When lunchtime cravings strike, nothing hits the spot quite like a perfectly crafted sandwich. From bakery-fresh baguettes and stacked deli classics to inventive twists bursting with local flavor, the city’s sandwich shops are quietly raising the bar on what a casual meal can be.
Let’s get to it.
Don & Charly’s
If you’re craving a sandwich that feels like a hug, Don & Charly’s built a menu that hits every note. Their lineup—from Caribbean pork to Chicken Bánh Mì and the glistening Maison Thon—shows off a bakery turning out demi-baguettes and ciabatta fresh each morning. Meats range from European salamis to prosciutto cotto and capicola, layered with fresh mozzarella and the seasonal jam or house pickles the team whips up weekly.
Vegetarian and gluten-free friends won’t feel left out thanks to hearty veggie options and creative subs. Even the charcuterie choices shine, whether it’s a shareable grazing board or a thoughtfully assembled “adult lunchable” made for one. Portions are generous and come with a side—think house potato salad or something greener. Wash it down with huckleberry lemonade or Charly’s vanilla-swirled cold brew…both a step above your average lunch drink.
The modern-rustic space features local art, hums with Wi-Fi, and sits quietly off the busiest downtown streets. After two years, Don & Charly’s feels like exactly what Boise needed.
Off Broadway Deli
Stepping inside Off Broadway Deli, you’ll find a place that knows how to do lunch right. Their made-to-order classics and house specialties really sing thanks to a bright pesto that finds its way into sandwiches like the Hot Broad, featuring grilled turkey, Swiss cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic.
Club fans flock for thick-sliced bread stacked with turkey and bacon, while the Pizza Sandwich goes all-out Italian with turkey, salami, pepperoni, provolone, olives, pepperoncini, and pesto. Everything tastes fresh, from the sliced avocado on the turkey bacon avocado to the soft, just-toasted rolls.
Bread options range from classic white to marbled rye, with wraps or lettuce wraps for gluten-friendly meals. The strip-mall spot on SE Broadway is relaxed and tidy, with counter service and both indoor and outdoor seating. They offer half and full sandwiches and even “kiddie subs,” making it easy to feed any appetite. Local ties run deep—Boise State and first responders enjoy a discount—and that neighborhood vibe keeps people coming back.
Wyld Child
Down on South Latah Street, Wyld Child brings a playful West Coast twist to Boise’s fast-casual scene. Their local wagyu burger is ground in-house and lands on a toasted brioche or gluten-free bun. The Wyld Style Burger leans into bacon jam, black garlic aioli, and melted Gruyère, creating a delicious mess that tastes way more refined than any chain.
Chicken sandwiches get the same in-house loving treatment, whether you choose Peruvian spice or classic crispy. Veggie fans aren’t forgotten—the falafel burger comes as a full patty instead of a basic puree. Those avoiding meat can build a Simple Greens salad or opt for the Power Bowl.
Prices are family-friendly, with full-size sandwiches under twelve dollars and a kids’ grilled cheese for five. Drinks cover craft sodas, wine, and beer—exactly what adults want from counter service. The modern interior flows out to a pet-friendly patio where you can linger. Weekend breakfast starts at nine, but weekday crowds pick up around noon, so consider an early arrival.
MB SANDWICH HOUSE
In Boise, MB Sandwich House has carved out a loyal following for its French-style baguettes and toasty lineup. Every loaf is sliced and pressed with house-seasoned mayo so even simple ingredients pop. Classic hot sandwiches like pastrami, ham and cheese, or turkey and Swiss hit the spot, but you’ll also find inventive options.
The House Hero stacks chicken, turkey, ham, roast beef, and cheddar in one bite. If you like a sweet-and-savory twist, the Islander mixes ham, Spam, garlic butter, and teriyaki sauce. For small bites, garlic butter sliders steal the show—smokehouse BBQ, garlic parmesan chicken, or roast beef with gravy that tastes like weekend comfort food. They even slow-roast pork butt for a chimichurri slider on select days.
The sleek strip-mall spot is small, so most people grab take-out or delivery. With sandwiches around ten dollars, salads and sliders a bit less, and house cookies like the coconut-macadamia “Royal,” MB Sandwich House makes a casual lunch or laid-back dinner feel special.
Hugo’s Deli
Family-owned since 1980, Hugo’s Deli nails classic deli comfort with a straightforward menu and house-baked breads. You’ll see stacks of hand-sliced turkey, ham, corned beef, and cheeses ready to go on a French roll, marbled rye, or a rotating specialty loaf. The Hugo Special layers pastrami, corned beef, and ham with tangy horseradish, Dijon, cheddar, and pepper jack in one generous roll.
