Busy Bee Market

This place has been on my bucket list for many years ever since I saw it on the Food Network. It did not disappoint. It’s not a pretty restaurant. It’s not a good neighborhood. It doesn’t take credit card. But one of the best sandwiches I’ve had. If you are in the Long Beach/San Pedro area, I highly recommend it.

Stopped by after an appointment, and there was a small line. It moved quickly, though. The chefs are always friendly and helpful. We went with a torpedo and a hot pastrami with cheese. We took a drive to friendship park and enjoyed a little picnic with the wifey. They have the best fresh sandwiches in the area. The bread is always soft and fresh. We highly recommend this place but make sure you bring cash. They have an ATM inside, just in case.

They have my favorite sandwiches ever. My best friends dad put me on to this place and I've never looked back. I typically grab a pastrami sandwich, some sour cream and onion lays and an Brisk Iced Tea. That's the perfect lunch.

Small store with a small food counter in the back where the sandwiches are made. The sandwiches are huge and delicious. I had the belly buster with Italian sausage and meatballs with marinara sauce 🤌. The service was great. The prices are borderline reasonable. Unfortunately, there is no sitting area or tables around so you will have to eat either standing, or in your vehicle. We ate our sandwiches outside on our motorcycles. Highly recommend this place. It's a different experience.

First time trying their subs they were HUGE. I got the pastrami it was really great. Cant wait to return and try their other options.

The absolute best place in the South Bay for meatball sandwiches. (They also make a good torpedo.) No place to eat inside. It's sort of like a deli meets mini mart. Parking can be hard to find when they're at peak times. Also, cash only! So don't forget enough cash!

Honestly don't know why this place is so hyped. $16 for a sloppy sandwich. Bread was soft and delicious. But way overpriced for what it is. Had the meatball sandwich and it was good but I could not eat the second half due to the bread being so soggy and gross. The first half was delicious though.

Nice mom and pop shop on the corner of two small streets. Nothing fancy, no frills. **Cash only** This is a small supermarket with tons of drinks and beer in fridges on your path down to the back counter of sandwich makers. There was a small line which gave us time to decide what we wanted. We got the Italian torpedo sandwich, which were already pre-made on the counter. We also got the pastrami dip sandwich, where the meat was warmed in a broth and placed into the sandwich bun. Took it to a local park and enjoyed them while viewing the ocean and company. Definitely would come here again!

I love Busy Bee market. Been a customer over 40 years. The reason I gave it only 4 stars is the cash only policy. Many times I think I will go to Busy Bee and get a sandwich. Then I remember I have little or no cash. So I go elsewhere. Where I can use my credit or debit card. I think they are losing business because of this. Just sayin.

The best most tastiest full hot pastrami sandwich! Sandwich is pricey but it's big enough for two or maybe three people! Always fresh, fast and friendly!!! Bring cash no verifone. Cash only! Clean, busy for lunch but line moves fast! These guys are carving your lunch meat selection as you order!!! Love me some busy bee!!! We drive here once a week from the Southbay!

This place is still one of the best place for sandwiches in all of LA. It's far as hell and the prices have definitely gone up but it you go once in a while it's still so worth it. It's cash only so be prepared. The place is great. Family owned and exactly what you expect out of a great deli/sandwich place.

Food is amazing Service is always awesome Restaurant is a classic little sandwich shop with flavor that hits. San Pedro's GO TO

My bf who grew up in San Pedro told me this was the spot to get sandwiches and TikTok had videos telling me it's a must so I told him we had to visit. The first day we got the meatball sandwich. OMG the first bite of the meatball, I was in love. I had to tell my bf that his homemade meatballs do not compare, lol. Second day we got the Italian sausage sandwich and order of meatballs. The Italian sausage was good, but meatballs are the winner. The line at 11:15am the second day the line was almost out the door and I understand why. They have a variety of drinks and chips to pair with sandwiches. The meatball sandwich is messy, but so good!

Was gonna go hiking at the beach with buddies, and we decided to hit this sammy shop before heading out. It was recommended by friends, families, and locals. It's nestled in a residential area, so parking is kinda tight, but if you drive around a bit, someone will leave a spot behind because there aren't any tables inside, it's just take out. I ordered a turkey, got some chips and headed to the front to pay, there was no one in line and I was about to put my stuff down when a bald man put down about 4 sandwiches where I was about to put mine! He didn't even ask me if i was next! He was talking with who I assumed was the owner, asking about his brother. Apparently, he knew the brother. As he talked to him, the cashier saw me waiting patiently then politely greeted me while the man kept talking to him. I was hoping my first visit would contain small talk with the employee, but the other man took the time of most of my transaction. I review based on taste and service, and though his hands were tied with the other man, he still put an effort to personalize my experience, which I appreciated. So much that when I paid, I pulled out my card, but he reminded me it's cash only. I had already known this and prepared ahead of time and brought extra bills before I left the house this morning. The total was about $24, and I gave him $30 and said "keep the change." since I normally do that at mom and pop spots that are blessed with not having one of those kiosks that asks for a tip. Plus, it's nice to receive a "thank you" and see their happy faces. And as soon as he said "thanks for coming in!" Bam. 5 star Yelp review.

