We live in Oakland – the city of foggy mornings, year-round farmers markets, and Warriors fans debating burritos – but most likely, your sandwich standards do not. Which means one thing: they need upgrading. Whether you’re craving pastrami, banh mi, or because you miss New York and Philly is 3,000 miles away, we’re heading east (of the Bay), and it’s time to impress.
Two Local Girls
$ | (510) 482-2474 | WEBSITE
At some point during your Oakland visit, you have to hit a few of the neighborhood gems. And since you’re already at Rocky’s Market grabbing those honey caramels, you might as well head to the back refrigerated section and pick up lunch from Two Local Girls. The beloved spot has been serving freshly made prepared foods for years and is still one of the best places to grab that standout tuna salad sandwich and watch the rest of the market shoppers wander by.
This is that rare Oakland eatery where grab-and-go professionals peacefully brush shoulders with relaxed locals enjoying the outdoor tables, and you’ll want to sit back and soak it all in.
Banh Mi Ba Le
$ | (510) 261-9800 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a sketchy neighborhood but worth every moment of the short wait, Banh Mi Ba Le is a completely authentic and totally satisfying sandwich shop that your friends will never stop recommending. The straightforward menu is familiar and appealing, and their freshly baked baguette with that signature mayo should definitely be on the list of best bites in Oakland. Yes, the limited weekend hours are inconvenient, and the line definitely stretches out the door more than once, but who cares?
The staff is totally kind about it and so are you. The prices are minimal, so surprise yourself by grabbing an extra #7 or that strictly delicious meatball and egg banh mi.
The Saint Sandwich Shop
$ | (510) 479-3554 | WEBSITE
This laid-back sandwich shop is extremely sandwich-lover friendly, and not just because it’s relatively calm, has old school video game setups, and won’t involve waiting long for your order. The Saint works for lunch where you can have a friendly debate about whether ‘The Beast’ sandwich actually lives up to its name, or an early dinner with their classic deli style offerings (get the roast beef with greens and that Italian Focaccia Genovese from ACME bakery).
Either way, be ready for your friend to spend a good amount of time marveling at the generous portion sizes and how the fresh ingredients come together perfectly—they’re going to mention it multiple times while you’re eating.
Montse’s Cafe
$ | (510) 387-3275 | WEBSITE
You’re heading to Montse’s Cafe because, more than anything, this sandwich shop in Oakland is consistently satisfying. Run by the friendly team, Montse’s is all about breakfast and lunch and enjoying them in a clean, welcoming atmosphere. The cozy cafe space is pleasant, the staff will help you choose from the variety of options, and the standout pastrami sandwich with mushrooms and jalapeños will have you feeling delighted right away. Get the pastrami sandwich.
Lee’s Sandwiches
$ | (510) 986-8888 | WEBSITE
At some point during your Oakland visit, the trendy restaurants will become too much and you’ll need something real. Time to get out of the foodie circuit. And while you can find decent sandwiches in many neighborhoods, one of our top moves for authentic eats is Lee’s Sandwiches inside an Asian grocery store. This place feels more like stepping into a bustling market in Saigon than into a typical sandwich shop in California.
Head over on a weekday to avoid the longest lines and grab one of their amazing banh mi sandwiches.
Ike’s Love & Sandwiches
$ | (510) 338-6789 | WEBSITE
Your vegan friend is eyeing the menu skeptically, but now they’re hangry-complaining about the lack of options and it’s clearly time for lunch. This small uptown Oakland spot is lively without being chaotic, and is generally filled with locals grabbing huge sandwiches and getting sauce-drunk. Get the Jaymee Sirewich and the Rkitty Cat – if anything is going to convince them that a sandwich shop can satisfy everyone, a fried chicken sandwich and a turkey-zucchini-pesto creation are probably it.
Mill’s Hoagie & Deli Shop
$ | (510) 635-5238 | WEBSITE
When the craving hits for something that tastes like it came straight from a Philly corner store, it’s time to head to Mill’s Hoagie & Deli Shop. When you can bite into a cheese steak piled high with real meat and fresh bread that doesn’t get soggy, even after sitting in the takeout bag, you’ve found exactly what you were looking for.
The place might look like it hasn’t changed since the 90s, with its worn-down dining room and cash-only policy, but that’s part of the charm—like stepping back into a simpler time. The service is lightning fast, and for around $15 you get a sandwich, fries, and a soda that actually fills you up. Sitting at one of those old laminate tables feels like coming home, especially when you’re working your way through a BBQ steak hoagie that’s absolutely packed with meat.
