Vote for your favorite Coast burger, sandwich and unique take out lunch!
Two new local lunch counter delights will open soon, Huck’s on Labor Day or at least this week?
Who wants to do lunch on the beach?
Reasonably priced and scrumptious lunch take-out is having a late summer renaissance, so prepare to have some amazing picnics out of paper bags!
Way back in June, the Mendocino Coast had hit a culinary low point even before our beloved B & C Grocery closed its doors that month. The food trucks that flourished during the pandemic had mostly vanished, the curbside barbecue heroes packed up, and lunch options grew so scarce we actually considered—brace yourself—sit-down meals. The horror!
“Down in the Dugout, Alston glowers!”
Chin up, Walt—there’s fresh dough rising all over the Mendocino Coast, and the scent of possibility is in the air.
Today, we’re sharing our favorite lunch spots: the sandwiches, burgers, and lunch creations that deserve a moment in the spotlight. And then, in true American fashion… we vote.
MendocinoCoast.News is launching a weekly lunch review series—and we want your tastebuds on the front lines. Each week, We’ll be reviewing a standout sandwich, burger, or one of Mendocino’s truly original lunch Grub spots. We invite you to join us.
Calling All Gnoshers! Whether it’s a sandwich that sings, a burger with bravado, or a hidden lunch gem that deserves the spotlight, we’re hungry for your stories. We will also have a poll and a vote on your favorite burger, deli sandwich and “other” take out lunch.
Here’s the deal:
- Eat something delicious
- Write a short review (quirky, poetic, honest—your style!)
- Send it to www.mendocinocoast.news via frankhartzell@gmail.com or post it on the mendocinocoast.news site where you are reading this story
- (skip Facebook – Post direct to our site).
We’ll feature local voices, celebrate our culinary scene, and maybe even stir up a little lunchtime justice. Because here on the coast, lunch isn’t just a meal—it’s a movement.
The Return of B & C Grocery: A Coastal Comeback in Progress
Owners Wayne and Tina Thompson sold the century old B&C after decades to retire. Now its coming back with new owners Amelia Taylor and Chris Wall. Hurrah! We stopped in on Thursday evening. The couple were slaving away. The place looks spiffy but set up like always, with coffee counter, deli counter and groceries. Ameila wouldn’t predict an opening date, but says it would be soon. September? October? She kept her poker face. She and Chris are going to enjoy their big reveal. They plan to keep Tina’s beloved menu and update it also. We plan to be among the first to try their new sandwiches. When B & C closed, it hit hard. Joel Hartzell, myself, and Linda (yes, that Linda) were genuinely saddened. The menu was varied, the ingredients fresh, and the craftsmanship unmatched.
No one offered more choices—or assembled them with more care.
Ameila said the famous Bruno Sandwich will be back!. Just a look at the old menu is enough to make us hungry. She thought up the cool new logo for the market and you will be able to get sweatshirts with the logo just in time for winter!
Bruno and Verna Cortopassi ran the Oak Street grocery into the late 1990s, anchoring what was once Fort Bragg’s Little Italy. Though many of the local kids moved on to bigger lives in bigger places, the old names— often ending in vowels—still echo with prominence.
A New Lunch Thrill: Huck’s Slider House Joins the Coastline Flavor Parade
Just when we thought lunch in a bag couldn’t get more exciting, Mike Huckleberry’s Huck’s Slider House is stepping up. After winning hearts (and stomachs) with their mini masterpieces at Tall Guy Taproom and at the Fort Bragg Farmers Market, they’re opening a full shop—packed with sliders and all kinds of intriguing nibbles.
Now, what exactly is a slider? When I first broke the story on Tall Guy, I had to ask Patrick what a taproom was. He explained it to me three times before we landed on this definition: “Fresh, original beer you can’t buy anywhere else.”That strategy? A total hit. Tall Guy is now Fort Bragg’s most popular gathering spot.
But is it a bar? A taproom? Something else entirely? It’s new. It’s ours. And it’s thriving.
