These Tennessee Sandwich Counters Are Treasured By Locals Like Grandma’s Sunday Recipes
Tennessee has a way of turning a simple sandwich into something unforgettable. I spent days wandering into modest counters tucked beside gas stations and grocery stores, where the griddle’s hiss sets the rhythm of the morning.
Every place had its own story, told through slow-cooked pork, crisp pickles, and bread that never skimps on butter.
Locals drop by for lunch, chat about the weather, and stay longer than planned. It’s comfort, tradition, and Southern pride stacked between two slices of bread.
1. Mitchell Delicatessen, Nashville
Since 1982, this East Nashville gem has been stacking sandwiches that make grown adults weak in the knees. The turkey and swiss on rye is legendary, piled high with fresh ingredients that never skimp on quality.
Locals swear by the house-made potato salad that comes on the side. The atmosphere feels like stepping into your favorite uncle’s kitchen, complete with checkered floors and that unmistakable smell of freshly sliced meat.
Every sandwich gets wrapped in paper and handed over with a smile that says they actually care about your lunch.
2. East Side Banh Mi, Nashville
Vietnamese flavors meet Southern hospitality at this unassuming spot on Gallatin Avenue. Crispy baguettes get loaded with savory pork, pickled carrots, daikon, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro that creates a flavor explosion you won’t forget.
The bread arrives daily and gets toasted just right, crunchy outside but soft inside. Prices stay reasonable even though everything tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant downtown.
First-timers should try the grilled pork banh mi, which balances sweet, spicy, and tangy notes perfectly.
3. The Grilled Cheeserie (Melt Shop), Nashville
Comfort food gets a major upgrade when multiple cheeses meet artisan bread on a hot griddle. What started as a food truck became a brick-and-mortar favorite because people couldn’t get enough of these gooey masterpieces.
The mac and cheese melt sounds crazy but tastes like pure genius. Each sandwich gets grilled until the cheese reaches that perfect stretchy consistency that photographs beautifully.
Tomato soup comes standard for dipping, because some traditions just can’t be improved.
4. Gus’s Good Times Deli, Knoxville
Walking into Gus’s feels like visiting a friend who happens to make incredible sandwiches. The menu board hasn’t changed much since opening, and regulars wouldn’t have it any other way.
I remember my first visit during college when a classmate insisted we skip the dining hall. That Italian sub changed my whole perspective on what a sandwich could be. Fresh ingredients matter, and Gus’s proves it daily.
The staff remembers your order after just a couple visits, which makes grabbing lunch feel personal rather than transactional.
5. River Street Deli, Chattanooga
Tucked near the Tennessee River, this deli serves sandwiches that fuel hikers, office workers, and tourists exploring the scenic city. The roast beef gets cooked in-house and sliced thick enough to satisfy serious appetites.
Homemade coleslaw adds crunch without being too mayonnaise-heavy like some places overdo it. Grab a seat by the window and watch the river flow while enjoying a sandwich that doesn’t cut corners.
The pickle spear that comes alongside might be the best in Tennessee, tangy and crisp.
6. Mindy B’s Deli, Chattanooga
Family recipes meet modern twists at this neighborhood favorite where sandwiches get named after local landmarks and regular customers. The Lookout Mountain club comes triple-stacked with turkey, ham, bacon, and all the fixings that make clubs worth the messy eating experience.
Fresh-baked cookies sit by the register, tempting everyone who walks past. The bread gets delivered from a local bakery each morning, ensuring every sandwich starts with the right foundation.
Catering orders keep the kitchen busy, proving locals trust Mindy B’s for important gatherings.
7. Payne’s Bar-B-Q, Memphis
Memphis barbecue doesn’t get more authentic than this tiny shack that’s been smoking meat since 1972. The chopped pork sandwich comes dressed with tangy slaw and sauce that balances sweet and vinegar notes beautifully.
No frills here, just honest food served on paper plates that soak up the juices. Lines form during lunch, but the wait moves quickly because the staff knows exactly what they’re doing.
Cash only, so hit the ATM before arriving hungry and ready to experience real Memphis flavor.
8. Front Street Deli, Memphis
Downtown workers have relied on this deli for decades when they need something better than fast food but faster than a sit-down restaurant. The pastrami on rye gets piled so high you’ll need both hands to manage it properly.
Mustard comes spicy or mild, depending on your preference and tolerance. The location makes it convenient for courthouse employees, business folks, and anyone exploring the Memphis riverfront area.
Grab extra napkins because these sandwiches don’t believe in holding back on the good stuff.
9. Bogie’s Delicatessen, Memphis
Jewish deli traditions thrive at this Memphis favorite where corned beef gets cured properly and rye bread arrives fresh daily. The Reuben drips with melted swiss, sauerkraut, and thousand island dressing that creates that perfect sweet-sour-savory combination.
Matzo ball soup warms you up before tackling a massive sandwich. The staff tosses around playful banter while assembling orders, making the experience entertaining beyond just the food.
Save room for a black and white cookie if you can manage it after finishing your sandwich.