At Wax Paper, a quirky take-out cafe in a colorful shipping container along the LA River, you’ll find hefty NPR-themed sandwiches that redefine casual dining.
"Frogtown's Wax Paper is best known for its stuffed NPR-themed sandwiches, but true Waxheads know you'll find a soft-serve machine in the back doing fun and colorful combos like chocolate swirled with orange and chili pineapple with matcha. Officially known as Close Encounters by Wax Paper, the on-site ice cream concept also includes caramel cookie sundaes, Dole whip mangonadas, and dipped cones in flavors like cherry and birthday cake." - brant cox, sylvio martins
"Wax Paper isn’t your standard sandwich spot. There is no deli case filled with cured meats or a mile-long menu of subs. Instead, you’ll find a quirky counter in a deserted warehouse in Frogtown (or Chinatown) that combines just-baked bread, fresh produce, and listener-supported public radio. Sandwiches come on loaves of Bub & Grandma’s and are named after NPR hosts like the Terry Gross, which is filled with roast turkey, green chili aioli, a jalapeño/radish slaw, and pepper jack cheese. We’re also big fans of the Steve Julian, which is Wax Paper’s version of a bánh mì. With its shredded pork, crunchy cucumbers, and miso aioli, this sandwich is a little spicy and completely fun." - brant cox, nikko duren, sylvio martins
"The Ira Glass, add turkey "I am a sucker for sprouts. If I see a sandwich with sprouts, I will be ordering it. Some people hate sprouts in a sandwich, but to me, it's such a unique flavor and adds really good texture. My favorite combo is sprouts and turkey, so add turkey onto this one. There’s a few things to say about this sandwich. It has a super beautiful cross section. That thing is a thick-ass sandwich, but the bread works really well and holds it all together. The flavor profile of it is super fresh. I'm also such a sharp cheddar fan. And I'm a sucker for any kind of aioli, but a garlic aioli… when it comes to cold cuts, that's definitely a go-to." - brennan carley
"This new outpost of Wax Paper is in a Chinatown arcade, and it’s just as good as the tiny original in Frogtown. They have some familiar classics, like the fully loaded Italian sub and the panzanella salad—but there’s also a whole bunch of new stuff worth checking out. Like a turkey sandwich with a bright slaw that involves clementines and serrano peppers, a roast beef sandwich with pickled beets and French onion sauce, or a ham sandwich topped with walnuts. The space is significantly bigger than the sedan-sized first version, so you can go with a group and grab one of the tables in the hallway outside, or go alone and sit at the bar." - Brett Keating
"Blocks away from the restaurant sits the shipping container that launched the team’s Wax Paper, which since its opening in 2015 has become a favorite takeout spot for inventive, quality sandwiches." - Jaya Saxena
