Wax Paper

Tucked away in Frogtown just a block from the LA River, Wax Paper operates out of an actual shipping container—and somehow that makes it even cooler. This isn’t a place trying to manufacture an Instagram moment. It’s a tiny sandwich counter run by a husband-and-wife team who have created something genuinely unique in a city full of places chasing trends. Finding it requires a bit of effort since the residential location doesn’t exactly announce itself, but that’s part of the charm.

The sandwich menu is compact but every option delivers. First-timers should go straight for the Larry Mantle, an absolute tower of herb bologna, capicola, pecorino pepato, pickled peppers, and oregano vinaigrette that rivals any Italian sub in the city. The Ira Glass might sound like a simple veggie sandwich—avocado, cheddar, sprouts, cucumber—but it’s genuinely one of the best vegetarian deli sandwiches around. Even the banh mi-inspired Steve Julian is worth ordering just for the addictive baguette alone. Grab the pickled root vegetables on the side instead of chips; they’re covered in a tangy mustard sauce that pairs perfectly.

The experience here is intimate and relaxed. You order at the counter, chat briefly with the owners while they work, then grab a spot on the patio to wait for your food. It’s casual, unpretentious, and feels like discovering a neighborhood secret that happens to serve exceptional sandwiches.

Sure, trekking out to a shipping container by the river for lunch might seem like a commitment, but Wax Paper rewards the effort every time. Whether you’re looking for an affordable solo lunch or just want a completely different dining experience from the usual LA spots, this is the move.