Who’s ready to read about 11 must try sandwich spots in the district? For those of you looking for the best handhelds in DC, you definitely want to bookmark and save this post. Whether you’re in the mood for a tasty egg sammie or a delish pita sangwich, we gotchu fam.
1. MGM Roast Beef
Real talk: MGM Roast Beef is EXCEPTIONAL, and if you haven’t experienced their sammies yet, you’re high key missing out. Located at 905 Brentwood Road NE, there’s just so much to love here. And everything’s fresh and hand-carved!
You can’t go wrong with anything you get, but we highly recommend their French Dip, Belly Buster, and Open Face Thanksgiving Dinner. Aaaaand you’re welcome in advance!
2. SUNdeVICH
This sandwich joint has a special place in our hearts. Their ingredients are made fresh and served on French style demi-baguettes that are baked daily by a local bakery. Think crusty, chewy bread that’s only made more delicious with their fun flavor combinations. They have a fairly large menu so if you’re looking for recs, we gotchu Nomsters. Here are our top 3 go-tos:
- Capri: fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato, pesto, balsamic reduction
- Memphis: BBQ chicken, sharp cheddar, red onion, pickles, iceberg, mayo
- Rome: mortadella, salalmi, ham, sharp provolone, red onion, tomato, greens, garlic mayo and dressing
3. Grazie Grazie
We’d LOVE the Wharf if it wasn’t for parking, but noms like Grazie Grazie make the drive worthwhile. Enjoy an order of Casey’s risotto balls before scarfing down a hearty sub. Our go-tos include the Russoniello, Nonna, Benny and Minelli. Prefer something lighter? They also offer salads for those of you looking to keep things a bit healthier.
4. Bubbie’s Plant Burgers
Whether you’re vegan or not, Bubbie’s is definitely worth a trip. Founded by the dream team behind Pow Pow, this concept is a sandwich lover’s dream come true. They carry impossible meat, but their house made protein’s where it’s at!
We highly recommend their fried plant-based chick’n – you can’t go wrong with either their Nashville HOT or Buffalo fried options so go wild. And make sure you get an order of their onion rings or parmesan garlic herb fries!
5. I Egg You
This kind of EGG-cellence is hard to come by! Cheesy pun aside, I Egg You is everything you’ve ever wanted and then some. Located at ChiKo Cap Hill, they’re open on weekends from 8AM-1PM via contactless pickup/delivery. Expect to enjoy some of the best egg sammies you’ve ever had the pleasure of devouring.
We have a weak spot for their Original Egg, but their most popular sammie seems to be “Pork, It’s What’s For Breakfast.” You have the option of adding toppings like avo and tomato, but what’s REALLY bussin’ is their aioli and candied jalapeños – that’s a MUST regardless of what you get. Don’t sleep on the breakfast potatoes either!
6. YELLOW
Located in the heart of Navy Yard, this “cafe” by chef Michael Rafidi is an absolute gem. Fusing French techniques with Middle Eastern flavors, this spot has everything from sweet and savory pastries to hearty pita sandwiches.
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 8AM-2PM, there are four different handhelds to choose from: coal-fired chicken, crispy falafel, smoked lamb leg and BBQ’D harissa cauliflower. Get an order of their batata-tots, and definitely don’t leave without a specialty coffee drink in hand.
7. Vace Italian Deli
There’s a reason why this hole-in-the-wall gem has been around for as long as it has. This unassuming deli in Cleveland Park is a must try staple in the DC area. They’re known for their subs and pizza, but they also offer frozen foods, fresh pastas, dry goods and more.
Our usual order’s their prosciutto sub – you can get it on Italian or focaccia, but go EARLY because they often sell out of the latter. They have over 20+ meats to choose from, and they’re generous with portions so you’ll more than likely have enough food for two meals.
8. Compliments Only Subs
Compliments and sandwiches – what more could you ask more? Located on 14th street, this gem’s the brainchild of Pete Sitcov and Emily Cipes. All their handhelds are served on a 10″ Italian roll, but you can sub gluten free bread for a small upcharge. You also have the option of getting any sammie on a bed of shredduce.
They have an impressive menu with all kinds of fun combinations, but our go-tos are the Crunchy Boi and The Frex. The former’s apparently their bestseller, and after experiencing it firsthand, it’s not hard to see why. It’s made with turkey, provolone, potato chips (!!!!!!!!), garlic mayo, pickles, onion, shredduce, oil & vinegar. The flavors work so damn well together, and the texture game is off the charts. If you’re craving a bomb turkey sub, this is a must try, no ifs, ands or buts.
The Frex is a new addition to COS, and it’s jam-packed with everything good in life: ham, capicola, pepperoni, genoa, prosciutto, fresh mozz, hot peppers, onion, arugula, oil, oregano, and lots of balsamic. If you’re in the mood for all the cold cuts, treat yourself to this masterpiece because you deserve to eat everything scrumptious. And pro tip, don’t sleep on the French onion dip!
9. Baker’s Daughter
Brought to you from the all-star team at Gravitas, Baker’s Daughter currently has three locations in the DC area. Our go-to is their brick and mortar inside Eaton DC, and they do a mean fried chicken sandwich. We also love their grilled chicken on focaccia, grilled cheese, and jambon beurre.
Note: all their hot handhelds come with a side of your choice, and although kale pasta salad may not sound especially exciting, it’s ridiculously tasty. Don’t believe us? Get there and try it ASAP!
10. Capo Deli
Home to the original Fauci Pouchy, Capo Deli’s known for their dope sandwiches and cocktails. Their cold subs come with lettuce, tomato, onion and homemade Italian dressing; our favorite’s their prosciutto and provolone, but their Capo special’s a close second.
As for hot sammies, you can’t go wrong with their eggplant parm, and they do a mean meatball sub. So, whether you dine in or get their food to go, stop by their storefront to indulge ASAP. PS. make sure you add their speakeasy to your list as well.
11. Colada Shop
Colada Shop’s amazing for so many reasons; there’s just something so inviting about the atmosphere. Stop by to enjoy great food, coffee, cocktails and more. Now, this is a sandwich roundup so we’ll be focusing on their handhelds, but do yourself a favor and explore their other menu offerings as well.
So, what’s our go-to recommendation? Easy peasy, it’s hands down the Colada Shop Cuban. Made with ham, slow roasted pork, Swiss, mustard, pickles, and cilantro aioli on Cuban bread, this baby’s absolute perfection when paired with a cortado. Other nom options include their media noche and guava BBQ lechón.
Alright Nomsters, we hope you enjoyed reading about the best sandwiches in Washington, DC. Let us know what you thought of our latest roundup by leaving a comment below, and check out this tab for more delish eats in the capital. Until next time, friends! Eat all the things.
