Where to Find the Best Sandwiches in Atlanta

Atlanta takes its sandwiches seriously. From classic delis to modern fusion spots, you can find almost every style here: New York–style pastrami, overstuffed Southern biscuit sandwiches, Vietnamese banh mi, and creative veggie options. Whether you live in the city or are visiting for a few days, knowing where to find the best sandwiches in Atlanta can save you a lot of trial and error.

Below is a practical, neighborhood-focused guide to standout sandwiches around Atlanta, organized so you can quickly find something great near you.

How to Think About “Best Sandwiches” in Atlanta

Before diving into specific places, it helps to know what Atlanta does well:

• Southern comfort sandwiches – fried chicken, pimento cheese, biscuits, and smoked meats.
• Deli-style and Jewish-inspired sandwiches – Reubens, pastrami on rye, bagels with lox.
• Global flavors – banh mi, Cuban sandwiches, shawarma, tortas, and more.
• Vegetarian and vegan – creative veggie stacks, tofu bahn mi, jackfruit “BBQ,” and hearty grilled cheeses.

If you’re short on time, use this quick guide as a starting point.

Quick-Glance Guide to Great Sandwich Styles in Atlanta

Use this as a map, then pick out spots that match where you’ll be in the city.

Classic & Old-School Deli Sandwiches

If you’re after a straightforward turkey club, a loaded Reuben, or a solid BLT, Atlanta has several dependable deli-style options.

What To Look For

The best deli sandwiches in Atlanta usually feature:

• Fresh, crusty bread (rye, sourdough, or baguette)
• House-roasted meats rather than pre-sliced deli packs
• Simple toppings that complement rather than overwhelm

Common deli favorites:

• Reuben – corned beef or pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss, Russian or Thousand Island dressing, griddled on rye
• Turkey avocado club – roast turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, mayo
• Tuna or chicken salad – usually on toasted wheat or sourdough

Where in Atlanta to Find Strong Deli Options

Across Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Sandy Springs, and Buckhead, you’ll come across:

• Neighborhood delis with long-standing lunch crowds
• Bakeries that also run full sandwich menus at lunchtime
• Grab-and-go counters inside markets or food halls

When you’re nearby, look for:

• Midtown: Sandwich-focused cafes near Peachtree Street and 10th–14th Streets that cater to office workers.
• Virginia-Highland: Small, local restaurants on N. Highland Avenue offering pressed paninis and deli classics.
• Sandy Springs & Perimeter area: Strip-center delis along Roswell Road and Perimeter Center West, popular with office parks.

If you’re in a hurry on a weekday, these areas are good bets for fast, reliable deli sandwiches that still feel thoughtfully made.

Southern Comfort & Fried Chicken Sandwiches

Atlanta’s fried chicken sandwiches are a category of their own. You’ll see everything from straightforward crispy chicken on a brioche bun to Nashville-style hot chicken, pimento cheese–topped chicken, and biscuit-based sandwiches.

Signature Southern Sandwich Styles

You’ll often find:

• Crispy fried chicken sandwiches
  Thick, juicy chicken breast or thigh, battered and fried, with pickles, slaw, and spicy mayo.

• Hot chicken sandwiches
  Inspired by Nashville, doused in spicy oil, usually paired with cooling slaw.

• Chicken biscuit sandwiches
  Flaky Southern biscuits filled with fried chicken, bacon, egg, or sausage—especially popular for breakfast and brunch.

• Pimento cheese sandwiches
  A Southern staple: sharp cheddar, mayo, and pimentos, sometimes melted on toast or paired with bacon.

Where to Find Great Fried Chicken and Biscuit Sandwiches

In Atlanta, focus on:

• Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park
  Along the BeltLine Eastside Trail and on Highland Avenue, you’ll find casual spots serving chicken sandwiches and biscuit sandwiches, often with outdoor seating.

• West Midtown
  Former industrial areas turned restaurant districts, especially around Howell Mill Road and Marietta Street, are loaded with places serving fried chicken sandwiches, sliders, and creative takes.

• East Atlanta & Grant Park
  Smaller neighborhood joints and brunch places frequently feature signature chicken biscuits or hot chicken sandwiches on their menus.

Tip:
🕒 Weekend brunch lines get long. If you’re targeting a popular biscuit spot, going early (before 10 a.m.) or on a weekday can make the experience much easier.

BBQ Sandwiches: Pulled Pork, Brisket, and Beyond

Atlanta’s barbecue scene is competitive, and many locals consider pulled pork or brisket sandwiches the real test of a BBQ restaurant.

