There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a perfectly crafted sandwich, and in Wilmington, the options are as creative as they are satisfying. From classic delis to spots with a Southern twist, this city’s sandwich shops make it easy to find your new lunchtime obsession.
Let’s get to it.
On Thyme Restaurant
Nestled in a renovated brick building on Castle Street, On Thyme Restaurant brings Southern-inspired comfort food done right. Hot sandwiches and po’boys deserve a second look, especially the Cajun Shrimp Po’Boy. Fresh regional shrimp piles high on a buttered hoagie with crisp lettuce, tomato and a creamy in-house Thyme sauce that’s far from decorative.
If you’re up for something different, the Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are a treat. Sirloin and roasted veggies come rolled up with a three-cheese blend and hand-rolled each morning. On Thyme skips standard rolls in favor of toasted, buttery brioche buns from a local bakery. That makes the OMG Fish Sandwich, stacked with tangy slaw and pickles, worth every mile. Chicken lovers will notice the difference in the Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich and wings, thanks to locally sourced birds.
Vegetarians get the Beyond Thyme Burger with an Impossible patty and savory mushrooms. Portions arrive generous, perfect for sharing or taking half home. Inside, you’ll find colorful décor, a big mural, counter service and a pleasant patio for a touch of fresh air.
Jax 5th Avenue Deli & Ale House
At Jax 5th Avenue Deli & Ale House, you’re guaranteed to leave full and happy. The sandwich menu reads like an effortless East Coast deli dream. Boar’s Head meats and cheeses arrive fresh each day and slice to order. The 5th Avenue Hero stacks roast beef, turkey and pastrami with quiet confidence, while the Club Jax and The Legend each take classic builds and give them unique twists.
Bread options include toasted pumpernickel, onion rolls and hot-pressed sub rolls that hold their own under a pound of fillings. The Cuban comes pressed and smoky with house-roasted pork, plus mustard and pickles. Vegetarian comfort seekers will appreciate the Quadruple Grilled Cheese and there’s even a peanut butter-banana Skid Row for loyal fans.
Sides cover the classics, kettle chips, coleslaw and those crisp house pickles tucked into every takeout order. Gluten-free bread is no problem, and custom orders are welcome. TVs line the walls for any game while beer taps showcase Wilmington’s finest brews. Open late on weekends and serving lunch through dinner, Jax has been a local favorite for over a decade. Ample parking and a casual vibe make it easy to stop by any time of day.
A Taste of Italy
Walking up to the counter at A Taste of Italy, you’ll see deli cases packed with house-sliced meats. Sandwiches here come tall and hearty. The classic Italian Sub layers ham, salami and provolone with peppers and a drizzle of oil. Eggplant Parm on a soft wedge has just the right balance of tangy sauce and melted cheese. Opt for a standard roll if you want something lighter, but be warned: even the “light” option is plenty generous.
Two-foot party heroes make family gatherings easy, but everyday offerings shine just as bright. Philly cheesesteaks, meatball subs and chicken parm sandwiches join tuna and chicken salad wedges. The veggie sub holds its own against all that meat. Sides include antipasto, macaroni and deli salads sold by the pound. Premium-brand hot dogs and Boar’s Head pastrami line the shelves, along with New York grocery finds you can grab on your way out.
Breakfast runs all day, and catering or bulk takeout is available for bigger events. Seating indoors is limited, making it a perfect spot for a quick casual stop. A few outside tables offer room to spread out when time allows.
Sub Stop
Driving along Carolina Beach Road, you can’t miss Sub Stop’s bright red sign. This locally owned shop has built its reputation on packed subs and a steady lunch crowd. Club-style classics stack Canadian bacon, turkey and crisp lettuce. The steak and cheese melts with plenty of provolone over real deli meat. Italian, Chicken Parmesan or the burger sub all use freshly baked rolls to support generous fillings.
Combo deals make it easy to add chips or a drink without breaking the bank. Vegetarian subs get just as much care, loaded with cheeses, veggies and condiments. Portion sizes leave little reason to snack later. Service is straightforward counter style, with limited indoor seating. Most guests swing through the drive-through or call in takeout orders.
Open six days a week, Sub Stop stays true to its local roots. Regulars appreciate the familiar menu and friendly staff. Whether you need a quick lunch or a filling dinner, this place keeps things simple, satisfying and reliably steady.
