If you’re hunting for Baltimore’s best sandwiches, you’re in the right city. But beyond the classics, you’ll also find perfect crab cake melts, legendary pit beef, and a few spots that feel like they’ve been pulled from a corner deli in Brooklyn. While some might lump all of Baltimore County together, we’re sticking to the city proper—with a few essential stops just outside.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
$ | (443) 873-1200 | WEBSITE
This tidy sub shop sits in a shopping center on Washington Blvd, with a clean and bright interior. We come here for the club supreme sandwich. It’s piled high with fresh meat and crisp vegetables, all held together by a generous spread of chipotle mayo that seeps into the soft, fresh bread. For around $15, you can get the sandwich with chips and a drink—a solid deal that makes it easy to earn reward points for free subs.
But if you’re craving something simpler, just grab a classic sub with their quality meats and cheeses. The service is quick and friendly, with staff who often share a joke to brighten your visit. So if you’re on a tight schedule or heading out to shop nearby, this is a great place to stop before you start browsing the stores.
Potbelly sandwich shop
$ | (410) 528-0901 | WEBSITE
Potbelly is a staple. It’s been around for decades and looks like a classic sandwich shop with a red awning. There’s a counter for ordering and a few tables inside for folks grabbing a quick lunch. You’ll probably have to wait too if you come at noon. Not everything is perfect. The Italian sandwich is good, but it won’t make you sigh like a cat in a sunbeam—for a reaction like that, get the broccoli cheddar soup.
And the turkey and swiss is more comforting than your favorite hoodie after a long day. But Potbelly’s strength is its reliability, straightforward food, polite service, and no-nonsense simplicity. You’re here to eat a solid sandwich with your hands off of a clean table next to friendly strangers, and watch your order come up ready from the efficient kitchen.
Charleys Cheesesteaks and Wings
$ | (410) 497-5469 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of sandwich spots in Baltimore, but Charleys Cheesesteaks and Wings stands out for its straightforward, satisfying approach. This one has a drive-thru, which is super convenient, though sometimes the line can stretch a bit—just be patient, it’s worth it. The best sandwich here is the flavorful chicken cheesesteak, and the lemon pepper wings are great too. The California Chicken sub is also popular, but for something truly indulgent, go for the Ultimate fries.
They’re hot, fresh, and perfectly crispy. The staff is friendly and attentive, keeping the place clean and the service quick. There are kid-friendly options, which makes it easy for families, and they’ve got handicapped parking right on-site. Even if you’re not in the mood for a sandwich, come here for those wings—they hit the spot every time.
Così
$ | (410) 545-0550 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a straightforward, no-fuss lunch spot, Così is your place. The interior is clean and modern with bright lighting and simple wooden tables. The menu offers fresh bowls, flatbreads, sandwiches, salads, and soups—all solid choices. We like the TBM flatbread, a good vegetarian option. The staff is friendly and accommodating, which makes the experience pleasant. The only downside might be a bit of a wait during peak times, but everything is good quality.
Because this is a convenient spot, be practical and grab a sandwich or salad to go—it’s a satisfying meal that won’t disappoint.
Sunny’s
$ | (410) 675-5131 | WEBSITE
Sunny’s is not a fancy restaurant. It’s a breakfast and lunch spot where the hungry can grab a quick, high-quality meal. But here’s where it becomes a morning ritual. The rule at Sunny’s is: any order you place gets prepared in about eight minutes flat. And if you come during breakfast hours, it’s essentially an all-you-can-eat buffet of home-style classics. They even hand you a fresh muffin when you pay the affordable cash-only bill.
Just bring exact change (or that friend who always carries cash) to help you navigate the limited staff and swift service.
Potbelly
$ | (667) 219-2578 | WEBSITE
Just off the main city streets is Potbelly—where the best Steakhouse Beef sandwich we’ve ever eaten is. Potbelly is a straightforward sandwich shop that offers high-quality sandwiches, pick two combos, and flavorful chili. But you’re coming here for the sandwiches. Everything is straightforward and reliable. The Steakhouse Beef is their top recommendation, and you can thank their friendly, professional service for your pleasant visit. Plus, the pick two option is popular.
They give you so much excellent chicken salad sandwich, it’s hard to finish the half portion it comes with. But that Steakhouse Beef is the star of the menu. The beef is hearty, the bread is fresh, and the toppings are crisp. End your meal with some flavorful chili, though it could use more substance to match the sandwiches.
