Salumi Artisan Cured Meats
Make your way to Third Avenue South for Salumi, a longtime Pioneer Square institution built around house-cured meats. Regulars love to debate whether the porchetta sandwich or the pork cheek is the better order, and each one has devoted fans. Stop in when you want old-world Italian flavors in a relaxed, casual setting.
Tat's Delicatessen
Over on Yesler Way, Tat's brings East Coast deli energy to Pioneer Square. Order the hot house pastrami sandwich, known as the Tat'strami, for the signature taste, or go for the cheesesteak smothered in Cheez Whiz. Vegetarians can dig into the eggplant Parmesan, and the Tat's Italian satisfies any classic sub craving.
North Seattle Shops Worth the Trip
Head north and you will find Green Lake, Greenwood and Ballard each claiming a shop with its own distinct personality. Fit these into your plans if you are already exploring the north end.
Layers Green Lake
At Layers Green Lake, Avery and Ashley Hardin treat the sandwich like a fine dining plate. The menu rotates often, so you can usually count on something new to try. Look for the Notorious P.I.G., one of the shop's well-known creations, which pairs pork belly with a spicy-sweet pepper element.
Martino's Smoked Meats & Eatery
Bring a big appetite to this Greenwood Avenue spot, known for its smoked meats. The Santa Maria tri-tip sandwich is the headliner, layering smoky steak with a generous dose of chimichurri and a tomato and onion salsa on a crisp Macrina roll. It is a hearty, meat-forward meal that leaves no one hungry.
Mean Sandwich
Settle in at Mean Sandwich, a relaxed, stylish shop on Leary Way in Ballard with a large outdoor seating area and a ping-pong table. Grab the oyster po'boy, piled with fried Hood Canal oysters, remoulade, lemon mayo and lettuce on crusty bread. It is an easy choice for groups and for anyone hoping to eat outside.
Un Bien
Look for the brightly painted Caribbean sandwich shack on Seaview Avenue NW, close to the beach at Point Shilshole. Un Bien's draw is the Caribbean roast: marinated, slow-roasted pork shoulder on a Macrina baguette with caramelized onions, pickled jalapeños and garlic aioli. Take it with you for a stroll along the water.
Capitol Hill, the Central District and West Seattle
Spend time in these three neighborhoods to see just how wide Seattle's sandwich range runs, from plant-based deli fare to Southern fried fish and Mexican tortas.
Ben & Esther's Vegan Jewish Deli
On East Pike Street in Capitol Hill, Ben & Esther's is a bright, busy lunch stop serving Jewish deli staples without any animal products. Try the Benny's Brisket, which stacks vegan sliced steak with Swiss, grilled mushrooms, onions and horseradish aioli on thick rye. Add bagels, knishes, latkes or matzo ball soup to round out a full meal.
Jackson's Catfish Corner
Step into Jackson's, a counter-service restaurant with high ceilings on South Jackson Street in the Central District. The fried catfish sandwich arrives on a brioche bun with lettuce, pickles and a tangy house tartar sauce. Order hushpuppies or sweet yams on the side for a proper Southern spread.
Pica Border Grill
Just north of the West Seattle Junction, this small, no-fuss storefront sits on California Avenue SW. Its pork torta is famously messy, packed with shredded pork, house-made chorizo, pepper jack, avocado, green salsa and pico de gallo on a warm French roll. Arrive with an empty stomach and grab extra napkins.
Grilled Cheese at Pike Place Market
Beecher's
While you browse Pike Place Market, stop at Beecher's, a well-known artisan cheese shop that also sells gourmet goods. Its grilled cheese tucks slightly sharp aged cheddar and a little aioli between slices of buttery griddled bread. It makes an easy, comforting bite as you wander, and a good pick for kids and cautious eaters.
Planning Your Sandwich Tour
Group your stops by area to save time. Pair Pioneer Square with Pike Place Market for a downtown day, then link Ballard, Green Lake and Greenwood for a north end outing. Use our guide to Seattle neighborhoods to map your route.
Many of these shops lean on takeout, so a picnic is never far away. Browse Seattle parks for a spot to spread out, or combine lunch with nearby Seattle landmarks. To fill the rest of your day, explore our list of things to do in Seattle.
Menus, hours and locations can change, so check each business's own website for current details before you go.
