10 Washington Spots Stacking Sandwiches So Tall You’ll Need Both Hands
Free popcorn with a sandwich. That’s the deal at one downtown deli in Washington, and somehow the sandwich is still the bigger surprise.
I love a place that hands you a snack just for showing up. Then the sandwich lands with thick slices of soft bread and enough meat to make you rethink your grip.
Another spot on this list builds its creations on French bread so long you start planning bites like a road trip.
The hunt took me from Polish sausage counters to Italian sub shops to a Bellingham kitchen roasting its own turkey. Some of these places are old favorites.
Others feel like the kind of find you text a friend about immediately.
So which Washington sandwich deserves your next lunch break, and how many napkins should you grab before you try it?
1. Domini Sandwiches, Inc
Your sandwich comes with free popcorn here, which feels like a movie ticket for your lunch. The real feature, though, is the stack between the bread.
Domini Sandwiches is a family-run Spokane deli built on sandwiches piled with meat and cheese. Thick slices of soft bread hold the whole tower together, which is no small engineering job.
The house style leans classic. Expect meat, cheese, mayo, and a sweet hot mustard that gives each bite a little kick.
Portions run generous, so even a modest order may surprise you. Pickles and popcorn round out the plate without stealing the show.
The shop calls itself the award-winning best deli sandwich shop in downtown Spokane. That’s a bold claim, and the sandwiches seem happy to back it up.
You might even catch a sandwich maker breaking into song behind the counter. The shop proudly mentions its random singing staff, and honestly, more lunches should come with a soundtrack.
The space has a historic, casual feel that suits a quick solo lunch. A window seat also makes for good people watching downtown.
Timing matters, since the doors open only on weekdays from 10 AM to 2:30 PM. Weekend cravings will have to wait until Monday.
Street parking can be tricky downtown, so give yourself a few extra minutes. A sandwich this size deserves an unhurried arrival anyway.
Address: 107 S Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201
2. MSM Deli
French bread does a lot of heavy lifting at this Tacoma favorite. The sandwiches here are big, long, and built to make you plan your first bite.
MSM Deli is known for its large French bread creations. Each one is made to order and piled high with crisp sprouts, lettuce, fresh cheese, and meat.
The menu covers hot and cold choices, so you can match your sandwich to the weather. That’s handy in Washington, where the weather changes its mind often.
Look for menu highlights like the Italian Cold Cut, BBQ Beef, and Reuben. Each brings its own personality, from tangy and meaty to saucy and warm.
The pickles deserve a special mention. They’re a small side character with a big fan club.
Many locals call MSM an absolute Tacoma classic. It’s the kind of place that gets brought up whenever someone asks where to grab a serious sandwich in town.
Hours are friendly too, running from 10 AM to 7 PM every day. Sunday afternoon tends to be the busiest stretch, so a weekday visit may feel calmer.
You can dine in or carry your prize out. Free parking options nearby make the stop easier than you’d expect for such a popular deli.
Bring both hands and a good appetite. This bread means business.
Address: 2220 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98403
3. George’s Polish Deli
Smoked sausages, imported treats, and a stacked Reuben all share the counter at this First Hill shop. It’s part sandwich spot, part European pantry adventure.
George’s Polish Deli fills fresh bread with deli meats piled high. The result is a hearty sandwich at a price that feels kind to your wallet.
The menu reads like a tour of comfort food. Choose from a Reuben, Hot Pastrami on Rye, a Corned Beef Sandwich, or a Grilled Sausage Sandwich.
Feeling adventurous? A Head Cheese Sandwich is also on the lineup for curious eaters.
Beyond sandwiches, the shelves carry fresh and smoked sausages, specialty breads, dairy, and dry goods. Hand-made sausages and charcuterie make it easy to stock up for dinner later.
Friendly staff help explain the wide selection. That’s useful when you’re staring at a case full of Polish meats and wondering where to start.
Save room for a pączki, the Polish donut. A sweet finish after a meaty sandwich feels like the right reward.
Plan to take your food to go, since there’s no dine-in seating. A nearby bench or your car becomes your private sandwich lounge.
