Unearth The Voyage
Georgia’s sandwich scene goes way beyond chain restaurants and trendy new spots. Across the state, dozens of family-run delis and hole-in-the-wall counters have been quietly feeding loyal customers for decades, turning out everything from pressed Cubans to Italian beef to Vietnamese banh mi. These are the places locals swear by, where recipes haven’t changed in generations and where a good sandwich is still just a good sandwich, no hype required.
1. Havana Sandwich Shop (Atlanta/Chamblee & Brookhaven)
Buford Highway has earned its reputation as Atlanta’s international food corridor, and Havana Sandwich Shop anchors that legacy with decades of pressed perfection. Walk into either location and you’ll find a no-frills counter where the menu is short and the execution is flawless.
The Cuban sandwich here follows the traditional playbook: roasted pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, pressed until the cheese melts and the bread develops that signature crunch. Regulars know to arrive early because once the lunch rush hits, lines form fast.
What keeps people coming back isn’t just nostalgia. It’s consistency and flavor that remind transplants of Miami and introduce newcomers to what a real Cuban should taste like.
2. Quoc Huong Bánh Mì (Doraville)
Long lines snake out the door most days at Quoc Huong, but regulars don’t mind the wait. This Buford Highway institution has built a devoted following by doing one thing exceptionally well: banh mi that balances sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy in every bite.
The BBQ pork version is a favorite, with caramelized meat layered alongside pickled daikon and carrots, fresh cilantro, cucumber, and a kick of jalapeño. The combo banh mi offers a sampler of proteins if you can’t decide.
Prices remain shockingly affordable, especially given the quality and generous portions. Grab extra sandwiches for later because once you taste one, you’ll want another before the day ends.
3. Lee’s Bakery (Atlanta, Buford Hwy)
Among Buford Highway’s many Vietnamese spots, Lee’s Bakery consistently tops local must-visit lists for good reason. The grilled pork banh mi showcases perfectly charred meat with a hint of lemongrass, tucked into a baguette that’s crispy outside and pillowy inside.
Beyond sandwiches, Lee’s also serves excellent pho, making it a versatile stop whether you’re craving something handheld or a steaming bowl of noodles. The bakery section tempts with sweet treats if you have room after lunch.
Prices stay wallet-friendly, and the staff works quickly even during busy stretches. First-timers should trust the classics: you can’t go wrong with the grilled pork or the combo option.
4. Reuben’s Deli (Downtown Atlanta)
Downtown office workers have kept Reuben’s Deli thriving for years, returning again and again for straightforward sandwiches that never disappoint. The menu sprawls across dozens of options, but the hot pastrami and the namesake Reuben stand out as crowd favorites.
Pastrami arrives piled high, steaming and peppery, with just enough mustard to cut through the richness. The Reuben balances corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island on rye, griddled until golden.
There’s nothing fancy about the setup: order at the counter, grab a seat, and enjoy. Minimal fuss and maximum flavor keep the lunch rush steady, so plan accordingly if you’re on a tight schedule.
5. E. 48th Street Market (Dunwoody)
Family recipes and house-made ingredients define E. 48th Street Market, a Dunwoody gem that’s been crafting Italian heroes since the 1980s. Walking in feels like stepping into a neighborhood market where everyone knows your name and your usual order.
The Italian hero showcases layers of salami, capicola, provolone, and their signature house-made mozzarella, all piled onto bread baked fresh daily. Each bite delivers the kind of balance that only comes from decades of practice.
Beyond sandwiches, the market stocks imported Italian goods, making it a one-stop shop for pantry staples and a great lunch. Locals treat this place like a secret worth protecting, though word continues to spread.
6. Hildebrandt’s (Augusta)
Dating back to 1879, Hildebrandt’s holds the title of one of Georgia’s oldest continuously operating delis. Generations of Augusta families have grown up on these sandwiches, passing down their love for the place like a cherished heirloom.
The Reuben and its cousin, the Rachel (swapping turkey for corned beef), anchor the menu alongside German potato salad that’s tangy, creamy, and utterly addictive. The flavors reflect the deli’s German roots, with recipes that haven’t wavered over the decades.
Neighborhood loyalty keeps Hildebrandt’s thriving in an era when many old-school delis have closed. If you’re near Augusta, stopping here isn’t just lunch; it’s a history lesson served on rye.
7. Old Sautee Store Market & Deli (Sautee Nacoochee)
Nestled in the North Georgia mountains, the Old Sautee Store has stood since 1872, evolving from a general store into a beloved deli that draws visitors and locals alike. The building itself is a piece of history, with creaky floors and shelves stocked with local goods.
Sandwiches here are simple but generous, piled high with quality meats and fresh vegetables on bread baked in-house. There’s nothing trendy or complicated, just honest food made with care.
After lunch, browse the market for local jams, honey, and crafts. The whole experience feels like stepping back in time, which is exactly why people keep making the drive up the mountain.
8. Marti’s at Midday (Athens)
Athens locals have made Marti’s at Midday their go-to lunch spot for years, drawn by homemade salads and sandwiches that feel like comfort food without the heaviness. The Amy, featuring curry chicken salad, stands out with its blend of sweet and savory flavors that surprise first-timers.
The tuna melt also earns regular praise, with generous amounts of tuna salad and melted cheese on perfectly toasted bread. Portions are hearty, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it easy to linger over lunch.
Marti’s also handles catering for local events, a testament to how much the community trusts their food. Whether you’re a college student or a longtime resident, this spot feels like home.
