Sarasota’s sandwich scene is so much more than just a quick lunch fix…dig a little deeper and you’ll find everything from stacked Reubens to bakery-fresh croissants and smoky barbecue melts. Whether you’re craving a simple deli classic or a chef-driven creation, these local favorites deliver flavor, value, and plenty of personality.
Let’s get to it.
Shaner’s Pizza – Gulf Gate Sarasota
At Shaner’s Pizza in Gulf Gate Sarasota, you’ll find a laid-back atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating that’s perfect for catching the game. With a full bar serving up well-poured drinks, this family-friendly spot invites you to settle in and relax.
The thin-crust pizzas earn plenty of praise, but their hot sandwiches have a devoted following too. House-made meatballs star in the Bronx Meatball Hoagie on a brioche bun, and the Philly packs shaved beef with melted White American cheese on an Amoroso hoagie roll. The sausage and peppers hoagie brings green peppers and onions for a bit of New York flavor, while the smash burger stands out thanks to a bourbon bacon jam.
Entrée-sized portions come with fries or onion rings on the side, and most items hover around twelve to thirteen dollars. Open from lunch through dinner, the kitchen offers call-in and online ordering plus delivery if you’d rather dine at home. Locally owned since 1991 by former pitcher Shane Rawley, Shaner’s Pizza feels like a true Gulf Gate fixture.
Anna’s Deli
With over five decades in the sandwich business, Anna’s Deli has mastered straightforward, satisfying lunches. Two locations—one at Siesta Key’s Southbridge Mall and another at University Park—keep the menu consistent and close by 4 PM. They focus on quality ingredients without overcomplicating things.
The Surfer layers ham and turkey with cucumber and Swiss on their famous “canned bread,” finished with Anna’s sweet-tangy sauce. The Peddler and Fiesta pack tuna salad or liverwurst with Swiss, cucumbers, or onions, and portions border on generous. At University Park only, hot options like Reubens, Cubannas, and BBQ Brisket hoagies make an appearance.
Sides include house-made potato salad and coleslaw, while old-school fudge brownies and cookies satisfy a sweet tooth. Seating stays basic, so most guests grab sandwiches to go. Anna’s delivers fast service, authentic deli bread, and enough variety to please vegetarians. If you want classic deli flavors without the frills, this local favorite hits the spot.
Maximillian’s Cafe
Hidden in a cozy red-brick building near Gillespie Park, Maximillian’s Café has been a neighborhood staple for nearly thirty years. Inside, about ten peach-toned tables fill up fast on weekdays, but many regulars opt for convenient counter service or takeout. The atmosphere feels homey, with staff who know your name and sandwiches made to order.
The menu offers classics and creative twists alike. Try the Uptown Turkey, Pressed Cuban, or Chicken Pomodori, plus staples like Reubens and BLTs. You choose seeded rye, marble rye, ciabatta-style flatbread, or freshly baked Cuban loaf. Hot paninis and cool subs both boast generous portions, and prices hover around twelve dollars per sandwich. Lunch combos add sides or a drink for a bit more.
Vegetarians and vegans find plenty of options too. The Pressed Veggie sandwich and build-your-own salads can turn into wraps, and staff are happy to make vegan tweaks. Fresh-cut greens, homemade vinaigrettes, and in-house chicken salad show the kitchen’s care. Just remember they close at 3 PM, so arrive early for one of Sarasota’s most enduring lunch spots.
Morton’s Gourmet Market
Morton’s Gourmet Market stands out among Sarasota’s specialty shops, thanks to a deli counter that never quits. The Big Ted pileup—ham, turkey, genoa salami, American, and provolone on a house-baked hoagie—sets a high bar. Every bite reveals crisp, crackly bread and layers of quality meats.
Their Reuben keeps it authentic with chef-made corned beef on real rye. Veggie lovers turn to the Vegetarian sandwich or vegan sushi rolls, both fueled by locally sourced produce. Most meats are sliced in-house, and cheeses lean toward European imports. Portion sizes feel generous, with sandwiches around six to seven dollars—no skimpy servings here.
Early risers catch the bakery in full swing, with pastries fresh out of the oven. The rest of the market stays open well into the evening, making it easy to swing by after work. Seating is minimal, but takeout and curbside pickup run smoothly. Since 1969, Morton’s has blended a chef-driven approach with hometown charm, and it shows in every baguette and packed lunch platter.
