Introduction to Houston’s Sandwich Scene
The lion’s share of attention paid to Houston food typically goes to tacos, burgers, and barbecue, but our sandwich game deserves some love, too. With the city’s diverse population, each culture brings its own twist to the sandwich scene. From banh mi to po’boys to tortas, you’re sure to find your next go-to sandwich shop from this list.
Classic Sandwich Spots
Antone’s
Antone’s, which started slinging po’boys in 1962, is a great place to grab a taste of nostalgia with classics like the Original with ham, salami, provolone, Chow Chow, mayonnaise, and dill pickle. They also offer updated creations like the Dr. Hotez Banh Mi with beef, pickled veggies, fresh jalapeño, and garlic sambal aioli.
Barnaby’s Cafe
Barnaby’s Cafe is a Houston staple that deserves all the recognition it gets. Although the Barnaby’s entrée menu is large and in charge, diners shouldn’t overlook its various cold and hot sandwiches. The egg salad sandwich is made to order with chopped egg lightly tossed in mayo, two strips of bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and onion on whole wheat bread.
BB’s Tex-Orleans
BB’s is more of a dine-in café than a sandwich shop, but the messy po’boys at this homegrown favorite are deserving of a stop unto themselves. The notable Midnight Masterpiece is fully dressed and piled high with roast beef debris.
International Inspirations
The Butcher Shop at B&B Butchers & Restaurant
Part upscale steakhouse, part butcher shop, this Washington Avenue standby is full of New York charm. So, it’s no surprise they make a mean hero. Pop in for signature sammies like the B&B Italian Special, stacked with shaved ham, salami, capicola, mortadella, provolone, roasted red peppers, and balsamic on a crusty Italian roll.
Khang Vietnamese Sandwich Cafe
Khang Vietnamese Sandwich Cafe has all the classic variations of banh mi, and the prices can’t be beat. It’s a great option for those looking for the best banh mi in Houston.
Roostar Vietnamese Grill
This mini local chain’s banh mi are made fresh with locally sourced and housemade ingredients. Protein options include grilled pork, pork belly, chopped rib eye, crispy tofu, grilled chicken, and smoked salmon.
Modern Twists
Local Foods
The Crunchy Chicken at this local favorite has a dedicated following, as does the Truffled Egg Salad sando. With Local Foods’ four locations across Houston, it shouldn’t be hard to get your hands on one.
Paulie’s
A neighborhood staple since the late ’90s, Paulie’s combines a mom-and-pop attitude with seriously good Italian food. Despite the love shown to its housemade pastas, the hoagies and panini are not to be overlooked.
Stuffed Belly
This joint offers a decadent triple grilled cheese, a nostalgic tuna crunch, an addictive Sichuan hot chicken sandwich, and much more. You can grab these sandos to-go or visit the handy drive-through.
Hidden Gems
Thien An Sandwiches
This decades-old restaurant stands as a reminder of Midtown’s past as Little Saigon, and a tasty one at that. In addition to its popular pho and bánh xèo, hit this institution to score tried-and-true banh mi stacked with lemongrass chicken, pork meatballs, Vietnamese cold cuts, and fried egg.
Winnie’s Sandwiches & Cocktails
Winnie’s caters to the various cultures and people that call our city home. The hip restaurant’s staple sandwiches include a shrimp po’boy, a jerk chicken po’boy, and the Graham’s crispy flounder sandwich made with fried flounder, ginger scallion oil, a ’70s-style Asian slaw, peanut dressing, and mayonnaise.
Conclusion
Houston’s sandwich scene is a vibrant and diverse reflection of the city’s cultural melting pot. From classic po’boys to international inspirations and modern twists, there’s something for every taste and craving. Whether you’re in the mood for a nostalgic sandwich or something new and exciting, Houston’s got you covered. So go ahead, explore the city’s sandwich scene, and discover your new favorite spot!
