The weather is starting to heat up this summer, and all we want is Dole Whip. At some point, everyone needs to eat actual food and considering all that's already on our plates – hitting all the rides on the other side of Katella, cheering our favorite World Cup team, getting out to the beach – the sandwich is an incredible invention. For many, the sandwich is something just to fill the gap so that they can get on with it, but for some of us, the sandwich is a perfect go-to and the right one can make a day right. Depending on where you are and what you're craving, the following are our top recommendations.
Often the most convenient spot to grab a bite, the Earl of Sandwich has been a long-time staple in Downtown Disney® - right across the street from the Alamo Inn and Suites. Their sandwiches hit the spot, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable given the prime location. As we were sadly ready to confirm the closure of this bustling location, we are now happy to report that the Earl has re-opened in a new space featuring neat upgrades such as The Carvery to build upon their family legacy – the invention of the sandwich!? We haven't been back to the Earl of Sandwich since their return to Downtown Disney® this year, but The Original 1762® and The Full Montagu were always solid choices.
For a quick and tasty bite outside of the parks, Jersey Mike's does the trick. Located a 5 minute drive east of the Alamo Inn and Suites on Katella Avenue, Jersey Mike's is an easy option for those not wanting to get held up from the day's itinerary. Nationwide, Jersey Mike's has been ranked as one of the best, if not best sandwich chains in the USA. And despite being part of a fast-food chain, we find that the Jersey Mike's location in Anaheim delivers fresh sandwiches along with great service each time we drop in. We usually go for the Turkey or Italian "Mike's Way."
On the other side of the sandwich spectrum, Ake' Larry is a boutique that many tourists may stroll past without noticing. Larry Lopez worked as a pastry chef at a few significant hospitality hotspots prior to opening his first café during the 2020 pandemic. Although Ake' Larry always provided great eats and baked goods, the original location is hard to find. Amazingly, Ake Larry 2 just opened up on Center Street – an easy 15 minute drive from the Alamo Inn and Suites – a few months ago, bringing Larry's talents right to the heart of Anaheim, making it a perfect stop during the day and an especially great fueling station after a round of summer ice skating at the Rinks. Compared to the others on our list, the menu list for Ake' Larry is simpler, but this is clearly intentional, as the food here is more upscale than what the surroundings suggest. The pink fettucini pasta and rotisserie chicken sandwich are great starting points.
Last and surely not least, one of our all-time favorite restaurant recommendations is Cortina's. When our friends and family are visiting Anaheim, we take them to Cortina's or bring Cortina's to them. About a 10 minute drive from the Alamo Inn and Suites, Cortina's offers great pastas, pizzas, and the best sandwiches in Anaheim – the Cortina's special, the Russo special, and the Rocky Balboa are to die for if you enjoy hearty sandwiches. A little further from our tourist attractions, you can tell that this is a local favorite. The parking is extremely tight, so try to avoid peak meal times if you don't want to lose your mind. Note that there are also 2 locations, with the one closest to us on Orange Ave in Anaheim (the other is a little further down in the city of Orange). We like to point our friends to the one nearby, as the attached Italian market is fun to peruse before or after. Pick out a few high-quality cheeses and salamis to level up your family beach time!