tl;dr the mozzarella focaccia sandwich is a masterclass in simple deliciousness, from the pillowy bun to the delectable sauce When it comes to sandwiches, one of Los Angeles' buzziest options is Bread Head. This focaccia-ciabatta pop-up comes from the minds of the now-shuttered Michelin-starred French restaurant Trois Mec. Their mozzarella sandwich drew buzz from the Los Angeles Times even before Bread Head established their first brick-and-mortar location on Montana in 2024. The Santa Monica location is posted up on a boutique-y block of Montana. Outside, metal patio furniture is arranged on a semi-enclosed slatted streatery. Circumferential windows let plenty of light into the industrial-modern space. The left wall is decorated with an eclectic array of vintage posters, funny photographs, and framed accolades. Filamented bulbs hang from the ceiling. The letter board menu is displayed above the ordering counter in the back. Low-key instrumental tunes blend with chatter, while staff members intermittently shout out names for orders. I visited Bread Head for weekend lunch with a few friends, and the line to order was relatively short (it waxed and waned across our visit, occasionally stretching around the restaurant to the door). We squeezed into the last available seats at a communal bar top, and our sandwiches were prepared in about 15 minutes. Broadly, the mound of toppings on each sandwich was precariously perched on Bread Head's thick, poofy, not-overly-oily focaccia. The sauces and spreads were plentiful and generally vibrant, so we didn't end up needing the side of "Club Sauce" (a zingy pepperoncini-horseradish mayo). Our favorite sando was the Muffuletta, sporting an herbaceous and tangy olive tapenade. A close second was the vegetarian-friendly Mozzarella, paired with plentiful alfalfa sprouts and a rich, zingy za'atar sauce. Also solid was the Turkey Pesto with its uber-fresh basil-forward spread. The surprising dud of the lot was the Combo Grinder, which tasted too one-dimensionally like a grocery store hoagie. The sandwiches run about ~$15 each, and a moderate appetite should be able to tackle a whole one. Even our "worst" sandwich was solid; the best ones are crave-worthy meals worth a dedicated drive to the West Side. read more

Bread Head - Combo Grinder - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Ambiance - can't speak on it, since I ordered via DoorDash Service - same thing, but I will say the sandwich was wrapped well Food - I got the turkey pesto, and I can see why people like this place! The bread was crunchy, arugula fresh, and the pesto mayonnaise was great. However, it almost felt a little....underseasoned? I wish it had a bit more of a punch to it. You do get a good amount of food for what you're paying for, but personally, I'd rather go to All'Antico Vinaio in Venice and get a sandwich that costs a little bit more, but you get more food and a better seasoning. I'd go here again if I was in a pinch, but personally wouldn't try again. read more

After paying $24 for a veggie sandwich at Gjusta, I have new found appreciation for the team at Bread Head. Their mozzarella sandwich is a masterpiece with Fresh Ovoline Mozzarella, Avocado, Alfalfa Sprouts, Pickled Red Onion and a delicious Za'atar Spread. What makes it stand out as one of the best sandwiches in LA is the bread. They make their own focaccia several times a day and it is divine. Probably the only other place that can dare to match their creations is La Zucca at the Beverly Hills Cheese Store. Some of our other favorites is the tuna sandwich. Service is always on point and the sandwich travels well for consuming it at home. There isn't a ton of space to sit, but there is some counter style seating. Tip: Their menu is limited by choice. Check their Daily specials (Sandwich of the Day) for inspiration. They have 3 kids sandwiches (all are meat based). Tip: The biggest challenge is parking, sometimes metered parking is available. Otherwise, park for free in neighborhood streets away from Montana. It's a pleasant walk. read more

The Calabrian turkey sandwich is excellent, but the bread is what makes it special. Fresh, crisp on the outside, soft and chewy inside. Great combination of flavors and texture. read more

