Del Marās Beloved Sando Spot Heads Back to the Beach
Before āartisanā sandwiches were a thing, there was Board & Brew: a no-frills Del Mar sandwich shop where the bread was fresh, the meats were roasted in-house and the secret sauce was already legendary. That was 1979. Now, nearly 50 years later, the iconic brand is finally staking its claim in Laguna Beach, with a prime spot across from Main Beach and a whole lot of local love. This is a full-circle moment: surf town to surf town, built on good energy, better sandwiches and a powerful sense of place.
āBringing Board & Brew full circle means returning to our coastal roots,ā says co-owner Mike DeSanti.
āWhat started in a small surf town has grown into a cult-followed brand across Southern California and Arizona. Opening in Laguna Beach is more than just another location; itās the culmination of decades of serving legendary sandwiches and craft beer to beach communities that share our same laid-back, surf-centric spirit.ā
Located at the bustling corner of Coast Highway and Ocean Avenue, just steps from the iconic lifeguard tower, Board & Brew Laguna Beach officially opened its doors in late July 2025. The new location is run by local franchisees Mike DeSanti, Joey Clark and Bret Crutchfield. These longtime residents have strong connections to the local beach community. It promises to deliver everything fans love: specialty sandwiches stacked with premium ingredients and that sweet spot between quality and value thatās rare in a town with ocean views.
Weāve covered the coastal food scene plenty over the years, but Board & Brew? Itās the SoCal sando spot, and Laguna just received a delicious upgrade.
Born in ā79 and Still Serving the Sauce
When Tom Powers opened the original Board & Brew in Del Mar, it was more surf shack than sandwich empire. What it lacked in square footage, it made up for in flavor, and word of mouth did the rest. Unlike trendy chains that come and go, Board & Brew has grown organically, location by location, keeping its soul intact and its sandwiches unbeatable.
Today, the brand has expanded, with each new opening anchored by that same casual, coastal energy. Board & Brew now operates 33 locations across Southern California and Arizona, and has a loyal fan base that spans generations. And while other spots may lean on gimmicks, they rely on solid ingredients, fair prices and authenticity; a recipe that’s always worked.
āWeāve stayed true to our roots by never chasing trends or copying what others are doing,ā adds DeSanti. āWeāve been āKeepinā it Real Sinceā 79ā by focusing on what matters most: serving legendary sandwiches and craft beer with honesty, simplicity and heart.ā
A Sandwich Shop with Serious Standards
Not all sandwiches are created equal. Thatās the whole point at Board & Brew. Their signature Turkado, with juicy turkey breast, jack cheese and avocado on sourdough, is a certified fan favorite, but the menu runs deep. Craving something with a kick? Go for the spicy, marinated Baja Chicken. Both meats are antibiotic- and hormone-free and the highest quality on the market. Prefer deli classics? Try the Roast Beef Spicy or Beef Dip. Both sandwiches use Certified Angus Top 2% top round, slow-roasted daily in-house. Chefs prepare a savory au jus from pan drippings. The Baja Beef highlights marinated, grass-fed steak. Vegetarians join the fun with the Veggie Supreme, layering cheddar, jack, cucumber, avocado, LTO and sprouts.
Each sandwich is made to order with crisp produce, high-grade toppings, and sauces that steal the show (looking at you, Secret Sauce). There are no shortcuts in the kitchen, meaning no microwaves, no freezers, and no compromise. āOur kitchen staff is top of their class, often making two sandwiches a minute,ā says co-owner Joey Clark. āSome of our stores turn out 1,000 sandwiches a day with little wait times. And everything is made in-house from scratch.ā In a beach town like Laguna, thatās rare air.
Lagunaās New Favorite Sando Spot
The new Board & Brew Laguna Beach slides right into daily surf checks, post-swim snack breaks and lunch-with-a-view lineups. With beach access footsteps away and the charm of downtown Laguna surrounding it, the location couldnāt be more true to style. It feels like a homecoming for the brand and for anyone who remembers the original.
The space reflects their classic aesthetic: surfboards, local art and a setting that feels as much like a hangout as it does a lunch stop. And yes, the ābrewā in the name is more than just cute branding. Most locations feature a rotating selection of local craft beers on tap, perfect for sipping seaside with your sandwich. Customers can order in-store, grab and go or skip the line altogether with easy online ordering through the app or website.Ā
āFor locals, itās a laid-back spot to hang out, grab a bite, and feel at home in a fun, welcoming environment,ā says Clark. āFor visitors, itās a chance to experience the Board & Brew vibe thatās been a Southern California tradition since ā79: approachable, authentic, and full of personality.ā
Local Insight:. Grab your order and head to the benches above Main Beach Park. Itās the best sunset-watching spot thatās somehow still low-key.
SoCal Spirit Served Fresh Daily
If youāre new to the Board & Brew fan club, hereās what to know. Theyāve always embodied the Southern California lifestyle. And while itās grown in size, it hasnāt lost its roots. Thereās pride in staying independent, sourcing responsibly and offering quality at a price point that respects the customer. āWe maintain quality and authenticity across every Board & Brew location by staying true to the core values that have guided us since 1979,ā says DeSanti. āThat means never cutting corners, always focusing on fresh ingredients and delivering the same quality, value and service our customers have trusted for decades.ā
Laguna Beach locals, consider this your open invite. Grab a sandwich, linger a little longer and soak up that signature B&B charm. This isnāt a chain rolling through town. This is a homegrown classic finally settled on your coast. Sandwiches optional, vibes required.
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
