14 Indiana Sandwich Shops That Fly Under The Radar Yet Keep Loyal Crowds
In Indiana, some of the best sandwiches are hiding in plain sight, quietly winning over locals with layers of flavor and freshly baked bread.
These under-the-radar shops might not have flashy signs, but they make up for it with perfectly stacked meats, cheeses, and toppings that turn every bite into a small celebration.
Regulars know to arrive early, because once word spreads, the tables fill fast.
From cozy corners to tucked-away storefronts, Indiana proves that a simple sandwich done right can build a devoted following.
These hidden gems show that loyalty comes from taste, care, and a little culinary magic.
1. Shapiro’s Delicatessen — Indianapolis, Indiana
Walking into this place feels like stepping back into a 1940s New York deli, complete with cafeteria-style trays and bustling servers who know their regulars by name.
Located at 808 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225, Shapiro’s has been family-owned since 1905, making it one of the oldest delis in the Midwest.
Their corned beef is brined for days and sliced thick enough to make your jaw work overtime.
The building itself has that vintage charm with tile floors, wooden booths, and walls covered in old photographs that tell stories of a bygone era.
Matzo ball soup here is legendary, with fluffy dumplings floating in rich broth that warms you from the inside out.
Regulars swear by the Reuben, piled high with tender meat, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss on rye bread grilled to perfection.
2. Goose the Market — Indianapolis, Indiana
Tucked inside a renovated industrial space at 2503 N Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46205, this spot marries upscale ingredients with laid-back vibes.
Exposed brick walls, high ceilings with metal beams, and large windows flooding the room with natural light create an airy, modern feel that attracts both foodies and neighborhood regulars.
Their signature Goose Italiano features house-made porchetta with crispy skin, tangy giardiniera, and fresh arugula on a crusty ciabatta roll.
Every bite delivers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and herbaceous flavors that dance on your tongue.
Breakfast sandwiches here are equally impressive, with farm-fresh eggs and locally sourced bacon that snap with each bite.
Fun fact: the owners also run a butcher counter, so the meat quality is always top-notch and never frozen.
3. Subito — Indianapolis, Indiana
Simplicity reigns supreme at 1216 E 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46202, where the menu stays short but every single item hits the mark.
The space is cozy and minimalist, with clean lines, white subway tiles, and just a handful of tables that fill up fast during lunch hours.
Their Italian sub is a masterclass in balance, layered with thinly sliced salami, mortadella, capicola, provolone, and a zingy house vinaigrette that ties everything together.
The bread comes from a local bakery and arrives fresh every morning, giving each sandwich that perfect chewy-crispy texture.
Vegetarians rave about the roasted vegetable option, which features eggplant, zucchini, red peppers, and fresh mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Subito means “quickly” in Italian, and true to its name, service here is lightning fast without sacrificing quality or flavor.
4. Hoagies & Hops — Indianapolis, Indiana
Combining two of life’s greatest pleasures under one roof at 229 S East St, Indianapolis, IN 46202, this gastropub serves monster-sized hoagies alongside an impressive rotating tap list.
The interior has that classic tavern feel with dark wood paneling, Edison bulb lighting, and chalkboard menus listing the day’s beer specials.
Their Philly cheesesteak is the real deal, with shaved ribeye cooked on a flat-top griddle until caramelized, then smothered in melted Cheez Whiz and tucked into a soft Amoroso roll.
Purists appreciate the authenticity, while adventurous eaters love the creative weekly specials that push flavor boundaries.
Craft beer pairings are suggested for each sandwich, making it easy to find the perfect sip to complement your meal.
Fun fact: the owners visited Philadelphia multiple times to nail down their recipes before opening.
5. Broad Ripple Bagel & Deli — Indianapolis, Indiana
Neighborhood charm radiates from every corner of this beloved spot at 1101 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220, where bagels are boiled and baked fresh daily using traditional methods.
