The San Antonio Sandwich Shop Showdown

Bready or not… it’s the post you’ve all been waiting for! It’s the 2021 San Antonio Sandwich Shop Showdown! Let me tell you, the competition is fierce! The bread is fluffy, the meats are cured, the condiments are flavorful, and the toppings are out-of-this-world fresh. If you’re looking for the best sandwich shops in San Antonio, look no further! Today we will award medals to the top three San Antonio sandwich shops based on votes from local San Antonio moms. And we know what’s good because we whip up sandwiches all day, every day. Let the games begin!

In 1st Place, taking home the gold medal, is Zito’s Deli! Zito’s has two San Antonio locations, one on Broadway and one on Callaghan. It is a family-owned sandwich shop that has been around since 1974. It boasts freshly-baked bread and 16 perfected sandwiches, including, most notably, the Serious Sandwich. This sandwich was created by the original owner’s wife and is a mix between a quesadilla, a muffuletta, and a pizza. It has salami, two types of ham, provolone cheese, cheddar cheese, chopped black olives, onions, tomatoes, and lettuce all warmed and melted between two crispy slices of Italian flatbread. If that doesn’t make your mouth water, I don’t know what will! We are proud to present this San Antonio sandwich shop with the gold medal!

In 2nd Place, receiving the silver medal, is Gino’s Deli! Don’t tell my husband I told you, but this deli is the best-kept secret in San Antonio! It is located on the corner of Huebner and Lockhill Selma in an old Stop ‘n’ Buy gas station. Don’t let that scare you though, Gino’s Deli’s sole goal in life is to “make Absolutely Awesome food and take care of people.” Their sandwich with the most fanfare is the Philly cheesesteak sandwich. I’ve heard (from actual Philadelphians, might I add) that this is the closest to a “real Philly cheesesteak” they’ve ever had outside of Philly. Their other menu items feature sandwiches named after long-time customers, which I think adds such a unique and personal touch. Who doesn’t want to become a “regular” somewhere? Gino’s seems like a San Antonio restaurant staple where you could do just that!

In 3rd Place, and awarded the bronze medal, is W. D. Deli in Olmos Park! W. D. Deli has become the daily lunch spot for many regulars and attracts scores of new customers every day because of their attention to health trends and devotion to fresh ingredients. The owner, Wayne Beers, opened the deli in April of 1990 and pulls inspiration from food and flavors from his childhood. In fact, the chicken salad is his mom’s recipe! How sweet is that? They have daily sandwich and soup specials, and I personally can’t wait to try the Cuban paired with the poblano and corn soup!

The San Antonio sandwich shops listed below have received Honorable Mentions from San Antonio moms, and all serve delicious sandwiches, soups, pastas, salads, and other tasty menu items.

Bakery Lorraine

Benjie’s Munch

Bird Bakery

The Bread Box

The Brown Bag Sandwich Shop

Bumdoodlers Lunch Company

Copalli Bakery & Coffee House

Dignowity

Four Kings Bakery

Hatch 5 Market

Kneaders

La Panderia

Max & Louie’s Diner

Pam’s Patio Kitchen

Picnikins Cafe & Catering

Purple Garlic Cafe

Sandwich de Paris

The Station Cafe

Thundercloud Subs

Thyme for Lunch

As the 2021 San Antonio Sandwich Shop Showdown comes to a close, we want to hear from you! Who should be on our Sandwich Shop bucket list, and what is your favorite item to order there? Are you a sandwich champion in your home kitchen? Tell us in the comments!

Megan
Born and raised in Southeast Texas, Megan is a small town girl, living in a big city world. Megan moved to San Antonio in 2016 with her husband and 2 year-old son. A few months later, they welcomed boy-girl twins and life became a fun, crazy blur. She has a degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University, and worked as a self-taught graphic designer until her twins were born. She is now the Owner of Rooted Birth , a San Antonio Doula Collective, where she is living her dream of serving and educating families as they transition to life with a new little one. She also enjoys reading, eating out, margaritas on patios, reality TV, and Jesus (but not in that order). You can find her on Instagram Favorite Restaurant: Cherrity Bar Favorite Landmark: Gustav's Geysers at The Historic Pearl Favorite San Antonio Tradition: King William Parade