Spring’s in the air, the sun is shining, and we’re just about ready to head to our local park for a little picnic. And, what better way to compliment it than with a treat from one of the best sandwich shops in Vancouver? From classic subs to high-end options and everything in between, this city is filled with delicious options in every neighbourhood!
Here are 14 of the best sandwich shops to try out in Vancouver.
DownLow Chicken Shack
There’s frankly a ton of competition for fried chicken sandwiches in Vancouver, but we think DownLow deserves this spot for a few reasons. We’ll describe it through three stages of knowing the menu. First, you try the classic hot chicken sandwich, and probably with a reasonable spice level. Then, you make that sandwich your own, whether through add-ons or their specialty options. Finally, knowing your go-to, you start to try out their seemingly endless collabs with other great Vancouver restaurants. It’s a true triple threat, folks!
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11 AM-9 PM and Sunday, 11 AM-4 PM, Closed Monday
Where: 905 Commercial Drive
Finch’s
Simplicity might be the key to the baguettes here, but the resulting flavours leave little to be desired. Over the years, Finch’s has gone from a hipster hangout to an absolute must-visit spot for anyone who likes sandwiches. We say ‘like’ because whether you’re ordering a classic egg salad sandwich or trying a more upscale option (brie and grape, anyone?) that like will quickly turn to love. Don’t say we didn’t warn ya!
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM-5 PM and Saturday, 11 AM-4 PM, Closed Sunday
Where: 353 W Pender Street
Their There
This takeout-only option in Kitsilano keeps things simple, with only three breakfast and three lunch sandwiches on the permanent menu. However, there are a couple of picks that we can’t help but return to time and time again. We admit that we’ve had a bacon and cheese sandwich way later than normal breakfast hours once or twice on the weekend. We also think that somehow, their smoked meat sandwich is amongst the best in the city, including the BBQ restaurants.
Hours: Open daily, 9 AM-3:30 PM
Where: 2042 W 4th Avenue
Come Arepa
Is the arepa a sandwich? We (and Come Arepa, for that matter) say yes. This gluten-free cornbread is a staple dish in Venezuela, but is a little underrated in Vancouver, in our opinion. Lucky for us, we’ve got an amazing option for them right here in the city. This humble food truck serves up some delicious takes on the sandwich, ranging from the truly simple (cheese and bread) to the ornate (beef, fried plantains, beans, and cheese). Personally, we like to land somewhere in the middle, with a classic meat and cheese option. You can track down the food truck, or try them out via DoorDash every Wednesday.
Hours: Vary per day
Where: Varies per day, check the website for details
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Salmon n’ Bannock
Speaking of underrated options, we have friends who have yet to try the amazing ‘bannockwiches’ from this Vancouver spot. Made using bannock, an Indigenous fried dough, these sandwiches offer a whole new meaning of what ‘Pacific Northwest’ food really is. The majority of the options here are salmon-based, but, they also have a tremendous BLT that can go toe-to-toe with any other option in the city. For a sunny day, this should be near the top of your must-try list.
Hours: Open daily, 3 PM-9 PM
Where: 1128 W Broadway
Burgoo
This Vancouver comfort food staple has countless dishes that just hit the spot, including some amazing sandwiches. If you’re feeling like a big, comforting bite, might we recommend their El Cubano, which is made with their own pulled pork, along with some mouth-watering fixins. But of course, Burgoo is also one of the best spots in Vancouver for a grilled cheese sandwich and especially paired with a hearty bowl of soup.
Hours: Varies per location
Where: Locations around Vancouver
La Grotta Del Formaggio
This iconic deli on Commercial Drive has been known for its sandwiches for decades. Luckily, they’ve stayed open throughout the pandemic, which means we get to dive into some amazing foccacia sandwiches or paninis this summer. Their ingredients are always top-notch since they act as their own importer for cheeses and meats straight from the source. Now that’s what we call efficiency.
Hours: Open daily, 9 AM-5:30 PM
Where: 1791 Commercial Drive
#e food
Out of all the picks on this list, this little-known sandwich shop downtown was the only one to make Yelp’s user-submitted list of the top places to eat in 2021. Know what that tells us? This is one of those rare places that gets by on repeat customers and word of mouth alone. Well, consider us a friend, because we’re sharing the knowledge of their amazing sandwiches with you.
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8AM-6PM
Where: 1308 Burrard Street
Sal y Limon
The mighty torta is an undisputed sleeper hit at this already popular Mexican restaurant. You basically get all the bonuses of a burrito, but in a sandwich form. Choose from whatever kind of protein you’re feeling, then get ready for a sandwich that will have you seriously considering whether tacos are even worth it anymore. We’re just kidding don’t worry, our hearts (and stomachs) are big enough for both in our lives.
Hours: Open Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 AM-9 PM, Friday, 11:30 AM-10 PM and Saturday, 11 AM-10 PM
Where: 701 Kingsway
Duffin’s Donuts
Speaking of tortas, how could we not mention one of the most iconic Vancouver restaurants out there. While yes Duffin’s is known for its great donuts, you have got to try their sandwiches as well. Their Mexican tortas (a type of sandwich) are a must-try. We recommend them all, but maybe start out with the chicken torta. And of course, the major upside here is the price point, which is cheaper than practically everywhere else. Not just on this list- the whole dang city bows to Duffin’s.
Hours: Open Monday to Sunday, 6 AM to 12 AM
Where: 1391 East 41st Avenue
Bel Cafe
Bel Cafe has it all, which means they got some great sandwiches on the menu. As a warm-up for your croissant or treat of choice, we recommend trying their Roast Beef sandwich. It’s got their own slow-roasted roast beef, horseradish aioli, and a lot more that makes it great
Hours: Open daily, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Where: 1780 West 3rd Avenue
Viet Sub
Amazing, inexpensive food is hard to come by but Robson’s Viet Sub has that game on lock. Their Banh Mi sandwiches are not only deliciously crusty and savoury, but are almost all less than $8! Anytime we walk by their restaurant, we just have to get one, whether we’re hungry or not. Hey, we don’t make the rules here, we just abide by them.
Hours: Varies per location
Where: 520 Robson Street, 1682 Robson Street
Railtown Cafe
Of course, we couldn’t have made this list without paying our respects to some of Vancouver’s sandwich shop greats. First up is Railtown, which has been making delicious sandwiches of all kinds for years now. Their vegan club sandwich will have you re-evaluate your diet, seriously. But, once you’re back to normal, their Reuben is the best that you can get in the city.
Hours: Vary per location
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Meat & Bread
Is it just us, or has Meat & Bread almost had a sort of renaissance without hordes of tourists forming a line around the block each lunch hour? Either way, their options managed to set the bar for what it means to be a sandwich shop in Vancouver, and we’re grateful for that. Of course, we’re more grateful that we can swing by and pick up the simple, delicious porchetta sandwich on a moment’s notice most days.
Hours: Open Monday to Friday, 11 AM-3 PM
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Well, folks, that’s our roundup of the best sandwich shops in Vancouver to try out. We hope that we’ve shown you a couple of new options for this year. Now, all we have to do is pick which one to visit next. Decisions, decisions…