Sunny’s Chicken & Fish
$ | (410) 362-3872 | WEBSITE
Sunny’s Chicken & Fish is a popular spot serving fish, wings, and breakfast all day. The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the chicken is worth the trip to Westside Shopping Center even if you have to circle for parking during the lunch rush. It’s a busy restaurant with a well-organized layout and ample parking that’s actually functional (so don’t worry about finding a spot).
Service is friendly, the chicken is fresh and not greasy, and it’s a great place to bring the family for a casual meal. Order a plate of buffalo wings with seasoned Western fries and watch as every nearby table does the same.
Krause’s Lite Fare Carry Out
$ | (410) 244-0748 | WEBSITE
The star at Krause’s should be the regular turkey sandwich on its soft kaiser roll. We hesitate to call the Thanksgiving turkey sandwich just a variation. That doesn’t do justice to the generous portion of turkey that bursts with flavor in every bite. The Turkey Reuben with cranberry sauce is also fantastic. There aren’t many seats inside this casual market stall, which explains why most customers grab their orders to go.
But even if you’re taking it out, pause to appreciate the bustling energy of Lexington Market around you.
J.C. Romero’s Neighborhood Cafe
$ | (410) 633-8070 | WEBSITE
The pastrami on rye—a classic deli creation of cured meat, mustard, and rye bread—is a beautiful thing. And J.C. Romero’s makes one of the best we’ve ever had. Plus, this place is a great casual neighborhood cafe (their Italian sub is simple and wonderful). There are other things on the menu that involve sandwiches besides the pastrami, like the turkey club, subs, and various deli options. But please get the pastrami on rye as well. It’ll make us sad if you don’t.
Merritt Sub
$ | (410) 288-5628 | WEBSITE
In Baltimore, it’s harder to find a proper cheesesteak than it is to find a parking spot downtown that doesn’t require parallel parking skills. But Merritt Sub is a sandwich shop that has delicious cheesesteaks. We like the classic cheesesteak. It normally comes with provolone, but order it with extra cheese—it gets along better with the thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and soft roll.
Then there’s the chopped fish sandwich—practically the same size as the cheesesteak, but filled with crispy fried fish and tartar sauce. This is a great place for quick lunches too. The service is friendly and the dining area feels welcoming with its bright lighting and accessible layout.
Stuggy’s Sandwich Shop
$ | (443) 835-4693 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving a gourmet hot dog in a lively spot where the orders fly out in minutes, Stuggy’s is for you. This casual eatery in Baltimore makes the best crab mac and cheese dog we’ve had in the city. It’s also perfect for a quick bite. There are massive hot dogs loaded with waygu beef, turkey, or veggie options, plus garlic parmesan fries that are crispy and flavorful. The meat is made with high-quality ingredients and cooked fresh, so it’s juicy, tasty, and seasoned just right.
Stuggy’s also has special deals like two hotdogs for one on Thursdays and vegetarian options, so it’s great for various tastes. But things stay fun all day with the friendly, professional staff and a bustling atmosphere. It’s open for lunch and dinner, with quick service that keeps the line moving. The Reuben sandwich and other American fare usually draw a steady crowd.
Firehouse Subs Boulevard Place
$ | (443) 200-5167 | WEBSITE
On weekends, Firehouse Subs Boulevard Place fills up with families ordering reasonably priced sandwiches and enjoying big baskets of hot, crispy fries. But you’ll usually find a place to sit inside the restaurant’s dining room, which has more fire department memorabilia hanging from the walls than a firehouse museum. If that’s full, there’s a cool, clean front area with plenty of seating. The big menu has cheesesteaks, NY Steamers, vegetarian options, and spicy subs.
But we like the Spicy Cajun Chicken. Order the whole sub—it comes loaded with quality ingredients and has a decent kick, served with a side of those fresh, crispy fries. And if the temperature climbs above 90—or if you just don’t mind eating a hot sandwich on a hot day—order the very good Cheesesteak.
JoJoes Deli
$ | (410) 494-8580 | WEBSITE
It’s not on the menu, but order the half and half here, and when they ask if you want it with seafood, nod your head like a garage band drummer. This half and half is the best breakfast we’ve had in the city. It’s cooked until crispy and crackly, but still juicy. We could eat this all day, but then we’d miss out on the egg, bacon, home fries, and toast. The portions are plentiful too. They’re generous yet impressively satisfying given how reasonable the prices are.
There’s also great customer service, so you’re in control of how fast you get your food. And if you’re in the mood for a massive breakfast, order the seafood. It all comes out so fast that you’ll be out of the deli too in a matter of one song.
