Where to Find the Best Sandwiches in Atlanta

Atlanta takes sandwiches seriously. From classic Southern meat-and-threes tucked between bread to overstuffed deli subs and chef-driven creations, you can eat your way across the city one sandwich at a time.

Below is a guide to some of the best Atlanta sandwiches, grouped by style and neighborhood, plus practical tips for ordering, parking, and navigating busy lunch crowds.

Quick Snapshot: Standout Sandwich Spots in Atlanta

What “Best Sandwich” Means in Atlanta

In Atlanta, “best sandwich” can mean very different things depending on what you crave:

• Big deli subs loaded with meat and cheese
• Fried chicken sandwiches with a Southern twist
• BBQ sandwiches with pulled pork or brisket
• Global options like banh mi and tortas
• Vegetarian/vegan sandwiches that feel like a full meal, not an afterthought

You can find all of these within a 20–30 minute drive of most intown neighborhoods, so it often comes down to how far you want to travel and whether you’re eating in, grabbing takeout, or ordering for a group.

Classic Deli & Sub-Style Sandwiches

Midtown & Buckhead: Hearty Lunch Standards

If you work or stay around Midtown or Buckhead, you’ll see a cluster of spots that specialize in:

• Stacked cold cuts and Italian-style subs
• Hot pressed sandwiches like panini or melts
• Breakfast sandwiches for commuters

These shops are popular with office workers, so:

• ⏱️ Peak time: Typically 11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on weekdays
• 💡 Tip: Calling ahead or ordering online can save a 15–20 minute wait.

Common types of standout sandwiches you’ll see in this area:

• Italian combo subs on chewy rolls with oil, vinegar, and banana peppers
• Turkey, avocado, and bacon stacks on multigrain or ciabatta
• Hot roast beef or pastrami melts with provolone or Swiss
• Classic club sandwiches with plenty of crunch from lettuce and toasted bread

Many of these places also do catering trays if you’re feeding a team at an office or event in the Midtown/Buckhead corridor.

Barbecue Sandwiches: Pulled Pork, Brisket & More

Atlanta’s barbecue scene is strong, and for many locals the best sandwich in town is a BBQ sandwich.

What to Expect From Atlanta BBQ Sandwiches

Common options across the city include:

• Pulled pork sandwiches on soft buns, sometimes with coleslaw piled on
• Chopped or sliced brisket sandwiches, often on Texas-style toast or brioche
• Smoked turkey or chicken sandwiches, a lighter but still smoky option
• Sausage sandwiches with peppers and onions at some spots

Typical add-ons and sides:

• Coleslaw (on the side or on the sandwich)
• Brunswick stew
• Baked beans or mac and cheese

🧾 Ordering tip: In many Atlanta BBQ spots, you’ll choose:

1. Meat (pork, brisket, turkey, chicken, sausage)
2. Sauce style (vinegar-based, mustard-based, or sweet tomato-based)
3. Sides – some offer “sandwich plates” that include 1–2 sides and a drink

BBQ restaurants are spread across the metro area, so if you’re staying in-town (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park) or near the Westside, you’ll usually find at least one well-known option within a short drive.

Fried Chicken & Hot Chicken Sandwiches

The fried chicken sandwich has become a staple in Atlanta.

Styles You’ll See Around the City

• Southern-style fried chicken sandwiches

  • Crispy, seasoned breading
  • Often topped with pickles, lettuce, and mayo or special sauce
  • Served on brioche or potato rolls

• Hot chicken sandwiches

  • Inspired by Nashville-style hot chicken
  • Heat levels from mild to very spicy
  • Often come with cooling slaw or pickles

• Buttermilk biscuit sandwiches

  • Breakfast and brunch favorites
  • Fried chicken on biscuits with honey, hot sauce, or gravy

Many of these spots are busy on weekends and during brunch hours:

• 🕒 Busy times: Saturday and Sunday from late morning through mid-afternoon
• 🚗 Parking: Some in-town locations have small lots; others rely on street parking or nearby decks. Be prepared to walk a block or two in places like Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, or along the BeltLine.

Sandwiches Along the BeltLine & In-Town Neighborhoods

If you want to pair a sandwich with a walk or bike ride, the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail and surrounding neighborhoods (Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Poncey-Highland) are great hunting grounds.

What You’ll Find

• Chef-driven sandwiches with seasonal ingredients
• Vegetarian and vegan options, especially near health-focused cafes
• To-go friendly spots for picnics in Historic Fourth Ward Park or along the BeltLine

Common menu items in this area:

• Grilled chicken sandwiches with arugula, roasted peppers, and aioli
• Pimento cheese sandwiches, sometimes with bacon or tomato
• Pressed Cuban-style sandwiches with roast pork and ham
• Veggie-focused sandwiches with roasted vegetables, hummus, or marinated tofu

🌳 Local tip:
If the weather is good, consider grabbing your sandwich to-go and heading to:

• Historic Fourth Ward Park (near North Avenue and Ralph McGill Blvd NE)
• Piedmont Park (a bit farther, but walkable or bikeable from some BeltLine spots)

Decatur & East Atlanta: Neighborhood Sandwich Gems

If you’re on the east side—Decatur, Kirkwood, East Atlanta Village, Edgewood—you’ll find smaller, neighborhood-style sandwich shops.