The shop opens daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. Sunday mornings are usually the quietest time to swing by.
Address: 907 Madison St, Seattle, WA 98104
4. Tat’s Deli
Two-meal sandwiches are an actual option at this Pioneer Square deli. That tells you plenty about the portion philosophy.
Tat’s Deli brings East Coast energy to Seattle with Philly cheesesteaks, subs, and soups. You can pick from meal-size or two-meal-size sandwiches, depending on your ambition.
The Philly Cheese Steak is a headliner, served piping hot and loaded with meat. The Tat’Strami is another favorite that earns its spot near the top.
Still browsing? The menu also lists Hot Beef, Cajun Turkey, Chicken Cheesesteak, and the Twinburger Sub.
Tastykakes make an appearance too. That little Philadelphia nod is a fun touch for anyone missing East Coast snacks.
Service moves fast, which helps on busy weekday afternoons. Lunch crowds can mean a wait, so arriving early is a smart move.
Breakfast is served in the morning as well. A big sandwich before noon counts as a solid plan in my book.
The space is casual with counter service and some outdoor seating. It’s also a good spot for watching sports while you work through your meal.
Weekday hours run 9 AM to 2:30 PM, with Saturday hours from 11 AM to 5:30 PM. The deli stays closed on Sundays.
Address: 159 Yesler Wy, Seattle, WA 98104
5. Royal Grinders
Grinders get the royal treatment in Fremont, and the crown is made of toasted bread. This small shop proves big flavor doesn’t need a big room.
Royal Grinders keeps things simple and unfussy. Traditional deli sandwiches arrive piled with meats, veggies, and cheese.
The Italian Grinder is a standout, along with the Chicken Pesto Grinder and Pastrami Grinder. The namesake Royal Grinder is also worth a look if you like trying the house signature.
A special sauce ties things together. Add perfectly toasted bread, and you’ve got a sandwich that needs both hands and a little focus.
The French dip makes the hot sandwich lineup too. It’s a nice pick when Seattle drizzle calls for something warm.
Vegetarians and vegans get plenty of options, thanks to a full menu for each. That makes group lunches a lot easier to plan.
Prices stay reasonable for the size. A grinder, chips, and a drink can make a full meal without draining your budget.
There’s a patio, and dogs are welcome inside and out. Your four-legged friend may stare hard at your lunch, so hold on tight.
Plan ahead, because the shop is open only Thursday through Sunday. Hours run from 11 AM to 6 PM on those days.
Address: 3526 Fremont Pl N Ste b, Seattle, WA 98103
6. The Sandwich Odyssey
An odyssey sounds like a long journey, and the sandwiches here feel about that size. Bellingham’s lunch crowd has good reason to make this trip.
The Sandwich Odyssey serves specialty hot sandwiches alongside fresh soups made daily. The bread is homemade, and the turkey is roasted in-house.
Those two details change the whole game. A sandwich starts tasting different when the kitchen builds it from the ground up.
The Philly Stack and the Meatloaf Sandwich are two menu highlights. Both sound like the kind of lunch that turns into an afternoon nap.
Creative specials rotate in as well, so repeat visits can bring new surprises. Wraps here lean rich, cheesy, and saucy for anyone wanting a different format.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu. Vegetarians get a full menu too, so nobody feels left out.
The atmosphere is casual with a cute, relaxed feel. Outdoor seating offers a nice option when Bellingham weather cooperates.
Parking is usually easy to find, which is a small luxury. Service also tends to move quickly.
Hours run Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM. Weekday afternoons get busy, so an early lunch may be the move.
Address: 2001 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
7. Tubs Gourmet Sub Sandwiches
Messy is a compliment at this Bothell sub shop. The fillings here refuse to stay politely inside the bread.
Tubs Gourmet Sub Sandwiches builds inventive subs on bread with a flaky crust and chewy center. That texture combo gives your stacked sandwich a sturdy, satisfying base.
The recipes feel carefully thought out. Full-flavor sauces and fresh ingredients bring each sub together.
