Since 1962, Blue Boy Sandwich Shop has been serving sandwiches to the people of Jacksonville. The restaurant makes its own bread daily, amplifying the overall sandwich experience. Classic sandwiches, including a Reuben, pastrami, or Cuban, grace the menu. For those who are up for a challenge, try the monster burger, which is two pounds of beef plus all the traditional burger toppings and fries. The burger is meant to feed four, so bring a few friends to the shop too. 

Located in the thriving Atlantic Beach neighborhood, Sub Cultured creates fun sandwiches that will please even the most discerning palates. Some subs are a riff on classic sandwiches, like the West Coast, a take on the popular burger chain In-N-Out, complete with animal sauce. There’s also a tasty Korean steak sub topped with creamy and spicy gochujang aioli. Those looking for vegan options will also find a good variety of subs here, with loaded portobello mushroom and veggie subs and pressed caprese sandwiches. 

One sandwich shop that keeps locals coming back for more is Surfwiches. The restaurant is known for its cheesesteaks, where patrons can choose from a classic ribeye or chicken cheesesteak with toppings like onions, cherry peppers, or pepper relish. Those not in the mood for a hot sandwich can opt for classic hoagies like an Italian, turkey club, or ham and cheese. 

One of Jacksonville's most talked about sandwich shops is Lone Wolf Co. The restaurant claims it’s a “punk rock sandwich shop” and “not a deli,” and locals agree. The menu is filled with unique sandwich combinations; all served on bread from another Jacksonville restaurant icon, French Pantry. Some of the highlights on the menu include the Blitzkrieg Bop, which is a loaded chicken sandwich topped with pepperoni, everything seasoned bacon, queso, curly fries, and more. A non-sandwich item worth trying is the “No Control” loaded fries with Korean beef, queso, kimchi, and more piled on top. 

A Jacksonville staple is the French Pantry, where people line up for an hour or more sometimes to get a seat to chow down on sandwiches and baked goods. The restaurant serves hot and cold sandwiches with toppings all piled onto house-made bread. The hot Reuben, which has all the traditional toppings on perfectly toasted rye bread, is a favorite. Of course, there’s also a roast beef sandwich, but at the French Pantry, the sandwich also has Boursin cheese adding a creamy and slightly garlicky flavor to each bite. 

Those looking for an Italian deli will want to check out D’Aleo Italian Deli in St. Augustine. The small shop is in a strip mall, but there’s usually a line outside the door, which helps to know it’s the right spot. Once inside, diners line up to get their fill of Italian-American classics like meatball subs, chicken parmesan subs, or Italian cold-cut subs. One sandwich not to miss is the house special, thinly sliced prosciutto with fresh mozzarella, olive oil, and juicy tomatoes — perfect for a beachside picnic.