The reach of Atlanta’s food scene is wide, spanning from Michelin-recognized fine dining establishments to Southern meat-and-threes and a myriad of international restaurants. Today, we’re highlighting the mouthwatering combinations that Atlanta restaurants are serving up between two slices of bread. These are some of the best sandwiches in Atlanta! (And that’s really saying something.)
Bánh Mì | Lee’s Bakery
Neighborhood: Buford Highway
More info: leesbakeryatl.com
Vietnamese immigrants have transformed Atlanta’s Buford Highway into a bánh mì lover’s paradise. These flavorful sandwiches feature a baguette split in half and topped with grilled meat, cilantro, fresh jalapeño, and bright pickled veggies. We can’t argue that fantastic bánh mìs are found throughout the city, but our favorite version is at Lee’s Bakery, where it’s prepared on a fresh baguette and slathered with mayo infused with garlic and fish sauce.
Brisky Business | Victory Sandwich Bar
Neighborhoods: Inman Park & Decatur
More info: vicsandwich.com
The trendy Victory Sandwich Bar is known for its teeny-tiny $6 gourmet sandwiches and inexpensive spiked sodas. Though all the sandwiches are fantastic, the “Brisky Business,” consisting of smoked brisket, provolone, Fresno onion jam, and dijon aioli, is a standout. Looking for a side of competition with your sandwich? Partake in a friendly game at the ping pong tables.
Blackened Grouper Sandwich | Fishmonger
Neighborhoods: Poncey-Highland, Kirkwood, & West Midtown
More info: fishmongergroup.com
An all-encompassing seafood market, cafe, and raw bar, Fishmonger brings its buzz-worthy food to the bustling Atlanta restaurant scene. The blackened grouper sandwich has quickly become the eatery’s signature dish, embellished with pickled peppers and herb salad on a butter-toasted bun.
Breakfast Sandwich | Kinship
Neighborhood: Virginia Highlands
More info: kinshipbutcheratl.com
Kinship, a butcher shop, neighborhood market, and cafe located in the heart of Virginia Highlands, is home to arguably the best breakfast sandwich in Atlanta. Choose from bacon, sausage, or smoked veggie patty dressed with a farm-fresh egg, Thomasville Tomme cheese, griddled onions, arugula, and Dukes Mayo.
The Cubano | Havana Sandwich Shop
Neighborhood: Buford Highway
More info: havanaatlanta.com
The Benedit family was the first to bring a full Cuban menu to the Atlanta restaurant scene, opening Havana Sandwich Shop on Buford Highway in 1976. You can’t visit this institution without ordering the Cubano; it’s packed with tender ham and tangy pickles and served on the eatery’s toasted Cuban bread. Try it with a side of fried plantains or yucca fries.
Hot Italian | Bona Fide Deluxe
Neighborhood: Edgewood-Candler Park
More info: bonafide-atl.com
From the team behind East Atlanta’s Banshee, this Edgewood-Candler Park eatery and cocktail bar brings fresh creativity to the Atlanta sandwich scene. The meats and condiments are made in-house, and the menu includes 10 different sandwiches to try. In our opinion, the Hot Italian is as good as it gets. The meaty sub comes with all the fixings and features porchetta, soppressata, pepperoni, and slightly spicy Calabrian chili mayo.
Korean Cheesesteak | Fred’s Meat & Bread
Neighborhood: Inman Park
More info: fredsmeatandbread.com
Sandwich lovers of all ages wait in line to get their hands on one of Fred’s famous cheesesteaks. The coveted Korean version comes with chopped chicken or ribeye doused in gochujang sauce and topped with American cheese, green onion, and spicy candied jalapeños. Enjoy your sandwich with a vintage soda and a side of hand-cut fries.
Rueben | The General Muir
Neighborhoods: Druid Hills & Sandy Springs
More info: thegeneralmuir.com
The General Muir pays its respects to the traditional elements of a Rueben: a succulent pile of corned beef, Russian dressing, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and griddled rye bread. The result is a fatty, salty, comforting sandwich that’s a worthy contender against Ruebens from some of the nation’s best delicatessens.
Smoked Peppered Turkey Sandwich | Alon’s Bakery & Market
Neighborhoods: Morningside & Brookhaven
More info: alons.com
Known for its made-to-order sandwiches, wines, baked goods, chocolates, and cheeses, Alon’s Bakery & Market is reminiscent of a charming European market. Their Smoked Peppered Turkey sandwich is a must-order if you’re visiting for lunch. Turkey is sliced thin and then adorned with sprouts, avocado, red onion, tomato, mayo, and grainy mustard.
SB Tip: though this sandwich traditionally comes on whole wheat bread, we recommend ordering it on the rosemary focaccia.
Truffle Chicken Salad Melt | Daily Chew
Neighborhood: Morningside / Lenox Park
More info: dailychewatl.com
Serving breakfast and lunch, Daily Chew offers a robust and health-forward menu featuring rotisserie items, pita sandwiches, and bowls made with local produce. The truffle chicken salad melt has developed a cult following, and for good reason. Deliciously truffle-forward and studded with golden raisins, the sandwich comes on sourdough bread with local greens and melted white cheddar. (Trust us, you’ll want to take a pint of truffle chicken salad home with you, too).
Hope you’re hungry, Atlanta!
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