As a self proclaimed sandwich enthusiast and someone who’s married to a man from south jersey (they love their subs and appreciate good bread) we are a BIG sandwich family. My daughter, she’s 7, will eat a Jersey Mike’s 13- italian Mike’s way and not blink an eye. We love a sandwich. We’ve lived in South Durham now for almost 7 years and have our favorite sammies and I want to share and if you have others, I want to know!
Our fave and probably the most well known - Ideal’s 2108 Angier Avenue Durham, NC 27703
- Named after one of the owners' grandfather's, “Ideal”….amazing…. This place has the most complex and delicious sandwiches that are consistent, HUGE, and so good that they sell out quite often.
- The highlights! Harlem Chopped Cheese - ground beef, onions, sharp provolone, cherry peppers, chop sauce
- They also have this amazing Philly Roast Pork! Get in line early…be patient, get the chips and a cookie…and just enjoy!
EastCut - 3211 Old Chapel Hill Rd, Durham, NC 27707
- Opened in 2018, they pride themselves on first and foremost taking care of their team and I love and appreciate that.
- The highlights! They often have some really amazing specials but I always go back to the BALBOA'S BEEFSTEAK - Grilled Steak, Grilled Onion, Cooper Sharp American, Fresh Mozz, Pesto Aioli (nut-free), Sesame Roll, get the curly fries AND PLEASE, PLEASE get the ranch. Truly some of the best in the area.
Common Market - 1821 Green Street Durham, NC 27705
- So years ago…literally forever it feels, we lived in Charlotte, NC while I was in grad school and we were patrons of the original Common Market…the tiny little scruffy bottle and sandwich shop next to the Food Truck Friday lot…it was quite literally, perfect. We were so excited to hear in 2023 they were opening up a location in Durham. They have great beer, snacks and sammys!
- The highlights! ALABAMA GRINDER, Grilled chicken, pepperjack cheese, housemade smoked tomato jam, housemade alabama white sauce, red cabbage, and pickles grilled on a hoagie
A sleeper fave, Dulce Cafe - 5826 Fayetteville Rd #106, Durham, NC 27713
- I often find myself here after a dr’s appointment or to meet up with a friend and their coffee and pastries are what they’re known for, they’ve gone TikTok viral for a few of their stunning works of pastry art…but the other day I was here for a lunch meeting and got the Turkey, Brie and Green Apple panini and it.was.heavenly! The 7-pepper jam is delish!
Succotash - 3219 Old Chapel Hill Rd #200, Durham, NC
- I just recently had this and can’t stop thinking about it! Everything we’ve ordered here is phenomenal!
- The highlights! The Classic Muffuletta - absolutely incredible, messy and huge so be prepared, but the tapenade is to die for.
Not in Durham but needs to be on the list - Merritt’s Grill - 1009 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
- This is THE BEST BLT in the triangle region. Hands down, not competition. I suggest ordering ahead and taking it to go, there’s some seating on site but it’s honestly a little nuts.
- The highlights! The single BLT is what I always get and it’s A LOT …but sometimes I’ll still add pimento cheese!
I can imagine any of these sammy’s being the perfect picnic treat for a fun park or backyard session. Your family’s favorite sandwich on a colorful blanket? Maybe some watermelon, bubbles, popsicles, popsicles? Just casual, joyful…perfection!!
