11 Essential Houston Sandwich Shops
/Houston may not be known as a sandwich capital like New York or Philadelphia, but the city’s unmatched multiculturalism results in a diverse array of bread based specialties. From Cajun po’boys to Vietnamese banh mi to Mexican tortas, here are Houston’s best sandwich destinations.
Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.
1. Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen
2327 Post Oak Blvd
Houston, TX 77056
(713) 871-8883
This New York style deli is a family business that began three generations ago. Kenny & Ziggy’s has sandwiches galore including bagelwiches, burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, grilled cheeses, and hot and cold deli sandwiches. If you dare, try the massive 8 decker Zellagabetsky with meats stacked higher than the Empire State Building.
2. BB's Tex-Orleans
6154 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77057
(713) 339-2566
BB’s is a beloved late night spot serving Texas-New Orleans fusion. Po’ boys range from traditional fried seafood or roast beef to the Tex-Mex inspired South Texas Fire with fajita beef, jalapenos, and a peppery cheese sauce, all on soft and flaky Leidenheimer French bread. (Multiple locations)
3. Niko Niko's
2520 Montrose Blvd
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 528-4976
A longstanding Greek eatery, Niko Niko’s specializes is gyros, souvlaki sandwiches, and pitas spread with creamy tzatziki. Carnivorous toppings include chopped lamb and beef, grilled chicken, pork kebob, and beef tenderloin while falafel, spinach and feta, and chargrilled vegetables accommodates vegetarians. Sample three different sandwiches with the hat trick combo—mini versions of the gyro, chicken kebob, and pork sandwich. (Multiple locations)
4. Local Foods
2555 Kirby Dr
Houston, TX 77019
(713) 255-4440
Area purveyors Atkinson Farm, Black Hill Ranch, and Slow Dough Bread Co emphasize the “local” in Local Foods. The crunchy chicken sandwich (baked, not fried) is crusted with nuts and seeds adding texture that complements the fluffy pretzel bun. Another standout, the garden sammie, is packed with veggies like Brussels sprouts and avocado and full of flavor from the curry spiced cauliflower and pickled onions. (Multiple locations)
5. Pappa Geno's
1801 Ella Blvd Ste. C
Houston, TX 77008
(713) 863-1222
Pappa Geno’s brings a taste of Philly to the Bayou City. Grab an authentic cheesesteak sprayed with Cheese Whiz or a number of other steak and cheese varieties like the spicy Wicked Philly, the Texas Philly Melt sandwiched between slabs of Texas Toast, or the Smothered Philly with mushrooms, melted cheese, and brown gravy.
6. Paulie's
(713) 807-7271
Paulie’s is a casual neighborhood haunt that’s been a staple of the Montrose community for over 20 years. Known for housemade pasta and shortbread cookies, Paulie’s also offers Italian-style sandwiches like ham, salami, and provolone hoagies; saucy meatball sliders; and grilled paninis like the mozzarella, tomato, and pesto Pizzitola and the Principe with Italian sausage, mozzarella, grilled onions and peppers.
7. Las Tortas Perronas
1837 Bingle Rd
Houston, TX 77055
(713) 461-1900
Las Tortas Perronas is a divey counter service shop in Spring Branch with eclectic decor and over 30 varieties of tortas. Crowdpleasers include the super Cubana with heaping portions of ham, pork, skirt steak, chorizo, egg, and cheese; the ham and pineapple based Hawaiana torta; and the guera with grilled chicken, rich Oaxaca cheese, and avocado.
8. Les Givral's
2704 Milam St
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 529-1736
Houstonians line up at Les Givral’s for consistently delicious banh mi. These Vietnamese-style street sandwiches are piled with chargrilled barbecue pork or shredded chicken, a smear of pâté, pickled veggies, and fresh cilantro. Wash it all down with a potent Vietnamese iced coffee.
9. Katz's Deli
616 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 521-3838
Indulge late night cravings at this 24-hour deli. Katz’s signature sandwiches are available in three sizes: skinny, klassic, and towering New York-sized. The reuben with corned beef, swiss, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye is a house specialty.
Turkey Reuben at Katz’s
10. Urban Eats
3414 Washington Ave
Houston, TX 77007
(832) 834-4417
Urban Eats is a 3-in-1 market, bistro, and restaurant. The extensive menu features 11 types of sliders including the Picnic, a toasted ciabatta roll topped with barbecue brisket, slaw, and pickles. Also find a fried green tomato BLT slathered with spicy-sweet peach pepper jam and served on a pretzel roll.
Urban Eats chicken-fried steak and eggs signature sliders