Some may say 13 is an unlucky number … but that’s not the case here. From neighborhood delis to chef-driven kitchens, 901 restaurants offer creative combinations that are sure to please. Check out this roundup of some of the best sandwiches in Memphis — and make plans to try ’em all!

The Bar-B-Q Shop | Pulled Pork on Texas Toast

Neighborhood: Midtown
More info: thebar-b-qshop.com

Is it even a proper food line-up in Memphis without barbecue? The Bar-B-Q Shop is famous for its pulled pork, and it’s piled high on Texas Toast for this smoky, delectable favorite. Add some slaw, beans, or the restaurant’s signature Bar-B-Q Spaghetti, and loosen your belt!

Two halves of a toasted sandwich filled with shredded meat and slaw are stacked on a white plate, capturing the essence of classic Memphis food, with a small black cup in the background.Pin
Cooked slowly over an old-fashioned barbecue pit, The Bar-B-Q Shop’s pulled pork makes for an addictive sandwich! Image: Campfire Collective.

The Beauty Shop | Fried Fish Sandwich

Neighborhood: Cooper-Young
More info: thebeautyshoprestaurant.com

Boasting panko-crusted flounder with just the right amount of tartar and cheese, then served up with a side of fries, the crispy Fried Fish sammie at The Beauty Shop makes for a tasty, filling lunch.

A breaded chicken sandwich with lettuce and sauce on a sesame bun, inspired by Memphis sandwiches, is served next to a metal cup spilling out seasoned fries onto a white plate.Pin
Lunch at The Beauty Shop never disappoints. The menu features this crispy, delicious fried fish sandwich. Image: Facebook

Bogie’s Delicatessen | Reuben

Neighborhood: Downtown
More info: bogiesdelimemphis.com

Bogie’s offers an outstanding array of fresh sandwiches, soups, salads, sides, and desserts. It’s hard to pick one, but we love the savory, toasty Reuben. Warm and full of flavor, this classic melts in your mouth!

A stacked Reuben sandwich with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and dressing on rye bread, served with broccoli salad and a blue cup in the background.Pin
Bogie’s does the classic Reuben just right, with corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, on marble rye, with Russian dressing and spicy mustard. Image: Facebook

Buster’s Butcher | Spicy Italian

Neighborhood: University District
More info: bustersbutcher.com

If you are looking for a grab-and-go option, you can’t go wrong with any of the Buster’s Butcher creations. With that said, we’re partial to the Spicy Italian. Piled high with hand-cut meats, artisanal cheese, lettuce, and tomato, this sammie is hearty and delicious!

A close-up of a Memphis sandwich cut in half, showing layers of deli meats, cheese, lettuce, and bread on a wooden surface—perfect for fans of the best sandwiches and classic Memphis food.Pin
Need lunch on the run? Stop by Buster’s Butcher for a handcrafted Spicy Italian. Image: Buster’s Butcher

Char | Oyster Po’boy

Neighborhood: University District
More info: memphis.charrestaurant.com

Lunch at Char is always a treat, and the Oyster Po’Boy is one of the reasons. Plump fried oysters are creatively paired with crispy Brussels sprout shavings and Louisiana hot sauce aioli for a lovely mid-day meal.

A fried chicken sandwich topped with a pickle, served on a plate with seasoned fries and a glass of iced tea, makes for one of the best Memphis sandwiches in town.Pin
For a relaxing lunch, stop by Char to get the perfectly prepared Oyster Po’Boy. Image: Char Restaurant

Elwood’s Shack | Turkey Press

Neighborhood: East Memphis
More info: elwoodsshack.com

Memphis mainstay Elwood’s Shack has an impressive menu of sandwiches sure to make your mouth water. The Turkey Press is no exception, made with house turkey, applewood bacon, fresh pesto, Swiss cheese, mayo, lettuce, and tomato.

A hand holds a large sandwich cut in half, revealing layers of turkey, lettuce, tomato, and sauce on white sandwich bread with checkered paper beneath—a true taste of Memphis food.Pin
Elwood’s Shack is a Memphis favorite, with hearty sandwiches like the Turkey Press, served on fresh, locally-made bread. Image: Facebook

Hard Times Deli | Eggplant Parm

Neighborhood: Edge District
More info: hardtimesdeli.com

A newcomer to the Memphis restaurant scene, Hard Times Deli has quickly earned a reputation for hearty sandwiches made with premium ingredients. While many folks opt for one of the deliciously meaty sandwiches, this top-notch vegetarian option deserves a spot on the list.

