16 Missouri Sandwich Spots That Compete With The State’s Beloved Toasted Ravioli
Missouri may be known for its toasted ravioli, but the state’s sandwich game is every bit as strong.
From Kansas City brisket piled high on fresh bread to St. Louis delis serving creations that could win over any out-of-towner, the Show-Me State knows how to keep lunch interesting.
These spots have turned simple sandwiches into local legends, each one packed with flavor, heart, and a little bit of that unmistakable Missouri pride.
1. Gioia’s Deli — St. Louis
Walk into Gioia’s and you’ll smell the hot salami before you even see the counter. This legendary deli has been slinging sandwiches since 1918, and their signature hot salami is the stuff of local legend.
Piled high with spicy, perfectly seasoned meat and gooey provolone, it’s a messy, glorious experience. The bread comes from a nearby bakery, keeping everything authentically Italian.
Forget fancy toppings or complicated orders. At Gioia’s, simplicity reigns supreme, and one bite will tell you why this place has survived over a century in the sandwich game.
2. Blues City Deli — St. Louis
Right in the heart of downtown, Blues City Deli serves up sandwiches that hit all the right notes. Their menu reads like a greatest hits album, with creative combos that go way beyond the usual turkey and cheese.
Try the Big Muddy, loaded with roast beef, turkey, bacon, and all the fixings. The bread is always fresh, the portions are generous, and the staff actually remembers your name after a few visits.
It’s the kind of spot where office workers and tourists mingle over lunch, united by their love of a really good sandwich.
3. Adriana’s On The Hill — St. Louis
Nestled in the historic Hill neighborhood, Adriana’s brings serious Italian flavor to every sandwich they make.
This family-run spot doesn’t mess around when it comes to quality ingredients and old-school recipes.
Their Italian sub is a masterpiece of layered meats, sharp provolone, and tangy peppers. Each bite tastes like someone’s nonna made it with love and a little bit of sass.
The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, making you feel like you’ve stepped into someone’s home kitchen. Bonus points for the homemade pasta if you’re in the mood for something other than sandwiches.
4. LeGrand’s Market & Catering — St. Louis
LeGrand’s takes the humble sandwich and elevates it to art. Located in the charming DeMun neighborhood, this market and deli combo offers sandwiches that taste like they belong in a fancy restaurant.
Fresh-baked bread, premium meats, and creative flavor combinations make every order feel special. The turkey avocado with cranberry aioli is a fan favorite, balancing savory and sweet perfectly.
You can grab a quick lunch or order catering for your next event. Either way, LeGrand’s proves that quality ingredients and a little creativity go a long way in the sandwich world.
5. Mom’s Deli — St. Louis
Sometimes you just want a sandwich that feels like home, and Mom’s Deli delivers exactly that.
No frills, no fancy names, just solid, delicious sandwiches made the way your mom would make them (if she was really good at it).
The menu is straightforward, featuring all the classics done right. Turkey, ham, roast beef, you name it, they’ve got it, and it’s always fresh.
The prices are reasonable, the portions are generous, and the vibe is friendly. Mom’s is proof that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to make a sandwich worth driving across town for.
6. The Gramophone — St. Louis
Open late and always buzzing, The Gramophone is where St. Louis goes when the sandwich craving hits after midnight. Their menu is packed with creative options that sound wild but taste incredible.
The Hambone is a local favorite, stacked with ham, turkey, bacon, and a secret sauce that keeps people coming back. Everything is made to order, and the bread is toasted to crispy perfection.
Whether you’re fueling up before a concert or recovering after one, The Gramophone has your back. It’s the kind of place that becomes a tradition, not just a meal stop.
7. Pickles Deli — St. Louis
With a name like Pickles, you know this place doesn’t take itself too seriously. Located near the medical district, it’s a favorite among doctors, nurses, and anyone who appreciates a sandwich with personality.
Their corned beef is legendary, piled high and paired with tangy mustard and rye bread. The pickles (obviously) are crisp and briny, adding the perfect crunch.
Service is fast, the staff is friendly, and the prices won’t break the bank. Pickles Deli is the kind of neighborhood gem that makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit.
8. Protzel’s Delicatessen — Clayton
Protzel’s has been a Clayton institution since 1954, serving up Jewish deli classics that transport you straight to New York.
Their pastrami is hand-cut, tender, and packed with flavor that only comes from decades of perfecting the recipe.
The sandwiches are massive, so come hungry or plan to share. Pair your meal with a side of potato salad and a pickle for the full deli experience.
