If you think a sandwich is just a quick bite, Carmel’s lineup of standout shops is ready to prove you wrong. From classic delis and Mediterranean gems to inventive bakeries serving up modern twists, there are plenty of mouthwatering options to satisfy any craving.
Let’s get to it.
Crafters Pizza and Drafthouse
Nestled on 146th Street in a lively Carmel strip mall, Crafters Pizza and Drafthouse brings a fresh twist to the sports-bar scene. Inside, communal high-tops encourage conversation, and a wall of TVs keeps every game in view. Outside, the patio feels like your own neighborhood hangout—especially during happy hour.
The sandwich lineup stands out, all built on chewy, house-made pizza dough. The Italian Club is piled high with hot-pepper relish, bacon, and ham. If you prefer a softer roll, the Italian Stallion layers prosciutto, pepperoni, seasoned oil, and banana peppers. The meatball parm hides house-made meatballs and molten cheese inside a folded pizza-bread bun that’s pure comfort.
Pizzas range from classic to veggie-forward, with group-size pies topping out around $28. Single-serve pizzas and lighter flatbreads are perfect for solo diners or snackers. Gluten-free crusts and vegan options round out the menu, while shareable crostini and appetizer plates keep things interesting. The kitchen stays open late on weekends. Lunch, dinner, takeout, and catering all run smoothly—no reservation needed, yet you’ll always find a spot to squeeze in.
Dooley O’Toole’s
Walking into Dooley O’Toole’s feels like a trip back to the golden age of lunch counters. Since 1985, this Carmel mainstay has been serving homemade sandwiches the way they used to be made—and still should be. Their breaded pork tenderloin is legendary: hand-cut daily at Joe’s Butcher Shop, breaded in-house, and oversized enough to hang over the bun.
Tuesday is “Tenderloin Tuesday,” and for six dollars you get a hearty portion that’s anything but “mini.” The patty melt is another favorite, grilled perfectly on rye with rich Swiss cheese. You’ll also find a classic cheeseburger and eight-ounce charbroiled or breaded chicken breast sandwiches.
The bar and table service feel equally welcoming, with generous portions designed for regulars and families. Prices stay under $15 for lunch or dinner, and the laid-back atmosphere encourages lingering over a meal. Open Monday through Friday, Dooley O’Toole’s is where you’ll find hot, honest food—no rush, just plenty of flavor.
Papa Fattoush Restaurant
Right in Carmel’s Art & Design District, Papa Fattoush Restaurant delivers Mediterranean flavors with fresh, hand-prepared ingredients. Chicken shawarma is marinated each morning before being sliced, and gyro lamb is carved on-site. Those details show up in every sandwich.
Served on lightly grilled pita, the chicken shawarma and spicy gyro come with fries tucked inside, while falafel sandwiches arrive crisp and filling. Prices for sandwiches range from $8 to $12, and generous portion sizes mean you might even share—or save some for later. Platters work well for a casual dinner.
Vegetarian guests have plenty of choices: falafel, thick lentil soup, baba ghanoj, and a crisp fattoush salad dotted with fried pita squares. The dining room feels bright and active, with a semi-open kitchen and staff who check in to make sure you’re satisfied. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Papa Fattoush welcomes dine-in or carryout without any rush.
Fat Dan’s Chicago-Style Deli, Carmel
Located on Main Street in Carmel, Fat Dan’s Chicago-Style Deli is a haven for sandwich lovers. The menu reads like a tour of Chicago classics: Italian beef served dry, dipped, or wet; hot pastrami piled high on rye; and house-smoked Reuben sandwiches. Everything from sausage and bacon to meatballs is smoked in-house for that deep hickory flavor.
You pick your bread—pressed roll, sub roll, classic rye, or a butter-brushed burger bun—to match your sandwich. The portions are generous, and prices range from $9 to $17. Jumbo wings and towering subs draw crowds, while vegetarians can enjoy a Cheezy grilled cheese on multigrain or other grilled-cheese variations.
