Life After Subway: 5 Oregon Sandwich Spots That Fail And 5 That Are Worth The Bite
Sandwich lovers, I’ve got news for you! After Subway’s recent Oregon closures, I’ve been on a personal quest to find the best local alternatives.
Turns out, not all sandwich shops are created equal.
I’ve tasted my way through countless spots across the state to bring you this honest breakdown of where to spend your sandwich dollars—and where to save them.
1. Subway: The Fallen Giant
Remember when Subway felt like a fresh alternative to burger joints? Those days are long gone, friends. Last month, I revisited my once-favorite Subway in Portland before it shuttered, and the experience was downright depressing.
Wilted veggies lounged sadly atop processed meats, while the bread—once Subway’s signature—tasted like it had been baked days ago. The employee looked as uninspired as my sandwich.
With numerous Oregon locations closing and quality declining faster than my patience, it’s no wonder this chain is struggling. The $5 footlong deal might be history, but so is any reason to eat here. Sometimes nostalgia isn’t enough to make a mediocre sandwich worth it.
2. East Side Deli: Portland’s Disappointing Darling
Portland hipsters rave about East Side Deli, but I’m genuinely puzzled by the hype. My Italian sub arrived looking impressive but delivered a flavor experience about as exciting as watching paint dry.
Meat-to-bread ratio? Way off. The sandwich was drowning in too much mayo while simultaneously being bone dry in places. When I mentioned this to the beanie-wearing staff member, I got an eye roll that could’ve powered a windmill.
Prices have skyrocketed while portion sizes have shrunk faster than wool sweaters in hot water. For $14, I expected something memorable—instead, I got a forgettable sandwich and attitude on the side. Save your money and your taste buds for somewhere that cares.
3. Cheba Hut: Eugene’s Gimmicky Letdown
Marijuana-themed sandwich shops sound fun until you realize they’re putting more effort into pun names than actual sandwich crafting. Eugene’s Cheba Hut lured me in with its quirky concept, but left me hungry for substance.
My “White Widow” chicken sandwich arrived lukewarm, with chicken so dry it could’ve doubled as jerky. The signature garlic herb bread was the only saving grace, though even that couldn’t compensate for the skimpy fillings and lackluster sauces.
The staff seemed more interested in the theme than food quality, and the prices ($13+ for basic sandwiches) feel like highway robbery. Despite the chill atmosphere and clever marketing, Cheba Hut proves that gimmicks don’t make great sandwiches. Your munchies deserve better satisfaction.
4. Sandwich Express: Beaverton’s Bland Blunder
Walking into Beaverton’s Sandwich Express feels like time-traveling to the 1990s—and not in a good way. The faded menu board and listless ingredients behind the counter should have been my first warning.
My turkey club arrived wrapped in paper that had more flavor than its contents. The bread crumbled like ancient ruins, while the turkey had that peculiar, processed taste that lingers unpleasantly. Even the bacon—how do you mess up bacon?—was both burnt and somehow still rubbery.
The lone employee seemed as enthusiastic about sandwich-making as I am about dental work. At $9.99, it wasn’t highway robbery, but definitely petty theft. Some local spots deserve support through tough times—this just isn’t one of them.
5. Food Court Fiasco: Mall Sandwiches From Hell
Last Tuesday, trapped in Washington Square Mall during a downpour, hunger drove me to the food court where I made a terrible mistake. The generic sandwich chain (which shall remain nameless to protect the guilty) offered what they called a “gourmet Italian sub.”
What arrived was a crime against sandwich-kind. The bread had all the texture and flavor of styrofoam, while the meat was sliced so thin you could read through it. Vegetables appeared to have been chopped days ago, limp and discolored like old newspaper.
For $12.50, I expected at least edible, but this sad creation wouldn’t pass muster even at a gas station. Mall sandwich chains remain the last refuge of the desperately hungry with no other options. You’ve been warned.
6. Pasture PDX: Farm-Fresh Heaven
Holy sandwich revelation! Pasture PDX in Northeast Portland has ruined me for ordinary sandwiches. Their roast beef changed my life last Wednesday—perfectly pink, sliced paper-thin, and piled gloriously high on house-baked bread that strikes the ideal balance between chewy and soft.
Owner-chef Annie makes everything from scratch, including the mind-blowing horseradish aioli that cleared my sinuses and made me see sandwich Jesus. The ingredients come from local farms, and you can absolutely taste the difference.
At $14, it’s not cheap, but you’re paying for craft, not just calories. The tiny shop only has four seats, so plan accordingly or grab to-go. Worth noting: they sell out regularly by 2pm because perfection can’t be rushed or mass-produced.
7. Sammich: The Pastrami Paradise
My journey to Sammich began with a three-hour drive to their original Ashland location, and I’d happily drive twice as far for their Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich. Owner Melissa McMillan smokes and hand-slices all meats in-house, creating pastrami that would make a New Yorker weep with joy.
The signature “Pastrami Zombie” features thick-cut, pepper-crusted beef with the perfect fat ratio, served on rye that somehow stays structurally sound despite the juicy deliciousness. Their house giardiniera adds a spicy crunch that elevates everything to sandwich nirvana.
Now with a Portland location too, Sammich isn’t just a sandwich shop—it’s a religious experience. At $15-18 per sandwich, you might feel initial sticker shock, but one bite will convert you into a lifelong believer.
8. Baker’s Mark: Portland’s Best-Kept Secret
Tucked away in a nondescript building in Southeast Portland, Baker’s Mark doesn’t look like much from outside. Inside, however, sandwich magic happens daily. Their tuna melt—normally a diner afterthought—is transformed into something transcendent through house-baked sourdough and locally-caught albacore.
Owner Mark (yes, he’s real) previously baked for high-end restaurants before opening this humble shop five years ago. His bread alone would be worth the visit, but the creative fillings take everything to another level.
The shop feels like someone’s cozy kitchen, with just three tables and walls covered in customer polaroids. Go early for the full selection—they close when they sell out, often by 2pm. At $11-13 per sandwich, it’s reasonably priced for the quality and care evident in every bite.
9. Taste Tickler: Portland’s No-Frills Champion
Don’t let the dated storefront fool you—Taste Tickler near Portland’s Hollywood District has been quietly making the city’s best cheesesteaks for over 40 years. I’ve been a regular since college, when their massive sandwiches could stretch into two meals on my student budget.
The Special #1 combines thin-sliced ribeye, melted provolone, mushrooms, and bell peppers on a perfectly toasted hoagie roll that somehow never gets soggy. Nothing fancy here—just consistently excellent execution and portions that could feed a small country.
The same family has run this joint forever, and they remember regulars’ orders like old friends. At around $10 for a sandwich that could feed two people, it’s also one of Portland’s best food values. Cash only, and worth hitting the ATM for.
10. Devil’s Dill: Portland’s Late-Night Savior
After a concert last month, I stumbled into Devil’s Dill at 1am, expecting mediocre drunk food. Instead, I found sandwich salvation that holds up even in broad daylight and complete sobriety.
Their slow-roasted pork shoulder sandwich comes on a crusty roll that’s somehow both substantial and delicate, with house-pickled vegetables adding brightness to the rich meat. The real game-changer is their habanero-carrot sauce that builds heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
Open until 3am, they’re saving Portland’s night owls from bad pizza one perfect sandwich at a time. The tiny space only seats about 10 people, but they do brisk takeout business. At $13-15 per sandwich, it’s priced fairly for the quality ingredients and house-made everything. Worth staying up late for!