Why Eastside Sandwich Spots Stand Out

• Relaxed vibe: Good for lingering over lunch or working remotely
• Family-friendly: Many places welcome kids and have simple menu options
• Better parking: Often easier than Midtown or Downtown

Popular sandwich styles in this part of town:

• Turkey and brie with fruit spread on baguettes or ciabatta
• Reubens and Rachel sandwiches (corned beef or turkey with sauerkraut/slaw and Swiss)
• Vegetarian panini with mozzarella, pesto, and tomatoes
• Breakfast sandwiches served well into the afternoon at some cafes

These spots can be ideal if you’re staying near Downtown Decatur, attending an event at Emory University, or exploring neighborhoods like Oakhurst and Kirkwood.

Global Sandwiches: Banh Mi, Tortas & More

One of the most rewarding ways to explore sandwiches in Atlanta is to head to Buford Highway and nearby areas like Doraville and Chamblee. This corridor is known for its international restaurants and bakeries.

Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwiches)

You’ll find:

• Crispy baguettes with soft interiors
• Fillings like grilled pork, grilled chicken, meatballs, tofu, or cold cuts
• Pickled vegetables, cilantro, jalapeños, and mayo or pâté

💡 Tip: Pricing here is often very budget-friendly, so it’s easy to try multiple varieties or share a few different sandwiches with a group.

Mexican Tortas & Latin American Sandwiches

Around Buford Highway and in some southwest/southside neighborhoods, you’ll also see:

• Tortas with carne asada, carnitas, chorizo, or milanesa (breaded cutlets)
• Bolillos or telera rolls—soft, slightly crusty bread
• Toppings like avocado, beans, queso fresco, lettuce, tomato, and jalapeños

These make a filling lunch or dinner and are often available late, making them a strong option after events, concerts, or games.

Vegetarian & Vegan Sandwich Options in Atlanta

Atlanta’s plant-based options have grown quickly, especially in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, West End, and Decatur.

Common Plant-Based Sandwich Styles

• Grilled veggie sandwiches with eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and pesto
• Falafel pitas or wraps with tahini and fresh veggies
• Tofu banh mi and other globally-inspired options
• BBQ jackfruit or “pulled” mushroom sandwiches as meat substitutes
• Vegan breakfast sandwiches with plant-based “eggs” and sausage

If you’re vegan or avoiding dairy, you’ll see more menus clearly labeled with:

• “V” for vegetarian
• “VG” or “VE” for vegan
• Gluten-free bread options at some cafes

🍃 Ordering tip:
If you’re strict about ingredients, it’s common in Atlanta to ask:

• Whether the bread contains dairy or eggs
• Whether the fryer is shared with meat items
  Most staff are used to these questions and can guide you.

Breakfast Sandwiches Across the City

Whether you’re catching an early flight from Hartsfield-Jackson, commuting into Downtown/Midtown, or just starting a weekend in the city, breakfast sandwiches are everywhere.

Common Styles in Atlanta

• Biscuit sandwiches

  • With fried chicken, bacon, sausage, or country ham
  • Often paired with cheese and egg

• Bagel sandwiches

  • Popular around Midtown, Virginia-Highland, and Inman Park
  • With smoked salmon, veggie cream cheese, or egg and cheese

• Croissant or ciabatta breakfast sandwiches

  • Typically with egg, cheese, and meat or veggie fillings

⏰ Busy windows:

• Weekdays: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. near major office corridors
• Weekends: 9:30 a.m. – noon around brunch-heavy neighborhoods (Inman Park, West Midtown, Old Fourth Ward)

If you’re trying to beat the crowd on a weekend, earlier is usually better.

Ordering Tips for Busy Atlanta Sandwich Spots

When you’re trying to get one of the best sandwiches in Atlanta without spending your whole lunch break in line, these practical steps help:

1. Check if they do call-ahead or online orders.
   Many city spots let you pay in advance and pick up from a separate counter.

2. Know your bread and sides before you get to the register.
   Common choices:

   • Breads: white, wheat, rye, hoagie roll, ciabatta, baguette, gluten-free
   • Sides: chips, potato salad, pasta salad, small green salad, soup

3. Ask how messy it is.
   If you’re taking a sandwich back to your car, workplace, or a park, ask whether:

   • The sandwich holds up well to travel
   • Sauces are heavy (you can get them on the side)

4. Parking check.
   Especially in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and West Midtown, look for:

   • Shared lots with neighboring businesses
   • Street parking rules (time limits, paid vs. free)
   • Nearby parking decks if you’re close to major developments

5. Consider off-peak hours.

   • Lunch spots quiet down after 1:30–2:00 p.m.
   • Some sandwich cafes also reopen or stay steady through early evening for a light dinner option.

How to Choose the Right Sandwich Spot for Your Situation

Depending on where you are in Atlanta and what you’re doing, different parts of the city make more sense:

• Staying or working in Midtown/Downtown?
  Look to nearby delis, quick-service sandwich shops, and cafes you can walk to or reach via MARTA.

• Sightseeing along the BeltLine or visiting Ponce City Market?
  Aim for chef-driven sandwich spots and to-go-friendly options along the Eastside Trail or nearby streets.

• Spending the day in Decatur or near Emory?
  Neighborhood shops and cafes are great for relaxed, sit-down sandwiches and coffee refills.

• Craving global flavors or on a budget?
  Plan a trip to Buford Highway or nearby Doraville/Chamblee for banh mi, tortas, and other international sandwich styles.

• Plant-based or have dietary restrictions?
  Focus on areas with more health-focused cafes and vegan restaurants, like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, West End, and Decatur, and ask about bread and preparation details.

By thinking about where you’ll be in Atlanta, your budget, your time window, and your dietary preferences, you can zero in on the sandwich style—and neighborhood—that fits your day. Whether it’s a stacked Italian sub, a messy pulled pork sandwich, or a crisp banh mi, there’s a version of the “best sandwich in Atlanta” that matches how you like to eat.