Sandwich fans, rejoice! Our region is home to some of the best ones around, from creative combos with inventive twists to the classics made right. Bring your appetite and let’s explore the best subs in town.

Founded in 1981 by Troy Feist, Beach Hut Deli has grown from a small spot in Granite Bay to a chain with over 40 locations across California, Nevada, and Oregon. The beloved deli is known for its laid-back, Hawaiian-inspired ambiance and hearty sandwiches piled high with premium meats, cheeses, fresh produce, and clever, quintessential Cali add-ons like rich cream cheese and avocado. Their fan-favorite Surfin’ Bird is a must-try. It’s packed with turkey, avocado, bacon, and cream cheese—talk about a perfect beachy bite. Local locations in Auburn, Cameron Park, Colfax, El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Gold River, Granite Bay, Placerville, Rocklin, and Roseville, beachhutdeli.com 

Dominick’s Italian Restaurant & Deli

If you’re craving authentic Italian flavors, Dominick’s Italian Restaurant & Deli is the place to be. Founded by Dominick and Raquel Bellizzi and now owned by David and Heather Galasso, the trattoria serves hearty plates of homemade pasta in a lively, sit-down setting (plus a full bar), while the casual deli offers gourmet, made-to-order sandwiches crafted using fresh mozzarella, premium meats and cheeses (sliced in-house), and freshly baked bread. The Calabrese Panini is a bold, savory choice packed with salami, capicola, pepperoni, provolone, and hot spread sauce on your choice of herb focaccia or ciabatta, plus pickle chips and a side salad (their caprese is always a crowd-pleaser). 8621 Auburn Folsom Road, Granite Bay, 916-786-3355, dominicksmarketdeli.com

Erik’s Delicafe

Erik’s Delicafe, founded in 1973 by Erik Johnson, brings the coastal charm of Santa Cruz to life locally with sandwiches made from high-quality meats, cheeses, and fresh produce. Each sandwich is complemented by the deli’s slow-simmered, homemade soups, whose daily flavors include tomato basil bisque, butternut squash, clam chowder, and chili. The “Secret Goo” is Erik’s signature touch, and it certainly adds a burst of flavor to every bite. Erik Berger is one of many must-tries: a warm sub loaded with smoked ham, Monterey Jack cheese, onions, tomatoes, and clover sprouts, complemented by said sauce. Fun fact: Any sandwich here can be made on gluten-free, whole-grain bread at no additional charge. 411 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 400, Folsom, 916-510-2200; 1450 Lead Hill Boulevard, Roseville, 916-782-5566, eriksdelicafe.com

Main Street Melters

While sandwiches are great on-the-go grub, at Main Street Melters on Placerville’s charming “main street,” you’ll likely want to sit, stay, and sip (they serve local craft drafts) awhile. Their serene, spacious patio—shaded by trees and umbrellas—is the primo place to while an afternoon away. With both classic and creative sizeable subs (plus salads!), you can’t go wrong with anything here; though, we recommend pairing whatever you order with a pint. For a hint of heat, try the Bird Sandwich, featuring spicy chipotle chicken, zesty pepper jack cheese, creamy avocado, and a fresh medley of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pepperoncini, and hot peppers. 589 Main Street, Placerville, 530-303-3871, msmelters.com 

Gularte’s PIzza & Deli

From take-and-bake pizzas to tacos, breakfast burritos, and fully customizable sandwiches and wraps (plus much, much more!), Gularte’s Pizza & Deli is a family-owned gem that serves nearly everything under the sun. Combined with a cozy, welcoming ambiance (indoor and outdoor seating are both available), it’s the perfect spot for a casual meal alongside family or friends. A hidden gem on their secret menu is “The Spicy Pig,” a pulled pork sub topped with tangy pineapple, jalapeños, red onions, melted cheese, hot sauce, and barbecue sauce. We’ll have what you’re having, please! 670 Pleasant Valley Road, Diamond Springs, 530-626-0550 gulartespizzaandeli | gulartespd 

Timmy’s Brown Bag

For adventurous eaters looking to step out of the sandwich box, Timmy’s Brown Bag is the deli for you. Owner Timothy Swischuk combines high-quality ingredients with quirky twists that make each menu item a culinary surprise. From a Tang BLT with Pop Rocks to potsticker cheeseburgers, Timmy’s creations are bold and one of a kind. One of the many sandwich stars is the Pulled Pork & Waffle, featuring slow-roasted pulled pork and green chili mac and cheese served between two waffles; try it, you just might like it! 451 Main Street, Placerville, 530-303-3203, timmysbrownbag.com 

Cameron Park Coffee & Deli

Cameron Park Coffee & Deli is the unicorn of cafés: good food, strong coffee, and a cheerful atmosphere (complete with a vibrant art wall). Though their bevy of beverages and house-baked muffins (fun fact: they’re gluten-free!), cookies, and banana bread are worth waking up for, don’t sleep on their sandwiches either. Word on the street is their Tri-Tip Sandwich is the local favorite; and with tender barbecue tri-tip piled high on a toasted French roll alongside chipotle sauce, pepper jack cheese, and crispy onions, how could it not be? 3161 Cameron Park Drive, Suite 106, Cameron Park, 530-350-8146 cameronparkcoffeeanddeli | cameronparkcoffeeanddeli

Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop

Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop has been serving up fresh, flavorful sammies for over 30 years. Known for their cold, hot, classic, and “not so secret, secret menu” offerings, it’s no wonder they’re a lunch (and dinner!) time go-to. One standout is the aptly named The G.O.A.T., which layers savory ham, capicola, pepperoni, salami, and provolone cheese alongside fresh tomatoes, onions, pickles, pepperoncini, lettuce, and tangy red wine vinegar. The greatest of all time, indeed. Did we mention every sandwich here also comes with a complimentary cookie? Local locations in Auburn, Citrus Heights, Folsom, Loomis, Lincoln, Placerville, Rocklin, and Roseville, mrpickles.com 

by Shawna Nenni 
Photos courtesy of their respective restaurants. Gularte’s Pizza & Deli photo by Jyo Bhamidipati ©stylereadersmedia. Timmy’s Brown Bag photo by Max Swischuk. Cameron Park Coffee and Deli photo by Jenna Renfrow.