turkey, crispy bacon, and creamy avocado. The winning combination of quality and a genuine commitment to their customers’ satisfaction makes Garden Liquors and Deli a true sandwich haven and a beloved institution in Santa Cruz County.

Redwood Sandwich Company
Another local favorite, the Redwood Sandwich Company in Scotts Valley serves up an array of great sandwiches for the perfect lunch spot. At Redwood Sandwich Company they prioritize quality local ingredients, authentic home-style recipes, and above all, a warm and friendly atmosphere. Starting from the bread itself, which they source from only local bakeries, includes options like their incredible dutch crunch to make each sandwich even more delicious. Their house-grilled Tri-Tip sandwiches, available in two mouthwatering selections, one with barbeque sauce and the other with blue cheese and grilled onions, are just one of the must-try sandwiches on their menu. The Chipotle Turkey is another excellent option stacked with house roasted turkey, chipotle sauce, avocado, grilled jalapeno, and pepper jack cheese. Their commitment to serving “real food” made with fresh ingredients is evident in every bite.

Masood’s Liquor and Deli
Possibly the best kept secret sandwich spot in Santa Cruz County is Masood’s Liquor and Deli. Tucked away into the mountains of the San Lorenzo Valley, this roadside Liquor and Deli serves up the best Tri-Tip sandwich you’ll ever have. This no-frills deli elevates the sandwich game by remaining dedicated to simple yet flavor packed sandwiches. Hidden in the back corner of the Liquor Store is a deli-counter that dishes out phenomenal sandwiches that have to be tried to truly understand how delicious they are. Anyone stopping at Masood’s has to experience the massive mounds of juicy tri-tip topped with melty cheese and a selection of options from making it spicy or adding avocado. This place is as authentically delicious as they come and patrons will be hooked from the first bite.

Zoccoli’s Deli
A local institution, the Zoccoli’s Deli staff has been serving Santa Cruz County locals and visitors for 4 generations now. Located in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, Zoccoli’s Deli is known for its generous portions and classic Italian flavors full of old-world nostalgia that will leave you feeling like you’re at an old Italian Nonna’s home. The authenticity and genuine care behind these sandwiches makes visiting this classic deli a truly iconic experience. Indulge in their famous Meatball Italiano sandwich, packed with delicious meatballs and gooey cheese or try their housemade ravioli. Patrons of Zoccoli’s can build their perfect romantic picnic by grabbing some sandwiches as well as a curated selection of salami, cheese, wine, and beer. The authentic taste and friendly atmosphere make Zoccoli’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.