I was around the area with my cousin and we decided to stop by, every time we come by there's always a line out the door, awesome sandwich spot fast service and a landmark for San Pedro sandwiches. See you guys soon...

CASH ONLY. There's an ATM inside if you need it. This is technically a market but it's really a sandwich shop. Head to the back and get in line. The Belly Buster (pick any two meats) and the Torpedo appear to be the best sellers. If you want a Torpedo (that is, Italian meats and cheese), there's no need to order one or stand in line because they have a bunch of them premade and stacked on the counter. Just grab one. The Belly Buster is enormous and, depending on what meats you get, extremely messy. I got pastrami and sausage and wasn't disappointed at all. The pastrami was particularly good and the sausage appeared to be housemade. The sandwich is made with melted cheese and pickles on very fresh bread. You may complain about the almost $20 cost but it's a beast and definitely good for two meals. In my opinion, the math checks out. I know there is a lot of hype about this sandwich but I loved it. We tried small servings of the pasta salad, potato salad, and mac salad, all provided in little boxes that look like Chinese restaurant takeout boxes. I thought they were all fine but pretty unexciting. I love little markets like this and will patronize them wherever they are. Remember, this is cash only.

This is a market that has sandwiches in the back of the store that is made to order. The store is in a neighborhood and there is no parking and also they take cash only. The sandwich was gigantic and I think it was a little over the top. My boyfriend and I definitely did not like the tomato sauce marinara in the sandwich. I think it takes away from the meat and overpowers the bite. We also felt that the sandwich was too salty, the sandwiches are about 20 bucks each which is kind of pricey, but everything seems to be going up even a sandwich from a modest shop. This was a hot sandwich. I think I might just try a cold cut next time to give this place another try

The BEST sandwiches I have ever had. This is a South Bay STAPLE. Be aware they are cash only. I first went here over 5 years ago and tried the belly buster (hot) with Italian sausage and meatball with red sauce and cheese. Personally a little too much meat for me, definitely fits its name. You can get lettuce and pickles added too but I felt like hot lettuce felt a little weird. After that, my go to was a hot Italian sausage sandwich with red sauce. My boyfriend gets the belly buster with pork and Italian sausage. Lately I've been getting the cold sandwiches and they are just as good. They do not skimp on meat at all. I've gotten the turkey and avocado, and then another time got a cold belly buster with capicolla and prosciutto. Their hot peppers are so yummy too. Standard comes with mayo mustard and lettuce. We always get chips and a drink and eat it somewhere in Pedro. Always a great time.

This is one of the few places that I have only heard good things about. All of my friends who have been here tell me how great it is and how amazing the sandwiches are and I'm happy to say that after trying it myself, I wholeheartedly agree. Upon entering the liquor store, the first thing I notice is that they only sell two things aside from sandwiches, bags of chips which come in many varieties and brands, and also drinks. This is great considering these are two things people typically couple with a sandwich. The area where they make the sandwiches is quite busy. It seems like people are constantly coming in ordering food or placing orders over the phone. The workers are hard at work and they don't seem to have a lot of time to be cordial or patient with you but that is understandable. The upside is that the service is very fast and the sandwich is made in less than five minutes. I ordered a pastrami and my friend ordered a roast beef. We traded halves so we could both try something new and they were both excellent sandwiches, though I did enjoy the pastrami wayyyy more. It was perfect! I will definitely order that again. It had the perfect ratio of meat, mayo, mustard and pickles. Though the prices are high, they are fair considering the amount of food you get and the size of the sandwich in general. It's about ten feet long and they pack it with meat. I mean they absolutely cram the shit out of it lol. I've never seen them put so much meat on a sandwich anywhere else so I really appreciate that.

