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ZipPicks Awards
Best Sandwiches in Northridge
Master Critic Review
My Hero Submarine Sandwich Shoppe
8.1
A 1964-era sub counter that builds every sandwich on lightly steamed sesame seed bread and finishes it with a chunky Italian tomato salad dressed in oil, vinegar, and cracked black pepper—a two-part signature that has kept CSUN students and Northridge regulars cycling through a three-table strip mall space for six decades. The menu runs deep on cold cuts and Italian-style subs at prices that match the no-frills setup, making it a reliable lunch stop where the craft is in the bread and the salad, not the decor.
Must-Try Dishes:
My Hero Special Sandwich, Pastrami Sandwich, Breast of Turkey
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Open since 1964, every sub is built on lightly steamed sesame seed bread and topped with their signature chunky Italian tomato salad marinated in oil, vinegar, and cracked black pepper.
Who should go: CSUN students and sub lovers craving old-school delis
When to visit: Weekday lunch to avoid the CSUN student rush
What to order: Get the namesake My Hero Special with extra tomato salad on the side; the Pastrami is the other crowd favorite — order a large, portions are generous for the price
Insider tip: Add a side of Italian Tomato Salad for $1.30 — regulars since the '80s swear by extra spoonfuls on every bite
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Strip mall lot with limited spaces—enter from Plummer Street for easiest access; lot is small but usually has open spots outside peak lunch
Noise level: Small space with three tables and counter stools—moderate buzz from orders being called out, easy enough to talk
Weekday lunch: Counter-service and sandwiches come out fast, but the line can stack up at lunch—expect 5-15 min in line during the noon rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extremely limited—one Cheese Sandwich (mustard, mayo) with lettuce, tomato, and onion only; no other veggie fillings available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - this is a casual counter-service sub shop in a strip mall, built for quick meals rather than lingering conversation. There's no table service, mood lighting, or intimate atmosphere. It's a great spot for a low-key lunch hangout, but if you're looking to impress on a first date, choose somewhere with sit-down service and ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - this is a walk-in, counter-service sandwich shop. There are no reservations to worry about. You order at the counter and grab a seat. During peak lunch hours (roughly 11:30am-1pm on weekdays), you may hit a short line, but turnover is fast since most people are in and out quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - they offer a Kids & Small Appetites menu with smaller portions at lower prices. The casual, no-fuss atmosphere means kids won't be out of place, and the counter-service format keeps things quick so you're not stuck managing restless little ones through a long sit-down meal. High chair availability not confirmed - call ahead if needed.
Is it good for groups? Manageable for small groups of 4-5, but this is a compact strip mall sub shop - don't expect to comfortably seat a party of 10. Seating is limited and informal. For larger groups, consider calling ahead to ask about capacity or ordering catering/party subs for pickup instead.
Is there outdoor seating? Not confirmed - the shop is located in a strip mall unit on Reseda Blvd. Some strip mall locations in the area have a few outdoor tables or benches along the storefront, but this has not been verified for this specific location. Call ahead to confirm if outdoor seating matters to you.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable, old-school Italian-style cold cut subs to grab and go—a neighborhood institution since 1964 near CSUN, not a chain experience
Skip if: You want a sit-down dinner (closes 7pm weekdays, 5pm Sundays, only 3 tables) or need generous meat portions—recent reviews note skimpier fills than the old days
Hours
Monday9am - 7pm
Tuesday9am - 7pm
Wednesday9am - 7pm
Thursday9am - 7pm
Friday9am - 7pm
Saturday9am - 6pm
Sunday10am - 5pm