12 Texas Sandwich Spots Locals Keep To Themselves (Lines Every Lunch)
Alright, lean in close. What I’m about to tell you is strictly off the record, a verbal handshake agreement between me and you, and definitely not something I’ll admit to my neighbors.
For too long, I’ve been one of them, one of the locals who pretend these phenomenal sandwich joints are mere mirages, while secretly showing up precisely at 11:45 AM to beat the legendary lunch rush. My conscience (and the sheer deliciousness of it all) finally won.
Here are the 12 Texas sandwich spots where the ‘secret’ is out, at least to us. Expect lines, expect perfection, and expect me to be somewhere in that queue.
1. Franklin Barbecue – Austin
Aaron Franklin turned a backyard hobby into a global phenomenon, and his brisket sandwich remains one of Austin’s most sought-after meals. The line starts forming before dawn, with dedicated fans camping out in lawn chairs for a taste of that perfectly smoked, melt-in-your-mouth beef. Most days the restaurant sells out by early afternoon, making timing everything.
Each sandwich features thick-cut brisket with a gorgeous smoke ring, served on simple white bread that lets the meat shine. The bark delivers a peppery punch while the interior stays impossibly tender. Pickles, onions, and sauce come on the side, though purists argue the meat needs nothing extra.
Expect to wait anywhere from two to four hours, but regulars swear the payoff justifies every minute.
2. Micklethwait Craft Meats – Austin
Operating from an unassuming East Austin trailer, Micklethwait has built a reputation for barbecue that rivals the city’s biggest names. Pitmaster Tom Micklethwait sources top-quality meats and smokes them low and slow, resulting in brisket sandwiches that make locals set their alarms early. The casual outdoor seating and relaxed vibe make the wait feel less daunting.
Beyond brisket, the menu rotates with creative specials like jalapeño cheese grits and house-made sausages that keep regulars guessing. The sandwiches come generously portioned, often requiring both hands and a stack of napkins. Weekends see the longest queues, with families and university students mingling under the shade of nearby trees.
Arrive before 11 a.m. to beat the lunch rush and secure your spot.
3. Bird Bird Biscuit – Austin
Buttermilk biscuits meet crispy fried chicken in a match made in Southern comfort heaven. Bird Bird Biscuit earned a spot on Yelp’s Top 100 sandwich shops nationwide, and one bite explains why. The chicken gets brined overnight, hand-breaded, and fried to golden perfection, then tucked into a pillowy biscuit that practically melts on contact.
Morning and lunch crowds pack the multiple Austin locations, with the breakfast sandwich drawing particularly devoted fans. Options range from classic fried chicken to creative riffs with hot honey, pimento cheese, or bacon jam. The biscuits themselves deserve their own fan club—flaky, buttery layers that hold up to even the juiciest fillings.
Weekend waits can stretch past thirty minutes, but the friendly staff keeps spirits high with samples and jokes.
4. Pecan Lodge – Dallas
Deep Ellum’s brick-lined streets lead hungry diners to Pecan Lodge, where the Pitmaster sandwich has achieved legendary status. Justin and Diane Fourton opened this BBQ temple in 2010, and it quickly became a Dallas institution. The sandwich stacks brisket, sausage, and sometimes pulled pork into a tower of smoky goodness that challenges even the hungriest appetites.
I remember my first visit—I showed up at noon thinking I’d waltz right in, only to find a line wrapped around the building. Forty-five minutes later, sandwich in hand, I understood why everyone waited. The meat falls apart at the slightest touch, and the house-made sausage adds a spicy kick that balances the rich brisket.
Weekday lunches see slightly shorter waits than weekends, but expect a crowd regardless.
5. Jimmy’s Food Store – Dallas
Since 1966, Jimmy’s has been slicing meats and building sandwiches that make Dallas locals feel like they’ve been transported to a classic East Coast deli. The Italian hoagies come loaded with layers of salami, capicola, mortadella, and provolone, all piled onto crusty bread that somehow stays structurally sound despite the weight. The deli counter bustles with regulars who know their order by heart.
Shelves stocked with imported olive oils, pastas, and cheeses surround the ordering area, creating an authentic Italian market experience. The sandwiches measure nearly a foot long, making them ideal for sharing or saving half for dinner. Oil, vinegar, and hot peppers come standard unless you request otherwise.
Lunch hour transforms the place into controlled chaos, so call ahead if possible.
6. Antone’s Famous Po’Boys – Houston
Houston’s po’boy royalty began when Jalal Antone brought New Orleans flavors to Texas in 1962. The original sandwich remains the signature, though shrimp, oyster, and catfish versions give it serious competition. Dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayo on French bread that’s crispy outside and pillowy inside, these po’boys honor their Louisiana roots.
