The Sandwich That Made Me Laugh Out Loud.... Cause it was so damn good..... Tucked away in the back of an older business complex, this little sub shop is the definition of a hidden gem. Honestly, if it wasn't for a lunchtime search on my map app, I never would've found it--and that would've been a real shame. The place itself is small, and not the kind of spot I'd normally stop at. But never judge a book by its cover. The guy behind the counter was flying solo, but he was super friendly, chill, and made the place feel welcoming right off the bat. The menu isn't huge, but one item jumped out at me: "The Special." It's stacked with ground beef, roast beef, pastrami, provolone, bacon, avocado, and every fresh topping you could want--shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onions, a little mustard, and just a hint of spice. Warm, hearty, flavorful... this thing was ridiculous in the best way. I'm not even exaggerating--I actually laughed while eating it because it was so unexpectedly good. Every bite was perfectly balanced. The meats melted together, the avocado gave it that creamy layer, and the bread held everything together like a pro. It hit that sweet spot of temperature too--just warm enough to feel fresh and comforting. This place might not look like much, but it made one of the best subs I've ever had, hands down. If you're reading this: go find this spot. It's worth it. I am 100% coming back. read more

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Great sandwich! Great Service! "Cleanliness is next to..." I choose this place over any other in the area. It's easy to forget that this is how subs were meant to be made! read more

Mike makes great subs, the bread to sandwich ratio is perfect. He doesn't skimp on the meats or cheese, the onions and tomatoes perfectly chopped! I always get the large and inhale it, over eating maybe but also it's too good and I can't help but want another bite. If you're in a rush, call it in, it's a one man show and he can get quite busy. If you're not in a rush and are a chatty Cathy like me, you'll make a new friend easy with Mike. I don't get sammiches anywhere else in the area because u have before and I regretted going to other spots almost immediately. Thanks for being my Sammich guy Mike! You're a hidden gem! read more

Mike makes great sub sandwiches. A friendly guy who cares about his customers Definitely my go to sub sandwich place when I'm in the area. Worth checking out !! Mike, the owner aims to please.... (see pics.....). read more

Came here awhile back and I thought I posted a review but I guess I didn't. Well fast forward.... Great hidden gem for north hills if you are in the area looking for great subs!!!! Portions are generous and all the three types of sandwiches I ordered were all great!! I don't get to come here as often as I would like too but this place hasn't disappointed yet and I doubt it ever will. Highly recommend. The may also have a rewards card that get stamped and after so many purchases you get a sandwich, but not sure on the details, either way...great sub spot!!! Keep up the great work. Steve and fam. read more

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Amazing quality. Pastrami - best in the valley hands down! Recommend by friends I regret taking forever to come and try it out. I've now made on back to back to weeks. read more

Balboa Sub Shop - Sandwiches Near Me - Northridge, California

Balboa subs was my favorite sub sandwiches I've ever had. I'm DEVASTATED seeing they've closed and I'll never be able to have one again

Balboa Sub Shop is the best Sammy in the valley! Turkey Bacon & Avo is out of this world.

This was an actual hole in the wall and was just a great old fashion sandwich. Service was fine and all ingredients were as expected. Sometimes ya just want a sandwich as this hit the spot. read more

Sub was delicious! Service was delightful! Can't wait to stop by this shop again and enjoy another sub! read more

Balboa Sub Shop - Barbecue Tri tip slaw FN delicious! - Sandwiches Near Me - Northridge, California

My wife and granddaughter stopped in here the other day and got some really yummy subs. My wife let me have a little bit of her tuna sub and it was literally the best tuna sub I think I've ever had. Major Flavortown! Support small businesses like this one so we can have good stuff in the area. read more

Great sandwich, was really impressed. I loved all the ingredients in the sandwich everything tasted fresh will definitely be coming back again. read more

Had the Italian cold cut with Italian sauce...A+ o Would recommend this place. I would retuen read more

Every time I eat this sandwich I lose the battle of having clean hands, but it's ALWAYS worth the mess!! Every ingredient that goes into these sandwiches are absolute fireeee. The bacon is crispy, the tomatoes are crunchy, and the sandwich is loaded! I've never eaten inside the store, so I can't say much about the ambiance, but there are seats if you want to eat there. I've always called in my order and have always gotten through. The process is quick and the owner has never failed to ask if I want my sandwich spicy, which I'm grateful for because absolutely yes I want my sandwich spicy. TLDR; you'll definitely wanna get a sandwich from here, but I wouldn't recommend eating there cause of the mess you're gonna be in. Lol. read more

Support local businesses! They have a great variety of subs (hot and cold) options that should fill you right up! Great ingredients and hits the spot when craving a sandwich. Get their hot sauce on the side, you will thank me later! read more

Balboa Sub Shop - Sandwiches Near Me - Northridge, California

Decent sandwiches, large sizes, good prices. Nothing too special. If u need a sandwich, this is fine.