The storefront is cheerful and unpretentious, with colorful murals outside and a counter inside where you can watch bakers work their magic.
Their lox and schmear on an everything bagel is a morning ritual for countless locals, featuring silky smoked salmon, tangy cream cheese, capers, and thin-sliced red onion.
The bagels have that perfect New York-style texture: crispy shell giving way to a dense, chewy interior that holds up to generous toppings.
Lunch sandwiches are equally stellar, especially the turkey and avocado on a toasted sesame bagel with sprouts and honey mustard.
Staff members greet regulars by name and remember orders, creating a warm community vibe that keeps people loyal for years.
6. Fat Dan’s Deli — Indianapolis, Indiana
Personality bursts from every inch of this quirky joint at 940 E 62nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46220, where the walls are plastered with vintage signs, license plates, and random pop culture memorabilia.
The vibe is part dive bar, part sandwich haven, with mismatched furniture and a jukebox that plays classic rock all day long.
Their signature Fat Dan sandwich is an absolute unit, stacked with roast beef, turkey, ham, bacon, three types of cheese, and all the fixings you can imagine.
Somehow, it all stays together long enough to take a bite, and that first taste is pure savory heaven.
Homemade potato salad and coleslaw come on the side, both made with secret family recipes that regulars try to decode with every visit.
Fun fact: the owner named the place after his grandfather, whose photo hangs proudly behind the counter.
7. Claus’ German Sausage & Meats — Indianapolis, Indiana
Authenticity is the cornerstone at 7448 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46219, where traditional German butchery techniques have been practiced for generations.
The shop has a no-frills layout with a long glass case displaying handmade sausages, smoked meats, and imported European goods that transport you straight to Bavaria.
Their bratwurst sandwich on a fresh pretzel roll with spicy mustard and tangy sauerkraut is a lunch staple for anyone craving bold, hearty flavors.
Each sausage is made in-house using old-world recipes, with a satisfying snap when you bite through the casing and juicy, seasoned pork inside.
Customers also love the schnitzel sandwich, featuring breaded and fried pork cutlet topped with lemon and served on crusty bread.
The building itself is modest and functional, letting the quality of the meat do all the talking without any fancy decor distractions.
8. Heidelberg Haus Café — Indianapolis, Indiana
Stepping inside 7625 Pendleton Pike, Indianapolis, IN 46226, feels like entering a cozy Alpine lodge, complete with wood-paneled walls, checkered tablecloths, and decorative steins lining the shelves.
The family-owned café has been serving authentic German fare since 1968, making it a trusted destination for comfort food done right.
Their reuben sandwich is a standout, piled high with house-made corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on toasted marble rye.
The meat is tender and flavorful, brined using a secret recipe that has been passed down through three generations of the same family.
Potato pancakes come as a side option, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for dipping in applesauce.
The café also hosts live polka music on weekends, adding a festive atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a celebration.
9. Joe’s Butcher Shop & Fish Market — Carmel, Indiana
Quality and freshness define this upscale market at 2531 E 146th St, Carmel, IN 46033, where a full-service butcher counter and fish market share space with a bustling sandwich counter.
The interior is bright and modern, with stainless steel fixtures, white tile, and an open layout that lets you see exactly where your food comes from.
Their lobster roll is a summertime favorite, featuring fresh lobster meat tossed lightly in mayo and served on a buttery, toasted New England-style bun.
The seafood is flown in daily, ensuring peak freshness and sweet, delicate flavor in every bite.
Meat lovers go crazy for the prime rib sandwich, made with thick slices of tender beef, horseradish cream, and caramelized onions on ciabatta.
Fun fact: Joe’s sources beef from local farms, and you can actually buy the same cuts they use in sandwiches to cook at home.
10. Village Deli — Bloomington, Indiana
College town energy pulses through this beloved institution at 409 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408, where Indiana University students and locals mingle over massive sandwiches and late-night snacks.
The space is casual and a bit cramped, with posters covering every wall and a counter where orders are shouted and assembled at lightning speed.