As for sliders—don’t ask me to explain this time. Just go. Taste. Decide for yourself
Frank snagged the scoop for The Mendocino Voice, catching Patrick Broderick striking a pose in the long-lost Sears—now Tall Guy Brewing’s new digs. The Advocate-News followed my lead with a fine story of their own.
April opening planned for Fort Bragg taproom
To snag a slider from the new takeout spot, just take ten Patrick-sized strides from Tall Guy Brewing. While you’re there, browse the freshly relocated Outdoor Store, flip through finds at The Bookstore, or treat your feet to cool socks from Pipi’s. Laurel Street’s got lunch—and a little bit of everything else.
Lunch Lovers, Assemble!
We’re launching a delicious showdown across three takeout categories:
- Deli Sandwiches (think B&C’s stacked beauties)
- Burgers (juicy, messy, glorious)
- Interesting “Other” (like Hucks—where flavor gets weird in the best way)
We want your reviews! Write a great one and post it on MendocinoCoast.News (sorry, Facebook post doesn’t count). If your review stands out, you might just score a free lunch with us—at the spot you reviewed or somewhere new we’re craving.
Yes, we’re eating all of these ourselves. Yes, we’re taking notes. Yes, we want you to join the feast.
So grab a napkin, sharpen your adjectives, and let’s make lunch local, loud, and legendary.
What’s Not on the Menu (This Time)
For this round of takeout lunch polling, we’re keeping things focused. That means no food trucks, farmers markets, fruit stands, pizza parlors, sit-down restaurants, breakfast joints, or Mexican spots—with a few exceptions we’ll explain later.
Burgers, however, are fully in play. No exclusions there. If it’s handheld, hot, and wrapped in paper, we’re probably eating it.
We’ll cover the rest in future articles, so don’t worry—your favorite tamale truck or brunch haven will get its moment. For now, we’re diving deep into:
- Deli Sandwiches (like B&C)
- Burgers (bring the napkins)
- Interesting “Other” (hello, Hucks)
Write a review, post it on MendocinoCoast.News, and you might just win a free lunch with us. Let’s make this delicious.
The criteria to be in the poll is to offer a lunch counter or drive in, anything that allows us to walk in and order, not sit down. Everybody does take out now, of course but a take out burger or deli place is pretty obvious.
From Elk to Westport, we’re mapping the best takeout lunches along the coast—and we need your votes and reviews! Point Arena and Gualala? Still a mystery to us—we’re wayfaring strangers there for now. Anderson Valley? That’s getting its own food feature soon.
Super Tortas: Gone, But Not Gone
We were deep in sandwich anxiety when Super Tortas vanished from the Peter Pan plaza next to Down Home Foods. But thanks to a tip from local flavor scout Johnny Delgado—who swore the Super Torta burger was unmatched—we tracked it down in its new home near the DMV, tucked into the former site of one of Fort Bragg’s two failed Chinese buffets.
Johnny and I usually try to prove each other wrong. This time? I rushed to get one, and wow. He was right. The Super Torta burger—stacked with pineapple or a chile relleno—is fabulous. I’ve had three since. It’s Mexican, it’s a burger, it’s a category-defying masterpiece.
Super Tortas may have moved, but its legend lives on. And yes, it absolutely belongs in our “Interesting Other” lunch poll.
The Asian Food Block: Fort Bragg’s Flavor Corridor
After the brief but glorious buffet era (RIP crab legs and soft-serve machines), Fort Bragg’s Main Street settled into something more soulful: five distinct Asian restaurants on one block, each with its own story, style, and loyal following.