Bread Head - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Came back for some more...trying the turkey pesto this time and also ordered the mozzarella again. Sooooo amazing. Just as I remember it. The turkey pesto was fantastic. Turkey breast with arugula/avocado/cheddar with housemade pesto and yummy garlic mayo. Phenomenal! This place is fantastic! read more

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Had a yummy Turkey Pesto at Bread Head! So good it was just irresistible to eat it in one bite. I think the secret to this delicious sandwich besides the roasted turkey, basil pesto, cheddar, avocado, arugula, garlic mayo in the sandwich is the bread. It's crunchy and just flavorful. It's also a very nice sandwich spot with outdoor seating. read more

Bread Head - Turkey Pesto - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I wandered in here for lunch, ordered the Combo Grinder, and was blown away. The sandwich is huge so I recommend splitting it with someone or knowing you'll take the second half home. The bottom of the sandwich was lightly toasted with a hint of what tasted like Parmesan. The quality meats and Italian toppings blended together in the most perfect bites. They also have Cheerwine, a cherry soda from North Carolina, which was a pleasant surprise. The outdoor patio is shaded and offers a pleasant view of beautiful Montana Ave. read more

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My wife and I stopped by here on the way to an appointment. We ordered the Turkey Pesto sandwich, which included, in addition to the turkey, basil pesto sauce, Hook's 1-year cheddar, avocado, arugula, and garlic mayo on a crunchy focaccia bread. It was a seriously delicious and filling sandwich. The ingredients were super fresh and first-rate. I thought, it being lunchtime, that we would have to wait for the sandwich. Instead, we were served very promptly. The staff was busy and professional. The ambiance of the place was delightful: light colors (green and white with plenty of wood), airy feeling, and a pleasant outdoor patio. The next time I eat here, I'll linger a bit ---- it's a really nice, refreshing restaurant with great, healthy food. read more

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I got the turkey pesto and it was fantastic! Food came out within 3 minutes and all of the staff were super friendly and there was plenty of seating both inside and out. They also came out and gave us an extra basket since I was splitting my sandwich and some of their new double chocolate chip cookies for free, which were delicious. I will definitely be coming back when I'm around the Santa Monica area. read more

stopped in yesterday & got lucky with parking & no line! & then was met with a young lady with a red pixie cut that did not seem in the mood to be taking my order lol not a hello, what can i get you or anything which was awkward, but thankfully i already knew what i wanted to order. service aside the sandwich was sooo good & fresh, i really enjoyed the bread & pesto was so tasty. the shop itself is also really nice inside with natural light. i might just come back for that muffaletta! read more

Bread Head - Turkey Pesto Sandwich added red onion - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Omg one of the best sandwiches I've ever had fr. Got the turkey pesto and it was perfect. Maybe would've gotten a bit more veggies but that would've been hard to eat. Their garlic mayo makes the sandwich fr. read more

Bread Head - Turkey Pesto - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Monica, California

We stopped by Bread Head and it was absolutely worth the visit. It was a little hard to find a seat since the place was packed and the line was out the door, but that just shows how popular it is. I ordered the mozzarella sandwich with fresh ovoline mozzarella, creamy avocado, crunchy alfalfa sprouts, pickled red onions, and zatar spread on their signature crackly house made focaccia. The sandwich was stacked incredibly high with fresh ingredients and every bite was delicious. The focaccia alone deserves recognition since it was perfectly crisp on the outside and soft inside. The flavors worked really well together. The portion was huge and it took me about forty minutes to finish because it was so generously loaded. They even gave me a side of avocado at no charge which was a really nice surprise. We also both ordered the homemade lemonade which was to die for and very refreshing. For the quality and portion size the prices are very affordable. They also accept Blackbird which is a great bonus. Amazing sandwiches, fresh ingredients, generous portions, and a fun atmosphere. We will definitely be back before we head home. read more

Bread Head - Mozzarella - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Monica, California