The best hot sandwiches in the South Bay Area. It always hits the spot when I come here. I LOVE BUSY BEES

Hands down the best of the best. My buddy moved up there about 20yrs ago and we've been going since! My go to is a turkey avocado.... And the belly buster w pastrami and meatballs. Glad this place is still open and busting out subs Keep up the good work

The sandwiches at Busy Bee are the best. The potato salad is also delish. Prepare for the line to be about at least ten minutes long. They have a wonderful selection of bagged gourmet potato chips, too. You might have to park past the crosswalk. Sandwiches are fifteen to twenty dollars each. Takeout has never been yummier. Thank you for friendly polite staff, a plus.

I dont really care much about sandwiches but I wanted to try this place out and It was amazing!! Delicious!!!! Messy!!!! The service was great and friendly, I got the pastrami with chicken and it was a big big sandwich. Trying the sausage next time for sure

Top tier local sandwich shop. No notes. If you're a local you aren't reading this review, you're already up in line waiting for your order. If you're new to Pedro or just stopping by, make Busy Bee a must try. I've been eating here since I was a kiddo, almost 30+ years now. Prices have gone up a bit but such are the times. Good, filling sandwiches. Great chip and soda/beverage selection in stock always. Staff are always polite and friendly. Make sure to bring cash.

where to start??? if you are a local, you have heard of busy bee! located in san pedro within liquor store theres is usually a line but goes quick they are known for their portion and value my go to is the torpedo, if that is the only sandwich you want, you can walk to the deli case and the torpedo sandwiches are available for you to pick up and take the menu is divided by hot and cold sandwiches and you can purchase sides as well they have a good selection of chips and drinks as well once u grab everything just head to the checker super nice guy, always there when im in tip: it is cash only, there is an ATM i believe . no seating . if u get a hot sandwich, make sure to eat that asap parking: street

Fat juicy Sammies with fresh ingredients every time! I usually get the brisket with the sauce to dip it in. Service is fast but always a long line no matter what, ITS THAT GOOD! if you want to skip the line just do a phone order and just walk up the "phone order" sign. ambiance has it set up where you must pick some chips and a drink to pair with it. I always go to the coast and enjoy my sandwich picnic style while listening to the waves. Very relaxing!

ALWAYS a go to when visiting my family on mainland... i just wish they'd get with the times and use debit card..

Everything is good here. My family has been going here for years. We usually picked up a sandwich before lunch and walked to the beach to indulge. Service is always quick, food tastes sooo much better than other sandwich shops like subway. The vibe is very 빨리빨리!

Service is terrible, the workers behind the deli gave me the most awful look when I had to stick up for myself because two men cut in front of me and I called to them out on it. Food is good - service terrible ....

Sandwiches are very good and large. Technically two people can share a sandwich. They're very generous with the meat. Lots of workers working the deli for quick service. Would definitely be back.

Solid lunch spot. Sandwiches are good and portions went up again. We had the chicken bbq and prosciutto and were happy with them. We'll definitely be back!

Been eating here for the last 20 years and even though I only get the veggie, it is always an excellent sandwich. Definitely a place to go if you are in SP. Make sure to take cash!

This old town sandwich shop has been serving hot and cold footlong+ size sandwiches for decades. It is family owned and operated. I personally like their hot meatball sandwiches. My husband likes their Italian sausage sandwiches. No matter sandwich you get, I'm sure you will not be disappointed.The service is friendly. Be sure to tip your sandwich maker! The ambiance is nostalgic. You can find various bags of chips that are from several different states around the country, with also a large selection of soft drinks and iced teas. Be sure to get extra pepperoncini.

A busy place, yet the line moves along nicely still. The sandwich was a good size. The meat was good. Very satisfying. They only take cash.

Best sandwiches in San Pedro the eating contest sandwich is the Belly Buster if you dare with double meat !!! Bring digestive enzymes!!!

