14 Sandwich Joints Across North Carolina That Impress From The Start
North Carolina is home to sandwich spots that turn simple ingredients into unforgettable meals.
From toasted bread stacked high with savory meats to fresh veggies, bold sauces, and unexpected flavor twists, each sandwich tells a story.
Locals know where to go for classics done perfectly and inventive creations that surprise the taste buds.
The smell of fresh bread, sizzling fillings, and melted cheese draws you in before the first bite.
In North Carolina, sandwiches are more than a quick lunch; they are experiences that delight, satisfy, and keep people coming back again and again for flavors that feel instantly familiar and irresistible.
1. Rhino Market & Deli
Walking into this spot feels like discovering a secret your best friend kept from you for way too long.
The market sits in a renovated brick building that somehow manages to feel both modern and nostalgic at the same time.
Exposed wooden beams stretch across the ceiling while large windows flood the space with natural light.
Their Italian sub is legendary around these parts, stacked so high you might need an engineering degree to figure out how to bite it.
Locals swear by the house-made mozzarella that gets tucked between layers of imported meats and fresh vegetables.
The bread comes from a nearby bakery every morning, still warm when they start building sandwiches.
Located at 1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608, this place fills up fast during lunch hours.
Fun fact: the owners originally wanted to open a coffee shop but switched to sandwiches after one incredible trip to New York.
2. Laurel Market
Tucked away in a charming neighborhood, this market combines grocery shopping with seriously good sandwich making.
The space features reclaimed wood shelves stocked with gourmet ingredients and local products that make you want to redesign your entire pantry.
Pendant lights hang low over a compact counter where all the magic happens.
Their turkey club gets ordered more than anything else on the menu, and one bite explains why perfectly.
Thick slices of roasted turkey breast get piled high with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and tomatoes that actually taste like tomatoes.
They spread a secret aioli on toasted sourdough that people have literally tried to buy by the jar.
You can find them at 4470 Lassiter at North Hills Ave, Raleigh, NC 27609.
The building used to be a small grocery store back in the 1950s, and the owners kept some original signage as a tribute to its history.
3. Katz Deli
Craving a taste of New York without the plane ticket? This authentic Jewish deli delivers the real deal with zero compromises on quality or portion size.
The interior rocks that classic deli vibe with checkered floors, metal chairs, and a counter where you can watch sandwich artists work their craft. Framed photos of satisfied customers line the walls like a hall of fame.
Their pastrami on rye is the stuff dreams are made of, piled ridiculously high with tender, peppery meat that melts in your mouth.
They cure and smoke their own pastrami using a recipe that took years to perfect. The rye bread gets delivered fresh daily from a specialty bakery.
Located at 5410 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, this spot has become a coastal favorite since opening. The owner actually trained at a famous New York deli before bringing those skills down south.
4. Le’s Sandwiches & Cafe
Banh mi lovers, prepare to lose your minds at this Vietnamese treasure that brings authentic flavors to North Carolina.
Bright walls decorated with simple artwork create a cheerful atmosphere that matches the friendly service perfectly.
The open kitchen lets you watch as they assemble each sandwich with lightning speed and impressive precision.
Their classic banh mi features crispy French bread stuffed with marinated pork, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and spicy mayo that brings everything together beautifully.
The bread arrives from a local bakery twice daily to ensure that perfect crunch on the outside and soft interior.
They pickle their own carrots and daikon radish using a family recipe passed down through generations.
Find them at 4201 Stuart Andrew Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217, tucked into a small shopping center.
The building might look unassuming from outside, but inside you will discover some of the best Vietnamese sandwiches in the entire state.
5. NoDa Bodega
Right in the heart of Charlotte’s artsy NoDa neighborhood sits this cool bodega that perfectly captures the area’s creative energy.
Industrial-chic design features exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and garage doors that open completely during nice weather.
Local artwork rotates regularly on the walls, giving you something new to admire with every visit.