Best sandwiches in the entire valley. Great selection of fresh ingredients. Today the "Special" checked all the boxes. Truly a treat and worth driving across town for. Highly recommend Balboa Sub Shop. read more

Balboa Sub Shop - The Special Ground beef, pastrami, roast beef, bacon, avocado and homemade hot sauce. Why decide when you can have it all. - Sandwiches Near Me - Northridge, California

Showed up there starving and not knowing what to get. Mike, the owner was there and was super chill about recommending the Special. Mannnnn i aint never had anything like it, great combo of ground beef and pastrami and the sauce. Will be coming back just for this read more

A+++. Love Balboa Subs. Been going for years. Just look at the photo - must try! Look at how large that sandwich is. Do it! Try it! read more

Balboa Sub Shop - "The Special Sub" - holy moly this was delicious - Sandwiches Near Me - Northridge, California

Veggie sub! . Fresh ingredient with Perfectly balanced amount of combo of mustard, vinegar, spice (option) kick on amazing fluffy texture bread. Thank You for making my day w good sandwich! read more

Balboa Sub Shop - Veggie Sub - Sandwiches Near Me - Northridge, California

Is there a better sub shop? NO. Is there a better hot sandwich than The Hot Special? NO there is not. This isn't just an option, it's fact, it's Food LAW!! If you haven't been to Balboa Subs you just don't know. This place has history. It used to be owned by a guy named Sammy a true legend, probably the greatest sandwich maker to ever live. No he's passed on the secrets and the recipes. It about 90% as good as when Sammy made things, which means it's still at least 5 times better than anything you've ever had. The GOAT! read more

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$20 for a 10" sub and a can of soda but it is GOOD!! Highly recommend, I will be back'

Best Authentic fresh Subs.. The Owner Mike is a great guy... I Highly recommend these subs...

This place was awesome! The sandwich was AMAZING. the sandwich was made with care. I will definitely be coming back. read more

Balboa Sub Shop - Italian Cold Cut Sub - Sandwiches Near Me - Northridge, California

Super rude and impatient guy working. I moved and have been trying to find a new sandwich place and was excited, because they're my favorite food. I just went in at 5:30 and was taking a few minutes to read the menu. The guy at the counter asked me 3 different times if I was ready to order (didn't say hi or how's it going or anything) and the last time he asked he looked annoyed and said "Have you decided what you want, I'm about to close up" and I said "sorry I didn't realize" he didn't say anything but was clearly impatient and I said "I'm sorry. I'll go somewhere else" and left. I checked the closing time as a left and it said 6 I JUST WANTED A SANDWICH AND DUDE ALMOST MADE ME CRY AND FEEL LIKE AN IDIOT. sandwiches are life and this guy shouldn't be in the sando business. Bummed but not coming back read more

Tried this for the first time hands down 5 stars tried "The Special" and the Italian cold cuts definitely a must try 10/10

Went in yesterday for the meatball marinara which literally as a meal and a half I loved it it's well worth the time each sandwich takes a certain amount of time to make because a lot of care is involved with it but your first bite you forget about all that and the meatball marinara was awesome with extra jalapeños. read more

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It's literally a hole in the wall! And those are always the best places to go. The parking lot can be terrible, but it's worth visiting. The place is nothing spectacular. The menu is simple. There are hot subs and cold subs with options of a combo (drink and chips) with 6" or 10" bread. I ordered The Special and I highly recommend getting it. It has pastrami, roast beef, bacon, and ground beef. Ingredients were fresh and it was a sub to enjoy. read more

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Was in the area doing some stuff at the university nearby and my buddy recommended this place for lunch. Was not disappointed in the slightest. Sandwich was delicious and well portioned. Love this place. I will return! Glad to support a small business after COVID has wrecked havoc on small places like this. read more

Balboa Sub Shop - Delicious! - Sandwiches Near Me - Northridge, California

The best subs throughout the Valley and LA. Been going here for years and now drive 45 minutes to make sure I can enjoy from time to time. Great owner and service read more

This place is legit! I hold every sub shop up against what I consider to be the best (Dan's Subs) and this place holds its own. If you're on the other side of the valley and you're looking for a less crowded cool little sub shop with a legit sandwich this is the place. I'd say it's equally as good as Dan's and different enough that it's worth rotating the two out. read more

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Delicious subs. I've only ever had them at parties with a huge platter of an assortment of different sandwiches. The bread is soft and tasty and the ingredients are fresh. I haven't had a sub from here that I didn't enjoy. I love supporting small businesses, so if you're in the mood for a sub try then out. You won't be disappointed. read more