Great vibe, good to great sandwiches, high prices. Busy Bee looks like any other corner market from the outside, selling needed food and various sundries for the neighborhood. But unlike the many other variations of this type of store found all across Los Angeles, this one is famous for their hot sandwiches. So we had to give it a try, married with a visit to a close by beach that we've not been to before. We came around 11 on a Friday. There are a few reserved parking spots in front of the store, but they were reserved for employees. At this time of day, there were plenty of close by street parking spots (Busy Bee is located in a residential area). The inside front of the store looks like a typical market, but there is a small deli in the back. It wasn't too busy when we came, with one family being helped and one group in front of us. Only one person was working the line, so it took another 10 minutes before we were able to place the order (at that point, a new person took our order and was making it, but there is only one spot to make the hot sandwiches, so there was a lot of jostling back there). I had done a little research beforehand on Yelp and going to the website linked on Yelp, where I found a Menu but it was badly out of date in terms of price (the sandwiches were more than double in price). At this point we were committed. We ordered two sandwiches (there is only one size: foot long cut in half), and both were prepared the same way. The cold deli meat was freshly, thinly sliced, then dunked in a pan of au jus for a minute to heat up, then put in a freshly sliced, squishy bun simply, with no garnish except some whole pepperoncinis on the side. Both sandwiches tasted exactly like you would expect, if you had made it carefully with love at home using good quality deli meat. Beef Brisket ($16.50) - beef brisket slices, heated up in au jus, and served with a small cup of the same broth. Very simple, and my wife loved it so much she finished the whole thing. Pastrami ($16.50) - this one had some deli mustard and pickles at the bottom. It was really good as well, every bite with juicy meat and soft bread, with just enough tang from the mustard and pickles. I wouldn't have come out of the way if I knew how expensive the sandwiches were, but it's worth the stop in if you are in the area. The sandwiches were delicious, especially eating them on the beach, watching and hearing the waves crashing on a beautiful 70 degree day.

This place is a hole in the wall spot, Food is really good, they give you plenty of meats depending on what you order, service is quick and fast, prices are a bit pricey, but doable, I recommend this sandwich shop to anyone trying something different, plus they give you variety of drinks and chips to choose from as well as parking it's in the neighborhood, so you have to be lucky with finding space.

My cousin says, "Busy Bee is always good." Based on the reviews, people would agree. I was in the area, so I decided to check it out. There was a line, but I expected a line. It wasn't bad at all. It moved very quickly. My adorable niece has been loving "Dirty" Potato Chips, in particular the Sour Cream and Onion flavor. I don't typically see it everywhere, but they had it here, so, I picked one of those up, as well. I'm not really a person who loves sandwiches, but the sandwich I got was super tasty and extremely filling. If all sandwiches tasted like the one I had... I would probably like sandwiches more. Lol. It can be shared between two, even three people, or can easily be two meals. Definitely a place I would revisit if I'm in a mood for a sandwich. Cash only.

Great sandwiches. Freshly prepared in front of you. Pick up extra napkins on your way out of the door.

I FINALLY got to try this place out! Got lucky to get there & no huge lines. As a matter of fact, there were only 2 people ahead of us. We ordered a Belly Buster sandwich, which was OUT OF THIS WORLD!! I don't normally order pastrami but went ahead & ordered it per my bf's recommendation. Super messy & Finger lickin good!! Make sure to get LOTS of napkins! And the service was absolutely outstanding! Everyone was happy & smiling! Just how u like seeing people! There isn't ANY seating at all, so just know you are taking it to go. I have to say, I'll be back to try something else for sure! I definitely recommend this place to anyone who hasn't tried it out yet!!

Too expensive now. Been going there for decades but the price are exorbitant for a sandwich. Sandwiches are the ssme but prices are about double. No current prices shown on yelp.

Busy Bee never fails to impress with their amazing sandwiches! From the bread to the generous portion!! The variety on their menu ensures there's something for everyone, and their attention to detail in crafting these sandwiches truly sets them apart. Whether you're a local or just passing through, a visit for their sandwiches is an absolute must! The line is always long but goes by fast. They sell drinks and snacks too! My go to sandwich is their tuna! Hands down!

This place is great! Their Benedict burrito and sausage biscuit egg sandwich, Biscuits and gravy are the best! I wish they were open everyday of the week!

The best!!!! It has never changed. The food is still awesome I've been coming here fir 12yrs. Won't disappoint

We were running around P.V. recently and looked up a local spot to get lunch and Busy Bee was top of the list. I like liquor stores in small neighborhoods because it's not as common to find anymore especially in the nicer areas. This market is old and charming and would be ideal to film a scene for a movie in and yeah the sandwiches are good and expensive. We spent about $50 for two sandwiches, 2 bags of chips and 2 tall can sodas. We ordered a belly buster and a pastrami sandwich, both hot and it was a lot of food and they really don't skimp on toppings, meats, etc. They are also messy so make sure you eat this somewhere outside of your car and with a table and chairs. Don't eat it while driving. Was it the best pastrami of my life? Mmm, no, but it was up there. The staff are like the epitome of South Bay State of mind and are really chill, super nice and hard working with cool personalities. The old guys making the sandwiches were wearing like vintage football team hats and the Asian guy at the register was super nice and funny. They close at 5 p.m. because they're all old now (cashier's words not mine) so get there early.

