Photo above by: Jo Ann Breaux | The Meatball Sub and Fries at Brookland Park Market

Between Two Slices

This is the tale of two slices…

Is it a hero you desire? Perhaps, a grinder? Do you prefer the triple bread threat of the classic club sandwich? Do you like them hot or cold, sweet or tangy, dripping with sauce or dry as a bone? No matter what your sammie love entails, we can all agree that RVA has some pretty amazing venues.

“Arc de Triomphe from Olio!”
— Emily B.

I like the simplicity of a sandwich. I also like the philosophy that everything bread related is good and of course the complex flavors a sandwich can provide can also be a divine temptation. There’s also something to say about the regional delights of the Philly, the Muffaletta, and the Cuban.

“The Italian at Chiocca’s! Amazing!”
— Troy P

If I’m at home and making a sandwich, it is still my favorite to make a plain ole ham and cheese, except now I choose Muenster for my cheese option and a variety of different breads. I guess I should have also specified that even though technically a burger is a sandwich in addition to BBQ, this is a whole other food category for me. Today we are celebrating the deli sandwich.

“The Bender at Lulabelles!”
— Adam T.

If I were to choose which sando to die with, it would probably be an Italian with the Philly Cheese Steak a close second. Grill Cheeses could have their own category as far as I’m concerned and, man have I had some good ones. A good sammich has to have a good balance of ingredients, dressings, and bread. I do not like ordering a sandwich which will end in a dentist visit or a sloppy mess on my plate. I also have another problem, I do not like mayonnaise on my sandwich EVER! I know, I know I hear how this is a deal breaker for some. To be fair, I am partial to a good aioli.

“Northside Club from The Mill is my go-to.”
— Phil F.

I used to work at a sub shop now that I think of it. CJ’s at the Westbury shopping center, now deceased for many years. That was my favorite sub shop forever, we used to go there after school and ‘hang out’, ahem loiter. The owner Chuck was never without his fist in the air and a curmudgeoned “get off my lawn” attitude. God, I loved that guy. I used to dream about their club sub with extra oregano! It was a short lived gig, as I felt going to a show was more important at the time. I would soon spend my college days eating The Max on Pita at Stuffy’s on Grace Street.

“Turkey sub from Bernie’s!”
— Adrienne A.

So now, here we are, all grown up with different palates and food experiences. I do believe the general consensus for best sandwiches are Coppola’s & Chiocca’s and I think everyone misses Black Sheep, Grace Place, and Naked Onion. I’ve decided to grace you with my faves in RVA and elsewhere in the world. Enjoy!

  • The Industrial and The Colombo at Coppola’s. Coppola’s has always been my top shelf choice for sandwiches. These two never disappoint.

  • The Brisket 13 at Salt and Forge. Tasty!

  • Fried Green Tomato BLT and The Jessie at Lulabelle’s Cafe

  • The Bánh Mì at Vietnam 1 (RIP Naked Onion). Was pleasantly surprised, but nobody will beat the ones from Bánh Mì Saigon in New York.

  • The Arugula & Mozz with Prosciutto at 8 1/2. Simply delicious!

  • Shrimp Po’Boy at Old Tyme Cafe in Crowley, LA, but the one at Manchu is pretty yum as well and they load up the shrimp!

  • The Sailor at Chiocca's. You may have to wait a while but this is an RVA sandwich institution!

  • The Philly Cheese Steak at Union Market. Yes, please and thank you!

  • The Cuban at Kuba Kuba. Please, y’all know they do it right!

  • The Aviator at Garnett’s. I honestly love all their sandwiches!

  • They don’t serve it as a sandwich but I used to make it one…Christopher’s Lemon and Dill Tuna Salad, the only Tuna Salad in town I’ll eat.

“I’m a simple man but I like the German at Garnett’s. Apple butter on ham with a slice of cheddar. Every taste sings.”
— Robert S.
“Coppola’s real Italian hero (prosciutto, mozzarella, red pepper and basil) is right up there in a close tie with the Lobster Roll at Yellow Umbrella. Also, just had a scallop roll at Yellow Umbrella and that might’ve taken the top spot. Ridiculously good.”
— Katherine W.
“Chioccas - Reuben and PLTC”
— Billy M.
“Currently, the falafel sandwich at Blue Atlas (Fulton Hill).”
— Ashton T.
“Note Bene’s fried artichoke sandwich is definitely my top 5!”
— Cheyenne B.
“Dank Eats truck. Can’t remember the name of it but it’s a grilled veggie sandwich in a flatbread wrap with battered french fries.”
— Trey M.
“It will always be cheese Columbo at Coppola’s for life. That is Richmond’s best sandwich. DUH.”
— James M.
“Yoooo.. go to Taqueria Isabel on Jeff Davis Highway... get the Cubana Torta.. u can thank me later”
— Jon S.
“Just about any sandwich at Pop’s Market...”
— Phil B.
“Stuffy’s garden pita. End of story.”
— Linda M.
“Catina bahn mi 1st then 8 & 1/2 subs.”
— Neil S.
“Mr. Submarine - steak & cheese. Very good and fair price for the amount of it you get.”
— Melanie J.
“Since naked onion banh mi is MIA it’s got to be The Industrial at Coppola’s.”
— Andrew S.
“Cheese Colombo with Artichokes from Coppola’s Deli Carytown, Italian Hero from 8 1/2, The Rooster from Rooster Cart (is this at Postbellum now?), and Chimborazo Steak & Cheese from Ms. Girlee’s Kitchen”
— Shaun C.
“The Smoked Gouda at Ipanema...it’s mouthwatering, there’s an amazing texture to the bread and cheese...the onion ties it together.”
— Herschel S.