No one does sandwiches quite like Knoxville, where every neighborhood hides a local favorite behind a deli counter, lunch café, or family-run market. Whether you crave a classic Reuben, a loaded hoagie, or something vegetarian and creative, there’s a spot ready to satisfy every craving.
Let’s get to it.
Cafe 4
Right in the heart of Knoxville’s Market Square, Cafe 4 strikes a balance between polished and laid-back. Large windows and exposed brick give it an urban-retreat vibe, and there’s even a private mezzanine for gatherings alongside bar seating to watch the square below.
The kitchen keeps things comfortable and creative. You can’t go wrong with a classic cheeseburger on a puffy brioche bun or the Tennessee cheesesteak featuring shaved sirloin and melted provolone. Brunch dishes share menu space with fish tacos and a rich Music City Melt. Vegetarians will appreciate the warm pimento cheese dip, truffle parmesan fries or vegetable linguini.
Prices feel mid-range for a downtown spot: handhelds hover around $16 to $17, mains climb upward and shareables can near $24. Special touches include locally roasted Honeybee coffee, cocktails made with regional produce and a house-made pepper jelly that brings plenty of flavor. In its decade on Market Square, Cafe 4 has become a reliable anchor for both regulars and first-timers alike.
Nick & J’s Cafe
For fans of old-fashioned diner fare, Nick & J’s Cafe delivers a true hometown feel. Family photos line the walls, and counter service mingles with a handful of booths. You’ll find folks chatting over corned beef Reubens or smoked pastrami sandwiches, both featuring meat cured and smoked in-house.
The Club of Clubs stacks layers of turkey, ham and bacon on perfectly toasted bread. Melts—chicken salad or tuna—arrive on sub rolls or house-baked biscuits with that irresistible buttery crunch. A BLT loaded with bacon and a crispy fried chicken fillet sandwich round out the classics.
Breakfast runs strong through the morning, then lunch keeps rolling into the afternoon. Prices stay budget-friendly from about $3.25 to just under $7, but no one leaves hungry. Vegetarians won’t go hungry, either: grilled cheese and vegetable omelets make respectable stand-bys. Since opening on Lovell Road in 2013, Nick & J’s has kept things simple, fresh and satisfying.
Holy Land Market
Tucked into Sutherland Avenue, Holy Land Market feels like a neighborhood gem and a Mediterranean deli rolled into one. You’ll discover falafel pitas, kafta kebabs and house-boiled corned beef Reubens with homemade Russian dressing. Pastrami and beef tongue get sliced right behind the counter.
The vegan menu shines with Impossible gyros, plant-based Philly cheesesteaks and vegan nuggets, while vegetarian offerings include baba ganoush and spanakopita. Portions are generous and prices range from about $8 for a specialty sandwich up into the teens for loaded subs or higher for platters.
You choose your bread—pitas, Kaiser rolls, sub loaves and more—and opt for counter service at casual tables beneath a big community mural. Onsite parking, pickup, delivery and catering make it easy to feed different diets under one roof. Family-run and unpretentious, Holy Land Market has earned its spot as a go-to deli for locals with varied tastes.
Sam & Andy’s West
On Knoxville’s west side, Sam & Andy’s West has been dishing out hearty sandwiches and burgers for nearly thirty years. Tucked inside a retail strip, it feels more like a friendly neighborhood hangout than a chain. Orange booths, UT memorabilia and a dog-friendly patio set a welcoming scene.
The menu highlights the Vol Burger with thick Certified Black Angus beef, cheese, lettuce and a mountain of fries. Deli meats are steamed in-house, finding their way into rich Reubens and loaded hoagies on pillowy-soft buns. They even slow-roast rib eye for anyone craving something extra hearty.
If you’re aiming for lighter fare, build your own cheese or veggie sandwich, or swap in proteins on fresh salads tossed with house-made dressings. Lunch and dinner run through the afternoon into the evening, with most items priced between $9 and $12. Cash and checks only, but there’s an ATM nearby. Dependable portions and timeless comfort food keep locals coming back year after year.
Steamboat Sandwiches
With its signature steamed bread, Steamboat Sandwiches honors one of Knoxville’s most delicious traditions. Each morning their bakers turn out wide, soft loaves that create the perfect foundation for every sandwich. The classic Steamboat features premium salami, ham and cheese, all sliced in-house.
You’ll also find turkey, roast beef and chicken salad, plus vegetarian options like the Veggie Special loaded with sprouts, black olives and cheese. Their pimento cheese sandwich has been a local favorite for decades. Lunch service is quick counter style with plenty of grab-and-go orders and a friendly buzz from the open kitchen.
Seating is cozy but homey, surrounded by historic knickknacks that add local character. Customers rave about the loaded potato salad and freshly shaken lemonade poured to order. Family-run and attentive, Steamboat Sandwiches keeps its own rhythm from Wednesday through Saturday. Prices stay reasonable, and you’re guaranteed to leave with a full plate.
