Sandwich lovers have no shortage of options in Reno, where unique bakeries, bustling delis and cozy cafes turn lunch into something memorable every day. Whether you crave artisan breads piled high with hand-carved meats or inventive vegetarian creations, these local shops deliver flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
Let’s get to it.
The Cheese Board
Nestled among Reno’s busy streets, The Cheese Board turns a regular lunch into an occasion. They layer toasted marble rye with house-roasted pastrami, sharp Swiss, crispy onion strings, thick-cut pickles and a punchy house mustard that stands up on its own. Sourdough and multigrain make appearances, but the croissant truly shines under the curried chicken salad, where plump grapes, toasted almonds, celery and just enough mayo get the spotlight.
You’ll find hot grilled sandwiches, cold build-your-own options and even vegetarian or vegan tweaks. Their cheese and charcuterie boards feature artisan wedges paired with seasonal fruit and local nuts that never taste bulk-sourced. Portion sizes hit the Goldilocks zone, satisfying but not nap-inducing. Sandwiches usually land in the $12–$15 range, with cheese boards starting at $24.50.
Inside, the dining room feels cozy with vintage French posters, though many grab orders to go. The team clearly labels allergens and roasts some meats in-house. You’ll find locations downtown, in Midtown and south Reno, all under local ownership. They keep hours focused on lunch, closed on weekends and evenings, and it’s a spot that earns attention rather than demands it.
Rick’s DeliCafe
South Reno sandwich fans have flocked to Rick’s DeliCafe for over two decades. Here, in-house roasted tri tip and roast beef are thinly sliced daily for hearty deli classics. The Pretty Boy Floyd piles freshly roasted beef under sharp cheddar, crisp lettuce and a generous slather of Dijon mayo. Meanwhile, the Baby Face Nelson layers turkey, pesto aioli and Swiss cheese between thick slices of locally baked bread. Dutch crunch rolls steal the show, but you can also choose sourdough, multigrain or a butter-flaky croissant. Wraps and gluten-free options are ready for anyone with dietary needs.
Lunchtime turns busy fast, but counter service keeps things moving. You might tackle a Machine Gun Kelly sub or a NY-style sandwich loaded with pepperoncini and vinaigrette. Vegetarians can try the SOHO, where creamy Havarti meets ripe avocado. Allergen-conscious guests get clear ingredient calls and plenty of custom options. The dining area stays spotless and parking’s easy. Regulars make up most of the crowd, but takeout runs keep lines steady. After 23 years, Rick’s formula is simple: consistent portions, scratch-made fillings and not a soggy lettuce leaf in sight. Whether you dine in or grab a sandwich to go, Rick’s laid-back vibe and dependable menu make it a neighborhood staple.
The Urban Deli
In Sierra Meadows Plaza, The Urban Deli has carved out a reputation as a reliable lunch spot. This compact strip-mall deli looks simple from the outside, but inside bright counter displays and hanging tables keep the vibe fresh and efficient for a come-and-go crowd. Sandwiches here aim for heft—both in size and flavor.
The Lakeside layers turkey, bacon, pepper jack and chipotle mayo on chewy Truckee Sourdough, delivering a smoky kick. Vegetarians will enjoy the Green Acres, packed with avocado, Boursin cheese, fresh pesto, crunchy sprouts and radish. Classicists can’t resist the Double R, a toasted Reuben-style special with pastrami, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut. Most sandwiches get a light toast unless you ask for them cold.
Prices hover around $15 for signature sandwiches, with custom builds and hearty salads nudging a bit higher. Local ingredients show up in every menu section—Boar’s Head meats, occasional rotisserie chicken and that sturdy Truckee bread. Gluten-free and keto options are on hand, too. Parking is easy and staff keep orders moving, so lunch breaks don’t feel rushed. The casual dining area welcomes small groups and walls of windows keep things bright.
Süp
Midtown Reno’s Süp delivers comfort food with a twist. Known for gourmet soups, the menu also stars house-roasted turkey, char-grilled Flat Iron steak and a fresh tuna salad that stands out. Each sandwich runs from $8 to $11 and arrives with a scoop of house-made cranberry salad instead of chips. Bread choices matter here. Garlic cheddar sourdough carries the Tuna Melt, while jalapeño jack bread adds a kick to the BBQ Chicken and Pesto Turkey.
