Washington has a serious soft spot for sandwiches, and some delis take the job so seriously that one order can easily feed two people. From downtown Spokane to the waterfront blocks of Seattle, these shops pile meats, cheeses, and fresh bread high enough that splitting is not just possible, it is smart.
This list covers eight real, still-operating spots where portions run generous and the lines stay busy for a reason. Whether you like classic Italian subs, New York pastrami, or an inventive gourmet creation, there is a stop here worth planning your lunch around.
1. Domini Sandwiches, Inc, Spokane, WA
Ask longtime Spokane folks where to grab lunch and this family-run counter at 107 S Howard St comes up fast. It has earned a reputation as a go-to downtown deli, and there is even a running joke that anyone visiting from Spokane had better show up with a Domini sandwich in hand.
The sandwiches are the whole point here. Thick slices of soft bread get piled with meat, cheese, mayo, and a sweet hot mustard that gives them a flavor you will not find elsewhere.
Free popcorn keeps you busy while you wait, and the space carries a casual, historic feel that makes it easy to linger. It is a lunch-only stop, open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 2:30 PM and closed on weekends.
Parking can be tricky since it sits right downtown, so plan for street spots. Reservations are not a thing, but counter and table service both move at a friendly pace.
2. MSM Deli, Tacoma, WA
Regulars in Tacoma have a nickname for this place, and it is simply a classic. Sitting at 2220 6th Ave, MSM Deli has been feeding the neighborhood for decades and still draws a busy crowd, especially on Saturday afternoons.
Big French bread creations are the calling card. The Italian Cold Cut, BBQ Beef, and Reuben all land in the hearty category, and the deli club has a loyal following of its own.
Beyond the sandwiches, there is a wide variety of chips and a large drink selection, so it is easy to build a full lunch. Outdoor seating gives you a spot to sit if you are not taking it to go.
Prices land in the ten to twenty dollar range per person, and the deli is open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM. Parking is straightforward with both lot and street options, which is a nice bonus in a busy stretch of 6th Avenue.
3. Dingfelder’s Delicatessen, Seattle, WA
If you have ever wished a New York deli would pack up and relocate to Seattle, this Capitol Hill spot at 1318 E Pine St gets remarkably close. The aged exterior and modern rustic interior set the stage for authentic Jewish deli fare done with real care.
Pastrami, corned beef, and brisket headline the menu, stacked into large sandwiches on crispy bread. The chopped liver sandwich, beef tongue sandwich, and matzo ball soup round out the classic lineup, and there is a full vegan and vegetarian menu too.
Save room for the cheesecake and grab a Dr Brown’s soda to keep it authentic. Portions run huge, which is exactly why it belongs on a splitting list.
Open every day starting at 7 AM, with later hours on Friday and Saturday until 9 PM. It is family-friendly, welcomes groups, offers free wi-fi, and even allows dogs in the outdoor seating.
4. Tat’s Deli, Seattle, WA
Meal-size or two-meal-size, those are basically your options here, and that tells you everything about the portions. Located at 159 Yesler Way, Tat’s Deli built its name on East Coast style subs and Philly cheesesteaks that come loaded with meat.
The signature Tat’Strami is the one to know, piling fresh pastrami with crisp coleslaw and a unique sauce. Fans call it one of the best sandwiches in the city, and it is served vegan-friendly too.
The rest of the menu keeps things interesting with the patty melt, chicken bacon ranch, club sub, chicken cheesesteak, and fresh cut fries. Vegetarians get real options like eggplant parm and tuna, so no one leaves hungry.
Prices stay reasonable given the size, and the cozy wood decor fits Seattle well. Expect a wait during peak lunch hours, and note it is closed on Sundays.
Ordering online for pickup is an easy way to skip the line.
5. The Sandwich Odyssey, Bellingham, WA
Homemade bread and turkey roasted in-house give this Bellingham shop a from-scratch edge that is hard to match. You will find it at 2001 Cornwall Ave, a cozy lunch spot with a laid-back atmosphere and a creative rotating list of specials.
The Philly Stack and the Meatloaf Sandwich are standouts, and the hot sandwiches in general get a lot of love. Portions run generous enough that splitting one is a genuinely good idea.
There is a full vegetarian menu, healthy options, and gluten-free bread for turkey and other picks, so the menu stretches to fit most cravings. The vibe leans a little trendy but stays casual and welcoming.
Open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM and closed Sundays. Unlike a lot of sandwich counters, this one accepts reservations, and parking is usually easy to find.
6. Tubs Gourmet Sub Sandwiches, Bothell, WA
Creativity is baked right into the menu at this Bothell counter, where the subs are not afraid to try something new. Located at 10415 Beardslee Blvd, Tubs turns out an inventive lineup with top-quality ingredients and bread that surprises people with how good it is.
The Italian Combo, French Dip, and The Philly Beef Dip anchor the classics, while the Joker’s Dip and Black Bean Avocado Burger keep vegetarians covered. Flavorful sauces and seasoning pair well with the fresh bread, and the fillings are generous enough to get messy in the best way.
Everything runs in the ten to twenty dollar range, and the subs are filling enough to share. It is a casual, counter-service space that works well for groups and solo lunches alike.
Hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM. Parking is plentiful, which makes it an easy quick stop.
7. Meconi’s Italian Subs, Olympia, WA
Downtown Olympia keeps things simple and satisfying at 1018 Capitol Way S, where Italian subs come in sizes built for sharing. Meconi’s specializes in hot and cold subs, and the portions are consistently big.
Fresh bread, meat, and veggies come together with a nice balance of flavors that keeps things tasting bright. The Philly Cheesesteak, the chicken or roast beef or pastrami combos, and the homemade chili are all worth a look.
Gluten-free bread is available, and there is a full vegetarian menu plus salads and soups for lighter appetites. Service is fast and friendly, and the counter moves quickly.
Open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM and closed Sundays. Parking near the Capitol area can take a minute, so leave a little buffer if you are heading over at peak lunch time.
8. Salumi, Seattle, WA
A line out the door at lunchtime is a familiar sight at this tiny storefront in Pioneer Square. Sitting at 404 Occidental Ave S, Salumi built its name on artisanal Italian cured meats served in sandwiches and sold by the pound.
The salami sandwich is the icon, layering deli-quality meat and fresh cheese on dense bread with a butter, garlic, and herb spread. The eggplant parm is a favorite for vegetarians, and the fresh baked chocolate chip cookies make a strong case for dessert.
Being right near the stadiums, it is a natural pre-game stop for a bold, filling bite. Portions are hearty enough that one order can stretch between two people.
Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, with counter service and a cozy, trendy feel. Parking is paid street only, and expect a wait during the busy midday stretch.
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