Common BBQ Sandwich Options

Look for:

• Pulled pork sandwiches – slow-smoked, chopped or pulled, served on a soft bun with or without coleslaw.
• Beef brisket sandwiches – sliced or chopped brisket piled high; sometimes with pickled onions and house sauce.
• Smoked turkey sandwiches – a lighter but still smoky option, often on Texas toast or brioche.
• Sausage sandwiches – smoked links on a roll with peppers or onions.

Where BBQ Sandwiches Shine in Atlanta

You’ll find strong BBQ sandwich options in:

• Grant Park & Reynoldstown
  Along Memorial Drive and neighboring streets, several BBQ spots serve substantial meat sandwiches, often with classic sides like collards and mac and cheese.

• West End & southwest Atlanta
  Older barbecue joints and newer smokehouses alike serve pulled pork and rib sandwiches that draw regulars from across the city.

• Decatur & East Lake
  Family-friendly BBQ restaurants with patios and robust sandwich sections on the menu.

For takeout, these areas make it easy to grab a sandwich-and-sides combo to bring back to your office, hotel, or home.

Global & International Sandwiches in Atlanta

One of Atlanta’s strengths is its international food scene, especially along Buford Highway and in pockets of Midtown, Decatur, and Doraville. Sandwich lovers who want more than standard deli fare have a lot to explore.

Popular Global Sandwich Styles You’ll See

• Banh mi (Vietnamese)
  Light, crisp baguette filled with grilled pork, chicken, tofu, or cold cuts, plus pickled carrots, daikon, cilantro, jalapeños, and mayo or pâté.

• Cuban sandwiches
  Roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami, pressed on Cuban bread until crisp.

• Shawarma and gyro sandwiches
  Marinated meats (chicken, lamb, beef) shaved from a vertical spit, stuffed in pita or flatbread with garlic sauce, tahini, or tzatziki and fresh vegetables.

• Mexican tortas
  Sandwiches on soft telera or bolillo rolls, filled with options like milanesa (breaded steak or chicken), carnitas, or chorizo, with avocado, beans, and jalapeños.

• Panini and European-style sandwiches
  Pressed or room-temperature sandwiches with cured meats, cheeses, roasted vegetables, and spreads.

Best Areas for International Sandwiches

Focus on these corridors:

• Buford Highway (Northeast Atlanta, Brookhaven, Doraville)
  A major stretch for banh mi, tortas, and other international sandwiches. Many bakeries, cafes, and casual restaurants along here emphasize quick, affordable, and flavor-packed options.

• Midtown & Downtown
  Food halls and small restaurants around Peachtree Street, Ponce de Leon Avenue, and the Georgia State area often include shawarma, gyro, and Cuban sandwiches on their menus.

• Decatur
  Around the downtown square and nearby streets you’ll find Cuban-inspired menus, Mediterranean spots, and cafes offering creative spins on global flavors.

If you’re open to exploring, planning an afternoon around Buford Highway can introduce you to several new sandwich styles in a single trip.

Vegetarian & Vegan Sandwiches in Atlanta

Atlanta has become increasingly friendly to plant-based eaters, and sandwiches are part of that shift. You don’t have to settle for a side salad when you can find hearty veggie options throughout the city.

Common Veggie Sandwich Options

You might see:

• Grilled vegetable and hummus sandwiches
  Zucchini, peppers, onions, and eggplant layered with hummus or pesto on ciabatta or wheat.

• Caprese-style sandwiches
  Tomato, fresh mozzarella (or vegan alternatives), basil, and balsamic on crusty bread.

• Tofu or tempeh banh mi
  Marinated and grilled tofu with the same pickled veggies and herbs as classic banh mi.

• BBQ jackfruit or seitan sandwiches
  Plant-based “pulled” sandwiches with tangy sauces and slaw.

• Stuffed pita or wraps
  Falafel, roasted chickpeas, or grilled halloumi with tahini and vegetables.

Where Vegetarians and Vegans Find Strong Options

Look to:

• Little Five Points & Candler Park
  These neighborhoods often feature vegetarian-friendly cafes, sandwich shops, and restaurants that highlight plant-based ingredients.

• Midtown (especially near tech and arts districts)
  Many fast-casual and sit-down spots offer dedicated vegan or vegetarian sandwiches, especially near offices and Georgia Tech.

• Decatur
  A reliable area for health-conscious menus, including grilled veggie stacks and vegan deli-style sandwiches.