Pastry Art Espresso Café & Dessert
In downtown Sarasota, Pastry Art Espresso Café & Dessert has been serving comfort classics for over thirty years. The counter-service setup offers a bustling cafe vibe with limited seating, but loyal patrons don’t mind squeezing in. Breads take center stage—from bagels and rye to croissants and even waffle bases if you’re feeling bold.
Breakfast sandwiches impress: steak and egg on a bagel topped with tomato, arugula, and garlic aioli for under ten dollars, or a turkey avocado BLT on superfood bread. At lunch, you’ll find house-made chicken salad, petite tenderloin steak sandwiches, and a premium corned beef Reuben. Local coffee beans keep drinks fresh, and Wisconsin ice cream stars in classic dessert offerings.
Prices sit around eleven to fourteen dollars for lunch, with breakfast a bit less. Portions feel honest, never skimpy. Whether you’re grabbing a quick morning bite, a casual lunch, or a sweet treat, Pastry Art delivers reliable flavors and a bit of local history that keeps customers coming back.
The Main Bar Sandwich Shop
Nestled in Sarasota since 1958, The Main Bar Sandwich Shop feels like a step back in time with its old-school barstools, leather booths, and a collection of circus posters that set a playful vibe. But it’s the sandwiches that keep folks coming back day after day.
Choose from more than 50 options, each with a nostalgic name. The Famous Italian arrives on a toasted bun, piled high with meats and cheese. The Reuben sits on proper rye, layered with corned beef and melted Swiss. Cold sandwich fans have plenty of picks too. Kaiser rolls, white or wheat bread, wraps or pita await your choice. Salami, ham, smoked turkey and provolone—all sliced deli-style and stacked for a generous bite.
Vegetarian friends aren’t left out. The Greek-style Sultan Salad (hold the tuna if you like) and a hearty Antipasto salad stand tall against meaty offerings. Soups rotate daily, and a scoop of potato salad on the side feels like an extra treat.
With sandwiches priced around twelve to fifteen dollars, portions never disappoint. Lunch is the only game here. Doors close by four and Sundays stay quiet. Drop in downtown Sarasota for classic counter-service charm and a genuine local feel.
Mademoiselle Paris – Breakfast, Lunch & French Bakery
Perched at the corner of Main and Orange, Mademoiselle Paris blends laid-back charm with just a hint of French flair, even at 7 AM when croissants emerge warm from the oven. Bread and pastries are baked in-house each morning—croissants, pain au chocolat, baguettes and ciabatta all appear fresh.
Breakfast offerings lean generous. The Croissant Breakfast is practically overflowing with Swiss cheese, local bacon, cage-free eggs and crisp potatoes. Sandwiches and paninis size up big, and salads arrive filled to the brim.
When lunch arrives, the classics shine. The Croque Mademoiselle layers good Gruyère and real béchamel on fresh bread. Paninis stack house-sliced chicken, ham and bacon. Vegetarians can choose from quiches or a spinach-avocado tartine, and there’s often a vegan tartine on the menu too.
Service stays easy. Order at the counter, then head out to the dog-friendly patio. It’s shaded by palms with street-facing tables under Sarasota’s sunshine. Prices range from eight to fourteen dollars, balancing quality with generous portions. If you’re craving real bread and a proper café lunch, this spot delivers every time.
Brick’s Smoked Meats – Sarasota
Right on State Street, Brick’s Smoked Meats brings Texas-style barbecue to Sarasota with bold flavors and generous portions. Brisket slices fresh to order, pork shoulder smokes tender and juicy, and that pretzel bun holds each bite together perfectly.
Sandwiches arrive towering tall. Try the brisket melt, layered with cheddar and caramelized onions, or choose pulled chicken packed with bacon and topped with a crispy fried green tomato. Even non-meat eaters find something to love. The portobello melt satisfies, and the street-style corn shows they’re serious about vegan-friendly sides too.
You can round out your meal with a side of classic coleslaw or dig into the Mac Daddy double bacon burnt ends for a true barbecue fest. Families and groups gather under string lights on the roomy patio while live music kicks off most weekends. Inside seats up to 150, plus extra tables outside for laid-back dining.
Open seven days a week with a special Texas fair-style brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Prices fit the downtown vibe, and catering keeps this spot busy beyond just the dine-in crowd.