- Lee’s Chinese anchors the block with decades of history and classic comfort dishes. Locals still swear by the potstickers and Mongolian beef
- Just steps away, Taka’s Grill serves up fresh sushi, cozy bento boxes, and a serene patio vibe
- Off the Hook brings bold rolls and fast service, with favorites like the Lion King and spicy tuna keeping the sushi crowd happy
- Across the street, tucked into a tiny storefront, is Nit’s Café—a Thai treasure run by the irrepressible Chef Nit herself. Her pad Thai, coconut soups, and blueberry rice are legendary
- And just across Main, Asian Fusion is staging a comeback. Once a town favorite, it’s now leaning into a strong Thai and Laotian theme, with dishes like drunken noodles, green curry, and pineapple shrimp rice
This block isn’t just a lunch destination—it’s a living archive of Fort Bragg’s culinary resilience. From buffet ghosts to bubble tea dreams.
Noyo Harbor’s Takeout Triangle: A Polite Lunch Rivalry
You can’t talk takeout without tipping your hat to Noyo Harbor, where three standout spots serve up seafood with swagger—and a dash of friendly competition.
The Ladies: The powerhouse crew behind Princess Seafood aren’t just fishing—they’re redefining what it means to be “fishermen.” With two harborfront restaurants and one of the freshest fish counters anywhere, they’ve built a culinary empire that’s bold, beautiful, and boat-to-table. Their restaurant famously skips the fryer, offering vibrant alternatives like lobster bisque, crab sandwiches, and grilled specialties that let the catch shine.
The Gentlemen: On the other side of the dock, John Schnaubelt and Scott Hockett helm Noyo Fish Company, a bustling spot known for its fresh counter and classic fried fare. Schnaubelt also runs Sea Pal Cove, a beloved harbor hangout serving golden fish and chips, clam chowder, and burgers with a view. It’s no-frills, all flavor, and always packed.
Together, these three takeout titans form a triangle of taste—each with its own philosophy, fanbase, and flavor profile. Whether you’re craving grilled crab or crispy cod, Noyo Harbor delivers.
The Great Mendocino Takeout Lunch Poll
We’re asking you to vote for your favorites in three essential categories:
- Best Deli Sandwich
- Best Burger
- Best “Other” Takeout Lunch (think Hucks, Princess Seafood, or anything deliciously unclassifiable)
We’ll share our top picks, but you’re free to nominate your own.
Just keep it local, keep it tasty, and keep it real.
A few ground rules:
Subway is technically allowed—if you truly believe it’s the best sandwich on the coast. Stranger things have happened. Not many, but a few.
McDonald’s is disqualified as a burger contender. Sorry, Ronald.
Best Deli Sandwiches: South to North on the Mendocino Coast
These are our current contenders—review them, vote for them, and add your own favorites to the mix.
1. The Elk Store – Elk Susy and Rod have revived this historic gem with a deli that’s drawing serious acclaim. The “Four Mules Named Maude” pastrami sandwich is already a local legend. Rustic charm, ocean views, and sandwiches worth the detour.
2. Mendocino Market – Mendocino Not to tip our hand, but this might be the one to beat. Their calamari deli sandwichis a standout among many memorable creations. If you know, you know.
3. Oak Street Market & Nello’s – Fort Bragg Two longtime favorites now under shared management. Oak Street has stepped up its game—no longer skimpy, and definitely worth a revisit. Nello’s still delivers hearty, build-your-own classics with homemade sides.
4. B & C Market – Fort Bragg Tina’s sandwiches were famously generous and affordable. The new team has big shoes to fill, but we’re rooting for them. Let’s give them time—and reviews.
5. Down Home Foods – Fort Bragg Family-run and full of heart. Their deli counter offers fresh sandwiches, samosas, and snacks that reflect the store’s natural foods ethos. A quiet powerhouse.
6. Safeway – Fort Bragg Not our top pick, but sometimes it depends on who’s behind the counter. If you’ve had a great sandwich here, we want to hear about it.
7. Westport Store – Westport Don’t sleep on this tiny coastal outpost. The California Chicken Sandwich and other deli offerings are worth the drive—and the view. Our first review will come from here.
Once upon a time, the reigning burger champ was tucked behind the coffee shop in Mendocino. That spot is now home to a fresh farm stand—worthy of its own spotlight in our upcoming Farmers Markets & Farm Stand feature.
