5 /5 Sean Lanham: If an Austin deli savant teamed up with an Aussie pub legend to open a sandwich-forward, beer-blessed haven in coastal California, you’d get Anna’s Joint. This is no ordinary spot—think: crisp tots with a vinegar punch and gourmet sandwiches stacked higher than my hopes for the Cowboys this year.
The second we hit Pine Avenue and saw that bold green Anna’s awning, I knew this wasn’t just a pit stop. It was a sandwich sanctuary, a bread-based utopia, a leisurely lunch kingdom crowned with a disco ball and a playlist that felt curated by someone who owns both vinyl and a deli slicer. The bar setup screamed personality: bold signage, indie beer taps, retro snacks, and enough polaroids on the wall to make it feel like you’ve been part of the family for years.
As someone who grew up Down Under and has deep respect for pub snacks done right, I made a beeline for the salt & vinegar tots. They came out hot and golden, with the perfect zip of salt and tang that hits like a nostalgic punch to the mouth, in the best way. Paired with that creamy herbed dip? Instant classic.
Then I saw it. That unmistakable golden-yellow can. Shiner Bock. In California. No tap required. No Texas proxy. Just me, my sandwich, and a can of home-state pride sweating gently in the Long Beach sun. It was like seeing a cousin at a wedding you weren’t invited to, and hugging them anyway.
Let’s talk sandwiches:
#5 NEO-BLT - A love letter to bacon, avocado, and kewpie mayo. The roasted onion jam tucked in like a secret ingredient from grandma’s pantry, making this the grown-up BLT your inner child dreams about.
#9 SPICY MO, YO! - This one strutted in with swagger. Salami, smoked Gouda, and pickled everything. The kind of sandwich that talks back and dares you to take a second bite without breaking a sweat.
#10 THE TRACK SUIT - The classic Italian sandwich if it had a side hustle in motivational speaking. All the hits: ham, salami, and pepperoni wrapped in crispy lettuce, olives, and a slap of Italian dressing. This one doesn’t ask for respect, it demands it.
#14 DE ROSSI - A love affair between prosciutto, mortadella, capicola, and burrata so creamy I had to pause and reflect. Finished with garlic aioli and olive oil, this sandwich deserves its own passport.
Bonus points for the little pickled peppers served with each: small, fiery, and full of attitude!
Patio Situation: This is where you want to be when the sun hits just right and the sandwiches disappear faster than your willpower. Cozy tables, laid-back vibe, and plenty of people-watching if you need an excuse to stay for a second round.
Final Verdict: If I called Long Beach home, Anna’s Joint would be my default lunch HQ, snack stop, and Friday wind-down spot. I’d celebrate birthdays here. I’d mourn lost football seasons here.
I’ll be back. With my wife.
She’ll steal my tots.
And I’ll let her.
Probably.
