There’s something irresistible about biting into a perfect sandwich, and in Corpus Christi, the options go way beyond standard deli fare. Whether you’re after warm, crusty bread, inventive fillings, or just a cozy local spot for lunch, you’ll find plenty worth sinking your teeth into.
Let’s get to it.
Saigon’s Civet Cafe
When you step into Saigon’s Civet Cafe, you won’t find neon lights or elaborate décor. Instead, the French-Vietnamese menu and locally roasted coffee take center stage. Bánh mì sandwiches arrive on crisp, authentic Vietnamese baguettes, piled high with pork chop or sirloin steak that’s grilled and sliced in-house each morning. If you’d rather skip the meat, there’s avocado toast or buttery croissants begging for a smear of pâté or cheese.
Coffee here is no afterthought. They use single-origin beans from Vietnam’s Cau Dat region, brewing everything from precise pour-overs to frothy lattes. You can sweeten your cup with traditional condensed milk or opt for a dairy-free twist. Prices are friendly—grab a pastry or a hearty muffin for just a couple of dollars, or indulge in a sandwich that’s filling without feeling heavy.
With a cozy neighborhood setup, free Wi-Fi, and a stash of board games, this spot invites you to linger. Whether you dine in or roll through the drive-thru, service is relaxed and genuine—it feels like a comfy local haven rather than a hurried pitstop.
Price’s Chef
Walking into Price’s Chef feels like stepping back into a classic mom-and-pop diner right in the heart of Corpus Christi. Mornings here are all about fluffy eggs, crisp bacon, and house-made bread. That bread—baked fresh daily—is thick, soft, and ideal for your roast beef or chicken salad sandwich. Rye slices hold up beautifully under a Reuben or patty melt, showing off the kitchen’s respect for diner traditions.
The lunch menu covers every craving: tuna salad, BLTs, a stacked grilled club, even an old-school Philly cheesesteak. Most plates come piled with French fries, onion rings, or a generous scoop of potato salad. Portions are hearty and unpretentious, with most dishes priced between six and ten dollars.
Decor leans into retro, with cozy booths and a counter that invites friendly conversation. You can enjoy a leisurely meal inside or call ahead—orders online or by phone are bagged up and ready for a quick take-out. It’s the kind of place where regulars rub elbows with newcomers, all savoring a good, dependable meal.
JB’s German Restaurant and Bakery
Tucked away in a modest shopping center on Staples Street, JB’s German Restaurant and Bakery feels like a well-kept secret. A master baker is up before dawn, turning out pretzel rolls, potato bread, brothy Knauzen loaves, and hearty whole-grain spelt every morning. Each loaf shows off real craftsmanship without shortcuts.
Sandwiches here cover both hot and cold favorites. You can dig into a Reuben loaded with house-made sauerkraut or enjoy a crispy pork schnitzel layered with cool cucumber. On the cold side, generous deli meats stack up on your choice of fresh bread. There’s also a grilled three-cheese for cheese lovers and simple vegan tweaks if you ask. Even gluten-free cookies get the full JB’s treatment.
Prices stay wallet-friendly, with most sandwiches under ten dollars. Service is family-style at the counter, and seating is cozy and limited. With hours ending at two in the afternoon, it’s clear this spot caters to folks who know what they want—and keep coming back for more.
Lazy Beach Brewing and Cafe
Although it sits in a southside industrial strip, Lazy Beach Brewing and Cafe surprises you with warmth the moment you walk in. The kitchen excels at sandwiches: a tangy Mo’ Cubano, a classic BELT on sturdy sourdough, and a sharp grilled cheese that even vegetarians rave about. The Italian comes with kettle chips and a robust pickle, while house beer mustard and beer-infused queso show up as creative condiments.
This café lives inside the brewery’s taproom, so counter service feels laid-back and casual. There’s a pet-friendly patio for sunny days and shareable starters like fresh-baked soft pretzels served with three dipping sauces. Wraps—hot or cold—add variety to the menu.
Most people stop by for lunch or dinner, especially on Saturdays when they stay open from late morning into the evening. The brewery closes on Mondays, nudging you toward dine-in visits, though takeout and online orders via Favor are easy options. Private groups can book a small event, making it a friendly spot whether you’re a regular or just passing through.
