For a truly superior sandwich
A few of our favorite places to grab that lunchtime classic
Remember a couple of weeks ago when we went to the B Bryan Preserve and walked the Pelican Bluffs trail? Well, while we were down there we also drove out to the Point Arena wharf for lunch at Cove Coffee. This little family-run business served us up some of the best sandwiches we have ever had. Seriously. Really, seriously. The ingredients were all so perfectly fresh, and everything was so obviously sliced and assembled with love. The sandwich they call the 4:20 was the perfect summertime choice, with hefty slices of fresh tomato, slivers of red onion, and plenty of ripe avocado layered on an open face toasted bagel. Super simple, yet oh so perfect. The gal in our group who ordered the Ultimate Club was so in love with her lunch that she stood up and emphatically declared to the ladies behind the counter that it was the best she had ever had. She had reason to as well – the bread was soft and fresh, the slices of meat were generously thick, the organic veggies were bright and beautiful, and the locally made Mendocino Mustard tied it all together in a glorious symphony of flavors. It was what you might call a truly superior sandwich.
Everything else about Cove Coffee was just spot on too. The locally roasted coffees we sipped while waiting for our food were superb, and the general vibe of the place was full of small town camaraderie and laid back comfort. We could tell this fun coffee house was a hub of the local community, a favorite hang-out spot for young and old alike.
Be prepared for a little bit of a wait – perfection takes time, and these guys are popular! Eat in or take your sandwiches to go. Cove Coffee also has a gift shop, loads of surf gear, and fishing tackle and rentals. Just about anything you need for an afternoon in the Point Arena harbor, they’ve got!
Inside Cove Coffee
Not going all the way down to Point Arena? Here are a few of our other favorite sandwich spots on the Mendocino coast:
The Elk Store. Located in the cozy hamlet of Elk, this wonderful general store has an amazing sandwich counter with a tantalizing selection of creatively delicious options. We’ve written about them before, in raptures over their Peanut Ginger Chicken Wrap, which you should definitely try!
If the weather is inclement, eat in at the cute little bistro tables inside. Otherwise, take it to go and enjoy the view at the state park across Highway 1 from the front door – gorgeous.
Good Life Café & Bakery. We seem to mention this charming downtown Mendocino café a lot. Like in this post, and this other one. Why? Well, they just consistently make really good food with good quality ingredients. They have a fairly large menu, but their paninis are pretty stellar. The options change seasonally and week to week, so you’re almost certain to get something new every time you’re in town.
We love snagging a window seat and people watching while we eat. Or if it’s nice out, enjoy your meal on their deck or get it to go to take down to Big River beach. Great options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. Often have good options for other dietary restrictions as well.
Mendocino Market & Deli. This tiny deli across from the Mendocino Post Office has been a local favorite for a long time. Order off their list of favorites, or create your own sandwich to order. While they do have a couple tables, we usually take these out to the Headlands to enjoy the view.
Princess Seafood Market & Deli. Ok, so these guys don’t do a ton of sandwiches, but we are just about in love with their Bay Shrimp Salad Roll. It’s so wonderfully simple and fresh! They do a great Crab Roll as well if crab is more your style.
Down in Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg, this awesome market has fun outdoor seating. They also often have live music during lunchtime in the summer. Eat in or take out.
Do you have a favorite spot to get sandwiches on the Mendocino coast that we didn’t mention? Let us know! Maybe we’ll go visit and write about it…
Written by Laura Hockett