If there’s one thing Omaha does well, it’s comfort food, and few meals are as universally loved as a well-made sandwich. Whether you’re searching for a classic deli, an inventive café, or just a cozy lunch spot with friends, the city’s sandwich scene delivers inviting flavors, local charm, and something for every taste.
Let’s get to it.
Star Deli
Tucked into Omaha’s Benson neighborhood, Star Deli strikes a fine balance between inventive food and a genuine, community-driven atmosphere. The walls are lined with rotating local art, creating a bright, cheerful space for everyone from lunch regulars to late-night sandwich seekers.
You won’t hear canned music or sports on the TV. Instead, you’ll find fresh aromas wafting from Rotella’s bread and a friendly counter-service layout that invites conversation. The menu offers both classics and creative twists. Dig into a loaded Cubano with house-smoked ham or try the Peach N’ Pork featuring peach and bacon jam. Vegetarians have plenty of choices too, from the hearty Fungi Klab to the Olive Grilled Cheese and rotating soup selections.
Full sandwiches run about $10, and half-size portions let you pair two flavors or add a salad or their standout French Onion soup. Open until 2 AM on weekends with no alcohol, Star Deli works for family dinners, coffee catch-ups, or satisfying midnight cravings. With local sourcing, flexible portions, and an artful setting, it stands out as a neighborhood favorite.
Little King
For over fifty years, Little King has been Omaha’s go-to for classic deli sandwiches. Every sub starts with in-house-baked bread and meats and cheeses sliced on demand. Cold options like The King’s Favorites stack ham, turkey, roast beef, salami, and crisp veggies for a hearty lunch or dinner.
If you prefer something hot, their Hot Royalty menu delivers. You’ll find Italian Meatball, Philly-style Roast Beef, and other toasted specialties bubbling with melted cheese. Old-school deli fans love the rye bread sandwiches piled high with corned beef or pastrami.
All locations in Omaha and Lincoln offer counter service, drive-thru lanes, online ordering, and delivery. Vegetarians can choose from deli-style salads and veggie subs, while anyone with a sweet tooth will appreciate scratch-made cookies or brownies. Reasonable prices and generous portions make Little King a reliable choice whenever you need a quick, satisfying meal.
Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe
At Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe, attention to detail shows in every bite. Their sandwiches sit on fresh-baked white or wheat rolls sourced from a small St. Louis bakery. Standouts include the Turkey Bacon Club and the Italian Beef, both served toasty and overflowing with premium, freshly-sliced meat.
Light-eaters can opt for crisp lettuce wraps or hearty salads like the Avo-Cobb. Vegetarian and vegan options rotate regularly, so there’s always something new to try. Warm toasted sandwiches pair nicely with soups—Tomato Basil Bisque and Broccoli Cheese are crowd-pleasers.
Sides feel intentional too: Boulder Canyon chips, Grillo’s pickles, and house-baked chocolate chip cookies complete the meal. With most sandwiches priced between $6 and $8, pick-two combos let you mix a half sandwich, side, and drink for good value. The vibe is both relaxed and lively, with plenty of seating for families or lunch dates. Easy parking and online ordering make it a convenient stop any day of the week.
Gandolfo’s New York Deli
Stepping into Gandolfo’s New York Deli brings classic deli charm to Omaha. Sandwiches take center stage, piled high with fresh-sliced meats and cheeses on house-baked hero rolls or marbled rye. Favorites include the perfectly melted Reuben and the Greenwich Village, a blend of ham, corned beef, and Swiss cheese.
Breakfast fans can tackle loaded egg sandwiches, while the Mama Leone Italian-style sub and the vegetarian Ebbetts Field cover all tastes. Every element has a homemade touch, from creamy deli salads to scratch-made sauces you’ll notice in each bite.
Portions are generous. A six-inch box lunch comes with chips and a cookie and fills most appetites, while foot-long subs are ideal for sharing. The décor—black booths, brick walls, and Yankees memorabilia—nods to its New York roots. Counter service, full online ordering, and accommodations for dietary needs keep things easy and flexible.
