Some people chase waterfalls, other people chase dreams, but the truly wise chase sandwiches! Raleigh might just be the promised land for the perfectly stacked, sour doughed, sauced, and soul-satisfying sandwiches. While Raleigh is known for its authentic NC BBQ, that succulent meat is best served between two slices of bread, so if you’re looking for the best sandwiches in Raleigh, then grab a pen and paper and take note of my top sandwich spots below.
In this guide, we’re going on a sandwich hunt around Raleigh, except I’ve already done that for you, since all these restaurants serve up sandwiches that I’ve personally tried and tested. Whether you’re craving a classic deli-style sandwich or want more innovative creations, Raleigh has something for every sandwich lover.
1. Oakwood Deli
Found our new favorite local neighborhood sandwich spot in downtown Raleigh, Oakwood Deli, one block over from North Person Street (our favorite street in Raleigh). Similar to a deli you’d find in New York, this place was packed with locals which is always a good sign!
Large range of breakfast sandwiches, bagels, wraps, salads, drinks. They also have a burger on the menu. Loved my Breakfast Reuben Sandwich; corned beef, eggs, Swiss, sauerkraut & brown mustard on rye. Caroline enjoyed her Roast Chicken sandwich on gluten-free bun. Indoor + outdoor seating. Reasonable prices. You will definitely find us back here again – I want to taste test every sandwich on the menu, especially their Cuban, Italian, BLT and Philly!
- Address: 331 New Bern Ave, Raleigh
- Website: www.oakwooddeli.com
2. State of Beer
Located in downtown Raleigh, State of Beer offers more than just an awesome selection of craft and bottled local beers. They also have a great selection of gourmet sandwiches, both hot and cold sandwiches, which all have clever names. Some sandwiches have been named after famous songs such as “Walk the Line” after the famous Johnny Cash song, which comes with turkey, pastrami, Swiss cheese, and house-made thousand island sauce, or “Sweet Home Alabama” which comes with roast beef, cheddar, Alabama white sauce, pickled red peppers, and crunchy onions.
I personally enjoyed my “Smoke on the Water” sandwich, which comes with chicken, bacon, smokey jalapeño aioli, mild cheddar, and pickled red onion served on a hoagie roll. For vegetarians, there’s the Caprese sandwich, which is made with delicious house-made pesto, tomato, and mozzarella, and Apple & Brie which has whipped brie and Granny Smith apples. All of their sandwiches (and they have hearty salads too) pair so well with your beer and are best enjoyed outside on their casual patio.
If you’re looking for places to eat sandwiches in Raleigh that are a bit more casual, then head over to Hillsborough St on the edge of the Warehouse District to State of Beer! State of Beer also now has a location housed in renovated cottages on Morgan St in the area known as The Bend. You’re going to find more of their great sandwiches, a tap room and bottle shop, an then next door, their Bend Bar with a deck and outdoor seating in the forest (with firepits). It’s a cool place to eat and hang out.
- Address: 401 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
- Website: TrophyBrewing.com/state-of-beer
3. Eastcut Sandwich Bar (Raleigh Iron Works)
A welcome addition to Iron Works Development, Eastcut delivers chef-driven, East Coast–inspired sarnies in a bright, neighborhood‑friendly setting, The menu highlights include the Boardwalk Italian (stacked with four cured meats, pickled red onion, tomato, and lettuce), and an entire cutlet program—a standout being the East‑Katsu with fried cutlet, kimchi slaw, tomato, pickled onion, sweet soy, and spicy mayo.
Gluten free eaters will not be missing out at this Raleigh sandwich place with their GF bread. I also love their avocado BLT salad with the avocado goddess dressing vegetarian options include burrata caprese, falafel goddess and a veggie mama burger. Can’t get enough of their sandwiches? Order the 10″ long roll and take some home for dinner. With bread by Union Special and sauces made in‑house, Eastcut brings something fresh to Raleigh’s sandwich scene at one of the first eateries in this rapidly growing dining hub
- Address: 1101 E. Whitaker Mill Rd
- Website: eastcutsandwich.com
4. Fratelli’s Delicatessen
This New York style deli in Apex is definitely worth the short drive from Raleigh. We recently visited went for the first time and for all you New Yorkers or anyone who loves a NY delicatessen, add it to your list and thank us later! On the menu are breakfast sandwiches & burritos, bagels, classic hot & cold sandwiches, NY hot dogs, Chicago hot dogs, paninis, chicken salad and all your favorite salads, plus classic NY style desserts.