But when it comes to burgers, Fort Bragg now holds the crown. Here are the top contenders:
- Jenny’s Giant Burger The perennial favorite. Roadside, retro, and reliably delicious. Jenny’s serves up 1/3-pound patties on fluffy buns with fries and shakes that locals swear by. It’s the kind of place where “with everything but mayo” is a lifestyle.
- Super Torta Technically Mexican, but we’re making an exception. Their burger—with pineapple or chile relleno—is a flavor bomb. Recommended by Johnny Delgado, who tried them all. I tried to prove him wrong. I couldn’t. I’ve had three since.
- Bear’s Pizza & More Don’t let the name fool you—this place makes a superb burger. I’ve sworn off pizza for my diet, but I fell hard for their half-pound Papa Bear’s Burger. Sourdough, fresh toppings, and a side of seasoned spuds? Yes, please.
- Alley Grill A food truck exception, because burgers this good deserve a pass. Parked in front of Tall Guy Brewing, Alley Grill slings smash burgers with crispy edges and bold flavor. Grab a pint and a burger—this combo is pure Fort Bragg joy.
- The Q BBQ Known for brisket and ribs, but don’t sleep on their burgers. The Wild Boar Bacon Cheddar Burger is piled high and served on a house-made bun. I haven’t reviewed it yet—but if you beat me to it, I’ll buy you lunch.
Other” Brown Bag Lunch Specials Not quite a burger. Not quite a deli sandwich. These takeout gems defy categories—and deserve your votes and reviews.
Gnar Bar – Mendocino Mendocino’s back in the lunch game with this bold, globally inspired eatery. Sliders, seafood, ramen, and surprises galore. Worth multiple reviews—and maybe a dedicated feature.
Sea Pal Cove – Fort Bragg This harbor classic just keeps getting better. Fish & chips, chowder, burgers, and bonfire vibes. If you haven’t been lately, go back and write us a fresh review.
Princess Seafood – Fort Bragg Run by the all-women fishing crew, Princess offers grilled seafood, healthy bowls, and one of the best crab sandwiches on the coast. No fryer, no fuss—just flavor.
Noyo Fish Company – Fort Bragg Some locals swear these are the best fish and chips in the U.S. (yes, really). Dockside dining, fresh catch, and fast service. What do you think?
Oak Street & Nello’s: United in Sandwich Now under shared ownership, Oak Street Grocery and Nello’s Market are both in the deli sandwich race. Oak Street has stepped up its game—no longer skimpy, and worth a revisit. Nello’s still delivers hearty, build-your-own classics with homemade sides. Try both and tell us what you think.
Safeway: The Swing Shift Savior Safeway’s deli counter makes sandwiches fresh—sometimes great, sometimes so-so. Warning: if you stray from their “Signature Select” recipes, you might end up paying $25 for a DIY sandwich. That said, it’s healthy, reliable, and stays open later than the rest—a big plus for night owls and hospital shifts.
There is also a new coffee place opening up this month, called Anchor Coffee it will be in the kiosk store outside Bragadoon.
Cracker Barrel may be better than McDonald’s—healthier, less greasy—but it’s still bland by design. Chains like these are built for sameness, owned by global conglomerates that siphon money out of towns and flatten local flavor.
Compare that to David’s, Laurel Deli, or Egghead’s—places with heart, originality, and community roots. Kira at David’s pours imagination into every detail. That’s the spirit chains have dulled: local innovation, personal care, and pride of place.
Every town I grew up in now looks the same—just endless chainscapes, minimum wage jobs, and lost character.
Yuck. Give me local.
Don’t get the Walter Alston reference? That’s the greatest song ever about the Dodgers-Giants rivalry.
If you have never heard the Danny Kaye song, you have been missing something all your life!
Danny Kaye – D-O-D-G-E-R-S Song (Oh, Really? No, O’Malley) Lyrics
