Sandwich Passport: Your Ticket to Culinary Adventures
Whether you eat in or get them to go, sandwiches are popular culinary companions to an excursion. The beauty of the sandwich as a meal is that there is an endless variety of combinations. While the unification of bread, meats, vegetables and condiments has become a familiar lunchtime option, one can find or create a different sandwich for every taste and occasion. And it's not just in the U.S. Cuisines from around the world provide examples of these grab-and-go meals.
Ready to hit the road and get your sandwich passport stamped? We’ve compiled a sampling of eateries in Northeast Florida where you can get your sammie fix. You’ll find a range of global flavors and innovative offerings throughout our region. With so many choices, the easiest decision you’ll make is whether you’re staying or leaving with your handheld work of culinary art.
WICKED BAO 232 North 2nd St, Fernandina Beach, @wickedbao
Asian street food is on the menu at this fast casual concept, including pot stickers, dumplings and the specialty of the house, bao. These handheld steamed buns are wrapped around savory fillings. To round out your meal, try green tea, red bean or mango mochi. Try: The Bao Trio: Braised Pork Belly, Bulgogi Beef and Buttermilk Fried Chicken.
THE SHEIK Multiple locations,
Open since 1972, this chain of sandwich shops now boasts eight locations serving the quintessential Jacksonville sandwich, the camel rider, and the “Cherry Lime,” The Sheik’s version of a black cherry and lime soft drink. Try: The Camel Rider: A pita pocket, usually stuffed with cold cuts and cheese and drizzled with Italian dressing.
BLUE BOY SANDWICH SHOP 6514 Norwood Ave, Jacksonville, @blueboysandwichshop
Huge sandwiches on homemade bread and reasonable prices make this a great stop for a complete picnic on your way to the Jacksonville Zoo or the beach. Stacked meat, cheese and fresh veggies – you’ll quickly find out why one sandwich makes a meal for a family. Try: The Super Club: Bacon, ham, smoked turkey, turkey, Swiss, American, lettuce, tomatoes, mayo; can feed up to four people.
AREPA PLEASE 474 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, @arepaplease
Where South American flavors meet New York style deli culture. The shop specializes in arepas, a staple in Venezuela and Colombia, which are patties made from cornmeal then grilled and stuffed with a variety of fillings. Try: The Queen: Classic Venezuelan shredded chicken recipe with homemade avocado mayonnaise, cilantro and sliced avocados.
PINEGROVE DELI 1511 Pinegrove Ave, Jacksonville, @pinegrove_jax
Whether you’re looking for handcrafted burgers and sandwiches or fresh cut meats and dry-aged steaks, this neighborhood institution is ready, with over 60 years of experience in a family-friendly atmosphere. Try: Steak-in-a-sack: USDA center-cut sirloin, served with sautéed onions, bell peppers and white American cheese in a pita.
LE PETIT PARIS multiple locations, @lepetitparisjax
You’ll feel like you stepped into a French café at any of the three locations. The menu includes pastries, salads, coffee beverages and a wide selection of creative sandwiches served on house-made baguettes. Try: Le Monceau: Prosciutto ham, turkey, brie, arugula, cranberries, mayonnaise and truffle oil on a baguette.
THE WALRUS 948 Edgewood Ave S, Jacksonville, @thewalrusjax
Located in Murray Hill, this Beatles-themed restaurant specializes in vegetarian and vegan dishes, organic juices, craft drinks, wine and beer. The venue also serves up live music, karaoke and other entertainment. Try: Ruebenny & the Jets: House-made No Rush Sauce, Unreal Deli Korn Be'f, melted Chao vegan cheese and sauerkraut, served grilled on thick sliced rye bread. The perfect beverage accompaniment? Manifest Distilling’s ready-to-drink Vodka Mule hard selzer.
KOUSHINRYOU 14286 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, @koushinryoujax
A Japanese curry and sandwich shop from the owners of Karai Ramen. The name of the restaurant means spices, underscoring the flavorful variety of dishes on the menu. Try: Any of the sandos, including Luffy Filet Katsu (filet mignon), Spicy Katsu (chicken Katsu) and Egg Salad served on Japanese milk bread called shokupan.
1928 CUBAN BISTRO multiple locations, @1928bistro
The menu at all five café locations blends traditional Caribbean flavors with contemporary innovation. Cuban coffee, croquetas, pastries, rice dishes, sandwiches and more provide a sense of an island getaway not too far from home. Try: The Cuban: Roasted pork, ham, Swiss, pickles and mustard on Cuban bread.
SAFE HARBOR SEAFOOD multiple locations, @safeharbormayport
Whether you partake in the casual dockside dining in Mayport or the beach scene in Crescent Beach, fresh seafood is guaranteed at both locations. Try: Fish Sandwich: The fresh catch on a roll topped with tomato, lettuce and red onion, served with coleslaw, hush puppies and french fries.
SUB CULTURED 10 Donner Rd, Atlantic Beach, @subculturedsubs
Gourmet sandwiches and salads served in a relaxed beachy food cart setting, with outdoor tables to enjoy your meal hot off the grill. Try: Grilled Montreal: Pastrami, white cheddar curds and mustard pressed on sourdough bread.
LONE WOLF CO. 1500 Beach Blvd, #115, Jacksonville Beach, @lonewolfco_jaxbch
Specialty sandwiches, or sandos as Lone Wolf Co. calls them, in a setting where funk and punk collide. All sandwiches served on bread from local bakery French Pantry. Dessert includes the Hellraiser, created for the shop by Cookies and Crème in Jacksonville Beach. Try: Blitzkrieg Bop: Chicken cutlet, pepperoni, everything seasoned bacon, queso, curly fries, hot peppers, wolf sauce and shrettuce.
ANGIE'S SUBS 1436 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, @angiessubshop
This Jax Beach institution has a casual vibe, an eclectic array of vintage memorabilia and a menu that offers something for every taste. Be sure to order some house-made sweet tea. Try: Dr. Bang’s Scrippy: Capicola, pepperoni and provolone baked and topped with chicken salad, lettuce, tomato and pickle.
D'ALEO ITALIAN DELI U.S. 1 South, St. Augustine, @daleodeli
Open since 1989, this family-run deli serves New York-style subs “all the way”: with lettuce, tomato, onion, hot peppers, oil and vinegar. You can also pick up other Italian favorites like pasta, ravioli and cannolis. Try: The Wise Guy: Ham, salami, turkey, provolone, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, dressing and hot peppers on a sub roll.
FUNKADELIC FOOD TRUCK 509 S Ponce De Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, @funkadelicfoodtruck
A gourmet food truck located alongside the San Sebastian river at Marina Munch, Funkadelic offers sandwiches, bowls and sides. The beet fries are seasoned with fresh herbs, togarashi and funk sauce. Try: Lump Crab Grilled Cheese: Wild-caught lump blue crab, caramelized onions, provolone, goat cheese, funk sauce and house-made pepper jelly on local Cheddar cheese bread.
VESSEL SANDWICH COMPANY 213 South 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, @vesselsandwichco
This local gem is located two blocks from the Flagler Beach pier in a small shopping plaza and offers a chef-driven menu of gourmet sandwiches, salads and house-made desserts. Try: Pork Belly Banh Mi: Roasted pork belly with a hoisin barbecue sauce, cucumbers, daikon radish slaw and aioli on a baguette.