We ordered: Reuben on rye, Grilled cheese panini, Italian beef grilled cheese, Tiramisu. NOTE: they have gluten-free options for all the sandwiches (Caroline’s Italian beef is on GF). Located in the Sweetwater Town Center in Apex, right off US Highway 64.
- Address: 1481 Richardson Rd, Apex
- Website: www.fratellisdelicatessen.com
5. Mitch’s Tavern
Mitch’s Tavern is one of the classic sports bars in Raleigh and right across from NC State University campus on Hillsborough St that also serves up some great sandwiches. Established in 1974, it quickly became one of Raleigh’s most notable landmarks and is a favorite amongst NC State students and alumni. The bar area looks like a quintessential English pub, with wood-accent tavern vibes. It also has some quirky NC State memorabilia hanging on the walls too. When it comes to the menu, I enjoy Mitch’s Reuben sandwich, which is a slow-roasted corn beef sandwich with sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and house-made Thousand Island sauce on toasted rye bread. It was hearty and filling.
For something special, try the Hidlay Hoagie, which is an oven-gold turkey sandwich with melted pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo, and topped with oregano and jalapeno jam. It was named after Wolfpack’s own Trent Hidlay, who’s an ACC wrestling champion. All sandwiches are served with a side of chips and a dill pickle. You can substitute a potato salad or a side salad for an additional $2. Their beef chili is also fantastic.
- Address: 2426 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
- Website: MitchsTavernRaleigh.com
6. The Berkeley Cafe
The Berkeley Cafe is one of the oldest restaurants in downtown Raleigh and is located opposite Red Hat Amphitheatre, after recently moving from their century old building location on Nash Square (the devolpers too it over). It’s Well-known for its live music and entertainment and small venue friendly vibe.
As well as being a popular spot for live music, they also serve up some tasty sandwiches. The most popular sandwich on their menu is the Badass Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich, as well as the classic Philly Cheesesteak. And many, including Craig, rave about their Reuban sandwiches. The food is delicious, filling, and affordable, plus there’s a good selection of draft beers to pair with it. We find the staff are really friendly and the cool dive bar vibe is unlike anywhere else in Raleigh. It also has a quirky back patio area.
- Address: 217 W Martin St, Raleigh
- Website: Facebook page
7. Union Special
Union Special is a modern deli that serves up classic sandwiches with a twist. If you want to try a less conventional sandwich, upgrade your sammy to a croi-sammy (a sandwich inside a croissant) for an additional $2.00. If you’re visiting on a Wednesday, try the mega Triple Decker Club sandwich, which is filled with black forest ham, roasted turkey, gruyere cheese, crispy cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, roasted garlic mayo, and thick-cut loaf – the daddy of all sandwiches and is one that will take two hands to eat. Any other day of the week, the Turkey Bacon Ranch sandwich and Italian Sub are a popular choice.
- Address: 2409 Crabtree Blvd, Raleigh
- Website: UnionSpecialBread.com
8. A Place at The Table
A Place at The Table is a unique concept where you can pay-what-you-can for a good cause. The vibe is friendly and open, with lovely staff and volunteers who are all very welcoming. They have a good-sized sandwich menu, and you can also swap to gluten-free bread on request. All sandwiches are served with either fresh chips or fruit. Popular options: Chicken Salad Sandwich, Turkey-Gouda Melt, or for vegetarians, the Black Bean Melt which has Latin-style black beans, sliced avo, goat cheese, and honey and lime drizzle. They also do great coffee using Black & White Roasters from Wake Forest. For something a little different, try the Hummus Pesto sandwich, which is a vegan option made of hummus, vegan basil pesto, roasted bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and arugula.
- Address: 300 W Hargett St #50, Raleigh
- Website: TableRaleigh.org
9. The Morning Times
The Morning Times is one of our favorite breakfast places in Raleigh since it serves up an all-day breakfast, but it also has some tasty sandwiches that make a hearty lunch meal. We enjoy sitting in the cozy upstairs dining area that also functions as an art gallery, or when the sun is shining, grab a table outside on the sidewalk. Popular sandwiches; Morning Sandwich for breakfast, which comes with scrambled egg and cheese, or the Reuben Melt which comes with corned beef, swiss cheese, pickled cabbage, and Russian dressing.