Vegans and gluten-free diners have plenty of options. Try the mushroom Tom Kha soup or the Toasted Veggie sandwich stacked with portabella, Havarti and grilled peppers. Soups rotate daily from Minestrone to African Peanut Stew, with clear labels for dietary restrictions. Inside a renovated house, you’ll find a cozy dining room that seats over 100 when patio space is included. Pets are welcome on the heated wraparound porch, which stays open six days a week.
Whether you drop in for a quick takeout at lunch or settle in for a casual dinner, servers move orders efficiently and the atmosphere stays warm without feeling crowded.
R Town Pizza
R Town Pizza stands out in Reno thanks to its authentic Detroit-style pies. Thick, golden crusts arrive with crispy edges and chewy centers that hold up under generous layers of mozzarella and sauce. Their grinder lineup is just as tempting. The Alphonse packs a meat lover’s punch, while the Caprese Melt layers fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil for a richer vegetarian option.
Don’t skip the focaccia—it’s light, fluffy and sturdy enough to carry smoked bacon or melted cheese without turning soggy. The Eastern Market meatballs come in classic red sauce or a tangy peach barbecue with pickles that surprise in the best way. Vegans will find a proper plant-based pizza, and gluten-free prep shows they take dietary needs seriously. With prices between $15 and $18, portions feel generous for the quality.
Inside, bright counter service and simple wooden tables make for a relaxed lunch scene. There’s room for a small group to dig in, or you can grab an online takeout order to enjoy at home. Pets on leashes are welcome outside. Independent and locally owned, R Town Pizza delivers something different from your average slice.
Rubicon Deli
Stepping into Rubicon Deli, the first thing you’ll notice is the fresh-baked bread. Tucked along California Avenue in Midtown, this spot quietly turns out loaves with flavors you don’t usually see…blue cheese, jalapeño jack, and rosemary focaccia all make regular appearances. Of course you’ll find your standard wheat and even a gluten-free roll, but going for garlic cheese or Dutch crunch is half the fun.
Sandwiches here are big both in portion and personality, with premium cheeses and sliced-to-order meats like Genoa salami, applewood-smoked ham, and prosciutto. The Godmother is like a lively cousin to an Italian grinder, packed with three kinds of meat, provolone, peppers, and a spicy chop-chop bite. The Rubicon Special piles turkey and smoked Gouda with red pepper tapenade and pesto mayo for a little sweet and herb lift. Vegetarian options shine too—take the Biggest Little Veggie with spinach, cabbage, pesto goat cheese, avocado, and crisp Dutch crunch. Open Monday through Saturday from ten to four, Rubicon rounds out the menu with salads, açaí bowls, and sides, plus each lunch comes with a little cookie on the side.
House Of Bread Bakery and Cafe
Tucked into its west Reno spot since 2001, House Of Bread Bakery and Cafe has drawn steady regulars with reliable comforts that never go out of style. Bread takes center stage here: each morning the rack holds new fragrant loaves from Grandma’s White to basil parmesan, with sourdough and chewy focaccia close by. Sandwiches earn loyal followings too—the HOB Club and Italian Grinder both hit the spot, while the Spicy HOB and the over-the-top French Toast Sandwich keep breakfast folks happy well into the afternoon.
Turkey, ham, and roast beef get sliced fresh daily, none of that processed stuff, and vegetarians find love in the Veggie Delight, Avo Lover Toast, and rotating quiche. There’s even a gluten-free frittata and build-your-own options for anyone avoiding wheat. Most breakfasts run under thirteen dollars, with lunch sandwiches a bit higher, and boxed lunch deals available for under nine if you’re on the go. Service stays casual with counter ordering, indoor tables, and an outdoor patio when the weather cooperates. With all-day hours and plenty of parking by the weekend farmers market, it proves good bread really is enough.
Full Belly Deli-Mill Street
At Full Belly Deli-Mill Street, you’ll find a perfect blend of old-school charm and modern adventure. Their house-baked jalapeño-cheddar biscuits have quite a reputation, especially when wrapped around breakfast items like the Biscuits & Gravy Burrito or a playful green eggs and ham. When lunch rolls around, you’ll face generous piles of corned beef and pastrami in the Dirka Dirka, while the Cuban and cheesesteak draw folks in with options on focaccia, marble rye, or a selection of bagels.
