Some days, nothing hits the spot quite like a great sandwich stacked with fresh ingredients and served up by a local shop that actually cares about making your lunch memorable. Tacoma is full of sandwich spots where you can taste the difference, from old-school delis to inventive kitchens that put a twist on every classic.
Let’s get to it.
Melon Seed Deli & Frozen Yogurt
Right off the bat, you’ll spot Melon Seed Deli & Frozen Yogurt doing sliders like nowhere else in Tacoma. This family-run spot has been serving up tiny sandwiches on pillowy buns since 2013, and it still feels relaxed and special. The Turkey Bacon Chutney slider tends to win the crowd, but don’t overlook the mango chutney or seasoned salmon options if you like sweet-salty combos. Everything tastes fresh, and the salads get just as much attention—generous portions make sure you leave satisfied.
The frozen yogurt bar is all about choice… You can mix dairy-free sorbets with classic flavors and a long list of toppings, or indulge in show-stoppers like the Bahama Mama parfait or cheesecake-stuffed strawberries. Prices match the care that goes into each order, and plant-based diners will find clearly labeled vegetarian and vegan options.
Seating stays cozy with a handful of tables inside and a garage door that opens to the street, capturing the Madrona neighborhood vibe. They focus on daytime service with a few evening hours, offering takeout, delivery, and online ordering for maximum flexibility.
Mega \* Deli & Cafe
Nestled on Pacific Avenue, Mega \* Deli & Cafe has quietly stood out downtown for five years. This veteran-owned spot keeps prime weekday hours and dishes out a wide selection of deli classics, from Italian Turkey and Black Forest ham to a flavorful tuna salad. Croissant sandwiches like the Cali Clubhouse and Santa Fe Clubhouse earn praise for flaky pastry and fresh fillings. Grilled melts and wraps add variety, with Chicken Ranch and BBQ Chicken Wraps as top picks when paired with a side.
Vegetarian eaters aren’t left out—a hearty Evergreen sandwich is piled high with veggies, and there’s a solid lineup of salads including Cobb and Greek. Early mornings bring breakfast fans looking for egg sandwiches and hot burritos all priced just over five dollars. Portion sizes are generous enough that half a sandwich can make a full meal.
Service moves quickly in a no-fuss setting of a walk-up counter and a few simple tables. Whether you dine in or take out, you’ll appreciate a dependable lunch that hits all the right notes.
MSM Deli
Since opening in 1995 on 6th Avenue, MSM Deli has built a loyal following with its classic deli builds and standout sandwiches. Regulars rave about the Reuben, loaded with in-house cured corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss on fresh rye. The Mike’s Deluxe and triple-decker Deli Club also deliver generous stacks that showcase the value as much as the flavor.
Fresh bread arrives daily from a local bakery and produce comes from nearby Washington farms, so veggie melts and vegan wraps feel like an equal priority. Gluten-free and keto options are also clearly marked for easy choices.
They offer indoor seating plus a dog-friendly patio, all framed by an old-school counter service vibe. Parking is straightforward, and you’ll spot families, regulars, and quick pick-up orders rolling through. Prices sit between eight and fifteen dollars, but most sandwiches leave you with leftovers, making each visit feel like a real deal.
Peterson Bros. 1111
Stepping into Peterson Bros. 1111, you find a warm, barstool-friendly counter set against reclaimed wood and classic pub décor. This Hilltop dive specializes in hearty sandwiches under fifteen dollars, perfect for a casual lunch or a late-night bite. The Reuben stands out with thin-sliced brisket pastrami on marble rye, topped with scratch-made Thousand Island that has just enough horseradish kick. On Fridays, the lobster roll and clam chowder turn the menu into a mini seafood shack.
Vegan diners have plenty of options, from buffalo soy curl melts to a vegan Philly with seitan. All breads come fresh from a Kent bakery, and you can truly taste the difference.
Orders go straight across the counter—no reservations, no fuss—making it easy to grab a spot any day of the week. Whether it’s lunch time or the late-night window, Peterson Bros. keeps that hot grilled sandwich game on point seven days a week.
STINK Cheese-Meat and El Tufo Wine Bar
Over in downtown Tacoma at 909 A Street, STINK Cheese-Meat and El Tufo Wine Bar strikes a lovely balance between gourmet treats and comforting classics. Start with a prosciutto and brie sandwich that layers rosemary-fig confit on crusty bread, or go bold with “The Stinker,” a blue-cheese-and-bacon sandwich elevated by peanut butter and blackberry preserves. The mac-n-cheese changes weekly, mixing in flavors from sharp cheddar to smoky bacon.