Their sandwich menu is small, but they make up for it with flavor and location and coffee! They also have a small selection of wraps, and a breakfast burrito!
- Address: 10 E Hargett St, Raleigh
- Website: MorningTimes-Raleigh.com
10. Raleigh Times
Head next door to Raleigh Times for one of my favorite sandwiches in Raleigh. Since I’m gluten-free, I don’t get to share my sandwich input much, but thankfully Raleigh Times took care of me with a soft gluten free bun which did not fall apart. That meant I got to fully savor the deliciousness of their Flying Hawaiian chicken sandwich. The grilled chicken comes with grilled pineapple salsa with red peppers and toasted almonds, topped with griddled ham and muenster cheese with arugula, and siracha aioli. What makes this sandwich even better, were the side of house-cut fries, cooked perfectly. Other sandwich favorites include Bangin’ shrimp Po’ Boy with spicy yum yum sauce and Vietnamese slaw and their honey-jalapeno chicken breast (deep fried) sandwich.
- Address: 14 E Hargett St, Raleigh
- Website: raleightimesbar.com
11. Manhattan Cafe
Manhattan Cafe is a family-owned sandwich shop in downtown Raleigh that has an urban aesthetic with graffiti art and chalkboard menus. It’s a classic deli that serves up hearty deli sandwiches and from the press their paninis are very popular, all for less than $10. A popular favorite is the Harvest Turkey sandwich, which comes with oven-roasted turkey, tomato, and delicious cranberry mayo and mesclun greens served on wheat bread. Another popular favorite is the classic BLT, which when paired with a custom salad from the salad bar, is the ideal hearty meal.
They don’t have a vegetarian-friendly sandwich, but they do have the Garden Veggie wrap which is filled with fresh vegetables and a homemade chipotle sauce. And they do have gluten-free bread! What I love about Manhattan Cafe is when you can’t decide between a sandwich or a wrap, you can choose their “pick 2” option, which allows you to select one wrap and one sandwich and pair it with a cup of soup or side salad.
Manhattan Cafe is a popular lunch spot in Raleigh with a fun atmosphere and decor, so be sure to get there early to avoid any queues.
- Address: 320 S Wilmington St, Raleigh
- Website: ManhattanCafe.com
12. Jubala Coffee
One of our favorite coffee shops in Raleigh is of course Jubala Coffee, and not just because of their great coffee, but also their food options. Everything is made fresh, from the coffee to the waffles to the delicious sandwiches and biscuits. They currently have three locations; Lafeyette Village, in North Hills, and my favorite is their location on Hillsborough Street underneath the Aloft Hotel and opposite NC State University and its iconic Bell Tower – I love to sit on the sidewalk and watch the world go by!
While they are popular for their coffee, their biscuits with bacon, egg and cheese and their toasted sandwiches are another worthy reason to visit. Their sandwiches are served between the hours of 11.00am and 4.00pm and are all served hot pressed with Boulted Bread and made to order. Their turkey and avocado sandwich with sharp cheddar, chipotle aioli, and pickled onion, is a favorite of mine. I choose to switch it up by ordering sourdough instead of multigrain.
- Address: 2100 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
- Website: JubalaCoffee.com
13. The Daily Planet Cafe
The Daily Planet Cafe is a cozy coffee shop within the compounds of the Museum of Natural Sciences. They pride themselves on being not your average museum cafe and using fresh, locally sourced produce and products from Tar Heel state. They have a good-sized sandwich menu, with classic combos including Chicken Salad Melts, Smoked Turkey Clubs, and Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwiches. For something a little different, try the Epic Short Rib French Dip which has slow braised chuck roast, provolone, and dijon mustard on a ciabatta bread.
- Address: 121 W Jones St, Raleigh
- Website: thedailyplanetcafe.com
14. Good Graces (North Hills)
At Good Graces in North Hills, their chicken salad sandwich is a standout among Raleigh’s sandwich scene. Built on hearty sourdough, it layers a creamy house-made chicken salad with crisp butter lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and just a hint of tangy pickled red onion for contrast. The flavors are bright and balanced — rich but never greasy — making it one of those perfect “I want something light but satisfying” midday picks.
