Oak Forest’s charming, Star Wars-loving deli puts out Houston’s premiere meatball sub. Organic beef meatballs meet spicy house-made marinara, parm, provolone, and pesto on perfectly toasted white bread.  If you find yourself there on a Wednesday, check out the Philly cheesesteak — their hump day special.

Look out for the “I Love (heart) Tortas” sign, and you’ll know you’re in the right spot. As the name implies, this Spring Branch shop prides itself on its bad-ass tortas with buttery, toasted bread stuffed with tender grilled meats and your choice of toppings. Try the favorite spicy and sweet Hawaiian, which is decked out with ham, pork chop, and grilled pineapple, and pair it with a thirst-quenching melon agua fresca.

This Heights newcomer slings some killer banh mi. While the classic options of cold cuts and grilled pork are nothing short of delicious, it’s the spicy fried chicken and bo Kho, or braised beef dip that will have you counting down the days till your next visit.

Justin Yu’s beloved cocktail bar boasts a delightful array of sandwiches, including, most notably, the “Party Melt.” The menu mainstay offers a playful twist on the classic patty melt with crispy cheese and sliced, caramelized red onions on toast. The weekend brunch’s classic breakfast sandwich, with perfectly scrambled eggs and super savory mortadella on a bun, or the MOB, which crams beef mortadella, anchovy aioli, pepperoncini, and a fried egg between a fluffy bun, are also winners.

As their name would suggest, this spot’s fresh-baked sourdough serves as the perfect vehicle for your favorite sandwich. Offering a bevy of classic french dips, cracked pepper turkey, and a killer chicken salad, World of Sourdough has it all.

Come for a bottle of your favorite booze or a six-pack of something seasonal, but stay for a Boar’s Head sandwich from this Midtown staple. The menu covers all the bases from hot to cold subs, but the muffuletta reigns supreme. Black Forest ham, hard salami, and provolone are covered in olive tapenade that will send you to Cajun heaven.

Houston’s cherished New York-style deli offers traditional diner classics and sandwiches across the board. Everything from triple-smoked pastrami piled high on rye and bagel sandwiches to create-your-own grilled cheeses and classic Reuben’s, Kenny and Ziggy’s will fill that classic delicatessen craving. 

Houston’s all-day café, with an ever-growing list of locations, boasts some of the best bready sandwiches in town. The breakfast menu will have you begging for a croque madame, with classic white bread filled with jambon de Paris, gruyère, swiss, jalapeño béchamel, and a jammy egg. Lunch calls for the Texas club. With smoked turkey, applewood smoked bacon, bibb lettuce, tomato, swiss cheese, avocado, and peppercorn aioli, this sandwich will give you enough energy to take you through the rest of the work day.

Local Foods’ crunchy chicken sandwich is integral to Houston’s sandwich scene. The harmonious marriage of perfectly thin chicken, potato chips, fresh tomato, creamy buttermilk ranch, and pickles between a pretzel bun make for the perfect meal at lunch or dinner.

One of H-Town’s favorite grocery stores is also one of the city’s favorite sandwich counters. Starting at $8.99, your options are endless from their long list of fresh ingredients, including their house-made mozzarella and ciabatta. Don’t want to put too much thought into it? Their list of signature sandwiches will make your decision easier.

This Westchase newbie brings inspired Peruvian Japanese food to H-Town, resulting in a fusion of incredible twists on familiar classics, like spicy tuna rolls and perfectly fresh ceviches. Don’t miss the pan con chicharron, a Sunday Peruvian staple, made of braised pork belly, sweet potato, rocoto aioli, shiso, and sarza Criolla.

If you can’t make it all the way to Philadelphia, fear not. This Sugarland food truck is serving up some of the best ooey, gooey, and meaty cheesesteaks in Houston. Take a twist on a classic by making your cheesesteak into a smothered fried version or a quesadilla.