Boards showcase house-sliced deli meats and carefully curated cheeses, while vegan cheese options find their way onto roasted veggie flatbreads. Brunch features a tofu scramble that gets plenty of attention.
Price points between ten and seventeen dollars feel fair for fresh ingredients and generous portions. The café’s relaxed atmosphere works for a casual lunch, and evenings can host wine tastings or live music. After more than a decade, this spot remains a downtown draw for anyone who loves good cheese, fine wine, and happy hour charm.
Toast Mi Tacoma
Right in Tacoma’s Proctor District, Toast Mi Tacoma shines a spotlight on bánh mì with a crackly, warm Vietnamese baguette that’s chewy on the inside. You place your order at the counter, then watch the kitchen stack house-marinated pork, beef, or tofu alongside pickled carrots and signature pâté finished with basil-cilantro aioli instead of ordinary deli slices.
The Imperial City House Special takes it up a notch with two proteins and a fried egg, all for under eight dollars. This compact storefront has white walls and simple wooden accents, creating a modern, unfussy vibe. There’s a counter for quick lunches or grabbing a bag of sandwiches to go.
If you’d rather skip the bread, rice bowls and salads include vegan tofu variations. Their boba list is equally creative, featuring Taro Oreo, Coconut Coffee, and strawberry tea with fresh fruit. Lunch runs seven days a week from eleven to six, and you can bypass the line by ordering online or choosing delivery through their website.
Not Bad
Down in the basement of Court House Square, right off 12th Street, Not Bad draws office crowds lining up for hearty baguettes during weekday lunch. Between eleven and three, sandwiches are the main event—priced around fifteen dollars—and come piled high with fillings like butter-tossed ham, thick Comté cheese, and just enough cornichon to keep every bite interesting.
Regulars often go for the Beefy Boy, featuring tender house-braised beef with labneh, or the turkey Citadine, slathered in kale-hazelnut pesto and sweet onion jam. Vegetarians enjoy Le Vegan, built with housemade hazelnut ricotta and marinated vegetables. Even the salads are gluten-free and thoughtfully composed to satisfy any appetite.
There’s no dinner service or elaborate catering here—just straightforward online ordering and plenty of grab-and-go options. Communal seating inside is limited but practical, and the weekday vibe is pure urban lunch. Not Bad may downplay its name, but these sandwiches deliver big on flavor and portion.
Rosewood Cafe
Tucked between Tacoma’s Stadium and Proctor corridors, Rosewood Cafe has been a neighborhood favorite since 2003. The menu strikes a balance between comfort and a touch of fancy, starting with sandwiches like The Wood—peppered turkey, bacon, white cheddar, and olive tapenade—and the French Dip, a parmesan-crusted sub loaded with roast beef and sautéed onions.
Bread choices stand out, too: rustic roll, parmesan-encrusted sub, or buttery brioche. Wild Sockeye Salmon appears in a Blackened Salmon sandwich that’s rare on lunch menus. Vegetarians aren’t left out—options like Tomato, Basil & Brie or Renee’s Garden come together beautifully, and nearly anything swaps to gluten-free bread for a small upcharge.
Lunch and dinner service run most days, with extended weekend hours in the evening. Inside, indoor tables and a dog-friendly patio welcome guests, and the walls display rotating local art. Portion sizes lean generous, prices reflect the quality ingredients, and the café’s 1931 building adds a charming sense of history.
Sandwich Starr
In Tacoma’s Stadium District, Sandwich Starr serves up creative names and even more creative flavors. The Sir Robot, White Rabbit, and Breakfast Starr all promise thoughtful combinations—house-smoked pastrami, thick-cut dill havarti, and bacon-habanero jam among them. Breads come from fresh daily loaves at Macrina Bakery, from French hoagie rolls to pillowy challah.
Pickles are brined in-house and the pastrami is smoked on site. For a meatless pick, the Zatanna swaps in brie, mozzarella, veggies, and a genuine balsamic glaze. Coffee from Outer Dark and Naomi Joe keeps things local, and there’s a short list of Pacific Northwest beers and wines alongside clever extras like Nil’s Magic Kimchi.
A half sandwich at eight-fifty feels generous, while a full White Rabbit usually yields tasty leftovers. Seating is cozy, with art and music keeping the vibe lively. Locals and visitors alike appreciate the care packed into every bite—proof that this neighborhood shop knows its sandwiches inside and out.
