The Duchess from Spread in Campbell.
If you were stuck on an island and could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would you pick? Some popular answers might be pizza, burritos or burgers, while others might go with a responsible choice such as salads (boring). For those who answered sandwiches, let’s hope your island is the South Bay, because there are a ton of tasty creations to be had around Silicon Valley.
Photo sources include Facebook, Instagram, Yelp, TravelAdvisor, FoodSpotting and Carl Foisy.
You're missing out if you’ve never been to Freshly Baked Eatery. You’ll know why when the sandwich maker holds up your steaming freshly baked (hence the name) bread and asks you what to fill it with. These guys do a great Russian sandwich with the combo of Turkey, Roast Beef and Swiss cheese.
We’ve seen a bunch of Ike’s pop-up around Silicon Valley in the last couple years. Once you go check out what the rage is all about, you’ll understand why they’re so popular. One sandwich in particular covers all bases: The Andrew Luck has halal chicken, bacon, avocado, gouda cheese, garlic & herb sauce and all of the good stuff you want on a sandwich. Get extra napkins, you’ll need them.
Most places have some type of chicken sandwich on the menu. At Double D’s they have one of the best Chicken Club sandwiches in Silicon Valley. Grilled chicken, avocado, bacon, cheese and a fried egg all between some produce and toasted sliced sourdough. Sometimes you just need to treat yourself to a sandwich that drips and this sandwich hits the spot every time.
Talk about a tasty Panini. Vino Vino has a bunch of fun panini sandwiches to choose from, but their Ham and Brie is both simple and satisfying. Each panini comes with a side salad to help balance the meal. The crunchy panini bread combined with the softness of the brie and the slight saltiness of the ham is really what makes the meal great. Oh yeah, they have vino that pairs nicely with the Ham and Brie panini too.
The mighty Muffuletta gets no better than the version found at Poor House Bistro. The soft bread, olive tapenade and sliced assortment of Italian meats are a fantastic balance. The half order is big enough to split with a friend. You have the option for toasted or not, and we recommend the toasted version because the bread holds up better.
Serving lunch from a BBQ and trailer only two days a week (Tue and Fri) in their parking lot, Neto’s Sausage Co is one of Silicon Valley’s little secrets. When you’re ready for a new lunch experience, their Calabrese Sausage sandwich is phenom-nom-nominal. Fresh off the grill, the sausage is so juicy and the way they build this sandwich is superb. You wouldn’t even think this was from a trailer in a parking lot. They also sell their homemade sausage in bulk to take home.
For a power lunch, business lunch or just regular old lunch, the Grill on the Alley is one of Downtown San Jose’s best restaurants. The thing most people don’t know is that this fine dining destination has one of Silicon Valley’s best BLT (Bacon Lettuce and Tomato) sandwiches. These guys make a simple style of sandwich in the most marvelous way. The main reason is because they use eight thick-cut smoked bacon slices on each BLT. Bacon lovers beware: This is your weakness.
You’re sure to pass Spread as you cruise through Downtown Campbell, but make no mistake—this gem is not to be missed. It makes sense why they’d placed The Duchess at the top of their menu, because there’s really no reason to go any further. The Duchess is an amazing sandwich with pastrami, turkey sharp cheddar, roma tomatoes, black garlic aioli and chipotle aioli all stuffed and slathered in a sweet roll. Once you’ve enjoyed a Duchess, you’ve lived.
It’s always nice to belly-up at the counter for lunch at Original Joe’s. Most people talk about menu items like the famous burgers, raviolis and Joe’s Special at OJ’s. What you wouldn’t expect or hear much about is their Charbroiled Chicken Sandwich. Beyond their selection of salads, this sandwich has got to be one of the healthiest items they offer. The charbroiled flavor of their chicken is fantastic. Add some jack cheese and ask for sliced sourdough and you’ve got yourself a solid lunch. Most people don’t know that OJ’s offers a list of half-size sandwiches for a few dollars less. Healthy, economical and classic.
Not your typical Vietnamese-style bahn mi sandwich joint, Le Bon brings a higher level of sophistication to their sandwiches. One option not to pass up is the Miss Saigon. Roasted pork shoulder, prosciutto, cilantro and a French aioli create a great combination of flavors. Their portions aren’t very large so you wont be judged if you order a Buddah Bun to accompany your sandwich.
They say you have two hands for a reason. One hand for the Bocce and another for a Saltimbocca sandwich. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Los Gatos on University Avenue, Campo di Bocce has a bar, dining room, spacious outdoor patio and big parking lot for guests. Their Chicken Saltimbocca Sandwich has a pesto aioli, marinated and grilled chicken, provolone cheese and prosciutto. When you combine this Italian delight with a cold beer or iced tea, its amore!