The Cuban sandwich here will transport your taste buds straight to Havana with perfectly pressed layers of roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.
They press each sandwich until the cheese melts completely and the bread develops those gorgeous crispy edges everyone fights over.
Fresh ingredients get delivered daily from local suppliers whenever possible.
Located at 1600 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28206, this spot fits right into the neighborhood’s vibrant character.
Fun fact: the building previously housed an actual corner store before getting transformed into this sandwich destination.
6. The Culture Shop
Contemporary meets comfort at this stylish spot where sandwiches become an art form worth photographing before devouring.
Clean lines and minimalist decor create a sophisticated space that never feels stuffy or pretentious.
Large plants add life to corners while natural wood tables invite you to settle in and stay awhile.
Their fried chicken sandwich has achieved cult status among locals who plan their weeks around getting one.
Crispy, juicy chicken gets topped with tangy slaw and special sauce on a buttery brioche bun that holds everything together without getting soggy.
The chicken marinates overnight in buttermilk and spices before getting fried to golden perfection.
They source their chicken from nearby farms committed to ethical raising practices.
You will find them at 3101 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205, in another section of the NoDa area.
The space features floor-to-ceiling windows that make the whole place feel bright and welcoming.
7. Pasta & Provisions
Imagine an Italian market where grandmothers would shop, then add incredible sandwiches to the mix.
Rustic wooden shelves display imported olive oils, pasta, and specialty ingredients that make you want to cook everything from scratch.
The deli counter showcases beautiful displays of cured meats and aged cheeses that look almost too pretty to eat.
Their porchetta sandwich is absolutely phenomenal, featuring slow-roasted pork seasoned with herbs and stuffed into crusty ciabatta with sharp provolone and bitter greens.
The porchetta roasts for hours until the outside becomes crispy while the inside stays incredibly tender and juicy.
They make their own focaccia and ciabatta bread fresh every morning, filling the whole shop with amazing aromas.
Located at 3002 Selwyn Ave, Charlotte, NC 28209, this gem sits in a charming brick building.
The owners traveled through Italy for inspiration before opening, bringing back authentic recipes and techniques.
8. Roman’s Deli & Catering
Family-owned and operated since day one, this deli serves up sandwiches with the kind of love you usually only get at home.
The no-frills interior keeps things simple with basic tables, a long counter, and walls covered in customer photos and thank-you notes.
Everything about the place screams authenticity and genuine care for what they do.
Their meatball sub is the kind of messy, delicious masterpiece that requires extra napkins and zero regrets.
Homemade meatballs simmer in marinara sauce for hours before getting nestled into fresh rolls with melted mozzarella on top.
The recipe comes from the owner’s grandmother who immigrated from Sicily decades ago.
They bake their sub rolls twice daily to keep up with demand.
Find them at 9801 Mallard Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262, in a strip mall that is easy to miss.
Despite the humble location, people drive from all over the city to grab lunch here.
9. Old School Subs & Deli
Nostalgia hits hard when you step inside this throwback spot that celebrates classic American sub culture.
Vintage signs and retro memorabilia decorate every available surface, creating a fun atmosphere that takes you back to simpler times.
Red vinyl booths line one wall while a long counter dominates the other side of the narrow space.
The cheesesteak here rivals anything you would find in Philadelphia, loaded with thinly sliced steak, grilled onions, and melted cheese that drips down your fingers.
They cook the steak fresh on a flat-top griddle right where you can see and smell everything happening.
The rolls come from a local bakery that makes them specifically for cheesesteaks, with the perfect texture to soak up all those juices without falling apart.
Located at 1004 Brookstown Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, this place has been slinging subs for years. The building features original tin ceiling tiles from when it was a hardware store.
10. Montford Deli
Nestled in one of Asheville’s most charming historic neighborhoods, this deli has become a beloved community gathering spot.
The building itself is a beautiful example of craftsman architecture with its wide front porch and original hardwood floors inside.