And don’t skip the fries — they arrive piping hot and generously seasoned, the kind of salty, crisp perfection that makes you want another order. Pairing that seasoned fry with the sandwich is a combo worth writing home about. And talk about sides – what about a side of glamour? The design of htis North Hills restaurant is to be admired!
- Address: 540 St. Albans Drive, Raleigh
- Website: goodgracesraleigh.com
15. MoJoe’s Burger Joint
MoJoe’s is best known for their great burgers (I personally love their carnivore burger with chili), and all round they offer some of the best burgers in Raleigh, but they also have some great sandwich options too. A popular sandwich on their menu is the Philly Cheesesteak. It’s made with savory steak, grilled peppers, onions, and melted provolone cheese. If you’re not in the mood for a cheesesteak, try the Carolina BBQ Sandwich. It’s a classic sandwich with Carolina BBQ and a special sauce and slaw. MoJoe’s has a real community feel with a wall of photos of customers and local regulars lining the walls. You can take a Polaroid and add it to the wall, and see if it’s still there on your next visit!
- Address: 620 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
- Website: mojoesburgerjoint.com
16. Sam Jones BBQ
Sam Jones BBQ are famous for being one of the best places to eat BBQ in Raleigh. For sandwich lovers, try one of their hearty smokehouse sandwiches which all include one side dish. Choose between Pete Jones BBQ which has slow-smoked chopped pork, or the Pulled Chicken, or Smoked Turkey sub – I personally love their turkey sandwich and grabbed one to-go when walking to the Dreamville Festiville and I can’t wait to go back for more! If you’re not into BBQ food, then you can also find a Chicken Club, Catfish, or Pimento Cheese sandwich on the menu.
- Address: 502 W Lenoir St, Raleigh
- Website: SamJonesBBQ.com/raleigh
17. The Players Retreat
A hot spot for NC State alumni for more than 70 years. The vibe is a quaint and traditional sports bar tavern with booths and bar stools at the bar where you can enjoy your food from. There’s also additional seating outside on the sidewalk. On the menu is a good selection of 12 different sandwiches. All sandwiches come with homemade chips or pasta salad, or you can swap your side for something else such as onion rings or a small Caesar salad for $2.50. I don’t have a photo of their sandwiches, but I do of their awesome burgers! If you’re looking for a family-friendly vibe for a Sunday lunch, note that kids eat free on Sundays. Go check them out!
- Address: 105 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh
- Website: PlayersRetreat.com
18. Sugar Magnolia Cafe (Wake Forest)
If you find yourself in charming downtown Wake Forest, make a stop at Sugar Magnolia Café — a cozy spot serving up homemade goodness in a historic building filled with local charm. We enjoyed one of their most popular menu items, the Turkey Bacon Chipotle Panini, and it quickly earned a spot among the best sandwiches I’ve ever had (Caroline). Thankfully, they were able to make it gluten-free, and it didn’t sacrifice one ounce of flavor — smoky bacon, tender turkey, and a zesty chipotle mayo all pressed between perfectly toasted bread made for a deeply satisfying bite. They’re also known for their classic chicken salad sandwiches, another local favorite that hits all the right comfort-food notes.
📍 Address: 219 S White St, Wake Forest
🌐 Website: sugarmagnoliacafe.com
19. Primo Hoagies
Looking for specialty hoagies? Then you can’t go wrong with Primo Hoagies. Originally from Philadelphia, this sandwich delicatessen has been making hoagies for hungry diners for more than 30 years! If you’ve ever fancied a Phili Cheese Steak, this is the place to go for authenticity in flavor and style. The secret, they say, is in the fresh ingredients. They use the finest meats and cheeses and award-winning seeded bread. Three locations in Raleigh – two in downtown and one in North Hills. I personally like the North Hills one. If you like spicy food, try the Spicy Italian Diablo, or if you’re not sure what to try, you can’t go wrong with the classic Steak and Cheese Primo.
- Address: 141 Park at North Hills St
- Website : primohoagies.com
Final thoughts
Those are the best sandwiches that I’ve personally found, BUT I haven’t eaten everywhere, yet. I may have only scratched the surface of the sandwich haven that is Raleigh, so if you think I have missed anywhere, share your suggestions in the comments at the bottom.
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