We ordered our food to go, and it was ready quickly. The Arnold Palmer was delicious. I had the pesto turkey and my son had the Calabrian turkey. The sandwiches are generously sized and packed with fillings. I loved the sprinkle of salt on top of the bread and the crunch of the crust is so satisfying. Both sandwiches were delicious but I think the turkey pesto was my fave. I would have it again, but I can't to try another one next time! read more

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I stopped by around 2pm on a Saturday and it was really busy! Nowhere to sit inside and barely any space at the front patio, so I grabbed my food to go. I got the combo and the dark chocolate cookies (originally wanted to try the special chocolate chip, but they were sold out). Ultimately, that ended up being for the best because I'm pretty sure those cookies are the best I've ever had? I was shocked. Might have to come back and sample again for uhh science. The combo sandwich was also delicious--10/10, no notes. Loved everything they put on it too and the bread was SO fresh. Also good to note that when they call your name inside you really need to pay attention. I heard them call one person's name for an order maybe 3-4 times and on the last time, when no one showed up to pick it up, they threw out the sandwich. Probably a food safety issue, but I'd make sure to keep an ear out for your order! read more

Bread Head - Dark Chocolate Coffee Cookies - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Since I wrote my last review, I've been back for several sandwiches at bread head. They now serve normal sized sandwiches (not "halves" as a normal size) and they're still sooo good. My top two are the Calabrian turkey and the combo grinder, but the Cuban isn't far behind. I wish it was an every day option, but they only offer it on Wednesdays I believe. My friend and I ordered a Calabrian turkey last week to split and it was great! Still perfectly fresh even when ordering from a delivery app. I'm so glad this place exists and I'll keep going back! read more

Bread Head - This is two whole sandwiches! Only order if you plan on having an entire sandwich as leftovers - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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I've tried a few sandwiches here now, and they've all been so filling. My favorites are the muffaletta and the mozzarella. The combo grinder wasn't my thing, but is a beast of a sandwich! The bread here is really delicious and has a good texture, and the value can't be beat. There is a decent amount of casual seating inside for small parties as well. read more

Bread Head - Combo Grinder - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I had the Thursday special which is their pastrami sandwich. This sandwich is fantastic for a few reasons. The first being the pastrami comes from RC Provisions, arguably LAs best meat purveyors. And then the obvious reason: the bread. It's easily one of the better toasted buns you'll get for a sandwich if you like a thin, lightly toasted, perfectly crunchy, flavorful bun. It's kind of like a focaccia (it could very well be) bread, and it is really something special. The toppings and condiments were the perfect compliment to the meat and bread. But know that if you're looking for a mountain of meat like you'd get a Jewish deli when you order a pastrami sandwich, this isn't the spot for that, but the sandwich is still excellent and worth trying. The service is counter service, and it was friendly. The guy was chill and pretty cool which was noticeable even with a brief interaction. And the ambiance is chill, and the seating area and bathroom are both very clean. The prices are sorta fair for Santa Monica, and parking is street only which can be a bit tough but not impossible. Overall, I enjoyed my meal, the vibe of the place, and I'd definitely visit again when in the area. read more

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Picture this: You've just picked up your rental car, made it to the hotel, and now you're starving. You hear there's a restaurant packed neighborhood nearby, so you head over. And what do you spot? The legendary Bread Head. Cue the happy dance. Bread Head isn't just any sandwich spot, they build their masterpieces on thin, glazed focaccia. Yes, you heard that right. Light, crispy, perfectly golden focaccia. And honestly? These might be some of the best sandwiches I've ever had. We ended up sitting with two awesome women, and I mentioned the four sandwiches I couldn't decide between. Their response? "Those are all the best ones." So naturally, I got three of the four. My favorite? The BLT. As a certified BLT lover, this one nailed it. Crunchy lettuce, thick tomato slices, perfectly crispy bacon. It was sandwich perfection. And yes, I grabbed some cookies for the road. Because FOMO is real. The bathroom is also Jimmy Buffet themed which is so awesome. read more

