There’s something magical about biting into a truly great sandwich—the kind stacked high with fresh ingredients and just the right balance of flavors. Whether you crave a classic deli hoagie, creative plant-based options, or fresh bread straight from the oven, Spokane’s sandwich shops have it all.
Let’s get to it.
Zozo’s Sandwich House
Stepping into Zozo’s Sandwich House, you’ll find a menu that seems endless and attention to detail that’s rare these days. Housed in a refurbished A&W on North Monroe, this single, locally owned spot boasts a covered parking area that feels both practical and delightfully nostalgic. Jenn and Aaron, the owners, have decades of experience in the sandwich business, and their expertise shows.
Every sandwich starts with scratch-made bread, from hoagies and Italian rolls to Martin’s potato buns, and portions are generous. The Monroe St. Dip features thick slices of house-roasted beef with garlic aioli and jus. Zozo’s Cheesesteak piles shaved steak and melted cheese onto fresh bread, a local favorite. Vegetarian and vegan choices shine too: grilled eggplant, house-made chickpea mash or Impossible patties. Breakfast is served all day, with house pastrami or hand-breaded chicken cutlets. Sauces and spreads are prepared fresh each morning.
Inside, the space feels like a casual diner with local art on rotation, and a shaded patio invites those who want to linger. Open six days a week until three, they offer gluten-free and vegan versions of nearly everything. It’s the little details here that make every visit stand out.
Sonnenberg’s Market & Deli
Dating back to 1891, Sonnenberg’s Market & Deli on East Sprague has built its reputation on a full-service deli counter and old-fashioned charm. Walk up, pick your favorite cold sandwich fillings—roast beef, pastrami or turkey breast—and choose rye, wheat, sourdough or French bread. Every cut of meat and cheese is sliced to your liking, just like in a classic butcher shop.
The $6.99 Deluxe is a crowd-pleaser, but salami enthusiasts can explore Genoa, Cappicola, Braunschweiger or even old-school head cheese and Lebanon bologna. The salad counter stocks cabbage slaw, Italian veggie salad and fresh fruit salad daily. Sack lunches are sized for hearty appetites.
Counter service keeps things friendly and efficient. People often grab a hot coffee to pair with their order, and oversized sub trays are a hit for family gatherings or office events. Whether you stop in for a quick lunch or plan a catered spread, Sonnenberg’s feels rooted in tradition and quality. It’s the kind of place where the butcher’s expertise meets neighborhood friendliness.
The Elk
A South Hill landmark since 1999, The Elk Public House knows how to elevate classic sandwiches. Slow-cooked corned beef gets sliced right before assembling the Traditional Reuben, complete with tangy, house-made sauerkraut, melted Swiss and Thousand Island dressing on toasted rye. It’s a sandwich that proves attention to every step pays off.
The Santa Fe Chicken Sandwich gets rave reviews too. Roasted poblano peppers, honey cream cheese and crispy chicken combine for a pop of flavor. The Grilled Lamb Sandwich features marinated lamb and a generous swipe of tzatziki. Vegetarian diners aren’t left out: the Mediterranean Bean Burger and a bright hummus and tzatziki platter offer real options rather than afterthoughts.
Nearly every element—burger patties, dressings, slaws—is made in-house each morning. Breads arrive grilled or toasted, and portions never disappoint. You can order takeout up front or grab a seat in the pub, where craft beers rotate regularly and corn pasta salad keeps showing up on plates. The relaxed patio and friendly atmosphere make The Elk a top spot for good food and laid-back company.
Atticus Coffee & Gifts
At the heart of downtown Spokane, Atticus Coffee & Gifts blends solid coffee, fresh pastries and thoughtful sandwiches in a charming setting. Since opening in 2009, they’ve sourced pastries from local bakeries and baked their own Parisian-style baguettes for sandwich creations.
Cold or room-temperature options feel more like a French picnic than a typical lunch. Choices include ham and Gruyère or turkey with goat cheese. The red pepper and goat cheese sandwich stands out with its balanced flavors. Vegetarian diners will appreciate the care given to meatless options.
Inside, about a dozen tables accommodate solo visitors or small groups, and outdoor seating is plentiful for sunny days. The steady buzz of conversation and laptop clicks makes it a relaxed work spot too. The drinks menu features espresso drinks and loose-leaf teas. Gluten-free and dairy-free items round out the offerings.
Shelves stocked with home goods and artwork from local makers reinforce the gift-shop side of the business. No reservations are needed, and takeout orders are handled with ease. Atticus feels like a polished, welcoming spot for coffee, gifts and simple, delicious sandwiches.
Shamus’s Sandwich Shoppe
Running on a simple concept, Shamus’s Sandwich Shoppe delivers big, satisfying sandwiches and fresh-baked breads with no fuss. Local bakeries supply daily loaves—French, marble rye, sourdough and whole wheat—so you know every bite is fresh.
The King of Clubs lives up to its name, stacked with turkey, ham, bacon and Swiss. A classic BLT satisfies any craving for comfort, while the Hawaiian Menehune adds ham, pineapple and Swiss for a sweet and savory twist. If you’d rather build your own, the premium deli meats and cheeses menu offers customization without trading quality.
Ivar’s clam chowder often shares space with rotating daily soups, and the counter service moves steadily through the lunch rush. Seating feels neighborhood friendly, with enough tables for a quick bite or a lingering chat. Portion sizes range from express-sized to truly huge, with prices generally between five and twelve dollars.