When ordering, ask about:

• Bread ingredients (for strict vegan diets)
• Substitutions like vegan cheese, plant-based mayo, or extra veggies to replace meat

Breakfast Sandwiches & Bagel Spots

Atlanta’s breakfast sandwich scene is wide enough to please both biscuit fans and bagel purists.

Biscuit Sandwiches

Especially in:

• Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, East Atlanta, and West Midtown

You’ll find:

• Classic bacon, egg, and cheese on a scratch-made biscuit
• Fried chicken biscuits with honey, hot sauce, or gravy
• Sausage and pimento cheese biscuits for a heavier start

Many of these places sell out of particular biscuit sandwiches early, so going in the morning is wise.

Bagel & Breakfast Sandwich Shops

In:

• Midtown, Morningside, Toco Hills, Sandy Springs, and Dunwoody

You’ll come across:

• Egg-and-cheese bagel sandwiches with your choice of bacon, sausage, or lox
• Smoked salmon and cream cheese on everything or sesame bagels
• Vegetable-loaded options with avocado, tomato, sprouts, and hummus

If you’re staying in a hotel near Peachtree Street in Midtown or around Perimeter Center, a bagel shop is likely within a short drive, if not walking distance.

Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Sandwich Ideas

To make planning even simpler, here’s how to think about best sandwiches in Atlanta by area:

Downtown & Midtown

Great if you:

• Need lunch near offices, hotels, or attractions
• Want quick deli sandwiches, paninis, or international options

You’ll commonly find:

• Deli-style turkey clubs and Reubens
• Shawarma, gyros, and falafel pitas
• Cuban sandwiches and grilled paninis

Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park & BeltLine Eastside

Best for:

• Trendy fried chicken sandwiches
• Brunch-oriented biscuit sandwiches
• Casual, walkable stops near the BeltLine

These areas are convenient if you’re also planning to walk, bike, or scooter along the trail.

West Midtown & Upper Westside

Look here for:

• Creative sandwich shops attached to breweries or markets
• BBQ sandwiches and southern-inspired comfort food in industrial-chic settings
• Fried chicken sandwiches and burgers in the same place, helpful for mixed groups

Grant Park, East Atlanta & Reynoldstown

Great if you want:

• BBQ sandwiches (pulled pork, brisket)
• Neighborhood cafes with breakfast and lunch sandwiches
• Slightly quieter, more residential vibes compared to central Midtown

Decatur

Well-suited for:

• Families and groups with mixed dietary needs
• Vegetarian and vegan-friendly sandwich menus
• International sandwich options and familiar deli fare within a walkable downtown

Buford Highway & Doraville

Perfect if you’re:

• Looking for banh mi, tortas, and other global sandwiches
• Comfortable exploring strip malls and casual, counter-service places
• Interested in affordable, flavor-first meals over ambiance

Practical Tips for Enjoying Sandwiches in Atlanta

To get the most out of the city’s sandwich scene:

• Check current hours
  Some of the most interesting sandwich spots keep limited daytime hours or close early once they sell out of bread or specific meats.

• Expect lines at popular brunch and biscuit spots
  If you’re going on a weekend, arrive earlier than you think you need to, or be prepared for a wait.

• Ask about house specialties
  Many local places have a signature sandwich—often with a local name or twist—that doesn’t always stand out on the menu at first glance.

• Consider traffic and parking
  Atlanta traffic can turn a short drive into a longer trip, especially around rush hour. Planning by neighborhood and combining errands or sightseeing with meals can save time.

• Look for food halls
  Food halls in and around Midtown, West Midtown, and Old Fourth Ward often include multiple sandwich vendors under one roof, making them convenient if people in your group want different things.

How Locals Choose Their “Best” Sandwiches

If you ask several Atlantans for their favorite sandwich, you’ll get very different answers. Locals usually base their go-to spots on a mix of:

• Convenience – near home, work, or school
• Signature items – a specific fried chicken sandwich, Cuban, or banh mi they crave
• Atmosphere – laid-back patios, BeltLine access, or cozy indoor seating
• Dietary fit – options that work for vegetarians, vegans, or those avoiding certain ingredients

As you explore, it helps to decide what “best” means for you—largest portion, boldest flavors, healthier ingredients, or simply closest to where you’ll be—and then match that to the neighborhoods and styles outlined above.

With a bit of planning using these Atlanta-specific patterns, you can reliably find an excellent sandwich—whether that’s a towering Reuben in Midtown, a crispy chicken biscuit off the BeltLine, or a perfectly balanced banh mi on Buford Highway.