Vegetarian and vegan choices feel thoughtful, not an afterthought, from portobello and falafel wraps to inventive salads that break free from plain iceberg. Gluten-free bread is on hand and allergen notices offer peace of mind. The classic Reno counter service welcomes you to dine indoors…sometimes making strangers into friends, sometimes not, depending on your mood. Whether you’re there for breakfast or lunch, the generous portions and fresh-baked breads keep people coming back. If you need to take your meal home, their online ordering platform makes it quick and easy.
Pub N’ Sub
Nestled at the corner of 10th and Ralston, Pub N’ Sub has been a neighborhood fixture for nearly fifty years. Casual afternoons slide into evenings without any fuss over how long you linger. The shaded front deck and grassy backyard invite you to settle in, and heaters flicker to life when winter arrives.
Subs are the star here, like the Italian combo heaped with prosciutto, capocollo, pepperoni, and cheese on a toasted roll. Most sandwiches come in under eight dollars yet still feel generous. Meatball marinara and roast beef au jus satisfy the hot-and-melty cravings, while cold-cut fans stick to classics. Veggie-packed subs filled with zucchini, peppers, and olives cater to lighter appetites, and you can add any cheese or vegetable you like. Beyond sandwiches, thick juicy burgers, bone-in or boneless wings with sauces from mild to habanero, and simple crowd-pleasing pizzas round out the menu. Everything is made in-house, from sauces to sides, with curbside pickup, daily happy hour, and a pool table adding to the laid-back college-town vibe.
Yosh’s Unique Deli
Yosh’s Unique Deli on Foothill Road feels like a well-kept secret for anyone craving more than the usual deli fare. Since 1973, this family-run spot has perfected hand-roasting and smoking its own meats, mixing house-made sauces, and baking breads with character…Swiss Onion rolls, Dutch Crunch, and a daily focaccia for gluten-free fans.
The menu balances classics and inventive combos. The smoked tri-tip draws plenty of praise, Nana’s Meatloaf hits all the comfort notes, and the pulled pork truly tastes smoked. The Cinque Terre layers turkey and prosciutto under a fresh tomato bruschetta. Vegetarians find a portabella mushroom sandwich and a build-your-own veggie option with avocado and pepper jack. Inside, bright light and the scent of crusty bread create a welcoming vibe. Situated in a strip mall with easy parking, the deli focuses on lunch crowds or a quick soup and salad break, opening Tuesday through Saturday. They’ve built a reputation on old-fashioned quality, and that’s exactly what you’ll find when you stop by.
Desert Sun Bagel Co.
Surprising as it may seem for a strip mall spot, Desert Sun Bagel Co. nails the basics and then some. Every morning, eleven bagel varieties roll out of their oven—everything, plain, poppy seed and more. The outside has that perfect crunch, while the inside stays chewy.
Breakfast sandwiches here go beyond the usual. The Ultimate Breakfast layers thick-cut, oven-roasted bacon, egg and cheese on your bagel of choice. The Desert Sunrise adds spicy Black Forest ham and a little extra zip. For lunch, the Rugged Trail stacks pastrami with Swiss cheese, and the Heatwave pairs roast beef with jalapeño cream cheese for a gentle kick.
Vegetarians are in good hands, too. The Moonlit Desert swaps whipped cream cheese for hummus and piles on fresh veggies. Prices are fair for a hearty breakfast or lunch, and single bagels stay under the usual grab-and-go budget. Most guests breeze in and out, but if you snag a seat by the bright décor and self-serve coffee bar, you’ll find plenty of reasons to linger.
Deli Towne USA
Right off the gas pumps at Lakeside Crossing Chevron, Deli Towne USA has been a Reno staple for more than 30 years. Their sandwich window serves fifteen kinds of freshly baked bread daily. The Dutch Crust draws fans, while focaccia, jalapeño cheese, multigrain and sourdough round out the lineup.
They don’t skimp on size. The Monster series comes in four hearty portions, so most people get enough to eat today and save lunch for tomorrow. The signature French Dip on onion bread is a winner, as is the Tampa-style Cuban. If turkey and cranberry sound good any time of year, try the Cran Slam USA. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are treated with the same care as the rest.
Inside seating is limited, but outdoor tables welcome you and your dog. You’ll also find soups, salads and boxed lunches if you’re feeding a group. The convenience store runs around the clock, but the sandwich window closes at dinner. Even so, locals agree it’s worth the trip right up until closing time.
