We visited the new Earl of Sandwich Downtown Disney location at Disneyland. We’re sharing our honest thoughts from the new dining spot!

Confession: I’m a bit of a food snob (well, quite a bit). So even when I’m grabbing something on the go, I just can’t sacrifice quality and flavor for fast calories. I’m also at Disneyland Resort weekly, and I love a great sandwich. Turn these three variables into an equation, and the answer you’ll get is Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney District, which opened its doors earlier this year.

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The History of Earl of Sandwich

Photo by Kathleen Lee

Everything has a backstory, and the sandwich is no different. But did you know that the history of the humble yet satisfying sandwich is over 250 years old? It all began with a gambling blue-blood, John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich.

The story dates back to 1762 when the Earl was so engrossed in his game of cards that when hunger hit him, he didn’t want to abandon the game. Clearly a clever man, the story goes that he requested some roast beef (a British mainstay), but to be served between two hearty slices of fresh bread, so he could hold his meal in his hands and not have to leave the table to eat. And just like that, the sandwich was invented.

Flash forward to 2004, and the 11th Earl of Sandwich–Lord John Montagu–and his son, the Honorable Orlando Montagu. These direct descendants of the 4th Earl of Sandwich–literally a sandwich dynasty–partnered with restaurant royalty Robert Earl (yup, you read that right…another Earl!), founder and CEO of Planet Hollywood to create the Earl of Sandwich brand of fast-casual restaurants.

New Earl of Sandwich Downtown Disney District Location

Photo by Kathleen Lee

There’s no shortage of food choices at Disneyland Resort, but with a location right next to the entrance to Disney California Adventure and across from Disneyland, Earl of Sandwich couldn’t be better situated. It’s an easy stop into or out of the parks, and it’s a super quick jaunt if you want to grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner at a better price than much of what you find inside the parks. And its large patio, complete with tree cover, is a fun spot for people-watching!

Earl of Sandwich Breakfast Options

Sometimes you just don’t want to spend valuable park time sitting for an hour+ to get a full breakfast (sorry, Mickey waffles!). If you’re anything like me, though, you hate feeling hungry and you definitely don’t want to head into the parks on an empty stomach. You need fuel for your fast-paced, fun-filled Disney day.

Luckily, you can swing by Earl of Sandwich® for some fresh, warm breakfast sandwiches! Baked freshly for each order, you can choose from a variety of classic combinations, all sandwiched between artisan buns. There’s an Egg & Cheddar option if you’re skipping meat, as well as choices with ham or bacon. And just like the inventor himself, you can easily eat one of these breakfast sandwiches in one hand while you go about playing!

Photo by Gina Varolli

There’s also an off-menu doughnut, which lives up to this taster’s high standards for fried dough.

Earl of Sandwich Lunch & Dinner Options

At the invitation of Earl of Sandwich, WDW Magazine had the opportunity to sample the menu of the Downtown Disney District location, and we ordered a variety of the now-famous fare.

The Original 1762. Photo by Gina Varolli.

Of course we had to start with The Original 1762®–roast beef, cheddar, and horseradish sauce–that’s inspired by that first sandwich casually created by John Montagu. Served on their proprietary artisan bread that’s baked fresh daily, this is one beefy bite for a big appetite, and it beats just about any sandwich you can order in the parks (except you, my beloved Monte Cristo – another royal affair).

Photo by Gina Varolli

We also enjoyed the Caprese with thick slices of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, and very fresh basil. No black basil that’s been sitting around for hours here, it was bright green and aromatic, just as it should be on any respectable sandwich (or salad, as they’ve got that too!).

Chocolate Chip Cookie. Photo by Gina Varolli

Because we ordered combos, we also grabbed some Block & Barrel Kettle Cooked potato chips and a freshly-baked chocolate-chip cookie. And, of course we couldn’t pass up an order of warm, crunchy Tater Tots (which luckily are available at breakfast, lunch and dinner).

Photo by Kathleen Lee

Other sandwiches we’ll be sure to get on repeat visits (but we were too stuffed to try on this go) include The Earl’s Club, the Chipotle Chicken Avocado, the Italian, and the Cuban. 

More Than a Sandwich

Photo by Kathleen Lee

As if sandwiches piled high with fresh, flavorful ingredients weren’t enough, the Earls who founded this restaurant franchise plussed their menu with kid-friendly options like Pizza Bread and Grilled Cheese. Fresh Greens, Salads and Hand-Crafted Wraps are also on the menu. We got the Greek salad, but it was a toss-up between that and the Chicken Caesar. And again, nothing soggy and sad here either. It’s all bright and fresh and full of flavor.

An Aristocratic Sandwich for a Snooty Eater 

It’s no surprise to me that one of the most satisfying sandwiches I’ve ever eaten can trace its lineage back through seven generations of British aristocracy. And that it all began with a quintessentially British dish, roast beef. Layer on the fact that the sandwich was invented by a man who was likely as snooty as myself when it comes to food, and you’ve got a storybook sandwich shop you won’t want to skip on your next trip to Disneyland Resort.

On the Earl of Sandwich® website, you’ll read their creed, and to it, we say: Here, here!

“We believe that sandwiches are more than a convenience food; they should be carefully crafted and thoroughly enjoyed. We made the first sandwich. Now we make the best sandwich.”

Thanks to Earl of Sandwich for inviting us out to see their new space and treating us to an excellent meal. And a very special thanks to the restaurant staff who took such good care of us! Although we love free food as much as the next person – this review is our honest take!

The New Earl of Sandwich Tavern is Now Open at Disneyland Resort!

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