My kid learned all about Porto's, which is operated by a Cuban expat family. It was really a good experience (kind of intimidating at first) and not terribly expensive. Most of the locations are in LA County, but there's a shiny, relatively new location in Buena Park. They call it a bakery, but it's more about sandwiches. They have so much really good stuff. Last time we were there they were out of potato balls (with a ground beef filling), but we got the spicy potato balls instead, which had a vegetable filling.
https://www.portosbakery.com
Another place that's really fun is the Anaheim Packing House and the rest of the Packing District. It's converted from an old Sunkist citrus packing warehouse, but it's been converted into a food hall. There are nearby businesses too including Modern Times Beer and their Leisuretown tasting room.
https://www.anaheimpackingdistrict.com
http://www.moderntimesbeer.com/tasting-room/anaheim
Around LA maybe Wanderlust Creamery. They have several locations but we went to the one in Fairfax. That's near CBS Television City where they produce a lot of programming including The Price is Right and The Late Late Show. We had dinner at Maggiano's Little Italy. I know chain dining, but it's still pretty good.
My personal favorites are the spinach and feta pastry, the nutella-chocolate cookies, and the grilled chicken sandwich. My absolute favorite though are their apple strudel. I don't think they are a particularly popular menu item, but they should be, it's the best strudel I've ever had.
It's really a fantastic idea and what seems to be a great business move. I think people will love it. What's great about Portos is that they have a lot of cheap and "on the move" kind of food, all of which taste great. Their big hits are potato balls stuffed with meat or veggies, empanadas, and various sweet and savory pastries. I just looked up prices at my closest location (which will probably be cheaper than whatever prices will be at DD...) but currently the classic potato ball is $1.25, a chicken empanada is $1.39, a spinach feta empanada is $1.19, an apple strudel is $1.55, and a butter croissant is $2.09. They also have breakfast and lunch/dinner sandwiches and salads (between $6.25-$8.99), and the location near me does plates with chicken, pork, or steak with rice, beans, and plantains ($9.89). They also have coffee and smoothies. I can see them being a big hit with people who just want to grab something quick before going into the parks or while jumping between the parks in the afternoon, and the stuff is great for bringing back to a hotel at the end of the night for a late night snack or a quick hotel breakfast. Plus their cakes are gorgeously decorated and are great for people who want to buy a cake to celebrate a special occasion. Also... you literally can't beat those prices. It's one of the few places in LA where you can get a sandwich, dessert, and a drink for under $10 a person. Their "normal" locations already get packed, but I can see the lines constantly out the door, especially in the morning, as people run in to grab a guava and cheese strudel and a cold brew, and maybe a cookie for the kids, on their way into the park.
Very true. Maybe if you are there right as they open, but yeah during the day it is crazy. They do try to get through people as quickly as possible, and it seems that they always have a ton of employees around telling people where to go and what line to stand on. I call it organized chaos lol. But pro tip... they have online ordering! Unfortunately they took off the sandwiches but you can get most of the other stuff. And yes those bags are nice and sturdy!