Locals treat it like their own kitchen, stopping by for sandwiches, conversation, and a sense of belonging.
Their Reuben is absolutely legendary, stacked with tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on perfectly grilled rye bread.
They corn their own beef in-house using a special brine recipe that takes two weeks from start to finish.
The sauerkraut comes from a local fermenter who supplies several restaurants in the area.
You will find them at 78 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, right in the heart of the neighborhood.
The front porch fills up quickly on nice days with people enjoying their sandwiches and watching the world go by.
11. Asheville Sandwich Company
Sometimes the best things come in simple packages, and this sandwich shop proves that point deliciously.
The straightforward interior features wooden tables, a chalkboard menu, and windows that frame beautiful mountain views.
Nothing fancy or complicated, just good food made by people who genuinely care about your lunch experience.
Their turkey avocado sandwich is a customer favorite that keeps people coming back week after week without fail.
Fresh sliced turkey breast gets layered with creamy avocado, crisp bacon, lettuce, tomato, and a zesty chipotle mayo on whole grain bread.
They roast their own turkey every morning, filling the shop with mouthwatering aromas that drift down the street.
Local tomatoes appear on sandwiches during summer months when they taste their absolute best.
Located at 32 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, this spot captures the relaxed Asheville vibe perfectly.
The building has big windows that let you people-watch while enjoying your meal.
12. The Half
Creative minds came together to open this innovative spot that reimagines what a sandwich can be.
Modern design elements mix with warm touches like Edison bulb lighting and live plants scattered throughout the space.
An open kitchen concept lets you watch as chefs compose each sandwich like edible artwork worth savoring slowly.
Their roasted vegetable and goat cheese sandwich converts even the most devoted meat eaters into temporary vegetarians.
Seasonal vegetables get roasted until caramelized and sweet, then paired with creamy goat cheese, arugula, and balsamic reduction on crusty bread.
The vegetable selection changes with the seasons, ensuring you get produce at its peak flavor.
They partner with local farms to source vegetables within a fifty-mile radius whenever possible.
Find them at 1201 Raleigh Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, in a modern building with lots of glass and natural light.
The name refers to their philosophy that a great sandwich is half art, half science.
13. Cousins Italian Deli & Restaurant
Generations of Italian recipes come alive at this family-run spot where cousins really do run the show together.
Red checkered tablecloths cover every table while Italian music plays softly in the background, creating an atmosphere that feels like visiting relatives in the old country.
Photos of Italy and family members cover the walls, telling stories without words.
The chicken parmesan sandwich is an absolute knockout that exceeds all expectations for size and flavor.
Breaded chicken cutlets get fried until golden, topped with marinara and melted mozzarella, then tucked into fresh-baked Italian bread.
The marinara sauce simmers on the stove for hours using San Marzano tomatoes imported directly from Italy.
They bread and fry each chicken cutlet to order, ensuring maximum crispiness with every single sandwich.
Located at 4908 Garrett Rd, Durham, NC 27707, this place has been feeding Durham families for years.
The building features a small outdoor patio perfect for warm evenings.
14. Jax 5th Avenue Deli & Ale House
Great sandwiches meet cold craft beer at this dual-purpose spot that nails both concepts brilliantly.
The space combines deli counter vibes with ale house comfort, featuring high-top tables, a solid beer selection, and sports playing on TVs without overwhelming the conversation.
Exposed brick walls and dark wood create a cozy pub feeling that works perfectly for lunch or dinner.
Their French dip sandwich is the ultimate comfort food, featuring thinly sliced roast beef piled high on a toasted hoagie roll with melted provolone.
The sandwich comes with a side of rich au jus for dipping that is so good you might drink it straight.
They slow-roast the beef overnight with herbs and spices until it becomes incredibly tender.
The bread gets toasted with butter and garlic, adding another layer of flavor to every bite.
You will find them at 419 N 5th Ave, Wilmington, NC 28401, in downtown Wilmington’s historic district.
The building dates back over a century and maintains much of its original character.