Craving a killer sandwich that goes way beyond the usual lunch routine? The Eastside is packed with local gems where warm bread and inventive fillings earn a loyal fan base, whether you’re after a classic diner BLT or a perfectly chilled Japanese sando.
Let’s get to it.
TRES Sandwich
Inside TRES Sandwich in Bellevue, the spotlight is all on the sandwich itself. Their crustless milk bread—baked in-house every morning with mineral-rich water—has a pillowy texture that almost disappears as you bite in. Fillings range from comfort-food classics like pork katsu and egg salad to lighter vegetable options and sweet treats such as black sesame cream or the popular strawberry & cream.
Everything is made from scratch each day with no preservatives, and the freshness is evident from the first bite. The shop is a small counter-serve tucked in a Bel-East strip mall with no dine-in seating. They open early and close by 2 pm, often selling out before lunch ends. Individual sandwiches run between four and seven dollars and are kept chilled for same-day enjoyment. The mixed crowd of breakfast seekers, office crowds, and group orders shows just how devoted people are to this simple, carefully honed menu after a decade on the block.
Nick’s Grill
Tucked next to a Totem Lake strip mall, Nick’s Grill in Kirkland has been serving grilled comfort for nearly twenty years. Old-school bar seats line the counter, while a handful of tables complete the cozy, retro-diner vibe. Service is friendly and efficient, whether you’re ordering at the counter or online.
Their menu focuses on hearty classics done well. Burritos come in steak, chicken, combo, and vegetarian versions, all grilled for a crisp finish and filled with scratch-made rice, beans, and salsa. The steak sandwich features New York strip sliced in-house, piled on a baguette with cheese and grilled onions. Burgers are made from grass-fed beef from Metropolitan Market, served on Macrina Bakery buns. You’ll also find a BLT, Italian sub, and salads for lighter fare. Dietary swaps are no problem. Generous portions, straightforward flavors, and consistent quality explain why this neighborhood spot has kept folks coming back for nearly two decades.
Burgermaster
Pulling into Burgermaster feels like stepping back in time, complete with grass-fed burgers and classic carhop service. Fresh flowers border each drive-in stall, lending a homey touch that stands out against typical fast-food sprawl. The menu sticks to comfort food but includes modern twists to keep things interesting.
Try the Turkeymaster with nitrate-free turkey, triple-smoked bacon, and aged Swiss on grilled sourdough, or the wild-caught Dungeness crab melt if you’re feeling indulgent. Since 2004, all beef patties have been grass-fed, and local produce stars in each burger. Non-meat options include a Gardenburger, several grilled-cheese varieties, and a fish sandwich made with hand-breaded Alaskan cod. Prices range from $6.50 for a grilled cheese up to $15.50 for the crab melt, with smaller versions available for lighter appetites. From the food quality to the last petunia in the parking lot, Burgermaster proves drive-in dining can still feel special.
Village Square Cafe
Village Square Cafe in Redmond combines old-school diner charm with modern preferences. Open since the late eighties, it serves breakfast until 3 pm. Omelets, benedicts, and French-toast platters share the menu, but lunchtime steals the show with hot grilled sandwiches.
Choices include a Monte Cristo, prime-rib dip, classic Reuben, and a towering Kentucky Club. Cold sandwiches have their fans too: BLTA, triple-deckers, and house-roasted turkey on white, wheat, rye, egg bread, or even gluten-free. Almost everything can be mixed and matched for dietary needs—grilled veggie ciabatta, Dr. Praeger’s burgers, gluten-free swaps, and dairy-free pies upon request.
Portions are generous for $10 to $17, usually arriving with fries, salad, or house-made soup. The dining room buzzes at a comfortable volume, and the heated patio sees plenty of use. No big-city flash here—just straightforward comfort and a friendly staff that remembers your favorite order.
