Bucket List Worthy: Our 11 Over-The-Top Must-try Foodie Sandwiches

Ready to try some of Virginia’s most over-the-top sandwiches? We’ve got you covered. This list of sandwich spots goes beyond the usual combinations, and these are some of the best hand-held meals in the state. (Ok, some of these do require a knife and fork.) Let’s dig in!

Handsome Biscuit (Norfolk)

Handsome Biscuit is worthy of a visit with menu items like the “Stevie”, which is a biscuit stacked with fried chicken and pickles and then smothered in whole grain mustard and honey. Fried eggs, seared greens, pulled pork, potato and onion frittata, chicken salad–you name it, they can pile it on.

Take It Away (Charlottesville)

Take It Away is a legend of sorts for Charlottesville foodies. Born in 1992, Take It Away still gives you fresh sandwiches stuffed with your faves, ready to “take away.” You can take it up a notch by adding whatever toppings tickle your fancy, and vegetarians can get in on the fun, too. We recommend loading it with red pepper hummus, sprouts, and lentils. And don’t forget the legendary house dressing.

Grilled Cheese Mania (Harrisonburg)

If the bright red truck doesn’t catch your eye, Grilled Cheese Mania’s reputation in the Burg for killer sandwiches will draw you right in. Their regulars on the menu are delicious spins on classic grilled cheeses, but their daily specials kick it into overdrive. Give their Trottacado a whirl, with cheddar cheese, avocado, tomato, mac & cheese grilled into a torta roll. Or, if you’re really dedicated to the #foodporn cause, try the Sweet Mucci, with cheddar cheese and crispy bacon grilled on a glazed donut. Mmm.

Perly’s (Richmond)

Perly’s is a modern Jewish restaurant and delicatessen in Richmond and is practically famous for its pastrami and Reuben sandwiches. One of their most prized picks on the menu is the “Perly’s Patty Melt,” a hamburger topped with pastrami, grilled onions, sliced pickles, and Russian dressing on marble rye.

Ivy Provisions (Charlottesville)

Head to Ivy Provisions and find a full list of creative sandwich options with unforgettable names. Try the “Notorious P.I.G.”  stuffed with salami, prosciutto, capicola, provolone, peppers, onions, lettuce, oil, and vinegar. Or, go for the “K.I.S.S. Caprese,” a baguette filled with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, arugula, and basil mayo.

Astro Doughnuts (FALLS CHURCH AND DC)

Astro Doughnuts occupies that sweet spot where tempting breakfast creations meet lunchtime favorites. This place has some pretty noteworthy sandwiches, most featuring their famous fried chicken, like the “Doughnut Chicken Sandwich,” a fresh golden doughnut stuffed with a piece of crispy chicken, sauce, and your choice of toppings. Go on, get yourself one, and Instagram it. No one will judge here.

Sage Kitchen (Newport News And Virginia Beach)

How fresh is the food at Sage Kitchen? Let’s just say they don’t even own a freezer. You’ll be able to tell, too, with their Traegermeister sandwich full of in-house Traeger-smoked turkey breast bacon, smoked gouda, slaw sun-dried tomatoes, and chipotle mayo on brioche bread. (If you’re itching for a simpler taste, try the customer’s favorite Anderson’s Chicken Salad sandwich, filled with craisins, onions, celery, special seasoning, and pecans).

Griffin Tavern (Flint Hill)

Find pub fare with flair at Griffin Tavern, where their sumptuous sandwiches are worthy of a five-star endorsement. Their “Hamlington Wentworth” is a mouth-watering collaboration of Italian herbed ham, aged provolone, peppadew and banana peppers, roasted garlic mayo, romaine lettuce, and pickles on fresh ciabatta bread.

Red Apron Butcher (DC And Fairfax)

Known for its finest quality organic meats, Red Apron Butcher is home to what has been dubbed the best place for bacon in the state. On any given day, you can walk in here and grab a sandwich overflowing with your preferred meats, like the “Red Apron Original,” which is loaded with two smash patties, American cheese, island sauce, house pickles, red onion, and shredded lettuce and served with beef fat fries.

The Secret Sandwich Society (Richmond)

This not-so-secret sandwich shop is located in the Arts District in Richmond, and it’s known for its epic sandwiches. Their presidential-inspired menu includes classics like the Van Buren (a combination of pastrami, swiss, sauerkraut & 1,000 island on a butter-toasted rye) to vegetarian-friendly options like the Fillmore (vegan fried eggplant, roasted garlic mayo, provolone, red onions, cherry peppers & greens on a toasted baguette), The Secret Sandwich Society has something for everything.

Grilled Cheese Bistro (Norfolk)

Combine two of the best comfort foods, and what do you get? You have yourself a macaroni grilled cheese sandwich, and no one does this quite like the Grilled Cheese Bistro. You’ve probably never heard of grilled cheese sandwiches like you’ll find here, such as the “Hangover,” featuring savory black truffles and steamy mac and cheese stuffed inside, or the Lobster Mac & Cheese special. It’s definitely a foodie spot if we’ve ever seen one.

What’s your favorite sandwich spot? Let us know in the comments below!