Order From Denver's Absolute Best Sandwich Shops Right Now

There's never been a better time for a picnic.

From the humble PB&J to hoagies longer than your arm, sandwiches come in all shapes and sizes. When it comes to layering ingredients and bread, the options are nearly endless, but they all have one thing in common: Sandwiches are the ultimate in portable eats. In these times where to-go is the go-to, the mighty sandwich is always there for us. Whether you’re heading to the hills for a hike, planning a socially distant park picnic, or just want something you can nosh on at home, these are the spots where you’ll find the freshest, most flavorful sandwiches in the Mile High.

snarf's sandwiches
Snarf's Sandwiches

Multiple locations
Jimmy Seidel "Snarf" has been serving up his toasted sandwiches to the Front Range since opening the first Snarf’s in Boulder in 1996. Now there are 23 locations including outposts in Missouri and Texas. The full menu is back, featuring one of the best French dips in town and classics like ham & American cheese and even a hot dog. Order your sandwich with “everything” and it’ll come loaded with mayo, mustard, onion, lettuce, tomato, pickle, seasoning, oil, and their signature giardiniera pepper blend (which you can also pickup by the jar).
Order online for pickup and delivery.

Lakewood
If you’re looking for the classic Italian deli experience, this small family-owned shop is a must visit. The Lakewood location has been open since 1978, and while there was once a second outpost in Aurora, Lakewood is once again the only place you can find the family’s freshly made sausage, baked goods, deli meats, and of course, sandwiches. There are hot and cold options -- the Italian Combo with capocollo, salami, pepperoni, ham, and provolone is a good place to start. As is The Godfather II, which is loaded with both that famous sausage and Italian beef along with giardiniera and house-made marinara. All sandwiches come in three sizes, but you may as well opt for “The Italian Way,” aka 24 inches of meaty, cheesy goodness.
Order for pickup and deliver via LoDel.

Denver Ted's Cheesesteaks
Denver Ted's Cheesesteaks

Five Points
Philly transplants and cheesesteak lovers from all over, your search is over. While there are a few spots to score solid cheesesteaks in the Mile High, Denver Ted’s does things the traditional way and has been since 2004. Their rolls come from Amoroso bakery in Pennsylvania, Cheez Whiz is present and accounted for, and the only standard topping is onions (although you can add a variety of other options). Along with a classic cheesesteak, you can opt for one of their specialty sandwiches, many of which are named for Denver sports icons, like the Elway which is loaded with lettuce, tomato, mayo, Cheez Whiz, oil & vinegar, and salt & pepper.
Order online for pickup and delivery.

Baker
In 2019, Leonardo Tartufoli took over this small space on Santa Fe with the intention of bringing the street food of his home, Buenos Aires, to Denver. Along with empanadas (which he and his wife Andrea also sell at Argentos Empanadas in Silverthorne), the main focus of the menu here is sandwiches. From Argentine sausage to the lomito with pork steak, ham, egg, and cheese, these are hefty, meaty, and satisfying. But on your first stop, the go-to is the Sandwich de Vacio with flank steak marinated in garlicky chimichurri that’s so good, you’re gonna want to order extra on the side.
Call ahead at 720-510-3999 for carryout.

North Park Hill
This market has been a neighborhood staple since 1994, serving up take-and-bake meals and providing gourmet foods and other Italian goodies. But its biggest draw is the extensive sandwich menu. It’s perfectly positioned to be a great spot to pick up picnic provisions on your way to the mountains (or your couch). With 22 options on the regular sandwich menu plus a make-your-own option, deciding what to get is the toughest part. On a hot summer day, the caprese with their fresh, house-made mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes is simple perfection, or opt for a taste of Thanksgiving anytime with the cranberry turkey gouda on a buttery croissant.
Call ahead at 303-329-8143 for carryout.

Vinh Xuong Bakery
Vinh Xuong Bakery

Athmar Park, Westwood, and RiNo
For an affordable, filling, and flavorful sandwich, it doesn’t get much better than a banh mi. That crisp-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside baguette. Grilled meats and rich pate. Fresh herbs and veggies. These Vietnamese sandwiches have it all, and Vinh Xuong Bakery has the best of them. The grilled pork is the most popular for good reason, and be sure to get plenty of extra chile oil (you’re gonna want to spoon that stuff on more than just your banh mi). Also, the sandwiches are about $3 cheaper at the orignal Athmar Park and Westwood locations.
Call ahead to order from the Westwood (303-922-4968) and Athmar Park (303-922-0999) locations. You can order from the RiNo location for pickup via Toast and through DoorDash for delivery.

