The Original Rinaldi’s is an Italian Deli with locations in both Manhattan Beach and El Segundo. Both spots are such small establishments they can be easy to miss. The Manhattan Beach location in particular is so inconspicuous that you can walk by and not notice it. Located in the same lot as Two Guns Espresso, one way to find it is to follow the crowd. That part is hard to miss.
Let’s Talk Meat
All the subs and sandwiches at Rinaldi’s uses Boar’s Head meat. If that brand name means nothing to you, let’s just say it’s good meat. It’s a nationally popular, family-run brand with a reputation and prestige in premium meat that has them selling at Yankee Stadium. They don’t just make turkey — they make hickory smoked black forest turkey, or mesquite wood smoked turkey, or cracked pepper mill turkey breast. I don’t quite know what constitutes a deluxe ham, but it’s good, and they use it in their classic cold sandwich.
A Lot Of Sandwiches
You may remember Rinaldi’s from its appearance on our list of 4 Sandwiches You Must Try. What that article doesn’t properly convey is that Rinaldi’s has a metric ton of sandwiches. Their menu is very nearly in fine print in order to fit the 60 plus sandwich combinations. They do this with a variety of ingredients allowing for a small armada of sandwich types, some inspired, others odd, but all of them filling. All of their sandwiches are made to order, meaning on busy lunches many might be stopping by, but otherwise it’s one tremendous sub shop.
Let’s take a look at some of these audacious creations, these courageous explorations into uncharted sandwich territory. The “Jack and Jill” is a strange name for a spicy turkey sandwich. Using Jamaican Jerk Turkey, Colby-Jack cheese and your standard vegetable filling, it recalls a club sandwich with a kick. Although we’re a long way from their campuses, both UCLA and USC are represented with their own sandwich. The “USC Trojan” is an italian sandwich with salami, proscuitto and pepperoni while the “UCLA Bruin” opts for honey ham and roasted chicken accented by honey mustard and provolone. Because why not let your college football allegiances carry over to your lunch?
These are just the cold sandwiches. Their hot sandwiches are even better, with their melted cheese and toasty bread. Case in point: the “Troll”, a lean ground turkey sub with egg whites and parmesan. Finally, because it’s always important to note, there’s a great vegetarian & pescetarian section on their prolific menu. The “Eggplant Parmesan” in particular is a lightly grilled eggplant, cheese and marinara sandwich and, really, where else can you get something like that?
Throw A Party
Rinaldi’s may be a small business, but it’s not so small that they can’t cater for your parties or office lunches. With a day’s notice, they can serve up a diverse meat & cheese platter, or if you’re a daredevil, a 6 foot sandwich. Sides include mixed greens, pasta, macaroni and the like. It’s a party in and of itself.
Do any of these sandwiches sound interesting to you? What’s the best sandwich you’ve ever had?
The Original Rinaldi’s – (310) 379 – 9961
350 N Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite 1, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
The Original Rinaldi’s – (310) 647 – 2860
323 Main Street, El Segundo, CA 902453
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