The Kitchen Sink
In downtown Wilmington’s Brooklyn Arts District, The Kitchen Sink goes all in on its sandwiches. The menu covers everything from B.A.D. Hot Chicken sliders to smashed avocado breakfasts. Italian meatballs and slow-roasted beef top house-baked weck rolls or kaiser rolls with a proper butter finish. Pick a baguette or ciabatta if you want to weigh your options, but be prepared to spend a minute deciding.
Portion sizes are generous, with prices ranging from about $12.50 to $16.50. A side of cucumber-red onion salad often feels optional. Daily specials keep things fresh, and vegan or vegetarian diners can order a citrus smashed avocado sandwich or meatless muffaletta. Gluten-free bread is available too, so no need to guess.
Inside, the atmosphere stays homey with eclectic booths, live plants and a wall of fresh herbs. The patio offers extra charm when the weather is nice. You might spot someone working on a laptop or a trio catching up over lunch. Weekday service shines during lunch hours, while Friday and Saturday evenings extend the window for Sweet & Savory turkey & brie. Either way, this spot delivers a satisfying meal in a relaxed setting.
Spoonfed Kitchen & Bake Shop
Stepping into Spoonfed Kitchen & Bake Shop, tucked in a strip mall just outside Wilmington, you’ll be greeted by a bright, coastal vibe that never feels overdone. The place feels just right for a relaxed breakfast or early lunch, with softly lit interiors and a handful of cozy tables.
They’ve earned a local reputation for standout sandwiches. A house-ground sirloin burger arrives on a pillowy brioche bun, piled with smoked shoulder bacon sliced in-house, sharp Cheddar, and a side of crisp chips and tangy slaw. Even their simple egg and Cheddar biscuit gets VIP treatment…biscuits go into the oven fresh each morning. Feeling indulgent? Add extra shoulder bacon. For lighter appetites, the Green Goddess sandwich pairs house dressing with pickled onions, while the gluten-free yogurt granola bowl makes a tasty, guilt-free start.
Chicken salad shows up made from freshly roasted poultry. Prices stay in the low teens, and portions will fill you up. They close mid-afternoon but are equally happy packing boxed lunches or catering larger events. Locals keep coming back, and you can see why. It’s reliable, fresh, and feels like home.
The Copper Penny
Nestled in Wilmington’s historic downtown, The Copper Penny offers a laid-back pub atmosphere without a hint of stuffiness. You can snag a window seat at a rustic wooden table or stretch out on the patio when the weather cooperates.
The menu reads like a dream for sandwich lovers. The classic Reuben lands on rye with tender corned beef, sauerkraut, and melted Swiss, while the Hot Roasted Pork arrives with crispy fried onions, garlic aioli, and a side of au jus for dipping. Local favorites include the 109 Chestnut, crowned with provolone, sautéed mushrooms, and chipotle mayo on a wedge roll that strikes the perfect balance between soft and sturdy.
Seafood fans keep coming back for the jumbo lump crabcake, and those craving steak will appreciate the top sirloin sandwich. Vegetarians are well cared for too, with an in-house black bean burger or a veggie pita loaded with fresh toppings. Prices range from ten to twenty dollars, and every sandwich arrives with fries or house-made chips. Gluten-free bread is available for a small upcharge. Whether you’re dining in or ordering takeout, the friendly staff and unhurried pace make for a pleasant experience.
Blue Surf Café
Over on Racine Drive, Blue Surf Café has won over locals by crafting generously stuffed sandwiches with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The signature meatloaf sandwich packs sriracha mayo, house-made ketchup, crispy bacon, cheddar, and a mound of arugula between two slices of toasted brioche. If you prefer ciabatta, the Cubano and Turkey Cuban both arrive with a golden, crusty exterior, layers of house-roasted pork shoulder (a full twelve-hour roast), ham, Swiss cheese, and a swirl of mustard.
A rotating roster of sandwiches and wraps keeps things interesting…pulled chicken with barbecue sauce and mango salsa on brioche is a bright, tangy hit, and the vegetable wrap brings black bean hummus and grilled seasonal veggies together. Gluten-free buns, vegetarian and vegan choices, and an allergy-aware kitchen ensure everyone can find something tasty. Prices fall in the lunch and brunch range, and you won’t leave hungry. The interior is casual and coastal, with a family-friendly energy that feels welcoming but never crowded. After ten years in business, Blue Surf Café still stays true to its roots: scratch-made food, local ingredients, and a warm, easygoing vibe.
