One sandwich shop in this lineup serves subs on sweet, toasted Hawaiian-style bread and also cooks Chinese food. I love that combo more than I can explain. It sounds like a menu mix-up, yet fans have kept coming back for decades.
Another spot will not even tell you what its Mystery Sandwich is. A third runs a juice bar and stays open around the clock for part of the week. Tennessee sandwich lovers clearly like a little weirdness with their lunch.
I got curious about what turns a simple sandwich counter into a place people defend like a favorite team. The answer seems to be bread, creativity, and stubborn consistency. Some of these shops lean old school, while others rewrite the rules.
So which one would earn your loyalty first? I have a feeling your lunch plans are about to get very complicated.
1. Highland Super Submarine Sandwich Shop, Memphis
Subs and Chinese food under one roof sounds like a dare. On Summer Avenue in Memphis, it is simply Tuesday.
Highland Super Submarine Sandwich Shop specializes in toasted submarine sandwiches, and the bread is the star. Think sweet, toasted, Hawaiian-style rolls that turn a regular sub into something craveable.
The Super Sub is the name to know. You can get it on hard bread too, which gives you a crunchier bite if soft rolls aren’t your style.
Loyalty here is measured in decades, not months. Some fans have been ordering the same subs for over 20 years, and they say the flavor hasn’t slipped.
That kind of steady track record is rare. Plenty of places shine for a season, but few stay this reliable for a generation.
Service is quick and casual, with no table service. Order at the counter, grab your food, and either sit down or take it home.
Plan your visit carefully, because hours are limited. The shop is open weekdays until 7 PM, closes at 3 PM on Saturday, and stays closed on Sunday.
Free parking is usually easy to find. That’s one less thing between you and that sweet toasted bread.
2. Mitchell Delicatessen, Nashville
Few delis can please a pastrami fan and a vegan in the same order. In East Nashville, Mitchell Delicatessen pulls that off with ease.
The menu stretches wide. You’ll see Pastrami and Swiss, a classic BLT, and Bagel and Lox next to a vegetarian French Dip and a Seitan Supreme.
Plant-based eaters get real choices here, not a sad side salad. The BBQ Asian Tofu sandwich is fully vegan, and the deli runs complete vegan and vegetarian menus.
The Grilled Veggie Sandwich has its own devoted fans. Some call it their favorite sandwich in all of Nashville, which is bold talk in a food city.
Morning people, take note. The shop opens at 8 AM daily and offers a hot breakfast bar, a breakfast sandwich, and house-made soups.
Lines can stretch on busy days, especially weekend afternoons. The good news is that counter service moves fast, so you won’t wait forever.
Parking can be a little tricky to find. Outdoor seating helps on nice days, and dogs are welcome outside if your pup wants in on the trip.
The space is bright and casual, with music that sets an easygoing mood.
3. River Street Deli, Chattanooga
New York-style sandwiches beside a Tennessee river park? Chattanooga makes that geography work just fine.
River Street Deli sits close to the park on the river, so lunch can easily turn into a stroll. The space is a comfy counter-serve nook decorated with local art.
Classic deli fans should look at the Hot Pastrami. The Cuban Sandwich and the Ham and Brie are also menu highlights worth a look.
Wrap lovers get attention too. The Chipotle Chicken Wrap pops up often among fans, and the Philly Reuben brings a fun twist on a classic.
Not starving? The Half Sandwich with Soup or Salad is a smart pick, and a three-salad combo is another lighter way to go.
The owner is known for knowing his customers, which helps explain the long-term loyalty. Some locals have been eating here for years.
Hours run from 10:30 AM to 3 PM daily, so this is strictly a lunch mission. Service is fast, and there’s plenty of seating once your order is ready.
Save room for dessert, since the deli serves sweets alongside its sides.
4. Holy Land Market, Knoxville
A Reuben, a falafel, and a slice of baklava walk into one market. That’s a normal lunch run at this Knoxville favorite.
Holy Land Market blends Middle Eastern deli fare with classic American deli sandwiches. You can order The Reuben, Pastrami, a Turkey Club, or a towering Dagwood.
Prefer the Mediterranean side? Kebabs, falafel, and gyros fill out the menu, along with Baba Ganoush and a Hummus Platter that are both vegan.
Bringing a friend? The Holy Grill Platter for Two is built for sharing, and daily specials keep things interesting.
The deli case is a treat by itself. Look for homemade hummus, fattoush, stuffed grape leaves, and fresh pita bread.
Desserts deserve their own shout. Cannoli, baklava, cakes, and cookies make it hard to leave without a little box.
The market section stocks specialty items, so you can shop after you eat. Tea and coffee lovers will also find a strong drink lineup.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 7 PM. It’s closed Sunday and Monday, so plan ahead before that Reuben craving hits.
5. Wicked Good Sandwiches, Clarksville
Naming your shop Wicked Good is a big promise. Fans in Clarksville say the sandwiches actually keep it.
The Italian Grinder leads the lineup, and the Turkey Pesto offers a lighter option. Burgers also earn plenty of love, including the Southwest Burger.
Snack lovers, this menu is your playground. Pickle Fries, Fried Mushrooms, and Yai’s World Famous Egg Rolls make choosing just one side very hard.
Want something unexpected? The Nashville Hot Chicken Quesadilla brings Tennessee heat in a fun new shape.
Here’s what makes this spot stand out from a typical lunch counter. There’s a pool table, air hockey, and video games, plus live music.
That setup makes it easy to stay a while. It’s a natural pick for groups, and Austin Peay State University students are close by.
Breakfast is on the menu too, with doors opening at 10 AM. Weekday hours run until 8 PM, while Saturday wraps up at 4 PM.
