8 Local Sandwich Shops to Step into When That Craving Hits
Whether you need something delish to throw in the cooler as you head out for a day on the James or you just need something that nails all the main food groups in every bite, we’ve got a rec.
Bernie’s Sub & Pizza Shop
This old-school sandwich shop has been in biz since the ‘70s. It’s just outside of Richmond City, nearby University of Richmond, and doles out all the classics in a “no fuss” kind of way — Italian, turkey, and then some.
Location: 415 N Ridge Rd (Tuckahoe)
Chimbo Sandwich Shoppe
Newer to the scene, Chimbo Sandwich Shoppe’s rep precedes it in the best way; the owner blessed Richmonders with Liberty Public House and Riverbend Roastery, and we can confirm from experience that the sandwiches taste like they’re from that lineage of Richmond rock stars, too. We’ve taste-tested the Classic Italian, and we’ve got plans to go back for The Fried Chokes ASAP.
Location: 2709 E Marshall St (Church Hill)
Chiocca’s
Chiocca’s is a laid-back sandwich staple, serving sammies in RVA since 1952. We like the Italian sub here, too, but don’t sleep on Turkey Tuesday — $10 Made in Turkey subs all Tuesday, every week.
Location: 425 N Belmont Ave (Museum District)
Coppola’s Deli
Coppola’s has been a beloved part of Richmond’s historic Carytown district since 1982, and we couldn’t imagine Cary St without them. The cozy spot does eat-in and take-out equally well, and if you’re going for one of their fan favorites, you might consider the Industrial, an Italian hero with Genoa salami, mortadella, capicola ham, provolone cheese, onions, hot and sweet peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, oil, and vinegar, served on a freshly baked roll. But we’re big fans of the Steak Bomb Sandwich, too — 100% beef steak and Genoa salami, grilled with onions and sweet and hot peppers and served with mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and Dijon.
Location: 2900 W Cary St (Carytown)
Garnett’s Cafe
You can’t cover all sandwich bases without talking about Garnett’s. Here, you can dine in or do our fave go-to and ask for a picnic basket, take your meal to Meadow Park across the street, and live your best life. They’ve got a date night special also — pick two menu items and a bottle of wine for $33 — and as far as sandwiches go, we’re all about The Point Guard: turkey, bacon, Swiss, jalapeño, caramelized onions, and mayo on toasted Italian with pickles.
Location: 2001 Park Ave (The Fan)
New York Deli
New York Deli, which first opened in 1929, invented the sailor sandwich in the ‘40s, so we can’t not recommend that. The thicc sandwich combines pastrami, grilled knockwurst, and Swiss cheese, all on toasted rye bread with a side of spicy Sailor Mustard. If it’s nice out and you can stay a while, bring that thing upstairs and chow down while you people watch on the rooftop.
Location: 2920 W Cary St (Carytown)
Susie’s Delicatessen
You’re getting grub with a side of sunshine at this Jewish-Mediterranean deli dishing out bold, comforting flavors from their counter, complete with cozy indoor vibes and an amazing patio in the heart of the Fan. If you ask us, go with the Tony (Susie’s brisket, Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, horseradish crema on a sub roll) or the Rachel (turkey, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, Russian dressing on marbled rye). Or both?
Location: 1600 W Cary St (The Fan)
Union Market
Get comfy inside here or enjoy the patio, and, we say, order the Tuna Melt — housemade tuna salad, white cheddar, arugula and red onion pressed on Lyon Bakery multigrain bread. And if you’re looking for something particularly hearty, add a side of soup to your meal; you can’t miss with that kind of combo at a spot that def knows how to do it.
Location: 2306 Jefferson Ave (Union Market)
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