Highland
Opening a new concept in the middle of COVID is a bold move. So it’s no surprise that this newcomer to the sandwich scene came from one of Denver’s boldest restaurant groups, the one behind Bar Dough, Señor Bear, Morin, and more. It’s currently operating on Fridays only and serves its East Coast-style sandwiches out of Bar Dough for takeout only. But it’s worth planning your week around scoring one of these beauties that come on house-made sesame seed rolls. It’s all about the hoagies and hot sandwiches here, from the Sanducci loaded with mortadella, gabagool, hot sopressata, provolone, shrettuce, giardiniera, and garlic aioli to the the Philly-inspired Uncle Jimmy with roast pork and broccoli rabe. Add a side of crab chips coated with Old Bay and served with a side of cheese wiz for dipping because, well, you’re not a jabroni, right? 
Call 720-668-8506 or pre-order online via Tock; walk-up ordering is also available.

Washington Virginia Vale, Federal Heights, Greeley
In a town that loves its Mexican food, you cannot discuss must-have sandwiches without addressing the torta. Las Tortas excels at these loaded sandos served on large, flat round rolls and stuffed with everything from carnitas and chorizo to pork loin and hot dogs. The move here, though, are the tortas ahogadas, a Guadalajara spin where the torta is smothered with a sauce made from chile de arbol and tomatoes. Extra napkins highly recommended.
Call 720-379-7269 to order for pickup.

Sub-Culture sandwich
Sub-Culture

Capitol Hill
This Cap Hill staple is a favorite for classic hot and cold subs thanks to their fresh-made bread and ample options like 12-hour roast pork and all the deli meats your heart desires. And unlike many other sandwich shops, they’ve also got a large outdoor patio, which makes socially distant dining here much easier. But what really sets them apart is the large selection of vegetarian options. If sandos loaded with meat aren’t your thing, you don’t need to settle for lettuce, tomato, and avocado on bread. There are 13 vegetarian options to choose from including many with tempah, along with optional gluten-free bread too.
Order online or call 303-420-3232 to order pickup and delivery. Also open for dine-in.

Cherry Creek & Five Points
The original location of this go-to for fresh, made to order sandwiches opened in 2011, and nearly a decade later, its now two locations are still a local favorite. Their approach is simple: bread delivered daily from City Bakery, high-quality deli meats, condiments made fresh in house, and pure sandwich love. The result is a classic, dependable deli that delivers on flavor. Try the namesake Curtis with corned beef, sauerkraut, swiss, and house-made Thousand Island or opt for one of their more unique sandwich options, the fish with smoked rainbow trout, house-made aioli, blue cheese, capers, red onion, arugula, olive oil, and lemon juice.
Call 303-308-5973 (Five Points) or 303-900-9028 (Cherry Creek) to order ahead for pickup or get delivery via Grubhub, DoorDash, or Postmates.

Berkeley
A meat lover’s paradise, this deli, butcher shop, and Denver’s only salumeria makes all of the meats for its delectable sandwiches in house. Oh, and the pickles, and even mustard. The menu here is packed with the definition of “carefully crafted” sandwich fare, and you’re sure to taste the difference. Forget your standard turkey -- how about house-smoked turkey breast on sourdough with peach jam, poblano aioli, pickled tomatillos, baby romaine, and vinaigrette instead? They’ve also elevated the breakfast sandwich game in town, and you can score an impeccable version of the East Coast favorite, pork roll, egg, and cheese -- served on an everything bagel from Moe’s.
Call ahead at 303-477-3206 or stop in for carryout.

Leven Deli Co. sandwich
Leven Deli Co.

Civic Center
In 2018, Denver was blessed with its best new Reuben sandwich when this spot from two Potager alumni opened. Leven’s got a winning combo of influences: old school Jewish deli favorites with a fresh Mediterranean edge. But let’s get back to that Reuben. It starts with toasted rye that’s baked in house then loaded with Jarlsberg, pickled cabbage, Russian dressing, and the signature 12-day, dry-aged pastrami. Even NYC is jealous of this sandwich.
Order online directly from the restaurant for pickup and delivery. Also available on Grubhub, DoorDash, and Postmates.

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Molly Martin is a freelance writer who always orders her sandwiches with extra pickles. Follow her Mile High dining adventures on Twitter and Instagram.