Open Monday through Saturday, Shamus’s keeps it strictly lunchtime—no delivery, no catering, no Sunday hours. It’s the kind of place that sticks to the basics and does them really well, making it a standout in any sandwich lover’s book.
Chowderhead
If you’re craving homemade soup, look no further than Chowderhead. This counter-service spot sits on Monroe in downtown Spokane inside the old Top Notch Cafe building. Since spring 2022 they’ve been serving up house-baked bowls, hearty sandwiches, and bread bowls with a side of deli swagger.
The signature clam chowder arrives in a warm, crusty bowl you can actually eat, while the smoked steelhead version has a subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with the fresh seafood. Sandwich fans will notice the sturdy slices of house sourdough or thick bread, depending on your order. The Meatball Sub and Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich both arrive generously filled, so be ready for the serious portions.
Inside, you’ll find vintage floor tile mixed with rock music on the speakers, making it easy to feel at home if you decide to dine in. Chowderhead also offers a Beet & Blackberry Tartine for vegetarians, gluten-free chowder by request, and breakfast options for early birds who want to pre-order. With local beer on tap and hours from 8 AM to 8 PM every day, Chowderhead covers a lot of ground whether you’re grabbing takeout or lingering over lunch.
Satellite Diner & Lounge
Since 1998, Satellite Diner & Lounge has been tucked inside Spokane’s City Ramp Garage, serving breakfast all day and keeping the grill hot until 2 AM. Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, the menu offers diner classics alongside a few surprises.
The Monte Cristo tends to get raves, with battered egg bread layered with ham, turkey, cheddar, Swiss, and a side of jam that ties the sweet and savory together. The Satellite Club stacks turkey, bacon, and cheddar on triple-thick egg bread, while the St. Paddy’s Melt on marbled rye feels like an East Coast deli twist with a Spokane pace.
Plant-based diners aren’t left with just a salad. The Veggie Sandwich with hummus and fresh vegetables is a solid pick, and you can even splurge by requesting it on a buttery croissant. All sandwiches come with a side choice of beer-battered fries, tots, hash browns, soup, or salad. Booths and high-tops fill the diner section, while the lounge offers strong drinks for anyone over 21. Even when most kitchens close, the neon sign on Sprague still buzzes, making Satellite feel like a friendly spot you can count on anytime.
The Viking
Stepping into The Viking feels like slipping into a modernized neighborhood pub with a serious sandwich game. This downtown spot has roots back to the 1980s, but a renovation in 2017 added fresh touches while keeping the original spirit alive.
Start with the French Dip, where marinated steak fills a toasted hoagie and proper au jus comes on the side for dipping. The Viking Burger often shows up on “best burger” lists in Spokane, thanks to a brisket patty, garlic aioli, punchy house pickles, and a buttery brioche bun. Deli sandwiches lean on premium regional meats and house-roasted turkey, so even classic combos like a BLT with triple-smoked bacon and roasted-garlic veganaise feel elevated.
Vegetarian and vegan diners have a full menu too, including a plant-based Philly “Chicken” version. Sandwiches range between $15 and $18, and most folks agree the portions are more than generous. If you decide to stay, you can play shuffleboard, catch live music or trivia, or relax on the busy patio. Gluten-free and build-your-own options show that The Viking takes dietary needs seriously without being basic.
Caruso’s Sandwiches and Artisan Pizza
When local bread and pizza are calling your name, Caruso’s Sandwiches & Artisan Pizza delivers a steady hit of flavor. This Spokane Valley favorite has been around since the ’90s, and the brick-fired oven makes all the difference, giving crusts a perfect char on pizzas and extra warmth in hearty sandwiches.
House-made sourdough, whole wheat, or sturdy rye bread comes fresh from locally milled wheat each morning. The French Dip fills a chewy roll with tender roast beef and au jus, while the Godfather is piled high with Italian meats and provolone. For lighter options, the Caprese and Lloyd’s Greenhouse showcase fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil, and gluten-friendly or vegan substitutions are always available without feeling tacked on.
Counter-service keeps things casual and efficient. Full sandwiches land in the mid-teens, with half sizes for lighter appetites. Pizzas top out just under twenty bucks, and combo deals add soup or salad if you need something extra. Outdoor fire tables and a small selection of beer and wine make for a cozy spot to linger, but ordering ahead is just as popular for a quick pickup.
Phillycious
Right from the start, Phillycious made its mark in Spokane by serving hot sandwiches packed with fresh ribeye and oozy cheese on oven-steamed hoagies. Since 2014 this unpretentious spot has built a reputation on the classic cheesesteak and a few inventive twists.
The kimchi Philly combines punchy kimchi aioli with tender meat, while the Korean BBQ version shines with a sweet-savory glaze. For those steering away from beef, the teriyaki chicken and chili chicken rice bowl both deliver a satisfying twist on lunch. Vegans and vegetarians aren’t stuck with a sad salad either. The kitchen whips up plant-based sandwiches and rice bowls using the same fresh ingredients and careful prep.
Sides get the same attention. Philly fries arrive drenched in kimchi sauce, and the fried BBQ pork buns offer a rich, satisfying bite. Prices sit in the moderate range and portions are generous enough that you won’t leave feeling shortchanged. Order at the counter, grab a seat in the cozy dining room, or pick up to go. At Phillycious, fresh and flavor-packed matters above all else.
