If an Austin deli savant teamed up with an Aussie pub legend to open a sandwich-forward, beer-blessed haven in coastal California, you’d get Anna’s Joint. This is no ordinary spot—think: crisp tots with a vinegar punch and gourmet sandwiches stacked higher than my hopes for the Cowboys this year.
The second we hit Pine Avenue and saw that bold green Anna’s awning, I knew this wasn’t just a pit stop. It was a sandwich sanctuary, a bread-based utopia, a leisurely lunch kingdom crowned with a disco ball and a playlist that felt curated by someone who owns both vinyl and a deli slicer. The bar setup screamed personality: bold signage, indie beer taps, retro snacks, and enough polaroids on the wall to make it feel like you’ve been part of the family for years.
As someone who grew up Down Under and has deep respect for pub snacks done right, I made a beeline for the salt & vinegar tots. They came out hot and golden, with the perfect zip of salt and tang that hits like a nostalgic punch to the mouth, in the best way. Paired with that creamy herbed dip? Instant classic.
Then I saw it. That unmistakable golden-yellow can. Shiner Bock. In California. No tap required. No Texas proxy. Just me, my sandwich, and a can of home-state pride sweating gently in the Long Beach sun. It was like seeing a cousin at a wedding you weren’t invited to, and hugging them anyway.
Let’s talk sandwiches:
#5 NEO-BLT - A love letter to bacon, avocado, and kewpie mayo. The roasted onion jam tucked in like a secret ingredient from grandma’s pantry, making this the grown-up BLT your inner child dreams about.
#9 SPICY MO, YO! - This one strutted in with swagger. Salami, smoked Gouda, and pickled everything. The kind of sandwich that talks back and dares you to take a second bite without breaking a sweat.
#10 THE TRACK SUIT - The classic Italian sandwich if it had a side hustle in motivational speaking. All the hits: ham, salami, and pepperoni wrapped in crispy lettuce, olives, and a slap of Italian dressing. This one doesn’t ask for respect, it demands it.
#14 DE ROSSI - A love affair between prosciutto, mortadella, capicola, and burrata so creamy I had to pause and reflect. Finished with garlic aioli and olive oil, this sandwich deserves its own passport.
Bonus points for the little pickled peppers served with each: small, fiery, and full of attitude!
Patio Situation: This is where you want to be when the sun hits just right and the sandwiches disappear faster than your willpower. Cozy tables, laid-back vibe, and plenty of people-watching if you need an excuse to stay for a second round.
Final Verdict: If I called Long Beach home, Anna’s Joint would be my default lunch HQ, snack stop, and Friday wind-down spot. I’d celebrate birthdays here. I’d mourn lost football seasons here.
I’ll be back. With my wife. She’ll steal my tots. And I’ll let...
Read moreStumbled on Anna’s Joint today while Googling nearby sandwich spots—and what a happy little accident that was. The menu had that this is gonna be good energy, so we went for it.
Partner got the Sticky Bird—a chicken cutlet sandwich with grain honey mustard, Calabrian chili-crunch, baby shredded provolone, and romaine lettuce. $16 for a full, $8 for a half. He said it was good, flavorful, and had a nice little kick, but it didn’t totally blow him away. Still a solid sandwich, just not his personal fave.
I got the Spicy Mo,Yo! and LISTEN. That thing was fire. $9 for a half, $18 for a full, and every bite was juicy, messy, and straight-up worth-it. I had it on their country sourdough, which was thick, soft, and held up like a champ. Easily one of the best sandwiches I’ve had in a minute.
Also tried the Elote Salad because balance. It was good, fresh, and satisfying—but if I’m being picky (which I am), it needed more zing. Traditional elote hits harder. A little more kick, a little more cheese, and it would’ve been perfect.
Salt & Vinegar Tots? Flavor: 10/10. Tangy and addicting. But they came in a container that didn’t do them justice—got soggy quick. I threw them in the air fryer and brought them back to life, but lowkey I wish I didn’t have to.
And the unsung hero? The Bavarian pretzel. My partner ordered it and I ended up stealing bites like I was on a mission. Warm, salty, soft inside with that mustard dip that gave straight nostalgia. Next time: two pretzels. No sharing.
Overall? So glad I found this spot. The sandwiches are legit, the flavors go crazy, and you can tell they care about doing it right. Just a couple small upgrades—like packaging and punchier salad dressing—and it’s a wrap.
Spoiler alert: We did order it again for dinner. • I tried the O Mami Pastrami ($8.50 half / $17 full) and holy deliciousness—tender, savory, and straight-up addictive. • Partner got the Turk-Ado Aioli and declared it the best sandwich he’s ever had—and he doesn’t say that lightly. • We had to order the Bavarian pretzel again (non-negotiable at this point) and also added the Classic Aussie Meat Pie—and omg, new favorite. Flavors were poppin’, so interesting and different. Felt like a little passport moment in my mouth. • And because we were feelin’ fancy, we added a reasonably priced bottle of Sauv Blanc to the mix. Because: treat yoself.
10/10 day of eating. Anna’s, you’re on...
Read moreThis place is a GEM. I feel like I’m in an indie film every time i visit this place. This place is so freaking cool. It has all the great classics for music and friendly locals and bartender/server. Very eclectic, warm and overall relaxing.
This is by far my favorite sandwich shop in Long Beach. It doesn’t get any better than this place. I’ve had breakfast, lunch and dinner here and they’re all bangers. I have brought multiple people here and they love it just as much! I just haven’t had their pizza and desserts here yet but i wouldn’t be surprised if that was good too. This place is ALL about the bread. Any sandwich you get, you’re going to be invited to the most delicious holding vessel your mouth has ever experienced. The quality of the meats are really good and the balance between them are spectacular. My favorite sandwich so far is the Track Suit. Warm, savory, cheesy, soft, crunchy deliciousness! And that pickled cherry pepper is EPIC. I want one right now! Can’t wait to come back and try more items.
Do yourself a favor and choose your own adventure here. From sitting inside or outside, it is always cool and nice ambiance; and you can always take it to go, the beach is down the street! They also have a deli shop where you can get cheap booze and cocktails in a can! I have also found new soft drinks that are now my favorite here.
Whatever you do here, you won’t be disappointed, thanks...
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