Unearth The Voyage
Tennessee isn’t just about music and mountains – it’s home to some seriously mouthwatering sandwiches too. From spicy chicken that’ll make your taste buds dance to cheesesteaks that locals line up for, the Volunteer State knows how to stack ingredients between bread. These 12 sandwiches represent the best fast-food handheld meals Tennessee has to offer, each with its own special flavor that keeps folks coming back for more.
Pal’s Big Pal: East Tennessee’s Burger Institution
Those distinctive teal buildings with giant burger sculptures aren’t just eye-catching – they’re home to East Tennessee’s most beloved fast-food creation. Pal’s Sudden Service makes the Big Pal with a special seasoning blend that’s been guarded for generations.
The beef patty comes topped with mayo, lettuce, tomato, and onion, all stacked between a soft, slightly sweet bun. The drive-through only operation means your sandwich is typically in your hands within seconds of ordering – hence the “Sudden Service” name!
Founded in Kingsport in 1956, Pal’s has earned a cult-like following and even a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award – the first restaurant chain ever to receive this honor.
Prince’s Hot Chicken Sandwich: Nashville’s Fiery Legend
Legend has it that Prince’s Hot Chicken was born from revenge when a scorned lover tried to punish Thornton Prince with painfully spicy chicken. The plan backfired when he loved it, and thus Nashville’s most famous culinary export was born.
The sandwich version takes that same cayenne-forward, deeply-seasoned fried chicken and places it between bread with cooling pickles. The contrast between the crispy, flame-red chicken and the soft bun creates a textural masterpiece.
Brave souls can order it at the “hot” or “extra hot” level, but be warned – Prince’s doesn’t mess around with heat levels. Even the “medium” has been known to bring tears to unprepared eyes.
Jason’s Deli Muffaletta: Mediterranean Meets Tennessee
Though Jason’s Deli originated in Texas, their Tennessee locations have mastered the muffaletta, earning devoted local fans. This Italian-inspired behemoth features layers of ham, salami, and provolone cheese that create a savory foundation for what comes next.
The star of the show is the olive mix – a tangy, briny blend of chopped olives and vegetables marinated in olive oil. Served on a round seeded loaf, the sandwich is available in quarter, half, or full portions, with the full size easily feeding a small family.
What makes this sandwich special in Tennessee is how the deli tailors it slightly to Southern tastes, with a touch more spice in the olive mix than traditional New Orleans versions.
Mitchell Delicatessen’s Roast Beef & Gouda: Nashville’s Gourmet Grab
Nestled in East Nashville, Mitchell Delicatessen transforms lunchtime with their signature Roast Beef & Gouda sandwich. The beef is roasted in-house until perfectly pink in the center, then sliced paper-thin to melt in your mouth.
Smoked Gouda adds a nutty complexity while romaine provides fresh crunch. The real genius comes from their homemade mayo, spiked with just enough horseradish to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them.
All this goodness comes on fresh-baked bread from nearby Silke’s Old World Breads. The sandwich has earned such a following that some Nashville business meetings are strategically scheduled near Mitchell’s just to justify grabbing this lunchtime masterpiece.
The Southern Engine Deli’s Cuban: Nashville’s Railway-Inspired Sandwich
Housed in a renovated railway building, The Southern Engine Deli pays homage to Nashville’s transportation history while serving up one of the city’s finest Cuban sandwiches. Slow-roasted mojo pork shoulder forms the foundation, layered with thin-sliced ham that adds a subtle smokiness.
Swiss cheese melts into every nook while yellow mustard and dill pickles cut through the richness. The bread – a crucial element – gets a generous butter treatment before meeting a hot press that transforms it into a crispy, golden vessel.
Unlike traditional Cubans, Southern Engine adds a Tennessee twist with a whisper of their house-made white BBQ sauce. The result is a sandwich that bridges culinary traditions while honoring Nashville’s unique food perspective.
615 Deli’s Turkey Bacon Avocado: Nashville’s Fresh Take
Downtown Nashville workers have a secret weapon against mundane lunch breaks: 615 Deli’s Turkey Bacon Avocado sandwich. Oven-roasted turkey breast is sliced daily, ensuring a freshness that pre-packaged options can’t match.
Crispy bacon adds a savory crunch while perfectly ripe avocado brings creamy richness to each bite. The sandwich gets elevated by a bright honey mustard aioli that’s made in small batches each morning.
Named after Nashville’s area code, 615 Deli sources their bread from local bakeries, often featuring sourdough that’s tangy enough to stand up to the robust fillings. The sandwich comes wrapped in butcher paper with a pickle spear – a simple presentation that lets the quality ingredients speak for themselves.
