Craving that perfect sandwich—one that’s piled high, packed with flavor, and made with care? Traverse City has you covered, with local shops turning out everything from classic deli combos to creative paninis and fresh-baked bread specialties.
Let’s get to it.
Chubby Unicorn
Chubby Unicorn takes comfort food to the next level, trading fussy fine dining for hearty lunch bites you won’t forget. What began as a seasonal food truck now has a cozy spot on Front Street, though the food bus still makes the rounds. They open Monday through Saturday for lunch only, and once customers find their favorite sandwich, they tend to stick around.
The menu spotlights pressed paninis and grilled wraps alongside a few soups, breakfast burritos, and generous salads. The French’s Dip calls out roast beef fans with horseradish sauce plus a cup of au jus, while the Papa Pastrami layers coleslaw and sharp cheddar on warm bread. Regulars rave about the Chubby Unicorn signature—roast beef, cheddar, provolone, jalapeño, and house garlic aioli tucked into a grilled tortilla. Crunchy potato chips and a tangy dill dip complete the plate.
Vegetarian diners get choices like the curry veg wrap or customizable salads, and even the kids’ panini feels thoughtfully built. At around sixteen dollars for a hefty sandwich, you definitely get your money’s worth. The space is small, perfect for a quick indoor bite, but mostly they focus on sending happy, well-fed folks back out into the day.
Centre Street Café
Right in the heart of downtown Traverse City, Centre Street Café has spent fifteen years turning lunchtime into something special. Their made-from-scratch sandwiches strike a balance between comfort and creativity without ever feeling over the top. Take the Rabish Radish Pastrami, piled high with beef pastrami, capicola, two cheeses, and a splash of horseradish sauce on grilled rye. Or try the Pecos Pete—grilled chicken, lime-jicama slaw, arugula, poblano pepper jam, and sriracha-lime aioli on a jalapeño-cheddar bun. Many folks return just for that flavor combo.
Vegetarian options shine with offerings like De Gaulle’s Galley, featuring artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon-truffle aioli. Gluten-free bread is included at no extra charge, and dairy-free spreads come standard, so vegans and those watching gluten can dig in worry-free. Most meals run between seven and fourteen dollars, and every sandwich comes with chips or a scoop of housemade bean dip.
The café’s artsy décor and street-side windows create a relaxed spot for a quick lunch escape. Open only on weekdays, it feels like a special treat during the workweek. There’s just one location on Centre Street, and that’s part of its charm.
Folgarelli’s Market & Wine Shop
It’s hard to beat Folgarelli’s Market & Wine Shop when you crave an Italian-style sandwich that goes beyond the ordinary. Regulars swear by the Italian Combo, but you’ll also find originals like The Godfather, Fat Tony, Muffuletta, The Sicilian, and a classic Meatball Sub. Every sandwich is piled high on your choice of Italian ciabatta, Jewish rye, or soft Italian white loaf, and meats are sliced in-house for maximum flavor.
Family recipes passed down since 1978 form the backbone of each creation. Vegetarian options like The Garden get equal care and attention, with fresh veggies and tasty spreads that stand proudly next to the meaty favorites. Whether you order a cold hero or a hot grinder, local ingredients make a noticeable difference.
Buying at the shop or ordering online is straightforward, and their catering service covers everything from small office trays to custom party platters. With three generations working the counter and more than forty-five years of experience, Folgarelli’s delivers no-fuss service and outstanding sandwiches every time.
The Chef’s In
Step into The Chef’s In and you’ll find a classic deli vibe that’s been perfecting lunch since 1986. Freshly baked buns—rustic sea salt, classic rye, wheat, or Italian—form the foundation of your custom sandwich. You grab a slip of paper, check off your choices from roast beef to pastrami, then pick your cheese and extras. Before long, a hefty made-to-order sandwich arrives at the counter.
Hot options like the Reuben or Chicken Cordon Bleu anchor the menu, but the cold builds let you stack meats, cheeses, and veggies exactly how you like. Vegetarians will appreciate a clever combo of mushrooms, sunflower seeds, and double Swiss cheese. Sandwiches run about eleven dollars, and the salad bar is well-stocked for under ten.