Bien Mérité Bakery and Restaurant
Housed in a charming pink building off Staples Street, Bien Mérité strikes a fine balance between neighborhood bakery and polished restaurant. Mornings revolve around croissants—flaky, buttery, and practically begging to be enjoyed plain or made into a breakfast sandwich with eggs and house-roasted turkey or smoky bacon.
At eleven o’clock, the lunch menu takes over. The French Dip features beef roasted right in the kitchen, while more adventurous sandwiches like ratatouille or a classic Croque Monsieur arrive with in-house hollandaise. Vegans aren’t left out—sandwiches with veganaise and avocado sit alongside breads ranging from indulgent brioche to hearty sprouted wheat.
A full catering menu and a private room for up to thirty guests make this spot ideal for gatherings. You can grab a chocolate bonbon at the counter or settle into the elegant dining room for a leisurely meal. Portions are generous, and prices reflect the quality—making Bien Mérité a reliable choice for both quick treats and sit-down lunches.
Town And Country Cafe
Stepping into Town & Country Cafe feels like catching up with a longtime friend. This local favorite has been serving generous plates and stacked sandwiches in Corpus since 1956. The house-roasted turkey and hand-carved roast beef shine in signature options like the Sweet Turkey on focaccia with cranberry and avocado or the roast beef dip with seasoned au jus that rivals any deli.
Whether you crave ciabatta, onion rolls, or fresh-baked focaccia, the bread selection keeps customers coming back. The rye in the patty melt is a nostalgic touch many regulars mention.
The Italian Club features rosemary-grilled chicken and prosciutto on garlic-pesto ciabatta. For steak lovers, the Parmesan-grilled New York steak sandwich delivers something special. Breakfast runs all day here, with scratch-made pancakes, breakfast burritos, and buttery biscuits on the menu.
Service is counter-style for quick takeout or a leisurely booth meal. Portions arrive in classic deli sizes, sides included, so you’ll never leave hungry. With prices ranging from nine to twenty-six dollars, you’re getting hearty comfort food worth every penny.
Water Street Central Kitchen
Over on Lomax Street, Water Street Central Kitchen stands out for breakfast and lunch. Their menu features house-made sourdough, oversized croissants, and glossy kouign-amann that few places attempt. Sandwich portions are generous… the Beer Can Chicken Salad Croissant holds up through a busy afternoon, while the Downtown Hot Brown layers béchamel, ham, and just the right amount of melted cheese.
Smoked salmon and bacon jam are sliced fresh each morning, so you never get rubbery or bland bites. Pastries rotate with the seasons, from almond croissants to cranberry-orange scones, plus gluten-free options appear in the daily case. Vegetarian choices go beyond an afterthought… pimento cheese and avocado toasts, fruit pastries, and dairy-free milk offerings make sure no one feels left out.
Inside, the café feels relaxed, and you can also grab a courtyard table when the weather’s nice. Whether you’re picking up a lunch box or settling in for a sweet treat, the vibe matches the scratch-cooked menu. Prices are what you’d expect downtown, without surprises.
Smokey Rooster bar and grill
At Smokey Rooster Bar and Grill, the atmosphere is inviting and easygoing. TVs line the walls for game days, and the family-friendly vibe makes it a go-to spot. The menu leans into Texas classics and crowd-pleasers: wings tossed in signature sauces, a hearty Philly cheesesteak, and Tex-Mex favorites.
Sandwich fans love the grilled chicken option and the pulled pork that falls apart with every bite. For plant-based diners, a Beyond Burger and a variety of crisp salads offer tasty alternatives. Portion sizes hit the sweet spot—filling without being overwhelming.
The bar lineup covers draft beers, crafted cocktails, and a few decent dessert choices to end the meal. Smokey Rooster happily accommodates gluten-free and vegetarian diets, making tweaks when needed.
Open seven days a week from late morning until late evening, with extended weekend hours, this single-location spot has indoor seating, a patio, and live music nights. It’s perfect whether you’re picking up takeout or catching up with friends over a burger and a cold drink.
