10 Amazing Sandwich Joints In North Carolina That Will Instantly Win You Over
North Carolina may be known for its barbecue, but its sandwich game is seriously underrated. Across the state, you’ll find everything from coastal spots stacking fresh seafood to mountain hideouts serving up artisanal creations you won’t forget.
Local sandwich lovers know where the magic happens between two slices of bread, and now, so will you. These 10 must-try spots might just inspire your next lunchtime road trip.
1. Waveriders Coffee, Deli & Market
Surf’s up at this Outer Banks treasure where sandwiches meet beach vibes! Their famous “Eddie V” vegetarian bagel panini combines perfectly toasted bread with egg, smoked Gouda, and a tangy balsamic glaze.
Yelp recently crowned it North Carolina’s best sandwich, and after one bite, you’ll understand why. I still dream about the sandwich I devoured there after catching morning waves last summer.
2. Lunchbox Deli
Hidden in plain sight in Raleigh, Lunchbox Deli crafts sandwiches that make office workers count down to their lunch breaks. Reddit users rave about their rotating Monday specials that transform the start of the workweek from mundane to magnificent.
Fresh ingredients piled high between bakery-fresh bread create sammies worth writing home about. Their turkey club could make a vegetarian question their life choices!
3. Ideal’s Sandwich & Grocery
Durham’s worst-kept secret has lines forming before they even open. Ideal’s hoagies on fresh-baked focaccia sell out faster than concert tickets, and for good reason.
Back in college, I’d skip morning classes just to beat the lunch rush, a decision I’ve never regretted. The Italian sub here changed my understanding of what a sandwich could be.
Each bite delivers a perfect ratio of meat, cheese, veggies, and their house vinaigrette.
4. Merritt’s Grill
Bacon lovers, prepare for nirvana! This Chapel Hill institution has perfected the BLT to such a degree that food critics make pilgrimages just to experience their stacked creation.
The secret? Thick-cut, perfectly crisp bacon – and lots of it. While the single BLT satisfies most mortals, brave souls opt for the double or even triple versions.
The unassuming building houses sandwich magic that’s earned Merritt’s legendary status throughout the state.
5. Eastcut Sandwich Bar
Sandwich revolutionaries operate at Eastcut, where fried cutlets receive rock star treatment. With locations in both Durham and Raleigh, they’ve created a cult following for their crispy chicken, eggplant, and meatless options.
Bold house-made sauces elevate each creation from mere sandwich to handheld feast. The Buffalo 66 with blue cheese slaw delivers such perfect tanginess that I’ve been known to make the 40-minute drive just to satisfy my craving.
6. Country Deli
Feeding hungry beach-goers since 1990, this joint serves sandwiches so massive they should come with a warning label. Their motto might as well be “no one leaves hungry,” a promise they’ve kept for over three decades.
The turkey and cranberry creation on homemade bread tastes like Thanksgiving between two slices. I once tried to finish their club sandwich after a day of surfing and still needed a to-go box! Worth every penny and every calorie.
7. First Carolina Delicatessen
Greensboro’s slice of New York deli heaven has been satisfying sandwich cravings since 2003. The moment you walk in, the aroma of freshly sliced meats and cheeses tells you you’re in for something special.
Their signature pastrami on rye achieves that perfect balance of tender meat and tangy mustard. Custom orders are welcome, but trust the experts – their menu combinations have stood the test of time for good reason.
Each sandwich comes with a complimentary pickle spear that snaps with freshness.
8. Brooklyn Pickle Sandwich Shop
Don’t let the name fool you – this Raleigh gem delivers way more than pickles! Each artisan creation showcases premium meats stacked with surgical precision between fresh-baked bread.
Their Italian combo hits every flavor note possible, from salty to tangy to herbaceous. The sandwiches here aren’t just meals; they’re Instagram-worthy masterpieces that taste even better than they look.
My food photographer friend actually put down her camera to eat here – the ultimate compliment!
9. Three Chopt Sandwich Shoppe
Tucked away in Hendersonville’s charming downtown, this cozy spot grills sandwiches to golden perfection. The turkey-bacon melt achieves that magical state where bread becomes crispy while cheese reaches optimal gooeyness.
Mountain air seems to make everything taste better, but Three Chopt would stand out anywhere. Family-owned and operated since the 1980s, they’ve perfected comfort food that warms both body and soul.
Their chicken salad recipe remains a closely guarded secret that locals would riot to protect.
10. O’Dell’s Sandwich Shop
Mount Airy’s beloved sandwich institution recently reopened to five-star reviews and sighs of relief from devoted fans. Their ground steak sandwich has achieved legendary status – tender, seasoned beef on a toasted bun with just the right toppings.
Walking into O’Dell’s feels like stepping into a time machine to when food was simple but made with care and quality ingredients. No wonder Andy Griffith fans making pilgrimages to the real Mayberry make this their first food stop!