The casual pub setting includes counter service and a solid craft-beer list. Open every day from lunchtime into the evening, Fat Dan’s handles takeout and delivery as easily as dine-in. House-made sauces, customizable toppings, and a local beer selection round out the experience without any fuss.
Greek Tony’s Pizza & Sub Shop
After nearly forty years in town, Greek Tony’s Pizza & Sub Shop has perfected its subs and pies. Every morning, they bake chewy-crust bread for subs and fresh pizza dough. The Greek-style gyro features spiced beef and from-scratch tzatziki, while the Steak Supreme uses hand-shaved ribeye.
The menu covers all the bases. Mama’s roast beef and the Godfather sausage sub complement vegetarian options loaded with mushrooms, peppers, and olives. Even the salads and pitas stand out for their hearty portions. Gluten-free eaters can swap in a pita alternative and still enjoy a full meal.
Prices fall where you’d expect, but the Hoosier-sized servings and extra-large party trays make gatherings easy. The casual, family-friendly dining room and strong carryout and delivery service keep regulars coming back. A party room in the back is perfect for larger groups. Greek Tony’s consistency and neighborly vibe explain why locals never stray far.
Bober Tea & Coffee + Mochi Dough Carmel
If you stroll down Main Street in downtown Carmel, you’ll quickly notice Bober Tea & Coffee + Mochi Dough Carmel standing out with its bubble teas and bright, floral decor. The real surprise here is the sandwiches. The Korean egg drop version features a nearly custardy scramble, layers of sweet mayo, and your choice of meat, all tucked into milk bread so soft it almost disappears. Beef bulgogi is marinated fresh each day, and the classic Spam sandwich uses authentic canned Spam from Asian distributors.
Other house specialties riff on Korean street food with items like the gooey Gangnam Double Cheese or the Jeju Ham & Avocado, both offered in slider sizes. Though the café focuses on breakfast and lunch, it stays open until nine most evenings, with seating for about twenty. Drinks run $5 to $7 and include milk teas, Vietnamese coffee, and plenty of dairy-free options. On-site mochi donuts come in six rotating flavors weekly, perfect for sharing or savoring over a quiet cup of tea.
Zing! Cafe
When you step into Zing! Café in WestClay’s Village town center, the menu feels designed for both coffee lovers and sandwich fans. Signature coffee flights sit alongside thick-cut breakfast sandwiches priced from $7 to $14.
One standout is the Ultimate Grilled Cheese, layered with locally sourced cheese on Italian or ciabatta. The Hoosier Classic turkey sandwich is a midday favorite. Gluten-free bread is available, and sides like fruit cups are always generous.
Breakfast options keep rolling with creative items such as Maple Madness paired with custom house-made Zing! mayo. Protein add-ins let you upgrade any smoothie flight. The vibe is friendly and community-oriented, with laptops open on many tables and a busy patio when weather permits.
Menu items feature local deli meats and farm-fresh produce, and service stays quick and completely unfussy—even during catering orders. It’s a spot that feels warm, welcoming, and reliably delicious.
bbi Cafe & Sandwich Shop
Just outside Carmel, bbi Cafe & Sandwich Shop has become a lunchtime favorite thanks to its generous portions and balanced menu of comfort classics and global twists. You’ll spot diners weighing a toasted sourdough Reuben against a warm croissant piled with honey-smoked turkey, or opting for a combo of soup, salad, and half a sandwich.
Hot grilled options include a Philly cheesesteak, a triple-decker Dagwood, and the traditional Reuben. Cold creations stay crisp and fresh, and Mediterranean influences pop up in gyro meat, house-baked falafel, and shawarma that compete with the American standards.
Vegetarians enjoy falafel wraps, black bean quesadillas, and a Greek salad drizzled with in-house dressing. Breakfast items stick around until 2 pm, ranging from fluffy omelets to raisin toast.
The seating area handles lunch crowds, but takeout and delivery also get top attention. Prices match the quality, serving full-size sandwiches or salads alongside sauces, soups, and cookies made in their own kitchen. Family-owned since 2019, bbi Cafe & Sandwich Shop strikes a balance between straightforward charm and quiet ambition.
