Craving something piled high, packed with flavor or just comforting between two slices of bread? Glendale’s sandwich scene is overflowing with mom-and-pop delis, classic sub shops and creative kitchens turning lunchtime into something memorable.
Let’s get to it.
Cubanitas Kitchen
If you’re craving a true Cuban sandwich in downtown Glendale, Cubanitas Kitchen won’t disappoint. Their pressed Cubanos deliver that irresistible crackle from crusty bread, plus melty Swiss cheese and tangy pickles. You can’t go wrong with the classic slow-roasted mojo pork and premium ham, but they also offer steak, grilled chicken or even a croqueta sandwich filled with ham or cheese for a cozy twist.
Don’t overlook the sides: sweet plantains and crispy tostones are served in generous portions, perfect for sharing or turning into a full meal. Everything here comes straight from family recipes, passed down from grandma and kept simple and authentic. With just a handful of small tables and friendly counter service, it’s the kind of spot where regulars stop by for a quick bite or a casual lunch with friends. Expect a warm welcome, efficient ordering and hearty plates that satisfy every time.
51st Avenue Cafe
Over at 51st Avenue Cafe, hefty sandwiches are the star attraction in this no-frills, locally owned spot just off the main drag. The Rich Kid Hero is a standout, overflowing with roast beef, diced green chili, pepper jack and a savory house-made au jus for dunking. Their patty melt lives up to the hype too—half-pound beef patty, caramelized onions and drippy pepper jack tucked between grilled New York rye. Even the triple-decker Avenue Club piles roast beef, ham, turkey and thick-cut American cheese sky-high.
Breads range from grilled rye and sourdough to classic wheat loaf, and most sandwiches arrive on large plates alongside a mound of fries or your choice of coleslaw. If you’d rather keep it light, the veggie omelet or a simple grilled cheese won’t disappoint. There’s counter space for solo diners, tables for small groups and plenty of room for wheelchairs. Open Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch, this cafe brings small-town hospitality to the industrial edge of town.
Bodega
At Bodega, tucked into Westgate’s lively strip, you’ll find Cubanos pressed on real Cuban bread alongside buzzing neon lights and live music. Each sandwich—think roasted pork, ham, melty Swiss and crisp pickles—arrives so generously filled you’ll size it up before picking it up. Fries come piled high, making each meal feel fun and filling.
They don’t stop at the classics. Try their turkey Cubano with a sweet twist of cranberry sauce, or dive into a grilled cheese studded with balsamic blueberries and prosciutto for a blend of savory and fruity flavors. Every meat is sliced to order, making each bite taste fresh.
Weekends here turn into a mini celebration. Bottomless brunch cocktails and hearty plates draw friends to the patio or the red-and-white checkerboard floor inside. Service can shift between counter orders and full bar seating, but the vibe is always upbeat and social. Sandwiches range from $17 to $19, with vegetarian options and generous portions that guarantee no one goes home hungry.
Romanelli’s Italian Deli
From the moment you step into Romanelli’s Italian Deli on West Dunlap, the aroma of fresh bread and simmering sausage fills the air. Since 1975, this family-run spot has crafted everything in-house—from hard Italian loaves to cookies and salad dressings. The Italian Stallion sub blends capicolla, Genoa salami and pepperoni inside chewy bread that’s baked on site. Meanwhile, hot sandwiches like Robert’s Special stack pastrami and roast beef without holding back.
Portions here are true deli-scale, so prepare to leave fully satisfied. Most subs run just under fourteen dollars, and you’ll recognize familiar faces chatting by the meat counter as they slice orders to perfection. Dine in until 5pm or order pastries, cannoli and party trays piled with mortadella and provolone for takeout. Whether it’s a solo lunch or a gathering of twenty, Romanelli’s delivers old-school charm and quality you can taste.
Kathy’s Deli & Salads
When you walk into Kathy’s Deli & Salads, you know you’re getting a made-to-order meal from folks who care. Everything is freshly sliced daily, from turkey and ham to roast beef and provolone. Classic cold sandwiches—BLT, chicken salad, Italian combo—come on your choice of white, wheat or sourdough. If wraps are more your style, pick spinach or red-pepper tortillas stuffed with Buffalo chicken or turkey and provolone.
Salad lovers aren’t left out either. Build your own with crisp veggies, vegan-friendly dressings and plenty of toppings. Most sandwiches, wraps and salads are under seven bucks, making this spot perfect for a quick lunch break. Combo plates and catering trays, served on croissants or Kaiser rolls, fit work events or family get-togethers. With updated indoor seating and a casual strip-mall vibe, Kathy’s feels like a friendly neighbor you can visit in jeans or a dress.
El Panini Bread and Grill
Strolling along Bell Road, you might catch a toasty aroma drifting from El Panini Bread and Grill, a Glendale favorite. This cozy spot sits in a sunlit strip mall corner with sandwich presses keeping busy and regulars sharing laughs. You’ll see plenty of folks grabbing takeout bags too.
Sandwiches are generous in both flavor and size. The Chicken Avocado layers smoky bacon, avocado and pepper jack. The Grilled Chicken Pesto comes with a house-made aioli that adds just the right zing.
There’s an old-school Country Club stacked tall with turkey and ham. If you want something heartier, try the London Broil or the El Cubano with pulled pork, ham, Swiss cheese and chipotle aioli. Vegetarian diners can order the Hummus & Eggplant Panini, while cold subs offer plenty of variety. Prices fall between eight and twelve dollars, and combos with soup or salad leave you well fed. With fewer than thirty seats, it’s not a spot where you linger for hours. Instead, it keeps the lunch line moving without ever feeling rushed.
