Great Berkeley Sandwich Spots
Where to Grab a Quick and Delicious Bite to Eat
Sandwiches are great. Simple, varied, and (most importantly) usually pretty cheap. When you’re on a college budget and need to eat they can offer awesome value by filling you up for less money that a lot of other Bay Area options.
When it comes to sandwiches in Berkeley you have a lot of options. Here are some of the ones you need to know about.
Montague's Gourmet Sandwiches
Just off of Telegraph, Montague's can be easy to overlook. Don’t though, because it’s easily one of the best places to hit up in Berkeley. Their sandwiches come in two sizes: regular and large. Large is LARGE. Just one of these things will fill you up for an entire day (and probably into the next day). Their meats are quite good and they have a really nice spicy spread they put on that gives their sandwiches an extra kick that makes for a memorable experience. Most people will recommend you get their Dutch Crunch but their sourdough rolls are just as delicious.
The Sandwich Spot
If you’ve got a particularly big appetite and a particularly small budget, The Sandwich Spot is a good fit if you find yourself downtown during lunchtime. They have a pretty extensive list of specialty sandwiches but you’re free to order whatever you want. There’s a good selection of toppings and the option to toast your sandwich (it’s advisable that you do so for the optimal experience). Unlike most other good spots in Berkeley, Sandwich Spot actually has good seating. If you need to study or get some work done while you eat it’s a good choice. They also deliver through Caviar if you’re too busy (or lazy) to make it there yourself.
Sandwich Zone
The Sandwich Zone is one of the best meal deals you can find downtown. They’re also opened fairly early so you can pick something up in the morning before you head to class (or just go early to avoid the line). Even their specialty sandwiches are a great deal. For the price, it’s really hard to beat their Chipotle Dagwood or Chicken Pesto sandwiches. Be sure to drop by around 11 or after 1 to avoid the line since it gets hit pretty hard by the Cal and Berkeley High School lunch rush.
Ike's Sandwiches
The popular Bay Area chain Ike’s is a new addition to the Berkeley sandwich scene. The small chain is well known throughout the Bay Area for their giant sandwiches and an even more giant list of specialty sandwiches. Their Halal chicken goes great with pretty much everything and their Dirty sauce sets them apart from the competition in Berkeley. They can be on the more expensive side but they make up for it with large portions. Often, you can split the sandwich into two entire meals.
Cheese 'n Stuff
Similar to Montague’s, Cheese ’n Stuff can be easy to miss but has a lot going for it. It’s right beside Unit 3 which makes it one of the closest spots to the dorms and on top of being super walkable it’s super cheap. A decent-sized sandwich and chips are only around $6 which is difficult to match in Berkeley. Don’t worry about the quality, it’s a great deal for what you pay. The bread and meats don’t disappoint, the staff is friendly, and they’re really fast. Cheese ’n Stuff is an ideal daily lunch option.
Gregoire
Most people know Gregoire for their delicious potato puffs (and you definitely need to get them), but they also serve up some five-star quality sandwiches. The best one of all is their fried chicken sandwich. If you want something with a spicy kick this will do just fine. The meat is so juicy and it’s fried just the right way so you get that wonderful crunch. Don’t be discouraged by the long lunchtime line. They’re pretty fast and still manage to maintain their great quality. If you want to beat the line either show up around 10 AM or wait till after the rush around 2 or 3 in the afternoon.
Brazil Cafe
The Brazil Cafe is an amazing little place beside Mike’s Bikes on University. They serve rice plates and other great dishes, but their tri-tip sandwich is the real reason to come here. Seriously, it’s so good. Tender tri-tip, beautifully cooked onions, soft bread, and their special green sauce will blow your mind. You can take it to go but it’s better fresh and warm.
Lunch Will Never Be the Same
With this collection of great spots, you’ve got enough variety to mix things up every day of the week. Happy eating!
If you discover a spot you think deserves a place of honor on this list feel free to let us know here.