5 North Carolina Tomato Sandwiches Made For Hot Days
Nothing beats the sweltering North Carolina summer heat like biting into a juicy tomato sandwich.
When those red beauties are in season, locals know exactly where to go for the perfect combination of bread, mayo, and farm-fresh tomatoes.
I’ve spent years hunting down the best tomato sandwiches across the state, and let me tell you, these five spots have mastered the art of this simple yet divine Southern classic.
1. Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen’s Tomato-Cheddar Masterpiece
Last July, I rolled down my car window at this Chapel Hill drive-through institution and ordered what would become my summer obsession. Their tomato sandwich arrives on a buttery biscuit that practically melts in your mouth, with thick-cut local tomatoes stealing the show.
The secret weapon? A layer of sharp cheddar cheese that gets just warm enough from the fresh-baked biscuit to create a magical middle layer. They don’t skimp on the Duke’s mayo either—a non-negotiable ingredient for any self-respecting Southern tomato sandwich.
What makes this beauty stand out is how they salt and pepper the tomato slices separately before assembly, ensuring every bite has the perfect seasoning. Worth the line that forms every weekend morning!
2. Johnson’s Drive-In’s Old-School Tomato Wonder
The first time I pulled up to this Siler City landmark, the aroma of fresh bread hit me before I even got out of the car. Johnson’s has been slinging the same tomato sandwich since 1946, and they’ve got it down to an art form.
Their version comes on house-made sourdough that’s been lightly toasted and slathered with a mayo-butter blend that’ll make your eyes roll back. The tomatoes come from nearby farms during summer months, and the thickness of each slice would make your grandma proud.
My favorite touch is the sprinkle of herbs they add—a mix of basil and thyme that brightens everything up. The sandwich comes wrapped in wax paper, perfect for taking to nearby Raven Rock State Park for a picnic escape from the heat.
3. Merritt’s Store And Grill’s Triple-Layer Tomato Tower
Holy tomato heaven! When summer temperatures climb into the 90s, I make a beeline for this Chapel Hill institution. Merritt’s takes the humble tomato sandwich and transforms it into what locals affectionately call ‘the tower of power.’
Unlike traditional single-layer versions, they stack three thick slices of heirloom tomatoes between three pieces of toasted sourdough. The bread comes from Weaver Street Market bakery just down the road, and it holds up perfectly to the juicy tomato assault.
Between each layer lurks the perfect amount of their signature herb mayo and crispy bacon pieces that add a smoky counterpoint. Pro tip: ask for extra napkins and don’t wear white—this beauty drips summer down your arms in the most delicious way possible!
4. The Root Cellar’s Garden-Fresh Tomato Creation
Stumbling into The Root Cellar in Durham after a particularly brutal August afternoon felt like finding an oasis. Their tomato sandwich isn’t just a meal—it’s a revival experience for heat-exhausted souls.
What sets their version apart is the rainbow of tomato varieties they use. Yellow Brandywines, Cherokee Purples, and Green Zebras create a stunning visual that’s matched only by their combined flavor. The bread is a hearty multigrain that adds nutty notes without overwhelming the star ingredient.
A schmear of their housemade pesto-mayo brings everything together with herbaceous brightness. They grow many ingredients right in their backyard garden, and that freshness comes through in every bite. I’ve been known to order two—one for now and one for later!
5. Parker And Otis’s Pimento Cheese Tomato Surprise
My summer sandwich pilgrimage always includes a stop at Parker and Otis in Durham. Their twist on the classic tomato sandwich had me skeptical at first—until that initial bite changed everything I thought I knew about this Southern staple.
They start with crusty ciabatta bread that gets a quick toast before being spread with their famous homemade pimento cheese. The warm bread slightly melts the cheese, creating the perfect bed for thick slices of chilled local tomatoes.
A few leaves of fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze take this sandwich into gourmet territory without losing its down-home soul. The contrast between the cool tomatoes and the warm, slightly melty pimento cheese creates a temperature and texture experience that’s absolutely perfect for those days when you can fry an egg on the sidewalk.