9. White Tiger Gourmet (Athens)
Housed in a converted home, White Tiger Gourmet blends the best of barbecue and deli traditions into sandwiches that Athens residents crave. Smoked meats take center stage here, with the BBQ pork sandwich delivering tender, flavorful pork on a toasted roll.
The cafe vibe is laid-back and neighborhood-friendly, the kind of place where you can grab a quick lunch or settle in with friends. Sides like coleslaw and baked beans round out the meal without overshadowing the star attraction.
Smoking meat in-house makes all the difference, giving each sandwich a depth of flavor that sets White Tiger apart from typical deli fare. It’s BBQ done right, sandwich-style.
10. Skip’s Chicago Dogs (Avondale Estates)
Chicago transplants and curious locals alike flock to Skip’s for a taste of the Windy City without leaving Georgia. While the name highlights Chicago dogs, the Italian beef is the sandwich that keeps people talking.
Thinly sliced beef gets piled onto a roll and dipped in savory au jus, with hot peppers adding the perfect kick. It’s messy, it’s delicious, and it’s exactly what an Italian beef should be.
The no-frills counter setup and old-school vibe make Skip’s feel authentic, like a neighborhood joint that’s been passed down through generations of friends. Ask for extra napkins and don’t wear white.
11. The Mad Italian (Chamblee)
Since the 1970s, The Mad Italian has been serving cheesesteaks that locals claim rival anything you’d find in Philadelphia. The retro counter and straightforward menu haven’t changed much over the decades, which is exactly how regulars want it.
Thinly sliced steak gets topped with melted cheese, onions, and peppers, all served on a fresh roll that holds up to the juicy filling. Each bite delivers that perfect combination of savory meat and gooey cheese.
Repeat customers form the backbone of this business, returning week after week for a sandwich that never disappoints. It’s proof that when you nail a classic, there’s no need to reinvent it.
12. Nick’s Food To Go (Atlanta, Summerhill)
Operating from a tiny window since 1994, Nick’s Food To Go proves that great food doesn’t need a big space. The lamb gyro wrap draws a devoted crowd, with tender slices of lamb tucked into warm pita alongside tomatoes, onions, and creamy tzatziki.
The souvlaki options also earn high marks, offering grilled meat with the same fresh toppings and sauces. Everything is made to order, so expect a short wait that’s well worth it.
Nick’s thrives on word-of-mouth and repeat business, the kind of place where first-timers become regulars after a single visit. It’s simple Greek food done exceptionally well.
13. Bennett’s Market & Deli (Grant Park, Atlanta)
Grant Park residents rely on Bennett’s Market & Deli for breakfast and lunch staples that never try too hard. The turkey club is a standout, with layers of turkey, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and mayo on toasted bread.
Pimento cheese makes appearances across the menu, reflecting the deli’s Southern roots and giving classics a regional twist. Soups and salads round out the offerings, making Bennett’s a versatile neighborhood spot.
The atmosphere is community-focused rather than Instagram-worthy, which suits the loyal customer base just fine. It’s the kind of place where the staff remembers your order and asks about your day.
14. Jamwich (Rome & NW Georgia)
What started as a quirky brick-and-mortar concept has evolved into a food truck that Northwest Georgia residents actively track down. Jamwich built its cult following by pairing jam with savory sandwich ingredients in ways that shouldn’t work but absolutely do.
The Dirty South Mouth combines creamy pimento cheese with sweet jam, creating a flavor profile that’s both familiar and surprising. The contrast between tangy cheese and fruity sweetness hooks people from the first bite.
Finding the truck requires checking social media for locations, but fans consider the hunt part of the fun. When you spot Jamwich, stop immediately because you never know when you’ll see it again.
15. Sid’s Sandwich Shop (Macon)
Short hours and a loyal following define Sid’s Sandwich Shop, where Macon locals have been getting their sandwich fix for decades. The club sandwich arrives stacked tall with turkey, ham, bacon, lettuce, and tomato, served with a side of creamy potato salad.
Chicken salad on toast also ranks high among regulars, made with a simple recipe that’s remained unchanged over the years. The counter setup and straightforward service feel like a throwback to a simpler time.
Sid’s doesn’t advertise or chase trends; it simply opens its doors, makes great sandwiches, and lets the food speak for itself. That approach has worked for generations and shows no signs of changing.
16. Chicago Dogs Italian Beef (Peachtree Corners/Norcross)
Tucked into a nondescript strip mall, Chicago Dogs Italian Beef serves as a lifeline for transplants craving authentic Chicago flavors. The dipped Italian beef is the main attraction, with tender beef soaked in savory au jus and topped with spicy giardiniera.
Getting the sandwich dipped is essential for the full experience, even if it means extra napkins and careful eating. The combination of juicy beef, tangy peppers, and soft bread hits all the right notes.
Chicagoans vouch for the authenticity, which is high praise in a region far from the Midwest. For everyone else, it’s a delicious introduction to a regional specialty worth seeking out.
17. Ollie’s (Grant Park, Atlanta)
Operating alongside Bennett’s in Grant Park, Ollie’s has carved out its own loyal following with breakfast bagels and deli sandwiches that draw steady crowds. The breakfast bagel sandwiches arrive hot and satisfying, with eggs, cheese, and your choice of meat on a toasted bagel.
Deli subs follow classic blueprints but benefit from fresh ingredients and generous portions. Word-of-mouth keeps the business humming, with neighbors recommending Ollie’s to newcomers as a neighborhood essential.
The vibe is unpretentious and welcoming, the kind of place where you can grab a quick breakfast on your way to work or settle in for a leisurely lunch. Grant Park residents consider themselves lucky to have it.