The old-school atmosphere and friendly service make Protzel’s feel timeless. It’s a place where generations of families have gathered over sandwiches, and the tradition continues strong today.
9. Union Loafers Café & Bread Bakery — St. Louis
Union Loafers is where bread becomes the star of the show. This bakery and cafe bakes everything fresh daily, and their sandwiches showcase that incredible bread in the best way possible.
Try the roast beef with horseradish cream or the seasonal veggie option, both built on crusty, chewy loaves that taste like heaven. The ingredients are locally sourced and thoughtfully chosen.
It’s a hip, laid-back spot perfect for brunch or lunch. Union Loafers proves that when you start with amazing bread, you’re already halfway to sandwich perfection.
10. Carl’s Deli — St. Louis
Carl’s Deli is a no-nonsense spot that’s been feeding St. Louis since 1967. They focus on doing the basics exceptionally well, and their loyal customers wouldn’t have it any other way.
The Italian sub is a standout, loaded with salami, ham, pepperoni, and all the classic fixings. Fresh bread and generous portions make every sandwich feel like a bargain.
The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, perfect for a quick lunch or takeout. Carl’s is the kind of place that reminds you that sometimes simple really is best when it comes to food.
11. Joe Fassi Sausage & Sandwich Factory — St. Louis
Joe Fassi has been making sausages and sandwiches in St. Louis since 1921, and they’ve mastered the craft.
This family-owned spot specializes in Italian sausage, and their sandwiches are legendary in the local food scene.
The sausage sandwich with peppers and onions is a must-try, featuring perfectly seasoned meat that’s juicy and flavorful. The rolls are fresh, and the toppings are always spot-on.
You can also buy their sausages to cook at home, but honestly, why would you when they make them so perfectly here? Joe Fassi is a St. Louis treasure worth celebrating.
12. Amighetti’s — St. Louis
Amighetti’s has been around since 1921, and their special sandwich is the stuff of legend. This isn’t just a sandwich, it’s a St. Louis tradition wrapped in wax paper.
Layers of salami, ham, and cheese are piled high with lettuce, tomato, onion, and their famous house dressing. The bread is soft yet sturdy enough to hold all that goodness together.
Locals have been arguing for decades about whether Amighetti’s or Gioia’s has the better sandwich. Honestly, the only way to settle it is to try both and decide for yourself.
13. Bay Boy Specialty Sandwiches — Kansas City
Kansas City’s Bay Boy brings a creative twist to the sandwich game with inventive combinations that surprise and delight.
Their menu changes with the seasons, keeping regulars on their toes and always curious about what’s next.
The banh mi-inspired options are particularly popular, blending Vietnamese flavors with classic sandwich structures. Fresh vegetables, pickled ingredients, and flavorful proteins come together beautifully.
The casual atmosphere and friendly staff make Bay Boy a neighborhood favorite. It’s the kind of place where you go in for lunch and leave planning your next visit before you’ve even finished eating.
14. Pigwich — Kansas City
Pigwich takes Kansas City’s famous barbecue and transforms it into sandwich perfection. Their pulled pork is smoky, tender, and piled high on fresh buns that somehow manage to contain all that saucy goodness.
Add some tangy coleslaw on top for crunch and balance, and you’ve got a meal that represents everything great about KC barbecue. The portions are generous without being overwhelming.
The food truck vibe keeps things fun and casual. Pigwich proves that barbecue doesn’t always need a plate and silverware to be absolutely incredible.
15. The Peanut — Kansas City
The Peanut is a dive bar institution that’s been serving Kansas City since 1933. Don’t let the bar atmosphere fool you, the burgers and sandwiches here are seriously good.
Simple, straightforward, and cooked to order, their burgers are juicy and satisfying. The atmosphere is pure old-school Kansas City, complete with peanut shells on the floor and friendly bartenders.
It’s the kind of place where you go for a beer and end up staying for the food. The Peanut reminds us that sometimes the best meals come from the most unexpected places.
16. Town Topic Hamburgers — Kansas City
Town Topic has been flipping burgers in Kansas City since 1937, and they haven’t changed much because they don’t need to.
This 24-hour diner serves up tiny, perfectly seasoned burgers that pack way more flavor than their size suggests.
Order them by the handful, topped with grilled onions, pickles, and mustard. The griddle-cooked patties have that crispy edge that only comes from decades of practice.
The retro atmosphere and late-night hours make Town Topic a Kansas City landmark. It’s proof that when you do one thing really well for almost 90 years, people will keep coming back.