4 North Carolina Sandwich Shops You Can’t Skip And 4 That Rise Above The Rest
There’s something magical about biting into the perfect sandwich, especially when you’re exploring the diverse culinary landscape of North Carolina.
From coastal gems to mountain hideaways, the Tar Heel State boasts some seriously impressive sandwich artisans.
I’ve spent years hunting down the best between-bread creations across NC, and let me tell you—my waistline has paid the price for this delicious research!
Join me as we explore ten extraordinary sandwich havens that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.
1. Merritt’s Grill: Chapel Hill’s BLT Paradise
Holy bacon, Batman! The first time I wandered into Merritt’s, I nearly fainted from the heavenly aroma. This Chapel Hill institution has been perfecting the art of the BLT since 1929, and they’ve achieved sandwich nirvana.
What makes their BLT special isn’t rocket science—it’s their stubborn commitment to quality. Thick-cut, perfectly crispy bacon piled high on fresh bread with locally grown tomatoes and crisp lettuce. You can choose single, double, or triple stacks depending on your appetite (or courage).
Pro tip: Go early on weekends as lines often stretch out the door. The casual, no-frills atmosphere adds to its charm—this place puts every ounce of focus where it belongs: on crafting the most magnificent BLT you’ll ever devour.
2. Ideal’s Sandwich Shop: East Durham’s Local Favorite
Tucked away in East Durham sits a sandwich sanctuary I discovered purely by accident while lost on my way to a concert. Ideal’s may look unassuming from the outside, but don’t let that fool you—this place makes sandwiches that’ll haunt your dreams.
Family-owned since 1971, they’ve mastered the art of sandwich-making with recipes passed down through generations. Their signature Italian sub features hand-sliced meats, sharp provolone, and a secret oil blend that should probably be classified as a controlled substance for how addictive it is.
The warm, no-nonsense atmosphere feels like stepping into someone’s kitchen. Cash only and worth every penny, this spot represents the beautiful simplicity of what happens when quality ingredients meet passionate sandwich craftsmanship.
3. Waveriders: Nags Head’s Surf-Inspired Sandwich Haven
Salty air, crashing waves, and sandwiches that’ll make you weep with joy—that’s Waveriders in a nutshell. After catching (and mostly wiping out on) my first waves in Nags Head, a local pointed me toward this surf-themed coffee shop and eatery.
Their Turkey Tsunami sandwich knocked me off my metaphorical board with house-roasted turkey, bacon jam, avocado, and a spicy aioli that delivers the perfect kick. The bread? Freshly baked each morning before the sun even thinks about rising over the Atlantic.
The laid-back vibe matches the Outer Banks perfectly—surfboards on the walls, local art everywhere, and friendly staff who remember your name. It’s the kind of place where sand between your toes is practically required, and the sandwich rewards after a beach day are absolutely epic.
4. The High Test Deli: Bryson City’s Mountain Masterpiece
After nearly getting lost on a hiking trail in the Smokies (my sense of direction is legendary—legendarily terrible), I stumbled upon The High Test Deli in Bryson City. This mountain town gem instantly became my favorite post-adventure refueling station.
Their Smokehouse Mountain sandwich stands as tall as the nearby peaks—stacked with smoked turkey, bacon, gouda, and a maple-bourbon sauce that’ll make you consider drinking it straight. The homemade bread has that perfect chew that only comes from bakers who truly care about their craft.
What makes this place special beyond the food is how they’ve become the heart of the community. Photos of local rafting guides and hikers cover the walls, and the owners greet regulars by name. It’s the kind of authentic mountain hospitality that warms you faster than their homemade soups.
5. Ghent Sandwich Shop: New Bern’s Historic Lunchtime Legend
Walking into Ghent Sandwich Shop feels like time-traveling to a simpler era. During my weekend exploring New Bern’s charming historic district, I nearly passed by this unassuming spot until a local grabbed my arm and insisted I couldn’t leave town without trying it.
Operating since 1947, Ghent serves sandwiches from behind a lunch counter that hasn’t changed much in decades. Their pimento cheese sandwich—a Southern classic—features their secret family recipe that strikes the perfect balance between creamy, sharp, and slightly spicy.
The prices will make you check your calendar to confirm it’s actually 2023, and the no-frills service comes with a side of genuine conversation. Come hungry and bring cash—this place doesn’t bother with modern conveniences like credit card machines when they’re too busy perfecting sandwich traditions.
6. Eastcut Sandwich Bar: Durham’s Modern Sandwich Revolution
I still remember my first bite of Eastcut’s Chicken Cutlet sandwich—it was a religious experience that had me speaking in tongues of pure food joy. This Durham hotspot has revolutionized sandwich culture with chef-driven creations that somehow remain unpretentious.
Their innovative approach combines classic techniques with unexpected flavor combinations. Take their Vietnamese-inspired Banh Mi Dip, which marries traditional Vietnamese flavors with a French dip concept, complete with pho broth for dipping that I may have considered drinking straight from the cup (no judgment, please).
The industrial-chic space buzzes with energy from Duke students, tech workers, and food enthusiasts alike. With craft beers on tap and housemade chips that shatter perfectly between your teeth, Eastcut rises above by refusing to believe sandwiches should ever be boring.
7. Wilson’s Eatery: Raleigh’s Artisanal Sandwich Workshop
Nestled in Raleigh’s trendy Warehouse District, Wilson’s Eatery stole my heart faster than you can say “house-cured pastrami.” I discovered it while exploring the connected Lynnwood Brewing Concern, and what started as a quick bite turned into a three-hour sandwich appreciation session.
Their sandwiches showcase North Carolina ingredients with reverence and creativity. The Smoked Brisket Melt features 14-hour smoked meat from local farms, melted pimento cheese, and caramelized onions on sourdough that’s fermented in-house for three days.
The space itself feels distinctly Raleigh—industrial yet warm, with garage doors that open to a bustling patio when weather permits. Wilson’s transcends typical brewery food by treating sandwiches as serious culinary creations while maintaining that essential laid-back vibe that makes you want to linger over another local craft beer.
8. Grub Durham: Farm-To-Sandwich Excellence
The first time I bit into Grub Durham’s NC Pulled Pork sandwich, I actually closed my eyes and did a little happy dance right there in my seat. No shame in my sandwich game! This Durham favorite takes local sourcing so seriously that they list their farm partners right on the menu.
Their commitment to seasonality means the menu evolves throughout the year, but their signature sandwiches maintain consistent excellence. The aforementioned pulled pork is smoked in-house for 12 hours, topped with a tangy slaw made from cabbage grown less than 30 miles away, and served on a buttery brioche from a local bakery.
The bright, airy space features reclaimed wood tables and plants everywhere, creating an atmosphere as fresh as their ingredients. What elevates Grub is their perfect balance of honoring North Carolina culinary traditions while pushing them forward with thoughtful innovation.