Wax Paper Frogtown
Sandwich shop · Elysian Valley
2902 Knox Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Highlights
NPR-themed sandwiches on artisan bread; soft serve ice cream
NPR-themed sandwiches on artisan bread; soft serve ice cream
"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, sylvio martins, cathy park
"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, cathy park
"Your old roommate seems pretty proud of the homemade turkey melt she just took out of the microwave, but you’re staring down the camera with a giant Larry Mantle from Wax Paper in hand. Game over. Bologna, salami, pepperoncinis, shredded lettuce, and pecorino, all smashed into a soft sesame roll - it’s one of our favorite sandwiches of all time, and the perfect way to tell your Zoom group that you aren’t messing around today. Full menu available for delivery from both their Frogtown and Chinatown locations." - brant cox
"Inside a shipping container on the banks of the LA River, you’ll find Wax Paper - one of our favorite sandwich shops in the city. The space is nothing more than a counter and a small outdoor patio, and their meat-stacked sandwiches are fresh, affordable, and named after your favorite NPR hosts. Just be sure to get there early - once they’re out, they’re out." - brant cox
"Wax Paper sandwich owners Peter and Lauren Lemos started Close Encounters Soft Serve in 2019, serving it out of their sandwich shops. Try the hard shell dip with rotating flavors or the spicy pineapple soft serve that comes in a float. Always check to make sure the Frogtown or Chinatown locations haven’t sold out. On a warm day, take the soft serve to go and take a stroll alongside the banks of the Los Angeles River." - Mona Holmes
