You’ve survived the workweek, you’re craving something substantial, or you simply believe a great sandwich is life’s simplest pleasure. The good news: Tulsa boasts some truly exceptional sandwich artisans. The challenge? Their creations disappear faster than lunch hour. These aren’t just the top-rated spots—they’re the ones with lines out the door. Are they worth the wait? Let’s find out.
Which Wich Copper Mountain
$ | (918) 289-0289 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Thanks to its epic club sandwich and great Cali club and Wicked options, the line at Which Wich is usually as long as the one at the DMV (and just as orderly). You can try getting around it by ordering online, but their pickup counter is often just as busy (try on a Tuesday or Wednesday to increase your odds of a quick grab). But for a chance to eat from one of the best sandwich shops in town, it’s worth blocking off a lunch hour and/or planning your takeout.
Felini’s Cafe & Deli
$ | (918) 742-3638 | WEBSITE
Verdict: One sure sign of a great sandwich shop is a lunch-hour line that snakes out the door. And that’s exactly what you’ll find at Felini’s Cafe & Deli. They have plenty of standard options and build-your-own veggie sandwiches, but it’s when they get inventive with their specialties—like the spicy tuna and the Fellini sandwich—that they really grab your (and the whole neighborhood’s) attention.
Jimmy John’s
$ | (918) 949-6600 | WEBSITE
Verdict: This is the sandwich spot in Tulsa right now, and the steady stream of lunchtime customers backs that statement up. But the taste memory of your last turkey sub with fresh veggies and cold cuts will get you through the quick wait before you can claim your next one.
Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
$ | (918) 576-7007 | WEBSITE
Verdict: There’s nothing like the wagyu cheesesteak at Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop—at least that’s what you’ve heard. You don’t actually know anyone who’s had it, because it seems like everyone’s already ordering it. Turns out, the rumors about the cozy and cute sandwich shop are true, and it’s one of the best in Tulsa. It’s a perfect balance of tender steak, soft bread, and sweet and spicy peppers that hits every time.
Grab one of the family-friendly tables, hear some friendly banter from the informative staff, and await the mouthwatering Bobbie and comfort food cravings.
Bill & Ruth’s Sub Shops
$ | (918) 584-7827 | WEBSITE
Bill & Ruth’s Sub Shops delivers a winning combination: fresh sandwiches and speedy service. And, as the saying goes: With great execution comes a line out the door at lunchtime (or something like that). But when you’re watching the friendly staff assemble your order, surrounded by the aroma of just-baked bread, crisp salads, and a showstopping Italian sub piled high with meats and cheeses, you’ll be satisfied that you squeezed in during your break with no idea how you’d finish it all.
For a lunch this good, make them earn it.
Schlotzsky’s
$ | (918) 496-4663 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch at the counter or settling into one of the comfortable booths at Tulsa’s Schlotzsky’s, you’ll get a consistently delicious sandwich. But it’s only when you order the southern sweet tea mixed with mango tea that you’ll taste that unique, refreshing blend or discover how perfectly it pairs with the Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
And that’s why the $15-per-person, reliably satisfying sandwich shop experience is worth making a regular stop in your Tulsa routine.
Big Al’s Healthy Foods
$ | (918) 744-5085 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Our favorite healthy lunch spot is in Tulsa, and judging by the regulars who keep coming back, it’s a local treasure. The unassuming deli serves fantastic paninis and wraps that are so good that people happily navigate the small parking lot just to eat them. From the generous avocado in the Turkey and Avocado Spinach Wrap to the fresh, made-to-order ingredients served with a smile, it’s food that leaves you feeling good, not guilty.
The friendly staff, who call you by name, and the chill, welcoming atmosphere make it a refreshing spot for vegetarians, vegans, and meat eaters alike. Don’t miss the lentil soup if it’s available—it’s a favorite among regulars for good reason.
Jay’s Hoagies Food Truck
$ | (918) 384-9333 | WEBSITE
Verdict: It’s not that you can’t find Jay’s Hoagies Food Truck. It’s that the sandwich spot only has a single truck window and it’s extremely well-liked, so it’s a simple issue of supply and demand. This means that if you’re desperate to taste original hoagies like their customizable subs with perfectly shaved lettuce, you’ll usually have to get in line by 11:30am or 11:45am.
Expect delicious bread, friendly service from owner Jay, and a food truck scene that can get as bustling and lively as a block party.
Bill & Ruth’s Sub Shop
$ | (918) 665-2665 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Bill & Ruth’s Sub Shop, the sandwich spot in Tulsa, may be easy to get into. But to get access to the ‘belly buster’ sandwich, it feels like you need a hearty appetite or a strongly worded recommendation from a friend. The Belly Buster ($14) has generous meat and fresh toppings, and you can only truly appreciate it when you’re ready for something substantial. The menu features options like that signature sandwich with amazing bread and wonderful, high-quality ingredients.
Jay’s Original Hoagies
$ | (918) 488-8866 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Jay’s Original Hoagies crafts sandwiches so massive and satisfying that people happily wait 20 minutes during lunch rush to get their hands on them. And on Saturdays, that’s just the time to get to the counter to place your order.
But to experience the fully loaded 12″ Italian Special piled high with deli meat, fresh vegetables, and creamy Italian dressing, or the Chicken Salad with banana peppers, ghost pepper cheese, and special habanero sauce for those craving heat, grabbing a seat at one of the bright wooden tables and waiting it out is absolutely worth it.
P J’s Sandwich Shoppe
$ | (918) 622-4662 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Sure, you could find a decent club sandwich or meatloaf at other lunch spots with more seating. But do those places have a cozy atmosphere that feels like a scene from a family sitcom and free cookies or cupcakes that make you smile? No. It’s one of the best sandwich shops in Tulsa, which makes this hidden gem more cherished than a cool glass of pink lemonade on a hot day.
Bill & Ruth’s Cherry Street
$ | (918) 742-9842 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Tulsa’s Bill & Ruth’s Cherry Street has made a local name for itself with outstanding sandwiches in an unpretentious, casual setting—and it’s easily one of the best sandwich shops in the city. The charming spot is the first place that comes to mind when you want to have an unforgettable lunch with friends (and a few regulars), surrounded by plates of gyros, avocado salad, and lots of fresh bread.
McAlister’s Deli
$ | (918) 392-0770 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Grabbing a seat at McAlister’s Deli feels like you’ve scored a touchdown, or at least a prime parking spot. The sandwich shop in Tulsa has had steady popularity thanks to its satisfying and well-priced menu (most sandwiches under $12). From the hearty Memphian and fresh tomato cucumber salad to reliably tasty smoky pepper jack turkey, it’s all worth ordering (and the regulars agree).
Finding a table during lunch rush can be tricky, but spots in the clean dining area are usually available for the taking around 2pm.
SUBWAY
$ | (918) 992-5055 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Any sandwich shop near a university campus is bound to be busy, but especially one serving fresh, customizable subs. With its bright lighting and the aroma of baking bread greeting you at the door, SUBWAY is designed to be the ultimate quick-service lunch spot. It’s not pretentious or gourmet, and the sandwiches are well-made, satisfying versions of classic favorites.
Firehouse Subs 71St & Lewis St
$ | (918) 576-6100 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Firehouse Subs 71St & Lewis St has perfected the lunchtime sandwich. The challenge here is during the dinner rush, when you crave that excellent Pepperoni Pizza Sub and for that, you’ll need patience. For perfectly prepared subs and impeccable service from the always awesome staff, expect to join the regulars in the bright, welcoming space.