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I tried the Ham & Butter sandwich and left a bit conflicted. The portion felt small for the price, and the salt level was so high it overwhelmed the sandwich. That said, the bread was excellent--light, thin, glazed focaccia that was crispy and perfectly golden. High-quality ingredients and good execution, but the salt and butter completely overpowered the ham. The ambiance was warm and lively, with high-top tables and what one would think is plenty of seating inside (it wasn't--placed was jammed packed), during a busy weekday in a holiday week. It feels crowded when busy. There's outdoor seating, though not helpful when it's raining. The Jimmy Buffett-themed bathroom was a fun surprise--my daughter loved it. Service was quick and the staff were super helpful with recommendations. Great bread, solid quality, friendly service--but the sandwich missed the mark for me due to heavy seasoning and value. read more

Bread Head - Ham & Butter - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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I tried the Mozzarella sandwich and added turkey. The bread was crispy and thin, mozzarella was juicy, avocados were freshly green, and a generous amount of sprouts. Overall, decent sandwich. My sister got the roast beef sandwich, it was also delicious. Service was quick, we probably waited 10 minutes. Clean environment, and cool art as well. For the two sandwiches it was pricey about $35. read more

Bread Head - Mozzarella add protein Turkey - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Their sandwiches are so tasty! I had the roast beef and it was so good. It felt very healthy too. Staff were very nice, service was great. Great open atmosphere, doesn't feel crowded, and nice flow of customers. I'm planning to try their other locations for their breakfast items. Heard those are worth a try :) read more

Bread Head - Roast Beef - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Monica, California

What I Ordered: -Calabrian Sandwich $15.00 This was my first time at Bread Head, and I had heard it was one of the top sandwich spots in LA. I noticed jars of Duke's Mayonnaise everywhere, a clear sign of Southern influence - I learned the owner used to be a chef in New Orleans. Bread Head makes its own focaccia in-house, and it's the star of the sandwich. It's perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft inside. The roast turkey, sourced from RC Provisions, is fresh and high-quality, and I loved the sharp cheddar. The Calabrian Mayo, a blend of Duke's and Calabrian chili paste, has a nice kick. Overall, it was a truly great sandwich. read more

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Bread Head sandwiches are soooo good! So far ive tried the chicken salad sandwich, the tuna salad sandwich, and ive ordered a turkey sandwich with added bacon...omgoodness all delish! read more

Overall, Bread Head's quality is outstanding, and the sandwiches were extremely flavorful! The only con is the sandwiches were a little pricey, but that's often the case for businesses in LA. I got the Combo Grinder, which I think was the most worth it and the most flavorful, and my partner got the Muffaletta. We ate them fresh and in-store (which I recommend) and you could immediately taste the crunchiness of the focaccia bread. The pepperoncinos gave the Combo Grinder a tasty, but subtle zing and super mild spice. I wish the Muffaletta had another vegetable aside from the olive salad, but it was still solid. Both sandwiches paired excellently with the hot sauce they provide in store, which is why I recommend eating it there. It's not too spicy at all, and gives the sandwich the perfect sweet, spicy aftertaste. We went on a Wednesday afternoon and there was no wait. There was plenty of seating, and the store is on a nice street in Santa Monica. The workers were super helpful, offering us their recommendations! read more

Bread Head - Muffaletta - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Sandwich here is overall tasty! Not sure it's worth $19 though, maybe more like $14.... Inside is bustling, went at 12:30 on a Saturday! Service is quick but nothing amazing in terms of friendliness. There's also outdoor seating too but when it's busy it's crowded. read more

Bread Head - $19 Turkey Pesto - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Cute little shop, a bit busy on a Sunday early afternoon. I'd originally come in for the sandwich with all the sprouts I'd seen online -- it looked to die for -- but once I got there, the whole menu called my name. I ended up getting the pesto turkey and added sprouts, and it was AMAZING. The focaccia bread is to die for. Such a great spot to grab a bite or take your food to the beach. read more