Menu highlights include the Italian Combo, French Dip, and The Philly Beef Dip. Dipping options mean a bonus round of flavor with every bite.
Vegetarians aren’t an afterthought here. The Black Bean Avocado Burger and Joker’s Dip both join a full vegetarian menu.
Salads are on offer too, if someone in your group wants something lighter. You can still sneak a bite of their sub.
The space is casual with counter service and seating. It works well for groups and quick solo lunches alike.
Parking is usually plentiful, a happy detail for a suburban stop. Afternoons get busy most days of the week.
Hours run 11 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday. Sunday hours are shorter, closing at 5 PM.
Grab extra napkins on your way to the table. You’re going to need them.
Address: 10415 Beardslee Blvd, Bothell, WA 98011
8. Dingfelder’s Delicatessen
New York deli cravings find a home on Capitol Hill. The pastrami here arrives tender, juicy, and stacked with confidence.
Dingfelder’s Delicatessen serves classic New York fare in a homey dining room. Bagels and pastrami sandwiches lead the charge.
The corned beef sandwich is another star, packed with tender, flavorful meat. Pick either one and you’ll understand why your hands need backup.
Matzo ball soup makes a comforting sidekick. A Grandma Chicken Soup option is also on the menu for cold Seattle days.
Curious eaters can try the Chopped Liver Sandwich. Marble rye without caraway is available for anyone who skips those seeds.
Wash it down with a Dr. Brown’s soda for a true deli moment. Then save room for cheesecake, because dessert matters.
Smoked salmon and tuna salad round out the lineup. There’s something for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The deli opens at 7 AM daily. It stays open until 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays and 7 PM other days.
Families will find high chairs, changing tables, and a kids’ menu. Dogs are welcome at outdoor seating, too.
Sunday afternoons tend to be busiest. A weekday morning visit might feel more relaxed.
Address: 1318 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122
9. Old World Deli
Shelves of tinned fish and imported oils greet you before the sandwich does. This Bellingham shop feels like a European market with a serious lunch counter.
Old World Deli crafts sandwiches with quality ingredients, including many house-made meats. The variety of deli meats and cheeses can feel delightfully overwhelming.
The Reuben earns plenty of attention here. It’s thick, hearty, and built for people who take their Reubens seriously.
The Muffaletta is another strong pick. Layers of meats and cheese make it a natural fit for a two-handed lunch.
Prefer something sharp? The Horseradish Roast Beef brings a peppery bite.
Scratch-made soups and salads fill out the menu. Inventive lunch specials keep things interesting from week to week.
Browsing is half the fun. Products from Europe line the shelves, along with quirky finds you won’t see at a typical grocery store.
Grab a freshly baked cookie before you leave. A sweet bite after a big sandwich is a smart finish.
The deli opens daily from 11 AM to 6 PM. Tuesday and Saturday afternoons draw the biggest crowds.
Dine in, take out, or stock up for a picnic. Any choice beats a sad desk lunch.
Address: 1228 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225
10. Meconi’s Italian Subs
Just down the road from the state Capitol, Olympia’s sub game gets serious. Lawmakers aren’t the only ones debating big decisions around here.
Meconi’s Italian Subs offers hot and cold subs with huge portions. The bread is fresh and flaky outside with a soft, pillowy middle.
Italian subs are the heart of the menu. Fresh meat and veggies get piled onto that bread for a lunch with real heft.
Gluten-free bread is available too. That’s welcome news for anyone who usually misses out on a classic sub.
The homemade chili makes a cozy sidekick. Soups and salads also join the lineup, including a steak salad option.
Service is fast and friendly, helpful during weekday rushes. Midweek mornings and afternoons tend to be busiest.
Saturdays are usually quieter. That makes a weekend visit a nice choice for a relaxed lunch.
Families get high chairs and a kids’ menu. A full vegetarian menu means everyone at your table can find something.
Hours run Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM. The shop is closed Sundays.
Parking downtown can take a little patience. Your reward is a sub that may well require every finger you have.
Address: 1018 Capitol Way S #101, Olympia, WA 98501