A local legend. At times there are long lines, but the lines go quickly. For all you over thinkers or introverts, head on into the store turn left along the path of drinks and chips and get in line for a great amazing sandwich. Walk up to the counter and tell them what you want and once you get your sandwich walk over to the front of the store grab last minute snacks and drinks and pay at the front. There aren't places to eat inside. But you can always pack your sandwiches for a picnic at the Korean peace bell or just eat in your car! My go to order is the hot turkey pastrami sandwich. But also love the hot meatball sub. If you want a classic cold sub try out the torpedo. Pro tip. It's typically on the counter for a quick pick up. The store is closed on Sundays. But come all the other days. It is great and the sandwiches are big and worth the price. Unlike most places in LA. They give you ample meet and cheese and veggies.

Bomb sandwiches here and their pastrami is pretty dang good! Probably the best in san pedro area for sure and i had many. The only complaint is they only take cash so be aware of that. Other then that everything is great! Its basically a store with a sandwich deli in the back. I came in on a wends and about 3-4 people ahead of me. I know sometimes the line can be out the door on busy days and weekends I posted some prices to check out! Good compared to other stores. I would come back for sure to try other sandwiches. Pastrami sandwich rating 8.8/10 They are CASH ONLY so bring cash!

Now that's a pastrami sandwich! Made with fresh bread and steaming hot thinly sliced pastrami, the explosion of flavor; DELICIOUS is an understatement! The portion is pretty generous and very filling, we always share 2 between the two of us. Ask for marinara sauce on top if you're feeling adventurous (it's my favorite this way). They are ALWAYS really busy and only take cash so keep that in mind.

Went on a Saturday and the line was long but moves pretty fast. Workers are friendly and quick. The sandwiches are fairly priced and they give you plenty of protein. Also got the Torpedo sandwich and it was very good. The Torpedo is a cold italian. They have those already made and cost is $13. I'll definitely be back if I'm in the area.

Fresh Deli sandwiches. I love the pastrami sub. The pastrami is freshly dipped and the meatball sub is excellent. You can get your snacks and drinks there. Great spot in San Pedro, CA

It was OK. I wouldn't spend more than a $16 for a decent sandwich with the works but I suppose you get the basics here if you're not spending $$.

I've been here living in San Pedro for my 18 years of my life growing up in San Pedro a couple block away from Busy Bee and their Pastrami is so good I still go every week to get a sandwich and the people there are very nice

A local favorite! Must go here. I have been eating here for over 18 years. They offer chips and sodas, no French fries

Previously, I would've given them five stars, but yesterday when we went there and ordered a sausage in addition to our sandwiches, the made-on-premises sausage was raw in the middle, totally uncooked, despite looking so on the outside. The person that I took there for the first time is a chef, and he said it did not have any flavor in addition. I think the place is totally overrated, and they do only accept cash, which is a pain in the --- in today's digital world.

I was born and raised in San Pedro and moved out of town over 25 years. My family still lives there, so I still come back frequently, but as you might see from my reviews, I have a penchant for deli sandwiches. I am only going to speak about my one and only true love sandwich at Busy Bee.. and that is their Cold Roast Beef Sandwich, no mustard! I have tried roast beef sandwiches everywhere in Los Angeles, but nothing compares to the "never dry, always moist" roast beef they serve here. I have to admit, I have been eating this exact sandwich since I attended White Point Elementary in the 80's, but there is still no place I have found that can compare. The combination of the soft bread, meat, lettuce, and some mayo is perfect. And although the prices have gone up, the sandwiches have also grown in size. I feel like the price is well worth the amount of food you get. Only draw back is that they are still cash only and there are long lines for lunch. I do recommend calling your order in for faster service. It is a small family owned business and I love being able to support them and the expert sandwich makers that have been working behind the counter all these years!

Great food. Felt like a small town deli with a revolving door of customers from all walks of life. Highly recommend eating by the beach at white point like other people have mentioned.

Sandwiches are good Just prepare to drop at least 20 dollars per person .............

Busy Bee is a San Pedro institution, and for good reason. The market is famous for the deli counter in back, which makes some of the best sandwiches in LA. Prices are low, and portions are large; one sandwich will easily feed you for two meals. They offer a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, and sides like macaroni salad and coleslaw. While you wait for your sandwich, you can browse the spacious convenience store, which is well stocked with snacks, beer, soda, and other canned/bottled drinks galore. Cash only! I got the Veggie Sandwich, which was piled high with lettuce, tomato, sweet peppers, avocado, and cheese, and spread with just the right amount of mustard and mayo. The bread tasted fresh, and every bite was full of flavor. My husband got the Pastrami, and was equally impressed. The potato and macaroni salads were great as well. 10/10.