Sunday is a day off for the kitchen. The shop also accepts reservations, which is handy for bigger crews who want a guaranteed spot.
6. JamBox Sandwich Shop, Franklin
Sandwiches named after songs? That’s the whole beat at this music-themed Franklin shop.
JamBox Sandwich Shop serves creative sandwiches with unusual flavor combos. Menu names like Cranberry Linger, Orange Crush, and Teach Me How to Hoagie tell you it doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Those puns aren’t just for show, though. Fans call it one of the most creative sandwich shops around Nashville, with combos you won’t easily find elsewhere.
Vegetarians get a full menu of their own. That means meatless eaters can explore the playlist instead of settling for a single option.
Families will feel at ease here. The shop offers a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables, which takes stress off parents.
Hours are generous at 11 AM to 8 PM daily. That makes it a rare creative sandwich stop that also works for dinner.
Busy stretches tend to land on weekend afternoons and some weekday lunches. Evenings are usually quieter if you’d rather skip the rush.
Curbside pickup and delivery are available when you’d rather stay home. Parking is usually plentiful too, so you won’t circle the lot for long.
7. Hard Times Deli, Memphis
Any shop called Hard Times had better make lunch easy. This Memphis deli handles that job with big, hearty subs.
The look is retro, and the portions are generous. Expect deli subs built for real hunger, not dainty nibbling.
One fun pick is the SSS Chopped Cheese, a New York-inspired sandwich made with ground beef and American cheese. The deli also offers vegetarian options.
Locally owned and run, the shop has a strong love for its city. The people behind the counter clearly want you to love Memphis as much as they do.
Fair warning: the line is part of the experience. This place gets slammed, and fans insist the wait pays off.
Arrive with patience and a plan. Parking can be somewhat tough to find on Marshall Avenue, so give yourself a few extra minutes.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM. It’s closed Sunday and Monday, so don’t let a weekend craving catch you off guard.
8. Sandwich Factory, Murfreesboro
Chicago flavor in Middle Tennessee? Murfreesboro has a factory for that.
Sandwich Factory serves the Vienna Italian Beef, and fans don’t hold back. Some call it the best Chicago-style Italian beef in Tennessee, maybe the whole Southeast.
The Chicago Dog keeps that Windy City theme rolling. Then the Original Cuban Sandwich swings things in a different direction.
Feeling brave? The Cry Baby Challenge is a sandwich that sounds like it comes with a warning label.
Burgers get their own fan club too. The Donut Burger combines a beef patty and American cheese with a glazed donut, while fried pickles make a fine sidekick.
Portions run big, so bring an appetite or a friend to share with. The vibe is quiet and casual, with outdoor seating available.
Watch the schedule closely. The shop opens at 10:30 AM, staying until 8 PM Wednesday through Friday and 3 PM on other open days. Sunday is closed.
9. Hub City Deli, Jackson
Fries cooked in beef tallow are a pretty strong opening argument. Hub City Deli in Jackson has plenty more where that came from.
This craft deli covers breakfast and lunch with serious range. Mornings bring a Breakfast Burrito, Biscuit and Gravy, and the Boss Hog Benedict.
Later in the day, sandwiches take over. The Turkey Brie and Patty Melt stand out, and the Smash Burger has a loyal crowd.
Roast beef is a big deal here. Some fans call it the best in Jackson, and the smoked chicken gets praise for its flavor.
Cuban sandwiches and brisket also show up on lots of favorite lists. Finish with Chess Pie if you want a true Southern ending.
The space is known for being spotless, with friendly staff and good music. Free Wi-Fi makes it handy for a working lunch.
Early birds win here. The deli opens at 7 AM on weekdays and 8 AM on weekends, closing at 3 PM daily.
Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, and kids get their own menu.
10. The Yellow Deli, Chattanooga
Most delis close by dinner. This Chattanooga spot stays open 24 hours from Monday through Thursday.
The Yellow Deli, operated by the Twelve Tribes religious community, serves sandwiches, salads, and breakfast. It also runs a juice bar offering smoothies and other drinks.
The Deli Pesto Sandwich is a vegetarian highlight. There’s also a Chicken Sandwich, plus a vegan sandwich and a vegan Veggie Burger.
Drinks get special attention here. Hot Apple Cider, Banana Milk, coffee, and hot teas round out a lineup that feels homemade and comforting.
The food leans fresh and made in-house, with soups joining the sandwiches and salads. The setting is known for its calm feel and upbeat music.
The schedule is unusual, so check it twice. Friday service ends at 3 PM, Saturday is closed, and Sunday runs noon to midnight.
Sunday afternoon and evening tend to be the busiest stretch. Late nights midweek are usually much calmer.
11. Bill’s Sandwich Palace, Nashville
Ordering a sandwich without knowing what’s inside takes trust. Bill’s Sandwich Palace sells exactly that with its Mystery Sandwich.
The rest of the menu rotates too, so there’s always a reason to come back. Past favorites include the Zuccwich and the Porky Pig.
Fans also love the roast beef, meatball, and chicken parm sandwiches. Veggie options appear as well, backed by a full vegetarian menu.
Sides here aren’t an afterthought. The BSP Potato Salad and Cheddy Ranch Puffs have their own followings.
Then comes the Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookie. Skipping it feels like leaving a concert before the encore.
Sandwiches are generously sized and packed with creative flavor. Some households have made Bill’s a weekly ritual, which says plenty.
The indoor space is tiny, but outdoor seating helps. Dogs are allowed, so your four-legged buddy can tag along.
Timing matters most at this Nashville favorite. It opens Thursday through Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM.
Street parking can be tight, so give yourself extra time. Honestly, that Mystery Sandwich is worth a short walk.
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