When you think of Austin’s food scene, the sandwich probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.  The city is built on the shoulders of barbecue pits and Tex-Mex institutions, everywhere you look there is award winning BBQ or a taco joint with unforgettable tacos.  But if you can look past the ribs and breakfast tacos you will find a surprisingly underrated star: the sandwich.  Now hear me out… often dismissed as ordinary, a truly well-crafted sandwich is anything but simple.  Austin’s best sandwiches and sandwich shops prove they can hold their own alongside brisket and queso.

Knuckle Sandwich
Location: Ants Bee Cave – 440 E St Elmo Rd E-2, Austin, TX 78745

What puts the Knuckle Sandwich at the top of our list is the addicting flavor the sandwich delivers.  It’s a simple sandwich that is done right.  The quality of the meat they source from Olympia Provisions in Portland OR is top notch and the sauces – oh the sauces.  The bright, herby punch of the za’atar vin and the tangy richness of the amba aioli combine for an explosion of flavor that lingers long after the last bite.  The bread holds it all together with the perfect crunch, making each mouthful both satisfying and crave-worthy. You can tell the designers of this sandwich know their way around good food and flavor.

And don’t skip the chickpea tots. We also ordered a side of them, and they were almost better than the sandwich.  So fluffy on the inside and seasoned just right.  Pair them with the sandwich and you’ve got a meal that feels indulgent without being over the top.  Don’t miss out on this place – you won’t be disappointed!

Home Slice
Location: 501 E 53rd St, Austin, TX 78751

The second sandwich on our list is the Italian sub at Home Slice. A staple on nearly every “best of Austin” sandwich lists and one we only wish we’d discovered sooner after moving here.  This sub is piled high with deli meats and crisp lettuce, red onion and tomato, all tucked into a warm, house-made Italian sesame roll that’s chewy inside and crunchy on the outside. Normally, we avoid mayo on an Italian sub (our favorite Boston deli even has a sign mocking those who use it), but here it works. The creamy layer doesn’t overwhelm, it elevates, adding richness that ties everything together.

We’re partial to the North Loop location, with its cozy leather booths and playful art that gives the space a fun, laid-back vibe.   Even though we are talking about the sub, Home Slice is a pizza institution.  We like to start with a slice of our favorite pizza and then share the 12-inch sub.  If you’ve got room afterward, the cannoli is the perfect sweet finish. 

Bird Bird Biscuit
Location: 2701 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722

Our go-to spot before a weekend athletic event at UT is Bird Bird Biscuit.  Located off Manor Rd, this walk-up location offers some of the best biscuit sandwiches in Austin.  Feeling like breakfast? Our recommendation is the Lovely Day with a buttery biscuit that comes layered with chicken sausage, over-easy egg, cheddar cheese and a vibrant pesto.  Don’t sleep on the pesto, it’s what makes the sandwich. 

If chicken is more your speed, the Queen Beak with its pepper honey and bacon infused chipotle, or the spicy Firebird with dill mayo, are both standouts.  The chicken is always juicy and perfectly cooked.  Prepare yourself, the sandwiches are ginormous and will fill you up. 

If you have any room left after your sandwich the dough doughs are hard to resist.  Who can say no to biscuit balls coated in cinnamon and sugar?  Pro tip: We suggest ordering ahead so that when you arrive you can skip the wait and grab your food.  

Know before you go: The Manor location is a pickup window and just has outside bar bench seating. 

Mary’s Cafe
Location: 3209 Red River St, Austin, TX 78705

In a small little strip mall close to campus is a little hidden gem called Mary’s Cafe.  You likely drive past without even noticing it’s there. The paninis are pressed to order and made fresh on homemade focaccia bread.  The turkey and bacon panini is simple but delivers big flavor, with smoky bacon, fresh avocado and tender turkey layered into every bite.  Outside of sandwiches, they have a hearty breakfast menu with specialties that include liege waffles. 

Know before you go: seating is limited epically during the lunch rush. 

Nervous Charlies
Location: 410 W Whitestone Blvd Suite 300, Cedar Park, TX 78613

Nervous Charlies is a fun little bagel shop with two locations, one in Austin and another in Cedar Park.  The menu is stacked with New York energy bagel sandwiches that are a perfect blend of chewy bite and crisp outer crust.  You can choose from inventive seasonal specials or stick to the staples on the menu.  Our go-tos? Willie’s Hot Pastrami on pumpernickel and the Big Apple piled high with turkey, sliced apple, brie cheese, and honey mustard.   

Don’t skip the bagel chips. They’re the perfect crunchy bonus and an easy excuse to sample a few cream cheese flavors.

Food Heads
Location: 616 W 34th St, Austin, TX 78705

Tucked away in an old house just off Guadalupe Street, Food Heads is a lunchtime hotspot with an endless array of creative sandwich options. The casual café offers fresh flavors and a laid-back vibe. 

While the chicken eggplant sandwich is a fan favorite by most reviewers, we opted for the Apple Pork sandwich. A tender pork loin layered on toasted bolillo is paired with smoked gouda, fresh spinach, a bright and spicy apple pico, and a drizzle of honey Dijon. It’s equal parts savory, sweet, and tangy.

Beyond the food, our favorite part is the spacious outdoor yard.  It is perfect for hanging out with friends over lunch.   

La Plancha
Location: 1701 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Unit 101, Austin, TX 78702

If you are looking for a bold twist on the sandwich, the tortas at La Plancha should be on your list. This fast-casual counter-service spot gets its inspiration from Mexican street food and brings it to life with fresh ingredients and big flavors. 

As a pork lover, the “La Three Little Pigs” checks all the boxes.  The pressed sandwich is piled high with pulled pork carnitas, smoked bacon and ham, cheese, dijonnaise, and house-made pickles.  The bread is soft with just the right chew; it holds everything together while adding its own satisfying bite.

Beyond pork, the menu offers plenty of options, so whether you’re after something meaty, cheesy, or lighter, there’s a torta with your name on it.

Austin may have earned its reputation on smoky barbecue pits and tacos but spend a little time exploring and you’ll realize the sandwich deserves a seat at the table, too. Austin’s sandwich scene is as diverse and flavorful as the city itself. Each spot brings its own character. No matter what you’re craving, there’s a sandwich in Austin waiting to win you over, one bite at a time.

This is just the start of our Austin sandwich journey—stay tuned as we keep finding (and sharing) the city’s best bites, one sandwich at a time.