Penn Station East Coast Subs
When you crave a hot sandwich, Penn Station East Coast Subs delivers with precision. Their East Coast Cheesesteak features USDA Choice steak grilled fresh, piled onto bread baked on-site daily. You can choose classic French-style or multigrain rolls, each crisp on the outside and soft inside.
The menu covers more than cheesesteaks. Try the Chicken Philly or the cheese-packed veggie sub. Fries come from hand-selected potatoes cut in-house, and snack-sized cheesesteaks offer a lighter option. Finish with a house-baked cookie or a glass of hand-squeezed lemonade.
Spacious, wheelchair-friendly seating and easy parking make visits comfortable. You can order in person, online, by phone, or arrange catering and delivery. With subs priced between $8 and $13 and open seven days a week, Penn Station strikes a balance between efficiency and a thoughtful guest experience.
Firehouse Subs 72 Crossing
At the 72 Crossing location, Firehouse Subs stands out if you appreciate hearty, made-to-order subs packed with flavor. Signature hot sandwiches such as the Hook & Ladder and Smokehouse Beef and Cheddar Brisket use premium meats and cheeses, steamed in-house to order for maximum juiciness. Portions are generous; their loaded 8-inch and 12-inch subs ensure no one leaves hungry. You can request gluten-free bread or load up on vegetarian veggies to suit most diets. In addition to classics and crave-worthy combos, they rotate in limited-time specials, like a Thanksgiving-themed sandwich with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
Inside, the decor honors firefighting history with real gear on display and a cozy, welcoming vibe. Most locals opt for takeout or curbside pickup, though there’s seating if you want to linger. Service is efficient and friendly, and ordering ahead online only takes a few taps. Sandwiches range from $11 to $18, making Firehouse Subs a satisfying treat that balances comfort and convenience for anyone who loves hot, melty fillings.
Jason’s Deli
When a fresh, hearty sandwich is on your list, Jason’s Deli delivers quality in every bite. The Club Sandwich features house-roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, and crisp bacon, all layered with lettuce, tomato, and two cheeses. Bread choices include crunchy multigrain or gluten-free. You can even spice things up with Jalapeño Cheddar. Vegetarians and vegans will find the Garden Fresco satisfying, stacked with avocado, house-made hummus, and crunchy sprouts.
Portion sizes here are reliably generous. Standard sandwiches hold their own, and the “Super” upgrade adds more turkey and ham if you’re extra hungry. All meats are sliced to order, and salads such as the Santa Fe Chicken or Farmhouse Greek come freshly prepped. The menu clearly marks dietary options, from gluten-free to keto and dairy-free, and staff members are eager to help customize your meal.
You’ll find a casual, family-friendly atmosphere inside, or you can skip the line with curbside pickup. Prices stay reasonable considering the quality and portion size. Their catering spreads also make Jason’s Deli a go-to choice for gatherings or office lunches.
McAlister’s Deli
Close to Westroads Mall, McAlister’s Deli delivers a satisfying sandwich experience with plenty of options. The signature McAlister’s Club™ layers freshly sliced turkey, ham, and Swiss between bakery-style bread that has real flavor and texture. For vegetarians, the garden veggie with hummus or the black bean patty offers a hearty, meatless alternative, and both come with fresh lettuce and tomato.
Portions here are generous. A half sandwich with a side of chips or a pickle still feels like a full meal. Soups rotate daily, from creamy potato and bacon to classic tomato basil, and the giant baked potatoes, known as spuds, are a meal in themselves when topped with chili or cheddar. Gluten-free bread, lettuce wraps, and vegan soup options make it easy to stick to dietary needs.
The space feels clean and welcoming, with counter service, cozy booths, and swift curbside pickup for grab-and-go orders. Whether you linger over lunch with friends or swing by to pick up dinner on a busy weeknight, every order at McAlister’s Deli feels thoughtfully made.