DERU
At DERU Market in downtown Kirkland, you’ll often find a line stretching out the door at lunchtime. Sandwiches take center stage: thick slices of in-house smoked turkey or roast beef on freshly baked focaccia or pillowy buns from local bakeries. These handheld meals run $12 to $18 and are sturdy enough to double as dinner, especially when paired with wood-fired pizza or crisp farm salads.
Vegetarians aren’t limited to a side salad. You might find a kale salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or a veggie-packed focaccia reflecting seasonal produce. The counter staff moves efficiently, and QR-code ordering plus curbside pickup make for a quick turnaround. Save room for the salted peanut butter cake—it’s rustic yet indulgent.
Inside, solo diners and families share communal tables in a friendly, neighborly atmosphere. DERU feels like your local go-to spot that just happens to excel at scratch cooking.
The Pizza Coop & Ale House
Over in Woodinville’s Town Center, The Pizza Coop & Ale House stands out for more than just its Detroit-style pies. They put as much care into toasted hot sandwiches as you’d expect from a neighborhood deli. The Coop’s Own Steak Sandwich features house-grilled steak, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and provolone. Next up, the King Meatball Sub showcases homemade meatballs, marinara, and cheese on a toasted roll. The Bar None Chicken Bacon Ranch comes piled high with chicken, bacon, and ranch for about $15, and it arrives with a generous heap of fresh-cut house fries that taste nothing like the bagged kind.
As a family-owned spot, they emphasize local sourcing and friendly service. Craft beer selections go beyond the usual options, and gluten-free crusts are available for pizza lovers. Vegetarian-friendly choices round out the menu. Shuffleboard and TVs keep the vibe casual, while a private room with sliding barn doors accommodates parties of up to 40. With daily hours and seamless online ordering, it works just as well for Friday-night takeout or larger get-togethers.
The Black Duck Cask and Bottle
At The Black Duck Cask and Bottle in Issaquah, the usual gastropub buzzwords like “craft” and “house-made” feel earned. Step into the casual garage-door dining room or take a seat on the patio, and you’ll find a menu focused on robust, generously portioned sandwiches. The brisket dip arrives with house-smoked meat, white cheddar, bourbon onions, and its own au jus, turning it into a full meal. Pork belly Cubano layers mojo pork, thick bacon, smoked gouda, and pickled jalapeños on classic Cuban bread. For a twist on bar fare, the Black Duck Sub features duck confit, okonomi sauce, and arugula.
Vegetarians won’t feel left out. The Goat combines crispy artichokes and chèvre on a Tolera roll for a pleasing balance of flavors. You’ll also find beer-brined cod and cornflake-crusted fried chicken with chili garlic honey, plus aiolis and tartar sauce made in-house. Sandwiches run from sixteen to twenty dollars, matching the generous portions. A rotating tap of regional craft beer, a pool table, and a few TVs make this lunch or dinner spot anything but cookie-cutter.
SoulFood CoffeeHouse and Fair Trade Emporium
SoulFood CoffeeHouse and Fair Trade Emporium stands apart from the typical neighborhood cafe. Their House Panini layers turkey or salami with cheese on locally baked bread, then presses it until everything melts just right. Tuna melt fans will appreciate the classic cheddar and spinach combo on thick artisan slices. The SoulFood Special bagel sandwich packs cream cheese, salami, turkey, and Havarti into a satisfying, flavor-packed bite. The menu also offers solid vegetarian and vegan options, and breakfast sandwiches are available all day.
Counter-style service keeps things casual, while the spacious interior welcomes groups, laptop nomads, or acoustic music nights. Community feels like the true specialty here… Over a decade on Redmond Way, they’ve championed compostable packaging and fair-trade beans before those trends hit mainstream. Sandwiches range from nine to twelve dollars, with portions generous enough to satisfy. With ample outlets, a play corner for little ones, and a steady stream of neighbors dropping by, it manages to feel lived-in and genuinely local whether you’re grabbing a pastry or settling in for a longer stay.