C’est La Vie – Pastries Breakfast & Dinner
Walking along Main Street, C’est La Vie lures you in with the scent of fresh-baked bread. Every loaf—from country rounds to crisp baguettes—rolls out of the oven daily, and those croissants stand firm enough to hold all their fillings.
Croissant sandwiches take center stage. Smoked salmon with cream cheese makes an elegant choice, while traditional ham and butter feels like a comforting classic. Paninis deliver too, with a Croque Monsieur that tastes like it belongs in a Paris cafe. Vegetarian palates enjoy the Tour Eiffel sandwich, where tomato, mozzarella and basil unite, or they can opt for a fresh salad or sweet crepes.
Inside feels like a cozy bistro, complete with terracotta floors and sunflower accents. The sidewalk patio lures in a steady trickle of conversations, perfect for relaxed people-watching. Pastries are another draw, big enough to feel indulgent, priced between three and eight dollars. Sandwiches start in the mid-teens and climb into the twenties, but every ingredient feels authentic—not a shortcut in sight.
Locally owned for more than 28 years by the same family, C’est La Vie serves breakfast, lunch and seasonal dinner with genuine French attention.
Piccolo Italian Market & Deli
Tucked into a strip mall on Gateway Ave, Piccolo Italian Market & Deli delivers classic market-style flavors in a cozy space. The moment you step inside, tomato sauce simmers on the stove and stacks of Italian bread—seeded semolina and house loaves alike—line the counter.
Rather than breakfast, this deli focuses on hearty lunch and early dinner crowds. The veal parm and Italian beef sandwiches never disappoint, and the vegetarian Mediterranean option feels just as generous. Signature sandwiches like The Godfather and Frank Sinatra feature freshly sliced soppressata, prosciutto or mortadella alongside house-made sausage and juicy meatballs.
You’ll find both hot and cold offerings, plenty of house-made sauces and a Caprese sandwich that might surprise you with its heft. Prices sit between nine and fifteen dollars, delivering real value for substantial portions.
If you’re short on time, online ordering and curbside pickup streamline the process. Counter service moves quickly, making it easy to grab a sandwich or stock up on groceries on your way home. Piccolo has been locally owned since 2005, and the shelves brim with imported olive oils, aged Parmesan and familiar Italian market staples. It’s a dependable neighborhood deli experience.
GREEN ZEBRA CAFE
Green Zebra Café champions top-notch ingredients in a relaxed setting. The Monte Cristo Egg Toast marries free-range eggs with Canadian bacon and melted Swiss on hearty rye. The Chicken Pesto Sandwich arrives hot off the grill, stacked with basil pesto and muenster on a ciabatta roll that actually has some heft. Vegetarians can choose the Bella Sandwich, starring portabella mushroom and creamy goat cheese, or the vegan BLT, which skips the bacon but keeps all the crispness.
Every sandwich comes with your pick of organic fingerling potatoes, a tidy fruit bowl, or a pile of mixed greens. Gluten-free bread and wraps are available without fuss, and keto or paleo diners aren’t left out. The downtown café seats about 120 guests and draws an all-day crowd from the 8 am opening through dinner. Over in St. Armands, the space feels cozier, with brunch served until closing at five. Takeout is just as seamless as dining in, and the cold-pressed juices are nearly as popular as anything off the sandwich board. Sustainability really matters here. Local, organic produce and responsibly raised proteins feature in nearly every dish.
Palm Avenue Deli
Since opening in June 2023, Palm Avenue Deli’s counter has been a downtown Sarasota landmark. The pastrami and corned beef are braised for hours, then thin-sliced in the kitchen and piled high on seeded caraway rye. For a twist, try it on a soft Bianca bun or a classic bagel. The 1871 Pastrami Reuben anchors a lineup of New York staples, joined by hot sandwiches like the patty melt and classic grilled cheese on proper sourdough.
Cold choices include silky Nova lox or a generous scoop of whitefish salad, and local Brick Street Farms baby greens star in the fresh salads. The counter-service setup evokes a 1950s train station, and you won’t feel rushed whether you drop by at 7 am for breakfast or swing back later for takeout. Vegetarians can dig into homemade hummus bowls or a bagel with schmear, and handy catering trays feed a crowd. The bright neon sign makes the spot hard to miss, and the generous portions often mean there’s enough for a quick snack later. Prices start at $5.50, so it’s easy to grab a sandwich or linger under the neon lights inside.