Potbelly
At Potbelly near Westroads Mall, sandwiches begin with house-baked bread every morning. You can even ask for a double bake to boost the crunch. The Wreck gets most of the attention, piled with four deli meats, gooey provolone, and the combo of mayo and deli mustard. If you prefer something lighter, the Turkey Avocado or Mediterranean Veggie come packed with fresh veggies, and you can swap in hummus for a vegan take.
Portions here are generous. A 5-inch sandwich fills you up, while the 8-inch almost guarantees leftovers. Everything is sliced and prepped fresh each day, and there’s always a selection of soups or salads to round out your meal. They offer gluten-free bread, lettuce wraps, and Beyond Meat for plant-based eaters.
Inside, the train-themed decor adds casual charm, but most people choose curbside pickup or carryout. Whether you stop by for a breakfast bagel or settle in with soup and a toasted sub at lunch, Potbelly delivers attention to detail without any fuss.
Goodcents
Goodcents earns a spot on your lunch rotation with exceptionally fresh ingredients and intentional menu choices. The house-baked Italian rolls alone make a difference, especially when you add the garlic-parmesan upgrade. Sandwich options include turkey bacon avocado, roast beef and cheddar, or a classic Italian with salami, provolone, and tangy dressing. Premium meats and cheeses are sliced to order at the counter, so every bite tastes freshly made.
If you’re eating vegetarian, vegan, or watching carbs, Goodcents has you covered. The Veggie Supreme loads crisp Nebraska-grown lettuce, tomato, and cucumber. Plant-based eaters can choose the “No Believer” slices made from pea protein. You’ll also find gluten-free wraps and low-carb options on the menu.
Service moves quickly even during the lunch rush. Seating feels cheerful, though most customers pick up their orders to go. Online ordering and catering make group meals easy to arrange. For a reliable sandwich spot that focuses on fresh, customizable meals without extra fuss, Goodcents delivers time and again.
Schlotzsky’s
Tucked at 129th and West Center, Schlotzsky’s shines when you want more than a typical cold sandwich. Their warm, house-baked sourdough or multigrain provides the foundation for every menu item. The Original comes layered with ham, salami, two cheeses, and their signature dressing. If you prefer something lighter, try the Green Goddess with roasted red peppers, avocado, and pesto. Portions are generous—don’t be surprised if even the “small” feels hearty.
Sourdough fans will also find jalapeño-cheddar and multigrain loaves. If you need swaps, they offer gluten-free flatbreads, dairy-free dressings, and easy ingredient changes across most sandwiches.
The SmokeCheesy BBQ Bacon menu adds smoky or spicy flair with turkey or beef. You’ll also spot salads, wraps, personal pizzas, and an unexpected Cinnabon treat.
Counter service is quick and friendly. Seating stays clean and relaxed, with parking out front and a drive-thru for on-the-go orders. For family dinners or office lunches, their catering trays are a reliable pick. Schlotzsky’s delivers exactly what you’d expect: a toasted, flavorful sandwich in a bright, no-fuss setting.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
One of the things that sets Jersey Mike’s Subs apart is their commitment to in-house slicing. As soon as you order, staff slice deli meats and cheeses right in front of you… The wheat and white rolls are baked fresh every day, sturdy yet soft enough to hold generous fillings without falling apart.
The classic “Mike’s Way” add-ons include crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, onions, and a splash of red wine vinegar, oil, oregano, and salt. Popular choices are the Original Italian stacked with premium meats and the Turkey & Provolone. Vegetarians can opt for the Provolone & Veggie sub or pick from fresh salads. Gluten-free rolls are available on request.
Service is friendly and efficient, perfect for a quick lunch or a leisurely meal. Online ordering and curbside pickup are available at most Omaha locations.
Each sub is reasonably priced for the portion size and can be tailored to dietary needs. Whether you stay for a table or grab your order to go, Jersey Mike’s delivers fresh, satisfying subs every time.