I'll be honest. I was not expecting much when I came in here but was pleasantly surprised. The owner was very nice and answered all my ridiculous questions about sandwich ingredients and how things were put together. I ordered a turkey avocado bacon and Swiss, and my partner ordered a club. The presentation was great, the food was delicious, and the bread was unexpectedly fresh and probably the best I've tasted in any sub shop. The toppings he had on them, tomatoes and onions and lettuce were all fresh and tasted fantastic! If you're looking for a new place for a great fressandwich, this is where I'd recommend to go! read more

Balboa Sub Shop - The sandwich when I got it home - it looked the same as it did on the sign In he shop. And Delicious! - Sandwiches Near Me - Northridge, California

The sandwich's are top tier. You really cannot compete or compare these kind of sandwiches. The sauces are amazing.

Omg I stumbled upon this place. Short answer what the fuck , this is an Amazing sandwich! So many places go cheap or neglect the bread. The roll was perfect warm crunch and melt In your mouth French roll. perfectly topped with the right condiments at the right temperature ( refrigerated cool but not too cold). And the cold cuts were cut thin and served in generous portions. Ambiance is , well , not really a consideration as there is no ambiance. It's a broke down mini mall storefront decorated sparingly Just a bare bones 15" x 15"l spartan lunch room. It has a smattering of Janky tables and nothing else. Your humble sandwich maker works in view behind a counter. Upwards away. None of this is a concern because once you bite into that sandwich. All is forgiven and you are in Sandwich Heaven. Seriously you are transported straight to small town Americana neighborhood sun shop from some usable memory of a past you once imagined in a dream. Gos bless this hidden gem. Balboa Sub is a lone, lighthouse shining bright , the path back to the great American sandwich. Hidden deep in the San Fernando valley's hot and oppressive urban blight. read more

Service was great, small place, but that doesn't matter. The food is awesome. I liked how the toppings are chopped and so flavorful. BLT for the win! They also melt the cheese and the bread is so soft, perfect. read more

I found out about this sub shop on Yelp and I had to give it a try. I'm a big fan of meatball subs and I've been having trouble finding a good one. Well, after trying this one I have found my new meatball sub shop. The sub comes with a very tasty fresh bread along with enough meatballs to satisfy anyone who's a sandwich fan and the marinara sauce that covers the meatballs is perfectly balanced for flavor and consistency. The meatballs are flavorful and tender. Top it off with some slices of provolone and there you have it. Overall, it's a wonderful combination that will keep you coming back to try some of their other sandwiches. Even though the shop is hidden away in the corner of a strip center, you'll appreciate the calm and clean environment. If you love a good sub sandwich you have to try this place. You won't be disappointed... read more

I really wanted to like this place but when I unwrapped my sandwich, I found a huge mess that was difficult and very messy to eat. First, I don't understand these sub shops that arrange the meat in a way that squirts out the side the moment you take a bite. Or when the meat sticks two inches out of the bread and needs to be folded back into the sub. This seems to ignore the physics of how subs are eaten and makes for an annoying and messy experience. Secondly, overall flavor was lackluster and disappointing. It's unclear to me how this shop has such a high rating, given what I experienced. Maybe I caught them on an off day. But take a look at the photo of my sandwich and you be the judge. read more

Balboa Sub Shop - Sandwiches Near Me - Northridge, California

History on Balboa Sub Shop it's been serving Greg community since 1977 with some amazing tasting subs. It is somewhat family owned and what I mean by that is that the man who creates these magical subs has been goin to eat there since he was 13 and has been working there for 9 years. I guess you can call it a one man band. I ordered the Balboa Club and my girlfriend ordered the special. To start off the Balboa Club Sub was packed with so much flavor as soon as I hit in to it it gave me a nostalgic feel to when I used to get subs as a kid from a mom and pop shop before my mom took us to the park. The servings of food is pretty big. I got a 10" and man let me tell you I can eat but half the sun filled me up right away. The Special is a hot sub and was nice and warm but the bread was still nice and toasty instead of it being soggy which was really cool. The mixture of protein and melted cheese with vegetables was perfect. As soon as you bite into it you get a explosion of cheese balanced out by the meats and veggies. I can see why they have been in business for over 46 years. Honestly picking up some subs and heading over to the park and beach would be the ideal date with friends, family, significant other, or just yourself. I will definitely be coming back. read more

Balboa Sub Shop - Balboa Club Sub - Sandwiches Near Me - Northridge, California

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Very generous amount of food on the subs! Very delicious and fresh as well. The employee who helped my boyfriend seems to know a lot of returning customers which tells me it's a good establishment as well. Definitely would eat again. read more