Where to Get a Good Samich in Orange County

I don't care what Orange County Register readers voted, I refuse to acknowledge that the #1 place for sandwiches is Subway's. Not because they can't make a decent sandwich, but because I find it hard to believe that in this great big area, that's the best people came up with.

In response, I decided to do some research on what other OC peeps are digging into on their lunch hour - here's a list of some of the highest rated sandwich places on Yelp:

Kech's in Fountain Valley
scored 5 out of 5 on Yelp
(image via Remy M)

Kech Cafe, Fountain Valley
Yelp Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Dang, what is it about Fountain Valley that they're cranking out all kinds of good food? First it was doughnuts, now this - a kind of build your own gourmet sandwich a la Chipotle or that other sandwich place that will not be named.

I suspect the reason for the high rating has a lot to do with the rest of Kech's menu, which includes wraps, pizzas and coffee drinks.

The Prosciutto Cotto panini from
Paninoteca Maggio (image via
Yelp reviewer Paul T)

Paninoteca Maggio, Santa Ana
Yelp Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Besides boasting to have "the best espresso in town," Paninoteca also offers sandwiches made with imported Italian cold cuts, fresh veggies, cheeses and fresh bread direct from "one of the finest European bakers in Orange County."

Oh they also offer salads, but does that really matter after reading that description for their sandwiches?

One Yelp reviewer suggests to "follow them on Facebook for specials and updated hours. Because it is a small business, they are not always open."

The Hot Headed Italian Meat Head
(Image via Yelp reviewer Masa H)

MeatHeadz Sandwich Shop, Huntington Beach
Yelp Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Proudly proclaiming that they offer "the biggest, baddest sandwiches money can buy," MeatHeadz offers the build-your-own set up with meats and cheeses they slice daily. They also offer their own spin on the sandwich, like "The Ground and Pound" (featuring "Pow" sauce), "The Superhotty," and "The Divorce is Final" - check out what they're made of here.

If sounds like a lot of hype, dwell on how Yelp user Brett L. describes it: "If MeatHeadz was a person, it would probably be Justin Timberlake. Coolest restaurant goin'."

The Itallian Stallion on Dutch bread;
combos include a cookie or chips
(Image via Yelp reviewer Michelle M.)

Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop, Lake Forest
Yelp Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

I know, with a name like Mr. Pickle's you half-imagine a white van parked in front of the place with some guy dressed in a clown suit inviting you to pet his puppy.

Or maybe that's just me...but this place boasts an "addictive" garlic sauce and a warm cookie to complete your custom-made or specialty sandwich.

A Noonerz sandwich, with freshly baked
ciabatta bread (Image via Yelp
reviewer Mel H.)

Noonerz, Laguna Hills
Yelp Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

With "20 years of awesome sandwiches" to their credit, Noonerz in south OC gets a lot of praise. In addition to offering sandwiches like the "Best Fat Free Tuna Salad" or "Turkey Bruschetta" sandwich, they offer "handcrafted" sides like pasta or potato salad and coleslaw.

As Anthony N., a self-professed "burger guy" said about it on Yelp, "Noonerz is damn good."

Delifornia's veggie on squaw, with goat
cheese and arugula (Image via
Yelp reviewer Virginia S.)

Delifornia, Anaheim
Yelp Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Calling itself a "California inspired sandwich shop", Delifornia specializes in sandwiches and salad that are hormone-free with no antibiotics or additives.

Located in downtown Anaheim, their sandwiches have an array of flavors like a roasted turkey with warm brie, avocado and roasted garlic aioli, or a chicken salad sandwich with dried cranberries, crispy celery, and toasted walnuts.

I personally like the idea of their roast beef, horse radish cream, onion and cheddar sandwich. What's it called? The Knuckle Sandwich. Awesome.

The California Delight by Board &
Brew (Image via Yelp reviewer Tracey T.)

Board & Brew, San Clemente
Yelp Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Did you know that Board & Brew has been "keepin' it real since '79?" To be honest, I didn't even know they existed, but they make a point that with quality sandwiches presented in a straightforward menu and served alongside craft beers is what sandwich lovers are all about.

They offer different variations of a turkey or tuna sandwich, but what adds to their allure is a selection of grilled sandwiches, like the baja chicken (marinated breast with avocado, grilled onions, japlapenos and melted jack cheese).

How enthusiastic are the customers? Toni S. (all the way from Costa Mesa, mind you) raved that, "this place is unreal! I got the Baja Beef sandwich and it was out of control!!"

With all those exclamation marks, it's gotta make you a least a little curious to try it out...