Lenny’s Philly Cheesesteak: Memphis’ Meaty Marvel
Born in Memphis, Lenny’s Grill & Subs has perfected the art of the Philly Cheesesteak. Sizzling ribeye steak gets chopped on the grill while onions caramelize alongside, creating a mouthwatering aroma that fills the restaurant.
The magic happens when melted provolone blankets the meat before everything gets tucked into a warm, pillowy roll. What makes Lenny’s version special is their commitment to generous portions – you’re never left wondering where the meat went!
Locals swear it’s the closest thing to Philadelphia you’ll find in Tennessee, and the consistent quality keeps regulars coming back. The sandwich comes wrapped in paper that barely contains its hearty build.
TY’S Homestyle Chicken Salad: Nashville’s Comfort Classic
TY’S Soups and Sandwiches has perfected the art of chicken salad, creating a version that reminds Nashvillians of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house. The chicken is roasted and pulled by hand, giving it a homemade texture that machine-processed versions can’t replicate.
Red grapes provide sweet bursts while toasted pecans add essential crunch. The mayonnaise binding is enhanced with a touch of sour cream for tanginess, alongside celery seeds that provide subtle aromatic notes.
Served on thick-cut wheat bread with green leaf lettuce, the sandwich comes with a choice of sides – though regulars know to pair it with TY’S tomato basil soup. Family-owned for over two decades, TY’S represents Nashville’s blend of Southern tradition and modern culinary craft.
Bill’s Sandwich Palace’s Hot Italian: Nashville’s Spicy Sensation
Behind an unassuming storefront, Bill’s Sandwich Palace crafts what locals consider Nashville’s most authentic Italian sub. Genoa salami, pepperoni, and capicola are sliced whisper-thin, allowing their distinct flavors to shine through without overwhelming each other.
Provolone provides a creamy counterpoint while the house-made hot pepper relish delivers a slow-building heat that’s become the sandwich’s calling card. The crusty Italian roll has the perfect ratio of chew to crackle, sourced from a third-generation bakery across town.
Bill himself still works behind the counter most days, greeting regulars by name. A Nashville institution since 1978, the sandwich shop maintains its original decor – including the faded signed photos from country music stars who’ve made this their pre-show fuel.
Rae’s Baguette BLT: Nashville’s French-Inspired Favorite
Rae’s Sandwich Shoppe elevates the humble BLT by starting with a crusty French baguette that’s baked fresh each morning. The bacon is thick-cut and maple-glazed, creating a sweet-savory harmony that’s become their signature.
Local heirloom tomatoes (when in season) provide juicy brightness, while butter lettuce offers a delicate crunch. The sandwich gets a Tennessee twist with a pimento cheese spread instead of plain mayonnaise – a brilliant fusion that keeps customers coming back.
Founded by Rachel “Rae” Thompson after studying culinary arts in Paris, the shop blends French technique with Southern ingredients. During summer months, they offer a special version with fried green tomatoes that sells out within hours of opening.
City Sandwich Company’s Smoky Mountain Melt: Tullahoma’s Hometown Hero
In the small city of Tullahoma, City Sandwich Company has created a regional sensation with their Smoky Mountain Melt. Hickory-smoked turkey forms the protein base, but it’s the unexpected addition of apple butter that makes this sandwich extraordinary.
Sharp white cheddar melts beautifully over the turkey, while bacon adds a savory crunch. The sandwich gets pressed panini-style, allowing all flavors to meld together while creating a perfectly crisp exterior.
Owned by former Tullahoma High School football coach Jim Reynolds, the shop decorates its walls with local sports memorabilia. The sandwich was actually created by accident when Jim’s son mistakenly spread apple butter instead of mustard during a busy lunch rush – the happy mistake became their bestseller.
FatBelly’s Pretzel Reuben: East Nashville’s Twisted Classic
FatBelly Pretzel Bakery & Deli revolutionizes the traditional Reuben by replacing rye bread with their house-made pretzel rolls. The soft, chewy interior contrasts beautifully with the glossy, salt-studded exterior, creating a perfect foundation for this deli classic.
Thin-sliced corned beef is piled high alongside tangy sauerkraut that’s made in small batches. Swiss cheese melts into every crevice while Russian dressing adds creamy zip.
The bakery started when owner Melissa Taylor began experimenting with pretzel recipes during pandemic lockdowns. What began as a hobby evolved into a business when neighbors couldn’t get enough of her creations. Now, East Nashville residents form lines around the block for these innovative sandwiches that marry German pretzel tradition with classic American deli fare.
