Our Favorite Sandwich Spots in Nashville

Nashville might be famous for hot chicken, but the sandwich scene in Music City is playing some serious tasty tunes of its own. Ain’t nothing quite like that perfect combo of bread and fillings when hunger strikes. Whether you’re a carnivore looking for meat-stacked masterpieces or hunting for plant-based sammies that don’t taste like cardboard, Nashville’s got you covered. So grab your napkins (you’re gonna need ’em) and check out these spots that’ll make your taste buds do a little two-step.

1. Mitchell Delicatessen

This East Nashville staple has been slingin’ some of the most ridiculous sammies in town for years. The place stays packed, and for good reason. Their Turkey Avocado with bacon is basically the sandwich equivalent of a greatest hits album – everybody loves it. But the real MVP might be their Italian with house-cured meats that’ll make your Italian grandma jealous (even if you don’t actually have one).

Tip: The Asian Flank Steak sandwich with that spicy chili garlic aioli is worth fighting someone for. And don’t sleep on their homemade potato salad.

2. Bearded Iris Sandwich Shop

Don’t let the name fool ya – this ain’t just a brewery taproom sandwich counter. These folks are dead serious about their handhelds. Tucked away in Germantown, they’re making sammies that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about lunch. Their bread is baked fresh daily, and you can taste the difference with every bite.

Tip: The “Mother Clucker” with crispy chicken, pimento cheese, and pickles might change your life. Vegetarians, the mushroom cheesesteak with house-made cashew cheese is straight-up witchcraft.

3. D’Andrews Bakery & Cafe

Sometimes fancy sandwiches can be all show and no substance. Not here. This downtown gem takes the humble sandwich and elevates it without being pretentious. The place looks cute as heck, but the sandwiches pack a serious flavor punch. Their croissant sandwiches are buttery little pieces of heaven.

Tip: The turkey and brie with housemade fig jam on a croissant is what dreams are made of. Like, actual dreams. I’ve woken up thinkin bout this sandwich.

4. The Be-Hive Deli & Market

Calling all vegans! Finding a decent plant-based sandwich in some cities is like searching for a cowboy hat at a punk rock show. But The Be-Hive makes vegan sammies that’ll make even your most carnivorous friend shut up and enjoy. Their house-made seitan and plant-based deli slices are genuinely impressive.

Tip: Their Reuben with house-made seitan corned beef, kraut, and Russian dressing might make you question reality. How is this vegan? Magic, probably.

5. Dozen Bakery

Simple doesn’t always mean boring. Sometimes it means letting quality ingredients speak for themselves, which is exactly what Dozen does. Their sandwiches are straightforward but executed perfectly. Plus, the bread is ridiculously good (no surprise since they’re a bakery first).

Tip: The smoked turkey with avocado and sprouts on their sourdough bread is lunchtime perfection. Basic? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely.

6. Bare Bones Butcher

When a butcher shop makes sandwiches, you know the meat quality’s gonna be insane. This West Nashville spot doesn’t mess around with their meaty creations. Everything is ethically sourced, house-butchered, and assembled with care. The menu changes based on what’s fresh, which is exactly how it should be.

Tip: Whatever roast beef sandwich they’ve got on offer will change your standards forever. And their Bologna sandwich will ruin all other Bologna for you – consider yourself warned.

7. Graze

Another solid option for the plant-based crowd, Graze makes sandwiches that are so good you’ll forget they’re vegan. The East Nashville spot has a chill vibe and a creative menu that’ll satisfy even if you normally need meat in every meal.

Tip: Their Nashville Hot “Chicken” Sandwich gives you all that spicy goodness without the actual bird. The Buffalo seitan sandwich with ranch will make you question evrything you know about vegan food.

8. Subculture Urban Cuisine & Cafe

This small sandwich shop in the Nations neighborhood is cranking out creative sammies with global influences. They ain’t afraid to play with flavors and the results are straight-up delicious. The place has personality for days and the food matches the vibe.

Tip: The Korean BBQ sandwich with bulgogi beef and kimchi slaw is a flavor explosion. If you’re feelin adventurous, try whatever their monthly special is – they always knock it outta the park.

9. 51st Deli

This neighborhood spot feels like it’s been around forever in the best way possible. Classic sandwiches done right without any unnecessary fuss or frills. The portions are generous and the prices are fair – what else do you need?

Tip: Their club sandwich is stacked so high you’ll need to unhinge your jaw like a snake. And their tuna salad might be the best in town (bold claim, but I’m standin by it).

10. Anzie Blue

This Hillsboro Village café makes sandwiches that feel like they belong in a much fancier establishment. The ingredients are premium, the presentation is pretty, but the vibe is totally approchable. Their outdoor seating area is a nice bonus for sandwich-enthusiasts who enjoy people-watching.

Tip: The turkey and brie with apple-cranberry chutney is a seasonal delight that’ll make you forget all about Thanksgiving leftovers. The cucumber tea sandwich is surprizingly satisfying too.

Whether you’re nursing a hangover after a night on Broadway, grabbing a quick lunch between meetings, or just appreciating the fine art of stuff-between-bread, Nashville’s sandwich game is strong enough to satisfy any craving. These spots range from fancy to no-frills, meaty to plant-based, but they all share one thing: they know how to make a damn good sandwich.

So next time someone tries to tell you Nashville’s only good for hot chicken, you set ’em straight. This town knows sandwiches like it knows country music – maybe even better.