Houston has made its mark as a place where cultures collide, flavors fuse, and the humble sandwich becomes something transcendent. Reflecting a riot of cultures and packed with unapologetic excess, sandwiches are stacked high, griddled to perfection, and barely contained in a crusty roll. From the fiery sting of a Szechuan hot chicken sandwich to the briny decadence of a hearty Reuben, this city doesn’t do boring when it comes to sandwiches.
Whether it’s an Italian sub layered with toppings, or a crispy fish sandwich that melts in your mouth, these are the ten standout sandwiches that define Houston.
Tony’s Italian Delicatessen
Tony’s Italian Delicatessen has a dedicated sandwich menu filled with worthy handhelds, but if there is one that stands above the rest, it is the Stallone ($13). As its name suggests, this sandwich is not the daintiest of the bunch. The sandwich combines capicola, Genoa salami, sopressata, and provolone in a crusty Italian roll, with marinated tomatoes, red onions, and a punch of basil pesto adding a punch of fresh flavor. 24504 Kuykendahl Rd., Tomball, tonysitaliandelicatessen.com
Stuffed Belly
MasterChef winner Christine Ha is a culinary force in Houston who knows how to balance fire and flavor. Ha’s Spring Branch-area sandwich concept, Stuffed Belly, serves a Sichuan Hot Chicken sandwich ($14) that will light up your taste buds and leave you wanting more. A buttermilk-fried chicken thigh, coated in numbing Sichuan spices, rests atop a fluffy potato bun, and is tempered by creamy Sichuan mayo and briny pickles. It’s crunchy, spicy, and messy in all the right ways. 8133 Long Point Rd., Houston, stuffedbelly.co
Paulie’s Poboys
While known for its large variety of po’boys, one of the best sandwiches at family-owned Paulie’s Poboys is the muffuletta ($14). Served on a toasted seeded loaf, the sandwich layers ham, salami, mortadella, and provolone cheese, with a house-made olive salad. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and tangy zest that is bound together with melty cheese. 3823 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, pauliespoboys.com
Better Luck Tomorrow
Under the direction of James Beard Award-winning chef, Justin Yu, and hospitality pro, Bobby Heugel, this Heights bar is known as much for its food as its cocktails. The charred chicken sandwich ($14) is a masterclass in balance and offers one of the tastiest iterations of the handheld. Dark meat chicken is kissed with Japanese barbecue sauce and a slather of mayo, then topped with cucumber, red onion, and fresh herbs to help cut through the richness. 544 Yale St., Houston, betterlucktomorrowhou.com
Kenny and Ziggy’s
The sandwiches at Kenny and Ziggy’s are a commitment, and “The One and Only Reuben” ($25) is no exception. A towering stack of sliced corned beef is layered with hot sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and just enough Russian dressing to make it a beautiful mess. It’s rich, and it demands respect. Built atop seeded rye, the sandwich appears open-faced on the plate, reminiscent of the reubens served in New York City delis. 1743 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, kennyandziggys.com
Jamaica Pon Di Road
Jamaica Pon Di Road’s oxtail cheesesteak ($32) is a wild ride. Tender oxtail is drenched in gravy, and combined with melted provolone and sweet peppers in a soft, toasted bun. Messy and satisfying, this sandwich is a statement on what happens when you stop following the rules. Don’t let the price tag sway you — this behemoth is large enough for two to share. 2213 S. Victory St., Houston, jamaicapondiroad.com
Christie’s Seafood & Steaks
Christie’s has been slinging seafood to Houstonians since 1917, and is the city’s oldest family-operated restaurant. The “Famous Fish Sandwich” ($18) is one of the items on the restaurant’s original menu, and is the kind of classic that needs no reinventing. A golden-fried filet of Gulf snapper is laid onto toasted bread with lettuce and tomato, but you can also opt for the fish to be broiled or blackened instead. Spring for an order of Christie’s famous fried shrimp on the side, and savor a bit of Houston’s food history. 6029 Westheimer Rd., Houston, christies-restaurant.com
Loch Bar
This buzzy seafood tavern in River Oaks District is a haven for gems from the sea, including raw oysters, live Maine lobster, and a fish sandwich that’s pure comfort on the plate. Loch Bar’s fried fish sandwich ($21) pairs fresh cod, battered in an Old Bay-spiced vodka-beer mix, with slaw on a brioche bun. The fish has a crisp airy bite, and a slathering of dill tartar sauce gives the sandwich a lemony tang. 4444 Westheimer Rd. Ste. G110, Houston, lochbar.com
Atcha
Atcha’s salt n peppa chicken sandwich ($11) fuses the spice of Nashville hot with the crunch of Taiwanese fried chicken. Seasoned with Jiao Yan spices and fresh basil, the chicken offers a fragrant and spicy filling for the sandwich. Topped with creamy Atcha sauce, which is spicy with a touch of sweetness, and pickles, on a soft toasted bun, the sandwich is a symphony of flavors. 9889 Bellaire Blvd. Ste. D-234, Houston
Mandola’s Deli
Open since 1975, Mandola’s Deli is an institution known for its Italian-American comfort eats and desserts. Located in Houston’s East End, the counter service restaurant feels like you’ve taken a step back in time, with its nostalgic decor and chalkboard menus. The large variety of po’boy sandwiches are a popular choice during lunch, with the meatball po’boy ($13) a standout among them. The sandwich packs meatballs, housemade marinara, and provolone cheese in a crusty po’boy loaf, offering a simple, but indulgent, take on the classic. 4105 Leeland St., Houston, mandolasdeli.com
