Houston's top 10 sandwich shops

An import from Austin, and not related to the famous lower Manhattan deli, but it does an excellent job with hot sandwiches, which might stray somewhat from tradition, but can be delicious (and artery-clogging).Katz's616 Westheimer (between Taft and Montrose), 77006, (713) 521-3838ilovekatzs.comIts local heritage reaches back over 60 years, though this sliver of sandwich shop is no longer run by the Kahn family.  One of the best sandwiches is the Olajuwon Special which is named after the former Houston Rocket great.  This is a warm and messy sandwich consisting of grilled knockwurst with hot corned beef, mustard, melted cheese, house-made Russian dressing and sauerkraut on rye.  Essentially, it is a giant Reuben with the addition of some flavorful sausage.  It’s not really clear if the sandwich is similar to the ones that Hakeem grew up with in his native Lagos, Nigeria, or if he eats them at all, but it sure is delicious. Kahn's Deli2429 Rice (between Kirby and Morningside), 77005, (713) 529-2891kahnsdeli.comWith a quintet of local locations, this is a welcome, casual concept for well prepared cold sandwiches, which are all of the design-it-yourself variety.  The “meats”, or rather sandwich fillings, are slightly eclectic and there should be one for nearly every palate. Brown Bag Deli5 Houston locationsthebrownbagdeli.net View the list »
The reuben at Kahn's Deli in the Rice Village

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Sometimes time, taste and budget all conspire to make a sandwich seem like the best option. The associated list contains Houston's top ten sandwich purveyors, in alphabetical order, the specialists where you can be assured of a rewarding sandwich available in at least several different versions.

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To note, I've excluded the higher-end restaurants that might serve an excellent sandwich as one-off, and those more humble eateries dispensing tortas; these are just different enough to require another dedicated list.

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  • With a quintet of local locations, this is a welcome, casual concept for well prepared cold sandwiches, which are all of the design-it-yourself variety.  The “meats”, or rather sandwich fillings, are slightly eclectic and there should be one for nearly every palate. Brown Bag Deli5 Houston locationsthebrownbagdeli.net 
  • Its local heritage reaches back over 60 years, though this sliver of sandwich shop is no longer run by the Kahn family.  One of the best sandwiches is the Olajuwon Special which is named after the former Houston Rocket great.  This is a warm and messy sandwich consisting of grilled knockwurst with hot corned beef, mustard, melted cheese, house-made Russian dressing and sauerkraut on rye.  Essentially, it is a giant Reuben with the addition of some flavorful sausage.  It’s not really clear if the sandwich is similar to the ones that Hakeem grew up with in his native Lagos, Nigeria, or if he eats them at all, but it sure is delicious. Kahn's Deli2429 Rice (between Kirby and Morningside), 77005, (713) 529-2891kahnsdeli.com
  • An import from Austin, and not related to the famous lower Manhattan deli, but it does an excellent job with hot sandwiches, which might stray somewhat from tradition, but can be delicious (and artery-clogging).Katz's616 Westheimer (between Taft and Montrose), 77006, (713) 521-3838ilovekatzs.com
  • The area’s most serious purveyor of the Jewish deli arts does a very credible job with all of the classic sandwiches that will greatly satisfy, both in terms of taste and calories.Kenny & Ziggy's2327 Post Oak Boulevard (just north of Westheimer), 77056, (713) 871-8883kennyandziggys.com
  • As the retail outlet for a commercial bakery that supplies many of the city’s top restaurants, you can expect that the sandwiches at Kraftsmen Café to be worth the trek to this largely residential section of the Heights in Houston. The Jive Turkey ($10 with chips) certainly is, as are all of their sandwiches.Kraftsmen Café 611 W. 22nd Street, Houston, Texas 77008, (713) 426-1300kraftsmenbaking.com
  • This is a sandwich joint with refined contemporary sensibilities – and a commercial cool feel – that stresses top local and regional products.  One of their takes on a local favorite or a more creative effort will certainly satiate.  Beer, wine, and booze, too.Local Foods2424 Dunstan (east of Kirby), 77005, (713) 521-7800houstonlocalfoods.com
  • Although the Italian accents are clear and though Italian-themed sandwiches are the prime attraction, this is quite different than the typical Italian-themed deli.  Easily affordable and very satisfying, these help make Paulie’s an excellent choice for a quick, delicious lunch or dinner.  The interiors are modern and very attractive for what is primarily a sandwich shop; “a good, informal neighborhood restaurant” is a more appropriately descriptive phrase. Paulie's834 Westheimer (between Dunlavy and Hazard), 77098, (713) 807-7271pauliesrestaurant.com
  • Very tasty sandwiches in the Italian-American tradition, both cold and hot; good quality calzones, too.Ponzo's2515 Bagby (at McGowen), 77006, (713) 526-2426ponzos.com
  • They serve the full range of foods inspired from south Louisiana, and that includes the New Orleans-bred po boy, for which they do an excellent job, especially the shrimp version.Ragin CajunFour area locationsragin-cajun.com
  • This smart market-cum-café offers not quite ten sandwiches that are mostly artisanal contemporary takes on local favorites. Pricier and slower than most, but it’s worth it.Revival Market550 Heights (between I-10 and White Oak), 77007, (713) 880-8463revivalmarket.com
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, Houston Cheap Eats Examiner

Mike Riccetti is the author of three editions of Houston Dining on the Cheap, and is the local Zagat editor. He writes frequently about food, drink and some less important topics. You can follow him on Twitter (@MikeRiccetti).

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