Gourmet’s Market & Cafe
Since 1975, Gourmet’s Market & Cafe in Knoxville’s Bearden neighborhood has been juggling coffee-shop vibes, all-day breakfast, signature lunch sandwiches, and a specialty market. This family-owned spot feels cozy, and the menu delivers.
The Cohiba Cuban Roll arrives pressed hot, layered with house-smoked pork, ham, Swiss, and zesty mojo mayo. Vegheads will love the Reuben swap—collard greens on rye with tangy house sauce. A glance at the bread list reminds you that choices matter: croissant, rustic white, rye, bagel, sub roll, even gluten-free.
Local sourcing shines through in every bite. You’ll find Sweetwater Valley cheddar, Cruize Farm dairy, smoked salmon bagels, and housemade granola for breakfast. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free guests aren’t left at the mercy of a token salad.
Sandwiches range from $10 to $17, and portions aren’t stingy. The pet-friendly patio is perfect for brunch or catching up with friends over the paper. Open daily from 8 to 2, they also offer catering, grab-and-go options, and online ordering if you’d rather skip Kingston Pike traffic.
Redbud Kitchen
Tucked away in South Knoxville, Redbud Kitchen strikes a balance between laid-back charm and carefully crafted plates. House-roasted pulled pork, smoky and tender, shares the menu with thick meatloaf paninis and a Chicken Avocado Sandwich piled high with bacon, creamy avocado, and a swipe of chipotle mayo—all on locally baked ciabatta.
Traditional favorites mingle with vegetarian and gluten-free choices. The Tennessee B.L.T.C. has all the classic fixings plus a few surprises. Sandwiches, priced between $11 and $13, come with a generous heap of house-fried potato chips.
Inside, bar seating and long communal tables invite you to linger over a leisurely lunch or a relaxed supper. Weekend brunch runs from late morning into the afternoon. Desserts from Yummy Cakes & More in Morristown wrap things up, a sweet nod to Redbud’s sister spot, Redbud Deli.
Whether you’re ordering online, hosting a meeting with boxed lunches, or planning a catered event, Redbud Kitchen brings fresh, local American fare to the table in a friendly, neighborhood setting.
Vol Market
On Western Avenue, Vol Market has been a go-to for a no-fuss lunch or quick dinner for over twenty years. This spot isn’t about fancy decor—it’s about classics done right, and most folks grab their orders to go.
The plain chili dog is a legend here, smothered in ketchup and begging for extra napkins. Steamed roast beef hoagies arrive piled high with smoked cheddar, onions, and peppers on your choice of brown or rye hoagie bread. If you’re feeling nostalgic, the fried bologna sandwich hits the spot.
Comforting sides include crispy mac and cheese bites and the occasional free batch of onion rings. Prices stay wallet-friendly, especially given the hearty portions. Counter service moves fast, but if you’d rather not wait behind the drive-thru line, ordering inside is usually quicker.
Vol Market closes at 5 PM and stays shut on weekends, so plan ahead if you’re craving these old-school deli favorites from this long-standing Knoxville institution.
Curious Dog Hotdogs & Sandwiches
Right in Knoxville’s Old City, Curious Dog Hotdogs & Sandwiches serves up imaginative hot dogs and classic deli sandwiches in a fun, neighborhood setting. The chalkboard menu boasts more than thirty hot dog varieties—Greek, Thai, World’s Fair—and deli favorites with playful names like Tony Soprano and Rachel Ray.
Behind the counter, Amish meats and cheeses are sliced to order. Breads include toasted sourdough, pumpernickel, marble rye, and even jalapeño cornbread for a spicy twist. The L-shaped dining area is dressed in surf-and-punk decor with vintage games, guitars, and bicycles that catch the eye.
Vegetarian and vegan diners aren’t forgotten. There’s a falafel dog and a hearty veggie sandwich that won’t leave you wishing for meat. Fries are served hot and crispy, portions are generous, and takeout and catering are both mainstays.
Open most days well into the evening, Curious Dog delivers a neighborhood vibe without trying too hard. It’s a place where bold flavors meet down-to-earth charm in every bite.
Gus’s Good Times Deli
At Gus’s Good Times Deli on Melrose Place, the energy of late-night crowds mingles with University of Tennessee memorabilia that’s been collecting on the walls since 1981. Whether it’s 2 AM or 2 PM, the kitchen is slicing house-made tzatziki, pastrami, or ribeye fresh to order.
Signature sandwiches shine here. The steamed Deli Reuben layers corned beef, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island on warm pumpernickel. The house Hoagie stacks cold cuts, lettuce, tomato, and cheese on a fluffy sub roll. For something hot off the grill, the Chicken in a Sack and Steak in a Sack pile chicken or ribeye with peppers and onions into a warm pita.
Snack cravings are covered with fried mushrooms, chili cheese fries, deep-fried pickle spears, and the famous shoestring fries. A Gyro with lamb-beef or a bacon double cheeseburger ensures nobody leaves hungry.
Gus’s Good Times Deli nails the blend of classic deli staples and satisfying indulgence, all wrapped up in a sports-themed atmosphere that feels as familiar as an old friend.
