We Tried Nashville Sandwiches—These 8 Spots Are the Real Deal

Nashville isn’t just famous for hot chicken and honky-tonks anymore. The city has quietly become a sandwich lover’s paradise, packed with shops slinging everything from classic deli cuts to international favorites.

We ate our way through the best spots to bring you this definitive list of places where the bread, fillings, and flavors all come together perfectly.

1. FatBelly Pretzel Bakery & Deli

Imagine biting into a sandwich where the bread itself is the star of the show. FatBelly makes everything from scratch, and their pretzel buns are chewy, salty, and absolutely addictive.

The FBP Muffuletta packs layers of Italian meats, cheese, and tangy olive salad between that signature pretzel bread. If you’re craving something more classic, their Roast Beef Sandwich delivers tender slices piled high with all the fixings.

They also sell pretzel bites, twists, and other baked goods if you want to take some carb-loaded goodness home. This place proves that when you start with exceptional bread, everything else just falls into place beautifully.

2. Bill’s Sandwich Palace

Getting a sandwich from Bill’s feels like winning the lottery because they’re only open on select days each week. Check their social media before you go, or you might find yourself sadly staring at a closed door.

The weekly specials are where things get exciting. Bill’s switches up the menu regularly, so you never quite know what creative combination will be waiting for you. Their classic sandwiches are equally solid, featuring quality ingredients and generous portions that make the hunt worthwhile.

3. Rae’s Sandwich Shoppe

Walk into Rae’s and you’ll immediately smell why people call their sandwiches famous for a reason. The Monte Cristo alone is worth the trip, with its sweet and savory combo that somehow works perfectly together.

Their Wicked Chicken brings the heat without overwhelming your taste buds, striking that ideal balance between spicy and flavorful. Every melty creation they serve features cheese pulled to perfection and bread grilled until golden and crispy.

The menu isn’t trying to be fancy or complicated. Instead, Rae’s focuses on doing comfort food really, really well. You’ll want to come back and try everything because each sandwich has its own personality and devoted following among Nashville locals who know good food when they taste it.

4. Soy Cubano

Craving a taste of Miami without leaving Tennessee? Soy Cubano delivers authentic Cuban sandwich energy with every pressed, melty bite. The classic Cubano here features roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on bread that gets pressed until crispy on the outside and warm throughout.

Beyond sandwiches, they serve other Cuban staples that transport you straight to Havana. The flavors are bold, the portions are generous, and the vibe feels genuinely welcoming.

This spot fills a unique niche in Nashville’s sandwich scene by bringing Latin flavors to the table. Whether you’ve had Cuban food before or you’re trying it for the first time, Soy Cubano makes it easy to fall in love with these traditional recipes and ingredients.

5. Mitchell Delicatessen

Mitchell Delicatessen brings old-school deli vibes to Nashville with sandwiches that remind you of classic New York delis. Their Pastrami & Swiss is piled ridiculously high with tender, peppery meat that melts in your mouth.

The French Dip comes with au jus for dunking, turning each bite into a juicy, savory experience. They also rotate through deli-board specials that showcase seasonal ingredients and creative flavor combinations worth exploring.

Everything here tastes like it was made by someone who truly understands deli culture and respects the craft.

6. East Side Bánh Mì

Bánh mì sandwiches are all about balance, and East Side Bánh Mì nails it every single time. The baguettes arrive fresh and crusty, providing the perfect vessel for layers of pickled vegetables, cilantro, jalapeños, and your choice of protein.

Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors: crunchy, tangy, savory, and slightly spicy all at once. The Vietnamese tradition of sandwich-making shines through in every carefully assembled creation here.

Don’t let the simple storefront fool you into thinking this is just another sandwich shop. The attention to detail and commitment to authentic flavors set East Side apart from anywhere else in Nashville.

7. Little Hats Market

Step inside Little Hats Market and suddenly you’re transported to a charming Italian deli where every sandwich feels like a mini vacation. The Italian market sandwiches here feature imported meats, fresh mozzarella, and ingredients that taste like they came straight from Sicily.

The bread is always fresh, the meats are sliced perfectly thin, and the toppings include marinated vegetables that add brightness to every bite. You can also browse their selection of Italian groceries while you wait, making the whole experience feel special.

These aren’t your average deli sandwiches. They’re carefully crafted with authentic ingredients that honor Italian sandwich-making traditions.

8. 51st Deli

Sometimes you just want a solid, no-fuss sandwich that hits the spot without any surprises. That’s exactly what 51st Deli delivers every single time you walk through their doors.

Their big deli-style sandwiches come loaded with quality ingredients and straightforward flavor combinations that never disappoint. The menu offers familiar favorites prepared well, making this the perfect spot when you want something easy and reliable without sacrificing taste.

There’s real value in consistency, and 51st Deli understands that better than most. Whether you’re grabbing lunch between meetings or need a quick dinner solution, you can count on getting a satisfying sandwich that tastes fresh and fills you up.