Sides add personality—crispy hand-cut Idaho fries, deli fries with house fry sauce, and even nostalgic finger steaks. Vegetarians can build a solid sandwich, and gluten-free or vegan swaps are available. Most folks drop by for lunch, finding casual counter seating in an easygoing space. Portions are generous, with half and kid-size options for smaller appetites. Expect to spend eight to eleven dollars for a sandwich—enough to feel like a friendly neighborhood deal. Between freshly sliced meats and a no-frills approach, Hugo’s Deli keeps locals coming back for reliably good Idaho-style sandwiches.
Deli George
For a hearty sandwich in Boise, Deli George has been winning over lunch crowds since 1997. Located on a busy corner of West Front Street, this spot bakes its own sourdough, ciabatta, and focaccia every day. Meats like tri-tip, brisket, roast beef, and turkey get smoked in-house each morning, so you know you’re getting fresh, flavorful fillings.
Sandwiches here don’t skimp on size. The Boise Cheese Steak and the smoky tri-tip are customer favorites, but the Vegilicious packs plenty of punch for anyone skipping meat. Prices range from around eight to sixteen dollars, and the portions match the price.
Inside you’ll find counter-service casual with a few small tables, plus extra seating outdoors when the weather’s nice. Many people choose to grab their orders to go, and online ordering is quick and easy. Lunch is the main focus, but they stay open until 7 PM on weekdays if you need an early dinner. Catering is also a big part of the business, perfect for office lunches or family gatherings. At Deli George, fresh-baked bread and smoky meats aren’t extras—they’re the everyday standard.
Goldy’s Corner
At the heart of downtown Boise, Goldy’s Corner exudes a friendly, homey vibe that works for both lazy breakfasts and quick midday lunches. You can build your own sandwich at their station, but it’s hard to ignore the parade of breakfast burritos—especially the curry hash brown option—or the Chicken Artichoke Heart Crepe that regulars rave about.
A display case shows off house-baked muffins, scones, banana bread, vegan lemon bars, and gluten-free treats. Portion sizes feel just right for downtown prices, with sandwiches and burritos mostly between eight and twelve dollars and pastries only a few dollars more.
Since this is a single-location bakery-café, you’ll notice local art on the walls and a book-share nook in the corner. The hum of baristas calling out names and the sight of mini pot pies or berry mimosas give it a relaxed charm. Counter service keeps things moving smoothly, even on busy weekend brunch days. Goldy’s Corner doesn’t try to be everything, but it covers coffee, breakfast, and lunch with attentive, unfussy appeal.
Cobby’s
Serving both Boise and Garden City, Cobby’s keeps its menu focused on what works best: freshly baked bread and house-sliced meats and cheeses. Signature sandwiches include Hot Roast Beef, Cobby’s Club, Pastrami, and a classic French Dip. You choose your bread—sourdough, wheat, focaccia, or a wrap—and then pick from condiments like Dijon, horseradish, oil and vinegar, and plenty of extras.
Alongside the classics, there’s a build-your-own station, a noteworthy vegetarian sandwich, and an all-you-can-eat salad bar stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables. For carb-watchers, the “Manager’s Special” skips the bread. Portions run generous, especially in large and family-style sizes, and there’s even a kids’ menu to keep little ones happy.
Strip mall locations mean easy parking and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Counter service keeps orders moving, while soups like chili and clam chowder hit the spot on cooler days. Whether you’re grabbing a cold Pepsi or a beer, Cobby’s reliably delivers no-nonsense comfort food in a home-grown setting.
Goldstein’s Bagels & Bialys
On South 8th Street, the smell of freshly baked bagels draws you into Goldstein’s Bagels & Bialys. Tucked beneath the Afton condos, this counter-service deli sticks to classic methods—hand-rolling and kettle-boiling each bagel. You’ll find flavors from cinnamon-raisin and pumpernickel to the onion bialy that longtime customers can’t stop talking about. Gluten-free bagels are on the menu as well.
A lineup of schmears stretches across the counter: plain, lemon-dill, vegan spreads from The Kula Connection, plus Nutella and Bonne Maman jam. Signature sandwiches don’t hold back either. The Reuben layers pastrami, Gruyère, and Russian dressing, while the Lights Out Lewy features lox and dill with seafood flown in from Brooklyn. Other options include egg salad, sprouts and pickled onions, vegan versions, and even a spiced pastralmon.
Bagels start at two dollars and sandwiches can run up to sixteen. Hours are 8 AM to 2 PM, so you can enjoy fresh bagels and bold deli flavors while they last each morning and lunchtime.