This hidden spot behind the Valero proves that sometimes the best food comes from places that don’t bother with frills.
North Beach Sandwicheez and Cafe
$ | (510) 947-5800 | WEBSITE
North Beach Sandwicheez and Cafe is everything a visitor imagines an Oakland sandwich shop would be, complete with a clean and nice-looking storefront and locals grabbing lunch in the corner. Plus, really fantastic sandwiches.
Grab a seat at one of the simple tables for the full experience (just nod and smile when your friend asks if their seat is where the regulars always sit) and order the pastrami sammie and as many turkey clubs as you can handle until your companion starts with the ‘I’m stuffed’ comments once they’re two iced teas deep.
Grinders Submarine Sandwiches
$ | (925) 392-5268 | WEBSITE
Your friends are obsessed with everything about Oakland’s food scene, from waiting in hour-long lines for artisanal toast, to debating which new fusion spot has the best Instagrammable plates. They’d also happily eat at every trendy gastropub in town, but that’s where you draw the line. Take them to Grinders instead.
This sandwich spot is still very Oakland – the space is tiny and focused entirely on takeaway – but in a neighborhood of overpriced salads and complicated menus, it’s also one of the most straightforward things you’ll find in the city. Get the 4 meat combo and enjoy the simple satisfaction.
Subway
$ | (510) 482-5566 | WEBSITE
Subway feels like the reliable sandwich spot your family hits after soccer practice, except the guy behind the counter is just a friendly employee, not some celebrity chef. You’re here for quick meals and the veggie delight (in that order), so expect your kids to get excited about the cookie display, but completely overlook the efficient service making everything fresh.
Bakesale Betty
$ | (510) 985-1213 | WEBSITE
Every person who lands in Oakland wants a proper sandwich, and Bakesale Betty is the spot everyone can appreciate: simple but creative sandwiches, standout desserts like banana cream pie, and cinnamon rolls described as the best anyone has ever had. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming despite the busy environment, with excellent service that makes visitors feel comfortable. And that chicken sandwich—tender, flavorful chicken with crispy skin, paired perfectly with spicy and tangy jalapeño slaw.
While prices run a bit steep, the high-quality ingredients and care in each dish make it worth every penny. Arrive early to enjoy everything at its best.
Primavera
$ | (510) 597-0107 | WEBSITE
You grew up thinking sandwiches were just lunchbox filler, something slapped together between errands. Change that mindset and head to Primavera, the best sandwich shop in Oakland. Tucked away from the main drag, this cozy spot gets largely overlooked by the typical foodie crowd, leaving the lines manageable, the atmosphere genuinely welcoming, and you realizing you’re eating somewhere truly special. Everything is great here, but their ‘Grand Slam’ sandwich is some of the best we’ve ever had.
Modigliani Cafe
$ | (510) 986-1599 | WEBSITE
Your parents aren’t the only ones in town. There’s also your brother, your sister and her husband and two kids. And there are only so many days you can squeeze around your tiny kitchen eating leftovers. Go have a big family lunch at Modigliani Cafe. This is one of the more affordable sandwich spots in town, but it’s also the best, and the $45 family platter with a couple of extras added in should feed the whole crew. Put Dad in charge of ordering – he wanted to take over anyway.
Weslo’s
On your way to the 580 yesterday, your friend called your lunch “just another sandwich.” They’re clearly missing out on Oakland’s hidden gems, so steer them to Weslo’s, the unassuming spot near the freeway that’s a complete surprise. Everyone is here for the Kimchi chicken sandwich and the Mango Passionfruit tea, and your order should be no exception. By the time you get to the #8 Hot Butt on herb bread, even your friend will have to admit that Oakland does have “real” sandwiches after all.
Lunch Box
$ | (510) 836-0703 | WEBSITE
If your lunch break is like our lunch break, the only thing you actually give a sh*t about in Oakland is getting something fast and satisfying. And at Lunch Box, you’re not just getting a sandwich, you’re getting a proper meal. Located in that cozy spot everyone knows, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find a more reliable option with prices this fair. The menu generally veers toward the sandwich/salad route, and that’s ideal for your midday dash between meetings.
You also won’t need much convincing on hitting up the brisket sandwich—it’s juicy, tender, and exactly what you need when you’re pressed for time but still want something that feels like a treat.