Cheba Hut “Toasted” Subs
At Cheba Hut “Toasted” Subs in Glendale, the mood is anything but subtle. Signature sandwiches come warm, pressed and ready to satisfy. With playful names like White Widow and G-13, you’ll find chicken, bacon and ranch or turkey with roast beef on rolls brushed with garlicky butter.
You can choose from Nug, Doobie or the full-foot Blunt. Veggie lovers get options too, such as the Power Plant with guacamole and hummus, or the Magic Mushroom featuring teriyaki mushrooms. Many subs can be made vegan on request.
The house-made bread is baked fresh daily and has a loyal following. Beyond subs, there’s a craft beer selection from local breweries and a handful of patio seats outside the strip mall storefront. Takeout is a breeze thanks to online ordering and a smooth to-go setup. Casual and unpretentious, this spot serves up reliable, hot sandwiches day and night without taking itself too seriously.
Wildflower
When you step into Wildflower, you sense the fast-casual concept done right. A counter-service setup opens onto a lively patio, and shelves of freshly baked bread greet you immediately. Options range from sourdough and ciabatta to nine grain and marble rye.
Sandwich fans rally behind classics like the Chipotle Chicken Melt or the Reuben, while veggie devotees choose the medi veggie on herb focaccia or the almond tuna salad on nine grain bread. All-natural proteins include rare steak and house-roasted chicken, plus a plant-based chicken alternative for those skipping meat.
The menu also features salads, pastas and a solid gluten-free selection from breakfast pancakes to bakery treats. Sandwiches run between ten and fourteen dollars and come with crunchy chips to round out the meal. With more than twenty-five years in Arizona, Wildflower is a reliable local chain. Free Wi-Fi and generous portions make it a comfortable spot whether you dine in or order delivery through any major app.
Submarino’s Pizzeria
Tucked into a Glendale strip mall, Submarino’s Pizzeria offers family-run warmth without fuss. This unassuming spot has roots stretching back more than half a century, and that tradition shows in every slice, sub and plate. The Pizza Sub bubbles with mozzarella, while the meatball parm arrives hot with plenty of sauce.
Cold subs are no afterthought, packed with imported ham, sliced Genoa salami and fresh capicola. Choose white or wheat bread, both sturdy enough to hold up under all those fillings.
Vegetarian diners can dig into the spinach, mushroom and provolone sub or the Pizza Veggie version piled with peppers and onions. Sub sizes satisfy, and prices hover around nine dollars for cold subs, a bit more for hot varieties. The dining area is simple and family friendly, and delivery or takeout makes it easy to grab a sandwich on the go. Although there’s no gluten-free or keto bread, the variety more than makes up for it, especially during the weekend dinner rush.
Hot Bagels&Deli
At Hot Bagels & Deli in Glendale, they take a New York style approach without the attitude. Each morning the staff hand-rolls, boils and bakes bagels in flavors from classic sesame and poppy to jalapeño, pumpernickel and even chocolate chip.
Breakfast fans can go simple with an egg on any bagel, or choose a hearty lox, onion and egg combo.
For lunch, Boar’s Head meats are thinly sliced for sandwiches on bagels, wraps or artisan bread. Tuna melts, Reubens, gyros and grilled chicken provide plenty of choices. There’s also a chunky chicken salad and grilled veggie wraps for those skipping meat. Nearly every cream cheese flavor you could want appears on the menu.
Portions feel generous without being overwhelming, and prices are reasonable for a neighborhood spot. With counter service and just a handful of tables, it’s built for quick takeout runs. They’ve been perfecting bagels since 2001 and stay open until 3 PM daily.
Goodcents
At Goodcents, sub rolls are as soft as those from any national chain thanks to dough baked daily in the store. Deli meats and cheeses are sliced to order right behind the counter, a real treat at this price point. The menu covers classics like the Italian Original, Penny Club and Ultimate Club before diving into hot territory with meatball, Buffalo chicken and chipotle cheesesteak. Vegans and vegetarians will appreciate that every bread option is certified vegan, plus there are sandwich and pasta bowl choices made just for plant-based diets.
Most people swing by Goodcents for a quick, friendly lunch. The strip mall location seats about twenty inside and offers service that’s efficient yet personal. Subs come in six or sixteen inches, the larger size perfect for two normal appetites. While the setup is no-frills, you can count on pillowy bread and deli slices that taste freshly cut rather than prepacked. Combination meals include chips, drinks or cookies if you want something more filling. Locals also love the catering platters and speedy online orders for pickup and delivery.
The Honey Baked Ham Company
Tucked into a classic Arizona strip mall off West Olive, The Honey Baked Ham Company offers casual, no-fuss deli service. Display cases are filled with signature spiral-sliced hams and perfectly portioned turkey breast, each glazed daily with that sweet, crackly finish. Sandwich choices lean on comforting favorites like the Ham Classic and Turkey Bacon Ranch. If lighter fare is preferred, a Mediterranean Veggie on multigrain flatbread or a California Veggie with avocado makes a satisfying choice. Inside seating is limited but cozy for anyone deciding to stay awhile.
Bread choices here truly shine. Ciabatta, marble rye, buttery croissants and even King’s Hawaiian rolls add character to every sandwich, and the generous portions ensure no one leaves hungry. Most sandwiches run from seven to thirteen dollars, with combo meals that include chips and drinks for a well-rounded lunch. Families planning gatherings can turn to heat-and-serve slider and biscuit packs for stress-free entertaining. With sixty-seven years in business, over 450 locations and still family owned, The Honey Baked Ham Company proves that a simple promise of expertly glazed ham never goes out of style.
