The Best Hoagies, Grinders and Sub Sandwiches in Atlanta

While Atlanta may be the Capital of the South, we know we’ve got more Yanks than an unruly dog on a leash. But that’s not a bad thing at all – with all of the Northerners who have flocked down to the A over the last few decades, we’ve also gotten some great sandwich shops. The tradition of Northeastern sandwich shops in Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, New Jersey and other nearby locations is a rich history, with some sub shops going back over a hundred years. We’re looking at sub shops who are setting up a new legacy in Atlanta and serving hoagies, grinders and subs that are just as savory and delicious as you’d find up North (listed in alphabetical order).

Bona Fide Deluxe

1454 La France Street Northeast Ste 110, Atlanta, GA 30307

When East Atlanta Village’s Banshee opened in 2018, it quickly became one of the A’s best new restaurants. During the pandemic, Chef and owner Nolan Wynn pivoted to creating sandwiches and other to-go comfort food that could be easily sold in a drive thru at the Banshee location. The effort proved so popular, that Wynn took that inspiration and pivoted to opening Bona Fide Deluxe in Candler Park. The sandwich shop has close to 10 different sandwiches to try, including a Hot Italian with porchetta, finochiona, pepperoni, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion and a Calabrian chili mayo that is one of ATL’s best Italian subs. They’ve also got great Vegan and Vegetarian sandwich options, like the Vegan Eggplant Parm and the “Pastrami” Smoked Beets. Don’t sleep on the sides either, like Pimento Cheese dip, Smoked fish dip and the Pizza Bomb!

Capriotti’s

104 John Portman Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Our first sandwich shop on this list with some history, Capriotti’s started in Wilmington, Delaware’s Little Italy district in 1976. Now, they have locations all across the country, including one in Kennesaw. They’re most famous for a Thanksgiving inspired hoagie called “The Bobbie”. It’s made with turkey, cranberry sauce and stuffing on freshly baked bread – the most popular sandwich at Capriotti’s, 365 days a year!

Dave’s Cosmic Subs

1540 N Decatur Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307

Dave’s Cosmic Subs has seen Emory Village grow. It’s been in the neighborhood for 20 years, serving students, faculty and residents delicious sub sandwiches. In Ohio, you’d find Dave’s Cosmic Subs everywhere, but the only place you’ll see one outside of the state is here, in Atlanta. With a classic rock sensibility, it’s perfect for the Emory students fueling up for finals or nursing a night out. Their most ordered sub? The #1 Original Dave’s Cosmic Sub, of course – Pepperoni, Salami, Prosciutto, lettuce, tomato, sliced banana peppers, onions, garlic, herbs, provolone and Dave’s Cosmic Sauce.

Fred’s Meat and Bread

Krog Street Market
99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Folks who have been to Krog Street Market know that Fred’s is for real – there’s always a line to get one of their delicious sandwiches or cheesesteaks. We’re focusing on the sub, hoagie and grinder options that Chef Todd Ginsburg has created, like the Italian Grinder with salami, mortadella, pork, provolone, cherry peppers and more, or the Tuna Melt Hero with hot giardiniera, potato chips, Swiss, lettuce, tomato and aioli.

Hoagie Bros

Multiple Locations, See website for details

At Hoagie Bros, the focus is entirely on the freshest, most authentic ingredients they can find. Every morning, they freshly prep veggies for sandwiches, slice all cheeses in house (10 varieties in total!), and make their tuna from scratch using albacore, lemon juice, salt, pepper and mayo. They also source all of their Italian meats from the Northeast to make sure the sandwiches taste as genuine as possible. They have a location in Marietta and one near Northside/Children’s on Peachtree Dunwoody. Next time you stop by Hoagie Bros, be sure to get the Original Hoagie with ham, salami, capicola and more!

Humble Mumble

Coda Collective Food Hall
420 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Chef Justin Dixon started this sandwich outpost after a decade plus of training under some of Atlanta’s best chefs. More recently, he was the opening chef for the Atlanta Dairies restaurant Wondered before opening Humble Mumble. Watch our full visit to get more details on the delicious offerings you can find from Chef Dixon.

Knuckies Hoagies

Multiple Locations, See website for details

You may have noticed a Knuckies pop up in your neighborhood recently – they are growing all over Atlanta! And it’s for good reason. When Todd Broaderick started working on Knuckies, the objective WASN’T a sandwich shop. Broaderick was looking to make a great pizza dough, and had conducted multiple experiments in test kitchens to find the perfect blend. During this period of discovery, Broaderick realized that one of the doughs they had created would be perfect for a sandwich, and thus Knuckies was born. Now, that dough is used with their fresh ingredients to make incredible cold subs, like The Ultimate – roast beef, ham, turkey, bacon, provolone, lettuce and more – and pressed sandwiches like the Gaucho – shaved roasted pork, Swiss, banana peppers, mayo and chimichurri. Keep an out for their delicious specials as well, you gotta get them while they last! 

Victory Sandwich Bar

913 Bernina Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

We can’t say enough good things about Victory Sandwich Bar. It is tucked away in Inman Park and offers delicious, affordable options and they have a killer outside patio. They have a handful of sandwiches from the Little Havana to the Boss Hog. What we love about the food here is that the portions are fairly small so if you can’t decide what to get, you can get 2-3 sandwiches and try a little bit of everything! They also have some really great snacks like the pimento jar or the hummus. Grab a few buddies and go hang on their patio with some sammies and a cold beverage. 

Publix (honorable mention)

Multiple Locations, See website for details

We know, we know. Putting a conglomerate supermarket chain on a list of best sandwich shops seems sacrilegious. But ask anyone around Atlanta where their favorite sandwich is from, and you’ll hear “Pub Sub” as an answer more times than not. We have to hand it to them – the cuban/baguette bread they use is fantastic, and the boar’s head ingredients are always fresh. Whatever way you feel about a pub sub, it would feel like an omission not to include them.