The atmosphere is relaxed, a friendly hum of locals picking up their regular orders. They focus on lunch only, wrapping up around four in the afternoon. If you want catering or a quick pickup, you can order online or by phone for easy service.
Mary’s Kitchen Port
You’ll often see a line at Mary’s Kitchen Port under the bright red awning, even though there’s no indoor seating. The star attraction is the Gobbler sandwich—hand-sliced Michigan turkey, cheddar, and mayo piled on signature focaccia. That focaccia is baked daily in small batches, with sea salt sprinkled on top for a simple but irresistible crunch.
Vegetarian choices appear each day too, like the Artichoke Olive Veggie, alongside colorful salads arranged in the cold case. Mary’s picnic deals are a local favorite, especially when paired with a cup of chili or the seasonal gazpacho. Sides range from provolone potatoes to fresh fruit cups, perfect for a beach lunch or quick office bite.
Family-owned since 1981, Mary’s Kitchen Port maintains a friendly neighborhood feel while sticking to takeout and curbside service. Most sandwiches cost just under eight dollars, offering solid portions at a modest price. Whether you’re on the go or grabbing a quick meal, Mary’s delivers reliably fresh and satisfying sandwiches every time.
Bay Bread Company
Nestled just behind the Elks Lodge on Randolph Street, Bay Bread Company has kept its sourdough starter alive since 1996. Each morning, bakers turn out more than forty varieties of bread, from classic multigrain and pepper parmesan to pesto batard, pecan raisin, and even jalapeño cheddar for when you want a little heat. They use these loaves to build breakfast treats and lunch sandwiches you can grab hot off the grill or straight from the cooler.
You might start your day with a bagel, egg, and cheese, then move on to a Sweet Heat Turkey or the BBC Grinder for lunch. Vegetarians will appreciate options like hummus and smoked gouda or a caprese sub with fresh mozzarella. Local touches shine through in cherry butter and Sleeping Bear Farms honey mustard. Upstairs, the Roost café offers a cozy spot to unwind if you’re not taking food to go. With catering for groups and a regular presence at farmers markets, Bay Bread Company feels warm, community-minded, and entirely focused on honest, handcrafted bread.
The Kitchen
Tucked off Woodmere Avenue by Boardman Lake, The Kitchen thrives on counter service and covered patio seating. You’ll find paper-wrapped sandwiches, burritos, and build-your-own bowls centered on house-roasted turkey, brisket, or creative combos. An Italian grinder stacks pork, ham, Swiss, pepperoncinis, pickles, and just enough mustard and mayo to hold it all together. The turkey Reuben replaces corned beef with avocado, Havarti, and honey mustard for a playful twist you won’t see everywhere.
Hot sandwiches share the stage with cold deli classics, while vegetarians can choose tofu ramen, vegan broth, or market-fresh sides. Gluten-free and low-carb eaters love the bowls, and breakfast burritos with brisket or sausage are a draw for early birds. In the afternoon, deli dinners like chicken pot pie and mac and cheese line the case for those planning ahead. Though prices sit above sub-shop level, the generous portions make every bite feel worth it.
Common Good Restaurant
Right on East 8th, Common Good Restaurant fills the air with the smell of butter and yeast as soon as you arrive. Starting at 6 am, the team bakes rustic loaves, sourdough, and multigrain seed bread from scratch. Morning favorites include the CroissHAMwich and the Whipped Ricotta Toast topped with local eggs. Vegetarians will love the Feelin’ Spicy! sandwich or other meat-free creations.
By lunch, they shift to tartine plates and hearty panini—think Chicken Basil Pesto, French Onion Grilled Cheese, and a generous Muffuletta loaded with soppressata and house pickles. Come dinner after 4 pm, and you’ll see pastas and wood-fired pizzas on the menu. Prices for sandwiches and toasts range from about $13 to $18, balanced by single-serving entrees packed with flavor. Gluten-free desserts and dairy-free drinks keep dietary needs in mind, while local eggs, meats, and espresso showcase Michigan producers. With two locations and a relaxed counter-service vibe, Common Good feels like a neighbors’ spot built on scratch cooking and thoughtful details.