Carolina Girls’ Grillin’ Cafe
Down on Castle Hayne Road, Carolina Girls’ Grillin’ Cafe greets you with the warm aroma of freshly baked bread and tray-roasted meats. The casual setup features a handful of tables and a few registers dedicated to to-go orders, but it never feels crowded. Customers can choose their sandwich fixings down to the loaf—Smithfield black forest ham, slow-roasted turkey, brisket, pork, roast beef, or steak, all sliced to order. A well-loved favorite is the chicken salad on sweet Hawaiian bread, but the tender brisket and pulled pork are equally popular.
Breakfast service runs until 11 a.m., featuring a Smokey Mountain plate alongside eggs, grits, and classic sides. Burgers appear on house-baked buns, drawing a loyal crowd. Most sandwiches fall in the six-to-eight dollar range, and portions are generous enough to satisfy midday hunger. The overall vibe is sunny, straightforward, and low-fuss. Counter service moves efficiently, and staff are friendly. Keep in mind they close on weekends, so plan your visit accordingly. If you’re looking for simple, made-from-scratch sandwiches without any frills, this is the spot.
Cousins Italian Deli
In downtown Wilmington, Cousins Italian Deli draws a steady lunch crowd with its generous, scratch-baked sandwiches. The crusty rolls have a tender interior, and every topping is prepared in-house. Signature subs include the Cousin-Italian, stacked high with prosciutto, Genoa salami, and sopressata, while the Venice layers chicken cutlets with asiago, roasted peppers, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Vegetarian and gluten-free options are more than an afterthought…plant-based sandwiches, warm veggie salads, and gluten-free breads ensure there’s something for everyone. The counter-service setup invites quick orders and takeout, but a handful of tables make it easy to linger over lunch. Exposed brick walls and friendly chatter give the space a cozy, Brooklyn-inspired feel. On nicer days, pet-friendly seating outside draws pups and their humans for a casual bite.
Dinner on weekends turns into a family-style affair by reservation. For a set price, you’ll enjoy six courses of classic Italian dishes, bring your own wine and leave with leftovers. Since 2012, Cousins has proven that you don’t need fancy décor or gimmicks to win hearts. It’s all about great bread, quality meats, and genuine hospitality.
The Fork ‘N’ Cork
The Fork ‘N’ Cork offers a laid-back setting without skimping on flavor. Its menu focuses on specialty burgers and sandwiches packed with creative combinations. The Duck Duck Goose brings together ground duck, goose pâté and a fried egg with port wine cherry sauce all on one bun. For fans of classic comfort, the patty melt, an 8-ounce beef patty topped with Swiss and caramelized onions on toasted rye, hits the spot. The meatloaf sandwich is just as indulgent as it sounds. Each item arrives with a stack of hand-cut fries and generous toppings.
Vegetarian and vegan diners can choose housemade veggie burgers or an Impossible patty. The build-your-own grilled cheese menu offers plenty of options. Breads range from classic sourdough to a house buttermilk-pecan waffle, perfect when they feature chicken and waffles. The craft beer taps stay lively and the same care given to food goes into each drink. Prices strike a balance, affordable yet reflecting thoughtful ingredients and generous portions. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly service make every meal feel welcoming.
JohnnyLukes KitchenBar
JohnnyLukes KitchenBar strikes a balance between polished gastropub style and neighborhood comfort. Tucked into a Market Street strip mall in Wilmington, it offers a two-story layout. The main floor features dining tables and a cocktail bar. Upstairs, an industrial-style space leads to a covered patio that stays inviting whether you’re there with friends or family.
The sandwich selection really steals the show. The Jane’s Addiction layers avocado, goat cheese, spinach, melted mozzarella and homemade pesto on artisanal bread. On Sunday brunch, the Jane’s Recovery adds bacon and sunny-side-up eggs to that fresh lineup, served open face. Crab cakes are made in-house, never frozen, and pulled pork is slow-roasted North Carolina style, all tucked into potato buns with proper slaw. Even the grilled cheese on Texas toast feels special.
Every portion is hearty. Live music on Friday nights gives the place a festive buzz while families gather downstairs and other guests unwind upstairs. Vegetarian options include black bean patties and build-your-own salads. Gluten-free diners can still join in, though they’ll need to skip the sandwich bread. Overall, JohnnyLukes KitchenBar delivers on quality basics, from good bread and impressive fillings to a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
