Staff Picks: Portland’s Best Sandwich Shops

August is National Sandwich Month, and there’s no better place to celebrate than Portland’s vibrant food scene. From food carts to fine dining, our city’s culinary landscape is a playground for sandwich lovers. Whether you’re craving a classic Reuben, a gourmet Banh Mi, or a creative vegetarian concoction, Portland’s chefs and food artisans have got you covered. We’ve gathered up a couple of our favorite nearby shop recs, so grab a napkin and dive into the delicious diversity that makes Portland the ultimate sandwich paradise!

Bonus: Want a super affordable, super nerdy date idea? Spend an hour or two together at the central library, right down the street. Grab a couple of sandwiches to go, get them cut in half, and drive over to Broughton Beach or Sauvie Island to share your sandwiches and read some books together. (Need a picnic blanket? We’ve got a couple options for you in the shop.)

Lunch is hot and ready for you! Book a room and you’ll be chowing down in no time.

Ken’s Artisan Bakery

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Chef Ken Forkish’s bakery (not to be confused for its other famous Portland haunt, Ken’s Artisan Pizza) has been racking up awards year after year since 2001. Its sourdough loaves are coveted among traveling foodies. For a delicious treat, stop in for Ken’s Hero complete with capicola, mortadella sausage, and pickled onions. Grabbing lunch for your next early-morning hike? Grab a simple but flavorful jambon sandwich on the go.

Ken’s Artisan Bakery

338 NW 21st Avenue

Lardo

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Widely known for its food coma-inducing Bronx Bombers, Lardo is heaven if you love heavy-hitting cheesesteaks and messy, crispy fries. With humble beginnings as a SE Portland food cart, this PDX staple Lardo's Sandwiches is a shrine to meat excess with pork-drenched burgers and giant meatball Banh Mis. With premium cocktails and craft beers on tap, this is your go-to spot for a smash-mouth deli feast.

Lardo

1212 SE Hawthorne Blvd

Addy’s Sandwich Bar

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Like many of Portland’s best of the best, started slinging baguette sandwiches from a food cart in 2009 and has since upgraded to a cozy spot tucked into the artsier side of downtown. With a menu that now includes power salads, paninis, and homemade soups, Addy's is all about simple, quality ingredients and creative combos. Perfect for busy downtown lunchers who want a taste of foodie heaven without breaking the bank. For something sweet and savory, try the duck confit on baguette with tangy cranberry relish and shredded cabbage.

Addy’s Sandwich Bar

911 SW 10th Ave

Sammich

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For freshly-made, in-house pastrami, look no further than Sammich! These Montreal-by-way-of-Chicago-style sandwiches may be far from home, but they’re well worth writing home about. The nationally-loved Pastrami Zombie in particular will put you in the most satisfying food coma of your life.

Sammich

2137 E Burnside St

Meat, Cheese, Bread

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Another delicious spot that’s right in the neighborhood, Meat Cheese Bread gives the people what they want: Meat! Cheese! BREAD! Quick, easy, and mouthwatering, MCB elevates the sandwich game with creative recipes using handmade bread and top-notch products from local farmers and ranchers. If you’re ready to experience a sandwich that’s more than just lunch, come see how they’re raising the bar here in Buckman.

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Meat, Cheese, Bread

1406 SE Stark St

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