This was friend and reader Greg M.’s favorite sub shop in L.A. for the time he lived here. I’ve been a few times and have thoroughly enjoyed it every time. Nestled in what appears to be a small office building right across from that big plaza with the Best Buy, the PSC (as the cool kids will call it) doesn’t seem like it’s going to be much. At first glance, it’s just a hallway with a set of barn doors. But, that’s only half of the restaurant, off to the left is more tables and in a slightly more ‘restauranty’ setting.

The walls are covered in bizarre tchotckies including baseball cabs nailed up by the brim, children’s drawings, and gigantic descriptions of their trademark sandwiches. Unlike just about every other sandwich shop in the city, there’s actually a waitress to help you, so you get to sit down and let the food come to you.

Their sandwiches are… unique. They take traditional style sandwiches and remake them into bizarre jumbo versions. For example, the Cheese Steak that I had was closer to a steak sandwich than a traditional Cheese Steak. Thick layers of steakwith a 1/2″ thick cut of cheese on top, plus grilled peppers and onions on thick whole wheat toast.

It’s really pretty excellent, and it’s a great value as most sandwiches run in the 6 to 8 dollar range, and are easily two meals worth. Both Christina and I had leftovers to bring home and enjoy all over again.  Christina had the Chicken sandwich on an onion roll, and loved it.  She found it to be huge, loaded with veggies, and, suprisingly, pretty light.  They really do manage to keep the grease down on their food, which is a nice change of pace.

Probably the biggest strike against the PSC is the uniqueness of the sandwiches. Because each sandwich is so radically conceived, there’s no sense of nostalgia or comfort that, for me anyways, is a big part of my love of sandwiches. It takes me back to my youth in Pittsburgh eating hoagies and Primanti Brother’s sandwiches.

But, still, the food is excellent, they have a deep menu, and a remarkably friendly staff. And these sandwiches really are HUGE. Considering they’re on regular bread, rather than rolls, it’s amazing how much food you get.

They do have limited hours (between 9 and 2 Monday through Friday, and a couple hours midday on Saturday, I believe.) Parking on the street, and behind the place. It’s just a hop and a jump from the Gold Line station, too, if you’re that way inclined.

Highly recommended.

Rating:

Pasadena Sandwich Company

259 Sierra Madre Villa
Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 578-1616
(626) 578-1548
www.pasadenasandwichcompany.com