Most delis cultivate the impression of being a neighborhood institution, some going so far as to refer to their sandwich as “famous” on the day they open. Mickey’s doesn’t have to do that. They’ve been in business since 1953, long before most of their customers were born. What started as a pizza joint has become a beloved institution, the place where Hermosans buy their sundries with a freshly made sandwich, salad, or slice of pizza on the side. This is where the insiders get their meals to go. If you see someone wearing a Mickey’s T-shirt, you don’t need to check their driver’s license to know they’re a South Bay local. — RF
101 Hermosa Avenue, HB, mickeysdeli.com, (310) 376-2330
Runner-up: Ashley’s