Bread Head - Turkey Pesto add sprouts - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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My girl and I got 2 sandwiches she got the Italian and I got the Pesto Turkey. They were both incredibly delicious to say the least! Service was quick, friendly and fast. There's plenty of parking and the shop itself was clean, simple and inviting. Wasn't overly done or any of that it's an awesome sandwich with great people running it. read more

Bread Head - Turkey Pesto - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Pro - Great Focaccia Inside seating Con - Quality of preparation Quality of meat Too much romaine lettuce compared to meat ratio Too much mayonnaise The price was exorbitant for a sandwich Turkey/cheddar cheese/romaine lettuce on focaccia with Mayo $27.00! Street meter parking read more

Bread Head - Turkey/Cheese Lettuce with Garlic Mayo - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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One of my favorite sandwich places! Their focaccia is so good. My faves are the combo grinder and the muffuletta!

I'm a fan of Bread Head! Generally, it's a bustling restaurant when I visit, and I've taken to ordering online for my recent meals and then eating on site once the sandwiches are ready. I've found the timing of my online orders to be accurate, and it has helped me avoid dealing with long lines. The shop has a small interior though so far I have not had trouble finding a seat during lunch. I've tried their BLT, which I thought was good though the lettuce quantity seemed excessive compared to the other ingredients. Their Calabrian turkey sandwich has a bit of a kick from the spiced mayo, and the combination of the sliced turkey breast, lettuce, and cheddar cheese is excellent. I've found a half sandwich to be sufficient for a full meal, and their Arnold Palmer was also refreshing. read more

Got the mozzarella, the vegetarian sandwich. I knew sprouts would be included but I didn't expect as much as I got. I'm afraid I'm not a big fan of sprouts. The bread and the sauce though was terrific. Service was solid. Music was good. They offer a stand to get your own water which I always like. Nice spot. read more

Bread Head - The Mozzarella - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Really liked the turkey pesto. Great mix of flavors. Would prefer more turkey than arugula as that threw it off a little. My mom had the chicken salad, which I tried. We both agreed that was way too much mayo and tasted like thighs, not chicken breast. That one I wouldn't recommend. Nice guy taking orders. Small place, but cute. read more

Bread Head - Half of a Turkey Pesto - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Monica, California

10 out of 10!!! Staff is friendly and cool with fast service! I love sandwiches and usually don't get impressed but man even before I took my first bite I knew it was going to be good! But really these sandwiches are next level, I live in OC and would gladly drive back for any these! Sandwiches: Mozzarella - Simple ingredients but amazing flavor, the za'atar spread brings it harmoniously together Combo Grinder- my favorite of the three we tried , filled with all the good meats- salami, ham, hot coppa (dry cured pork shoulder) with some pepperoncini, iceberg, red onion, roasted peppers... this right here is a damn good sandwich !!! Turkey Pesto - this was also really good, roasted turkey, cheddar cheese, avocado, arugula, smeared in a basil pesto and garlic mayo- fiyahhhh read more

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OMG I just ate from here the last two days and I can't wait to get more. Likely the best sandwiches I've had in LA, contenders for best ever?! Ordered a BLT and country ham w/ butter sandwich for delivery, my hubs ordered the Italian combo sandwich. I got two because I'm very pregnant, couldn't pick just one and wanted some for the next day. OMG OMG OMG let me start with the bread. Re: focaccia - if it's not perfect, it's bad. Either love or hate it. This bread was delicious - not too heavy, crispy, and heavenly. It somehow held up in the fridge and was still great the next day. The BLT was fantastic. Love how much lettuce is on it, and the bacon was plentiful, flavorful and crisp. Level of mayonnaise was perfect as well. I ate half in about 2 minutes. It felt light which sometimes you want in a sandwich. It was perfect. Now, the country ham. Visually it looks small, but packs a hefty punch. Salty, savory, delicious, and well balanced. My hubs enjoyed his sandwich too, the flavors were plentiful and unexpectedly complex for a sandwich. His bottom bread was a little soggy but he didn't mind, he likes a well dressed sandwich. Big, filling portion. Prep and delivery was fast too. I can't stop thinking about the food from here - someone knows what they're doing. It'll be hard to try other menu items but maybe one day. I'll def be ordering two sandwiches again next time and counting on the leftovers holding up as well as they did. Kudos to the team - am a huge fan. read more