A hand holds a Memphis sandwich cut in half, revealing melted cheese, greens, and a breaded filling inside a crusty roll, with paper wrappers and napkins in the background.Pin
Crispy, cheesy, and smothered in vodka sauce, the Eggplant Parm at Hard Times Deli is a winner. Image: Facebook

Hen House | Birria Grilled Cheese

Neighborhood: East Memphis
More info: henhousewinebar.com

This upleveled grilled cheese combines braised beef, pico de gallo, queso Chihuahua, and consommé for a unique and flavorful dinner sandwich. Pair it with one of Hen House’s signature classic, seasonal, or zero-proof cocktails, and enjoy your night out!

A toasted Memphis sandwich cut in half sits on a plate with a small bowl of dipping sauce, next to a glass of drink with a lime slice, on a wooden table—a must-try sandwich for any Memphis food lover.Pin
This must-try creation combines braised beef, pico de gallo, queso Chihuahua, and consommé. Image: Sage Creative

JEM | Double Cheeseburger

Neighborhood: Edge District
More info: jemdining.com

When you are in the mood for a burger, head to JEM for the Double Cheeseburger — it’s comfort food with a twist. Enjoy freshly ground double patties, white American Cheese, caramelized onions, house pickles, and roasted garlic aioli served on a toasty challah bun. Pair it with a local beer, delightful cocktail, or delicious wine.

A classic cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato is served on a white plate alongside seasoned potato wedges, offering a delicious taste of Memphis food on a wooden table.Pin
The Double Cheeseburger from JEM comes with perfectly seasoned potato wedges. Image: JEM

The Liquor Store | The Cuban

Neighborhoods: Midtown + East Memphis
More info: theliquorstorediner.com

Do not miss out on the Cuban at The Liquor Store! Available at both locations, this lunch menu favorite is a standout with pork, ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and mustard, served on Cuban bread.

A plate with one of the best sandwiches—a classic Cuban—cut in half, a serving of French fries, and a small metal cup of sauce sits on a patterned table, capturing the essence of Memphis food.Pin
Pressed and grilled to perfection, the Cuban is served with crispy fries. Image: Sage Creative

Slider Inn | Hangover Helper

Neighborhoods: Midtown & Downtown
More info: thesliderinn.com

It’s hard to choose between Slider Inn’s tasty creations, but we are going with the aptly named brunch fave, Hangover Helper. The combo of chorizo-beef blend, American cheese, hash brown patty, fried egg, avocado, and spicy mayo is good for whatever ails you!

A hand holds a large Memphis sandwich piled high with a fried egg, melted cheese, beef patty, fried item, guacamole, and sauce in a vibrant restaurant setting.Pin
The Hangover Helper is a favorite at Slider Inn. Image: Facebook

SOB | Turkey Burger

Neighborhoods: East Memphis, South Main & Collierville
More info: southofbeale.com

With three locations and an inspired menu, choosing just one SOB handheld is tricky. However, the turkey burger is a great addition to our list, bursting with the flavors of arugula, tomato, pickle, red onion, candied bacon, cognac honey mustard, and cheddar cheese.

A grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and cheddar cheese on a brioche bun sits on a white plate with a cup of sauce—perfect for fans of Memphis sandwiches and classic Southern flavors.Pin
This isn’t your typical turkey burger! Candied bacon and cognac honey mustard add a punch of flavor. Image: Sage Creative

Young Avenue Deli | Yankee Club

Neighborhood: Cooper-Young
More info: youngavenuedeli.com

Triple-decker deliciousness! At longtime Memphis favorite Young Avenue Deli, enjoy pastrami and corned beef with sauerkraut, spicy mustard, Swiss, and provolone on marbled rye.

A sandwich with a bite taken out, sliced in half, sits on wax paper beside scattered French fries and a plastic fork—true Memphis food showcasing why Memphis sandwiches are among the best sandwiches around.Pin
The Yankee Club at Young Avenue Deli is a hearty, flavorful treat. Image: Facebook

Happy eating, Memphis!

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For more delicious Memphis must-try ideas, visit our Food & Dining archives.

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Gaye Swan
About the Author
Gaye Swan

As a professional writer of over 20 years, Gaye is an avid traveler and enjoys highlighting food, culture, and attractions around the South. While Gaye is passionate about life in Memphis, she grew up in Meridian and is still a Mississippi girl at heart.