Dockside Market
On West Bay Shore Drive, Dockside Market is far more than a quick snack stop. Locals flock here for sandwiches bursting with flavor, from the Cherry Chicken Wrap mixing dried cherries, goat cheese, and cherry-lime vinaigrette to the Spicy Bob, amped up with jalapeño and sharp cheddar. If you prefer simple, the classic BLT delivers. Vegetarians will praise the Goat in the Garden, which layers house-made hummus, crisp veggies, goat cheese, and lemon basil dressing inside a wrap.
Every baguette and roll is made fresh daily, and you can build a hefty Childish Gambino sandwich if you’re hungry. There’s no seating—just a breezy counter-service setup perfect for grabbing lunch before the lake or packing a picnic. Beyond sandwiches, Dockside stocks beer, wine, and its famous house jerkies, available for online pre-order. Local ownership and regional ingredients make this market a Traverse City staple, especially when you need a quick, delicious bite at midday.
Francisco’s Market & Deli
Out on Silver Lake Road, Francisco’s Market & Deli feels like a friendly convenience store with a top-notch deli counter. The pace moves fast but never cuts corners. Their signature sandwiches arrive with chips, or you can indulge in a slider basket with fries. From Philly’s Finest to Chicken Bacon Ranch, there’s something for every craving. Locals rave about the Cuban and Reuben, made with meats prepared on-site.
Bread choices range from ciabatta and sunflower wheat to pretzel rolls, and sandwich lovers will find classic and creative options alike. Vegetarians aren’t overlooked—provolone and tomato or a veggie sub come fully loaded. Mornings start at 7 am with coffee and hot egg sandwiches on gluten-free bread. For lunch, cold club sandwiches, brisket baskets, and sliders fill out the menu. Family owned and all about counter service, Francisco’s is built for ease, whether you’re calling ahead, picking up something hot, or grabbing a quick bite on the go.
Bad Dog Deli
For more than fifteen years, Bad Dog Deli on Old Mission Peninsula has been a go-to lunchtime spot for locals and winery visitors. Its menu reimagines classic sandwiches. The Italian Stallion piles on fresh-sliced Boar’s Head meats and provolone on ciabatta, while Mojito’s Cuban comes stacked with roast pork, ham, Swiss, and dill pickle, pressed until crisp.
Portions here are generous. Breads like ciabatta, sourdough, and rye serve as sturdy bookends for both custom builds and house favorites. The tomato basil wrap rotates daily with fillings such as Buffalo chicken or a vegetarian Lighthouse option.
Sandwiches and salads run twelve to fourteen dollars and include hearty fillings like roast beef, pulled pork, or a traditional corned beef Reuben on rye. For lighter appetites, there’s a “Lil’ Dogs” menu that’s perfect for smaller meals or little ones. Outside, the dog-friendly patio offers picnic tables where pups are welcome. With counter service, you can grab items to go or linger over a local beer or selection from the wine list. They are closed Sundays and keep things simple with lunch service throughout the week.
Frenchies Famous
Stepping into Frenchies Famous, the aroma of warm focaccia and freshly brewed coffee makes an immediate impression. Inside, the menu spotlights house specialties, especially sandwiches piled high with smoked pastrami. You can choose it on focaccia with sharp mustard and provolone, or go for a classic Reuben with Swiss and sauerkraut.
The pork belly, egg, and cheese croissant is a favorite, and the menu also offers a parade of omelettes. The chorizo and caramelized onion version has just the right kick.
They also cater to dietary needs. Gluten-free bread here actually has flavor, and the Egyptian breakfast beans are simple, hearty, and vegan. Vegetarians will enjoy ricotta toast topped with local fruit compote.
Sandwiches range from eight to twelve dollars and arrive generously portioned, so you never leave hungry. Seating is limited to about a dozen spots indoors, but there’s a quirky back patio when the weather warms up. Counter service keeps things casual. Regulars drop in for takeout just as often as they settle in for a leisurely brunch. Frenchies Famous has felt like the kind of neighborhood café everyone hopes to find.