Their Stromboli is legendary, stuffed with layers of Italian meats, melted mozzarella, and marinara sauce wrapped in golden-baked dough.
It arrives piping hot and oozing cheese, requiring strategic napkin placement and a hearty appetite to finish.
Late-night hours make this a favorite post-party destination, serving hungry crowds until the early morning hours.
The building has that worn-in, lived-in feel that comes from decades of serving sandwiches to generations of students who later return as alumni craving a taste of nostalgia.
11. South Side Soda Shop — Goshen, Indiana
Nostalgia drips from every corner of this vintage soda fountain at 1122 S Main St, Goshen, IN 46526, where chrome bar stools, a black-and-white checkered floor, and a working jukebox transport visitors back to the 1950s.
The family-owned shop has been serving the community since 1926, making it a true piece of local history.
Their grilled cheese and tomato soup combo is pure comfort food magic, with gooey American cheese melted between buttery grilled bread and creamy tomato soup perfect for dunking.
Simple ingredients shine when prepared with care and attention to detail.
Ice cream sodas and milkshakes are made the old-fashioned way, hand-mixed at the fountain with real ice cream and flavored syrups.
Fun fact: the original soda fountain equipment still works and is used daily, adding authentic charm that modern replicas just can’t match.
12. Oh Mamma’s on the Ave — South Bend, Indiana
Italian heritage runs deep at 1011 N Ironwood Dr, South Bend, IN 46615, where family recipes and generous portions have earned a devoted following.
The dining room has a casual, homey feel with Italian flags, vintage photos of Sicily, and red-checkered tablecloths that set the stage for a satisfying meal.
Their meatball sub is a thing of beauty, featuring massive handmade meatballs simmered in marinara sauce, topped with melted provolone, and served on a crusty hoagie roll.
Each meatball is tender and packed with herbs, garlic, and just the right amount of seasoning to make your taste buds sing.
Pasta salad comes as a side, loaded with salami, mozzarella, olives, and Italian dressing that ties everything together.
Regulars often order extra meatballs to take home, knowing they freeze well and make for easy weeknight dinners when cravings strike.
13. Penn Station East Coast Subs — Indiana locations (multiple cities)
Consistency is the name of the game at this regional chain with locations scattered throughout Indiana, including Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville.
Each shop has a similar layout with an open kitchen, subway tile backsplash, and the constant sizzle of onions and peppers cooking on the grill filling the air with mouthwatering aromas.
Their Philly cheesesteak is grilled to order with fresh-cut ribeye steak, sautéed onions, mushrooms, and melted provolone on a toasted sub roll.
The meat is never frozen, and you can watch as your sandwich is assembled right in front of you, ensuring quality control every single time.
Fresh-cut fries are a must-order side, hand-cut daily and fried until golden and crispy with a fluffy interior.
Fun fact: Penn Station started in Ohio but quickly expanded across the Midwest, earning a loyal following for their commitment to fresh ingredients and made-to-order preparation.
14. Jersey Mike’s Subs — Indiana locations (multiple cities)
Authenticity meets convenience at this popular chain with numerous Indiana locations, including spots in Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Muncie.
The shops have a clean, bright design with red and white color schemes, menu boards listing classic East Coast subs, and friendly staff who slice meat and cheese fresh for every order.
Their Mike’s Famous Philly is a crowd favorite, loaded with grilled steak, onions, peppers, and white American cheese on a soft sub roll that soaks up all the savory juices.
The signature “Mike’s Way” includes onions, lettuce, tomatoes, oil, vinegar, and spices that add a tangy crunch to every bite.
Cold subs are equally impressive, especially the Italian sub piled high with provolone, ham, prosciuttini, cappacuolo, salami, and pepperoni.
Fun fact: Jersey Mike’s started as a single shop in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, in 1956, and still maintains that East Coast sandwich tradition across hundreds of locations nationwide.