Sat 12 Jul 2008
Galco’s Soda Pop Stop - Eagle Rock, CA
Posted by Joshua under Review
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This review is going to be a bit harder than I expected. Galco’s was the sandwich shop that started me on my crazy “find the best sandwich in L.A.” adventure, and consequently it has a warm place in my heart. I liked it so much that we chose them to cater our wedding last year. Unfortunately, the shop is sort of in the middle of nowhere, so, I haven’t gone in literally six months or more.
So first things first. Galco’s is a grocery store that specializes in retro and specialty soda. They have bottles of everything from Manhattan Special to Fuckola. They have easily the best selection that I’ve ever seen, and as a big soda fan, it’s pretty close to paradise. And, they have a huge selection of Diet sodas, which is great for diabetic bastards like me. They also have a decent selection of microbrews and specialty liquers. Along one wall is an ever changing selection of cool retro candy.

But, the real treat of the place is along the back wall, where the deli counter sits with it’s suprisingly satisfying (if somewhat brief) menu offering hot and cold sandwiches, in 6″ and 12″ varieties, and many with the option for double meat. Sandwiches cost around 5 bucks for the sixer, and 7 bucks for the twelve.
I’m partial to the Blockbuster (a.k.a. the Original) which is essentially a beautifully layered italian (of the mustard and mayo variety.) The bread is top notch, and the meats taste freshly cut. The mayo/mustard combo is much subtler than on just about any other like sandwich I’ve had in town.
So… why’s this review so hard? The sandwich is great, the store itself is awesome… Well, the problem is the staff. The owner of the shop is an amazingly cordial, attentive guy. He’s exactly what the shop should be like.
Unfortunately over the past year or so, the rest of the staff has seemed to have forgotten the lesson of their boss. Despite the fact that there were a ton of people in the store, the guy working the register today didn’t get off his cell phone. At first, I thought that it was a business call, until I got closer, and realized he was talking to a friend. He only gets off the phone to say, “Thanks.” There’s no other interaction at all. Frankly, it really spoiled the experience. I normally would just eat at the store, but he just packed my stuff up and pointed me towards the door.
So, disappointing service aside, Galco’s can be an amazing experience, with great food and great drinks.
Rating: 




Galco’s Soda Pop Stop
5702 York Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90042
http://www.sodapopstop.com/


