Multiple locations across Houston mean you’re never far from a fix, though the original Montrose spot holds special nostalgia for longtime fans. The lunch rush brings office workers, construction crews, and families all seeking that perfect bite. Portions run large enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetite.
Order at the counter, grab a cold drink, and prepare for messy, delicious eating.
7. Paulie’s Poboys – Houston
Paul Petronella channels his New Orleans heritage into every sandwich at this Montrose favorite. Locals and food critics alike praise the roast beef po’boy, where slow-cooked beef mingles with rich debris gravy in a combination that demands extra napkins. The bread provides the perfect vehicle for all that saucy goodness without falling apart halfway through.
Beyond po’boys, the menu features muffulettas, Italian cold cuts, and daily specials that showcase seasonal ingredients. The small dining room fills quickly during lunch, with overflow seating on the patio when weather permits. Regulars know to arrive before noon or after 1:30 p.m. to avoid the midday stampede.
Counter service keeps things moving efficiently, even when the line stretches to the door.
8. Alvin Ord’s Sandwich Shop – San Marcos
Four decades of sandwich-making wisdom live within the walls of this San Marcos institution, located just blocks from Texas State University. Alvin Ord opened the shop in the early 1980s, and it’s been feeding students, professors, and townies ever since. The menu reads like a greatest-hits collection of American deli classics all made with fresh ingredients and generous portions.
College kids on tight budgets appreciate the reasonable prices, while the quality keeps everyone coming back semester after semester. The dining room features mismatched chairs, local artwork, and a bulletin board covered in community announcements. Lines form steadily throughout lunch, moving at a clip thanks to the experienced staff who’ve perfected their sandwich-building choreography.
Cash and cards accepted, though regulars know to tip the counter crew generously.
9. Thundercloud Subs – Austin
Since 1975, this Austin institution has been slinging submarine sandwiches that earn fierce loyalty from university students and downtown workers alike. The Office Favorite, piled high with turkey, ham, and all the fixings, remains the bestseller for good reason.
What sets this place apart is the homemade breads baked fresh daily and the signature hot sauce that locals add to everything. Lines snake around the building during peak lunch hours, but the crew behind the counter moves with practiced efficiency.
Multiple locations dot the Austin area, yet each one maintains that neighborhood vibe that makes regulars feel like family. Cash or card both work here, and most sandwiches run under twelve dollars.
10. Kenny & Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen – Houston
Walking through the doors feels like stepping into Manhattan, even though you’re firmly planted in Houston. This deli serves authentic New York-style sandwiches that would make any Brooklyn native nod with approval.
Pastrami on rye stands nearly four inches tall, hand-carved from meat that’s been cured and smoked using traditional methods. Matzo ball soup and knishes round out the menu, but people really come for those impossibly stacked sandwiches that require both hands and serious jaw strength.
The weekend brunch crowd can be intense, so weekday lunches offer shorter waits. Expect to spend around fifteen to twenty dollars per sandwich, but you’ll likely have leftovers for dinner too.
11. Schilo’s Delicatessen – San Antonio
Operating since 1917, this German-style deli near the Riverwalk serves sandwiches that have fed generations of San Antonio families. The Reuben here isn’t just good-it’s legendary, with corned beef so tender it practically melts on your tongue.
Homemade root beer flows from taps behind the counter, providing the perfect sweet complement to salty, savory sandwiches. The building itself whispers history, with worn wooden booths and vintage photographs covering every wall.
Locals know to arrive before noon or after 1:30 to avoid the worst of the lunch rush. Prices remain remarkably reasonable, with most sandwiches under ten dollars, making this spot a bargain for downtown dining.
12. Tony’s Italian Delicatessen – Montgomery
Tony’s Italian Delicatessen in Montgomery is a highly rated Italian deli noted for its enormous, old-school Italian sandwiches. Their menu offers a variety of sandwiches, each packed with authentic Italian flavors and generous portions.
Fort Worth’s best-kept lunch secret hides behind an unassuming storefront in the Near Southside neighborhood. Chef-driven sandwiches here elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary, using house-made condiments and locally sourced produce whenever possible.
The rotating menu means you might find anything from porchetta with salsa verde to fried chicken with pickled vegetables, all served on bread from a local bakery.
This isn’t your typical grab-and-go sandwich joint-expect to linger and savor every bite. Prices run slightly higher at around fourteen to eighteen dollars, but the quality justifies every penny spent.