Food, phenomenal! Portions are huge even the "half" portions are cut in half. They tasted great, loaded with ingredients! So many options to choose from and their special club sauce wis pretty good! They also have daily specials, so look out for those! Service was great. Ambiance was coastal vibes, very bright and relaxing. Bonus, the bathroom is also really cute and decorated well, not to mention clean !! Mozzarella sand-which 5/5 read more

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Lively little spot where you can share a table with strangers while you eat a great sandwich, bag o' chips and drink something. Friendly servers and they need a tasting menu where I can get a little square of every sandwich if I want. There is a little parking in back but it can be pretty crammed with the Santa Monica elite, and the wanna be elite. I don't know how you tell the difference. read more

Tried this at my work and had to go here again to try it with my family and I think this is my favorite sandwich shop. Although I haven't tried a lot of the sandwiches yet, I know my favorite is definitely the Turkey Sub! I'm not a fan of turkey usually but I really think the sauce goes so well with the turkey sub and everything just tastes so right. The bread wasn't hard to bite into, and everything blended together perfectly. The service was also pretty good as the workers were very friendly. I do not have a chance to really rate/judge the ambiance because i got my order to go. Still, would definitely go again, although parking can get difficult sometimes as the shared lot it the back can get packed. My Subjective Rating: Food: 8/10 Service: 7/10 Ambiance: N/A read more

Sandwich spot located on Montana in the Santa Monica area. Their sandwiches are served on a focaccia and they focus on local suppliers/ingredients. I also saw that the founders of this place met while working at Trois Mec... I wonder if they were there when I went about 8 yrs ago. The vibe was relaxed, but the place seems like it would always be busy. Part of the reason for this is that the space isn't super large. The menu here is streamlined and at first glance, the sandwiches aren't cheap. Although I would say I'm a pretty large person and a half sandwich was plenty. I ordered the muffaletta. My visit was in late March, so I was trying to keep "laissez les bons temps rouler", haha. My grammar there probably is horrible, but hopefully you get the idea. Also, I haven't had a great muffaletta since going to a place called Cochon Butcher in NOLA. I thought the sandwich was great - from the bread to the fillings - the flavors and textures were all on point. I even used a few drops of the available hot sauce to give my bites an extra kick. There was also an off menu special tart/pie available made with Mexican lemons. I got a slice and it was very delightful. Like a light key lime pie. Big fan of this sandwich shop. Parking could be a little tough in the area, but if you're patient, you could get some street metered parking or if you don' t mind walking, you may find a spot in the surrounding neighborhoods. Just mind the parking signs. read more

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Bread Head in Santa Monica makes a really solid sandwich. The bread stands out the most. It's crispy, fresh, and clearly the focus. I added mortadella to the mozzarella sandwich and really liked the combo. The portions are generous too. I only got a half, but it was still big and packed with ingredients, I hardest time trying to take a full bite The Combo Grinder is probably my favorite so far. The sandwiches came out pretty quickly, and there's free parking in the back, plus metered spots out front. Definitely planning to come back and take one to the beach next time. read more

Bread Head - Mozzarella - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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WOW! I forgot to take pictures before I started eating that's how good everything smelt. The line was long but moved quickly! All of the employees I encountered were so sweet!!! Erika was amazing in helping us pick what to get and she told us alittle bit about Bread Head! All of the sandwiches were full of so much flavor in the best way possible. The turkey pesto was seriously one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. The sandwiches were huge and filled with ingredients, I love that they did not skimp on avocado either!!! The house made pesto and the garlic mayo went so perfectly together!!! They had both indoor and outdoor dining, we sat outdoors since it was such a beautiful day and everyone around us was also talking about how amazing the food was!!! read more

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