One of Willow Glen’s coolest sports bars, Rookies knows how to feed your soul. There’s no lacking on portions or variety either. The sandwich not to miss is their Blackened Chicken Sandwich. With a red pepper aioli, avocado and bacon, this sandwich is a belly pleaser. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask for a side of pesto sauce to compliment this savory sandwich. Free parking, lots of TVs and your choice of booth, table or bar.
The Deluxe Grilled Cheese is a wicked awesome sandwich. Built tall with a fried egg, crispy bacon and creamy avocado, this sandwich is in a category of its own. It's an amazing combination of items between two pieces of toasted cheese bread. They say you should never trust a bald barber. In the same context, you can indeed trust the chef at Deluxe.
Did someone say French Dip? Known for crushing the American cuisine scene in Downtown San Jose, Loft’s French Dip sandwich is da-bomb. There’s nothing fancy about it. Shaved tri-tip, melted Jack cheese, sautéed mushrooms on a French roll with a side of au jus and horseradish sauce. Simple and savory, just the way you want a French Dip. Guests can enjoy themselves at either of their two full bars, street level patio and dining room, upstairs dining room and one of San Jose’s only rooftop patios.
If you’re a Silicon Valley native you know there’s really only one place to get a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich: Amatto’s on Saratoga Ave. Talk about taking care of a craving, these cheese steaks will satisfy your hankering for big, meaty and cheesy goodness. One sandwich is big enough to share. Extra napkins and a fork are required.
Sandwich lover tested, heath-nut approved. Family owned and operated, Vitamina is SoFA Market’s destination for the conscious eater. Not only do they offer fresh squeezed juices and juice blends, they also have a great selection of sandwiches and ‘toasts.’ All ingredients are fresh and healthy, from the wheat bread and sprouts to the turkey and cheese.
For three days a year you can get your hands on one of the most delicious sandwiches in Santa Clara County—the Pepper Steak Sandwich, served only at the Gilroy Garlic Festival’s Gourmet Alley. It features tender and juicy sliced tri tip, sautéed onions and bell peppers all stacked between two slices of garlic bread. Besides a picture with Mr. Garlic, some of the best souvenirs to bring home from the Garlic Festival are a few of these tasty sandwiches.
It’s easy to see why La Villa is consistently rated as one of Silicon Valley’s favorite delis—if not the best. Great sandwiches, a huge array of prepared dishes and superb personal service. And then there’s those ravioli. But we’re here to talk sandwiches, and the Chris Combo is uh-mazing. The soft bread, gooey cheese, secret spread and layers of meat make this a sandwich to savor.
If you're looking for a banh mi sandwich joint its best to head towards Little Saigon. Phat Tri's banh mi's are San Jose's most talked about Vietnamese style sandwiches. You're gonna be like chuc-mung-now-moi after your first bite.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
edita
Mar 11, 2016 -
None of the above. Chris’ combo from La Villa = #1!
Michelle
Mar 11, 2016 -
Agreed! Chris’ combo from La Villa definitely needs to be on this list.
Josh Koehn
Mar 11, 2016 -
Yipes! This glaring oversight has been corrected.
Thanks for reading,
JK
Victoria Chiampas
Mar 23, 2016 -
Hmmm, I’ll have to give that a go.
Sal Rosenthal
Mar 11, 2016 -
S’all about the Meatball sandwich at OJ’s!!
Anthony
Mar 11, 2016 -
Nothing from Los Gatos/Willow Glen meats…what a shame
King
Mar 12, 2016 -
Agreed! The Slow-burn from LG Meats – nothing better!
Nini B
Mar 11, 2016 -
California Sourdough
Al
Mar 11, 2016 -
How can you pass on a Big Al’s Italian Beef at Tony & Alba’s Pizza and Pasta. Beef cooked a herb and spice broth bath for 8 hours. It is then piled high on a 7″ sourdough bread with mozzarella and Peppercinni. Culinary orgasim.
Ristanovic
Mar 12, 2016 -
Our family’s favorite, favorite sandwich spot is the deli at the Rose Garden Zanotto’s. On a nice day eat them in the Rose Garden.
Jason
Mar 12, 2016 -
This list is missing Little Lucas so I’m not really sure if its a list.
Jennifer
Mar 13, 2016 -
Pretty sure if my family still had Happy Smile Deli in San Jose. We’d be on this list. Lol
Angelina
Mar 14, 2016 -
Antipastos Deli
Mary Saca
Mar 15, 2016 -
Chris’ Combo from La Villa and a corned beef sandwich from Gunther’s Catering needs to be on this list!
Alex
Mar 23, 2016 -
No love for Chiaramontes on 13th St?