Bay Cities Italian Deli   

If you're hungry and anywhere near the west side of Los Angeles -- anywhere -- and you're not standing in line at Santa Monica's legendary Bay Cities Deli and Bakery, then what exactly are you waiting for? Sure, lines are no fun, but they can very well be if there's a Bay Cities sub waiting at the end of them. Just ask the hundreds of loyalists that daily drop by this unassuming sandwich paradise to stock up on everything from the all-bets-are-off Godmother to a pastrami number that forces you to eat with your eyes closed. Bay Cities sandwiches are just that good, and that's not even taking into account their other extensive offerings, including olives, pastas, cheeses, oils and everything else you've come to expect from the best of Greek, Italian, French, Middle Eastern and other global cuisines. So take a number, grab a drink and eye one of the scattered outdoor benches lining Lincoln for a place to land. Even if you have to just lean up against the outside of the building during your meal, standing is no sweat (as long as you're wearing your least favorite, most drip-ready shirt -- getting messy is also on the menu).