Rosina Gourmet
$ | (410) 244-1885 | WEBSITE
A sandwich shop that feels more like a cozy neighborhood nook than a bustling lunch spot, Rosina Gourmet is small on space but huge on flavor and freshness. The marriage of gourmet ingredients and straightforward preparation makes this a true local gem where the staff will happily explain the difference between the chicken pesto sandwich and the honey orange BBQ chicken sandwich before sending you off with a freshly baked cookie.
But you are absolutely ordering the honey orange BBQ chicken sandwich. It’s made with tender grilled chicken, slathered in a sweet-spicy barbecue sauce, and stacked with crisp lettuce and pickles on a toasted ciabatta roll.
Linda’s Steak Subs
$ | (410) 636-0566 | WEBSITE
Any trip to Baltimore should involve a stop at Linda’s Steak Subs. The classic sandwich shop is known for its Philly cheesesteaks, and during lunch hours the line can easily pass twenty minutes. What those people are waiting for are cheesesteaks—and yes, they are worth the wait, especially when they’re still hot from the grill. But there are other things you should try here, like the tuna sub or the steak and cheese. Just remember to clarify your toppings when you order online.
Or come on a random weekday afternoon and there probably won’t be a line at all.
Subway
$ | (410) 685-5167 | WEBSITE
This reliable sandwich chain is one of our go-to spots for a quick, satisfying sub. The classic Italian BMT comes with pepperoni, salami, and ham, plus your choice of fresh veggies and sauces that you should be layering generously between that soft, toasted bread. Subway also has an entire section of the menu dedicated to footlongs so stuffed, you’ll have to unhinge your jaw to fit the whole thing in your mouth (no judgment).
There are several different options, like a turkey breast sub and a steak and cheese that comes with something called “chipotle Southwest sauce,” which we’d like to bottle up and bring to every lunch for the rest of our lives. It’s a very straightforward setup, with just a handful of booths and counter seating up front.
John’s Carry Out
$ | (410) 276-7222 | WEBSITE
A visit to John’s Carry Out feels like stepping into a classic neighborhood joint that’s been doing its thing for decades. It’s no-frills satisfaction, in the most honest way possible: grumpy staff and simple tables next to a counter full of regulars grabbing their usual orders. But the sandwiches are the real draw here. There’s a solid lineup of subs and wraps with so many reliable choices it’s almost comforting. So prioritize the Mushroom Cheesesteak and the Tuna Salad on Rye.
These two options are consistently excellent, but not everything hits so stick to the winners. Also keep an eye out for the Greek Salad wrap, breakfast pancakes, and the simple cheeseburger that reminds you why basic done right works. Go during lunch hours or early evening, when the food is guaranteed to be fresh and the carry-out hustle is in full swing.
Theo’s Banh Mi Rolls & Bowls + Theo’s Boba Partea
$ | (410) 816-8322 | WEBSITE
It is hard to imagine Baltimore without Theo’s. Most locals can’t head to the Inner Harbor or even cross into the official boundary of Mount Vernon without making a mandatory banh mi stop at this modern spot that’s become a staple in just a few years. The restaurant serves fresh Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches, flavorful bowls with unique fillings like brisket and bulgogi, and also makes some of the best boba tea in the city.
There’s also a self-service kiosk at the front, where you can place your order and get a text when it’s ready while you watch the friendly staff prepare your meal with obvious care. The Poppin’ K Bahn sandwich is a popular choice, and the lemongrass chicken bowl is praised for its perfect flavor—both come in generous portions at around $12-$15.
The chick banh mi tastes like it was made with love and is very much worth trying, while the salt and pepper tofu bowl is a flavorful and satisfying option for vegetarians. The dumplings are plump and a good value at about $8, though the dipping sauce may not suit everyone’s taste. Yes, the fries that come with the sandwich are basic, but the sandwich itself is so good that they are hardly missed.
With its diverse menu, friendly service, and welcoming atmosphere, Theo’s is a popular spot to enjoy a satisfying meal that feels both fresh and familiar.
Jimmy John’s
$ | (410) 685-3377 | WEBSITE
Jimmy John’s feels like a well-oiled machine in a fast-casual sandwich shop that happens to serve fresh wraps and sandwiches to customers who appreciate efficiency. This reliably consistent restaurant is mostly a lunch spot—but they do serve all day until closing time, moving crowds through with precision. The dining room has the kind of tidy maintenance you’d expect from a place that takes cleanliness seriously, with tables wiped down, floors swept, and trash cans emptied regularly.
The menu offers the kind of fresh-made-to-order food you can customize exactly to your specifications. Think Kickin Chicken Ranch Wrap-Unwich prepared right the first time. If you’re in the mood for something satisfying, you finish your quick meal with the pleasant ambiance and friendly service that makes this a go-to spot for many.
