Top 10 Sandwich Spots in Hamilton for 2023
- Michael Kras
- 24 Feb 2023
Is there anything better than a well-crafted sandwich?
A lunch staple if there ever was one, sandwiches are such a portable, versatile, and satisfying dish. Whether it’s an artisanal creation or something more simple and straightforward, Hamilton is absolutely stacked with stand-out sandwich spots; and we’ve pulled together a list of some of our favourites, from enduring old school establishments to more recent additions.
Without further ado, here’s our list of the top 10 sandwich spots in Hamilton for 2023!
Mike’s Subs
Simple, reasonably priced, and tasty, Mike’s Subs – with numerous locations throughout Hamilton – is one of the city’s most popular spots for lunchtime.
Submarines are built with protein options like cold cut turkey, ham, or chicken that are finished with cheese and a choice of toppings such as fresh vegetables and sauces. You don’t get to open multiple shops in one city without some level of success, and Mike’s Subs continues to be a go-to for countless Hamiltonians even after all these years.
Duarte’s
This Barton Village mainstay may not look like much from the outside, but Duarte’s persists as a Hamilton gems for made-to-order hoagies.
Fresh deli meats, cheeses, and toppings are stacked up the way you like it at this family-owned corner shop that’s been kicking around for more than three decades. Affordable and filling, Duarte’s sandwiches are the definition of “classic.”
Charred Rotisserie House
Not exactly the cheapest sandwiches on our list, but Charred Rotisserie House on James North nonetheless sees locals coming back again and again for their Portuguese-style sandwiches that are almost overwhelmingly flavourful.
Made with quality ingredients, the eponymous Charred sandwich is perhaps the most popular here: pulled chicken with peppers and onions, aged cheddar, house piri-piri mayo, and cilantro on a large, fresh Portuguese bun. Nothing too fancy, but it sure does pack a punch.
Redchurch Cafe
Wholesome, nutritious, tasty breakfast and lunch is what you can expect at Redchurch Cafe in Gore Park; on top of exceptional coffee and espresso, of course.
Redchurch’s lunch menu features both mainstay and seasonally-shifting sandwich options, built on fresh sourdough using local ingredients. A simple grilled cheese and soup is satisfying enough, but Redchurch also offers yummy Reubens, Turkey Clubs, BLTs, and even some vegetarian and vegan options that hold their own.
Tally Ho
How could we make a list of great sandwich places in Hamilton without including this spot?
Whether it’s for a hefty, satisfying lunch or a midnight snack after pub-crawling, Tally Ho is one of Hamilton’s longest-standing independent fast food joints, serving up their iconic, no-nonsense roast beef sandwiches for half a century. This place is pure, comforting nostalgia.
Speedy Subs
This Concession Street sub shop routinely gets its praises sung by Hamiltonians for its classic submarine sandwiches made with fresh, unpretentious ingredients.
The usual suspects like turkey, salami, tuna, and roast beef are available here, loaded with tried-and-true toppings like shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese. Best of all, the prices at Speedy Subs remain almost startlingly affordable; the average 12-inch is only going to set you back $6 for a standard sub or $9 for a more premium specialty option.
It’d be a sad day if the Hamilton Mountain lost Speedy Subs. Let’s hope it never happens.
Glow Variety
A local gem if there ever was one, Glow Variety – originally opened in Hamilton in 1966 – isn’t just a convenience store; they’ve also got a deli counter where they whip up some seriously tasty subs.
Affordable and delicious, Glow Variety’s sandwiches always taste super fresh and are made using quality cold cuts, bread, and toppings all assembled in a generous portion. You more than get your money’s worth at Glow. Head over to the North End and see for yourself!
Rustic Reuben
If you’re craving a deli-style smoked meat sandwich, you’d be well advised to check out this James South sandwichery.
As the name suggests, Rustic Reuben specializes in exceptional Reuben sandwiches: those perfectly designed handhelds that see smoked meat, cheese, pickles, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing paired for a flavour profile that’s smoky, tangy, sweet, and savoury all at once.
But that’s not all they’ve got here: Cubanos, pulled pork sandwiches, and loaded melts are also on the menu, and there are even a bunch of vegetarian and vegan options that are just as thoughtfully crafted.
Tall Tree Sandwich Co.
This East Hamilton takeaway spot is a standout for sandwiches that are generously portioned and made to order using high quality ingredients.
Tall Tree Sandwich Co.’s artisanal offerings range from towering fried chicken sandwiches to cod po’ boys to hot beef handhelds served with rich au jus for dipping. Reasonably priced and oh-so flavourful, you really can’t go wrong here; and pairing your sandwich with sides like fries, salad, or mac & cheese is never a bad idea.
Bonanza Bakery
Lunchtime lineups out the door are far from a rarity at this long-standing bakery and deli on Murray Street.
Old-school deli sandwiches are made to order with classic cold cuts, fresh and simple toppings, and house-baked buns as the vessel. Best of all, none of the sandwiches here come close to topping the $10 mark, so you’ll be eating well AND saving some cash to spend on some of Bonanza’s other tasty treats like Portuguese tarts and cakes. A Hamilton staple for very good reason.
Honourable Mentions: Atlantic Submarine, McQueen’s Banh Mi Viet, The Burnt Tongue, Springer’s Meats, Buddy’s Subs, Paninoteca, Gastro Market
What changes would you make to our list? Let us know in the comments!
Comments 11
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NICK MORELLI
24.02.2023 7:48 pmI’m surprised Elm Variety in lower Stoney Creek isn’t on the list. The sandwiches are loaded in meat. Very good.
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Cheap Suits
20.11.2023 1:53 pmvariety store submarines could be another post in and of itself
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Paul Copcutt
25.02.2023 12:14 amSurprised not to see McQueen’s Banh Mi Viet shop on the list – best Vietnamese subs in town.
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Frances Gower
25.02.2023 3:34 amThe last time I was in Atlantic Sub @ Young/John I asked for hot peppers and charged me for them. This was easily 20 years ago. I have yet to return.
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Erin
25.02.2023 9:37 amTally Ho is the best! 💗
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Rich
25.02.2023 8:29 pmNo Starpolski? Big miss!
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Vinnie
26.02.2023 10:30 pmMikes subs on upper ottawa is pretty tasty subs
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Molly
27.02.2023 3:58 pmI eat at quite a few of these places on the regular. Why are they so good?? Because everything is fresh from the buns to produce!!!
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T brown
27.02.2023 4:31 pmSpringers on parkdale always got selarno cheese and delicious meats
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Jeremy
13.03.2023 10:58 pmPane Del Sole on John (at Cannon) makes absolutely great sandwiches, not to mention the sweets counter!
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Jeremy
13.03.2023 11:00 pmAlso, more of a grocery store, but if you get to Starsky’s (Queenston & Nash) before 10am, they have this brown-bag lunch for $5, that has a very thick sandwich, a couple cherry tomatoes & a chunk of smoked sausage. If there’s a better deal than that (& tastier) I would like to know!
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