Finding a sandwich shop that remembers your name and your usual order isn’t about picking the first place with a line out the door. It’s about discovering those special spots where the bread is always fresh, the fillings are generous, and the welcome feels genuine. With this updated guide to Gilbert’s finest, you’re on your way to becoming a regular—where the only thing better than the sandwich is the sense of belonging.
Subway
$ | (480) 917-2762 | WEBSITE
The first time we visited this Subway, we felt like we had discovered a hidden gem that everyone else had overlooked. And we still feel that way, even though the steady lunchtime crowd suggests otherwise. This spot in Gilbert serves up some of our favorite sandwiches in town, and all of them are made fresh with their soft bread.
Our favorites are the classic Italian BMT piled high with meats and veggies and the new honey hot dressing that adds a flavorful kick, but you truly can’t go wrong with any of them. The employees provide excellent service – especially the notably friendly worker who ensures orders are prepared correctly – and the restaurant maintains amazing tidiness with a clean environment free of crumbs.
TOGO’S Sandwiches
$ | (480) 892-8646 | WEBSITE
If you live in Gilbert, it’s hard to imagine becoming a regular at a sandwich shop that’s been around for decades. TOGO’S is a big exception. This classic sandwich spot is one of our favorite places in town – a welcoming spot that makes you feel right at home after a single visit.
It’s not just that the friendly employees will greet you with a smile and chat about your order, but because the sandwiches are truly incredible – start with the hot #7 or the #24, and this will be a lunch you won’t forget for a long time. And when you’re back next week, chances are, they’ll remember you.
Surf City Sandwich
$ | (480) 687-4411 | WEBSITE
Surf City Sandwich looks like your standard strip-mall spot – simple signage, clean counter service, bright fluorescent lighting – but this place is anything but. They’re a sandwich shop where we recommend ordering the hot pastrami, getting involved with the incredible brisket, and eating some truly memorable sandwiches. If it’s your first time here, you really can’t go wrong – just make sure you get the Vulcan Mind Melt. On subsequent visits, though, you’ll want to pay attention to the Cuban.
It’s piled high, and involves a perfect combination of flavors that sometimes get messy in assembly, from the tender pork to the tangy pickles – but no matter how it’s put together, you’ll be happy.
Sidewinder Subs Gilbert Sub Shop
$ | (480) 382-7944 | WEBSITE
We’re probably lucky that Sidewinder Subs closes earlier most nights, because if they didn’t, we’d be here every day. And even though they’re not always open late, we still find ourselves driving over to this Gilbert sub shop all the time. Because this is one of the best (and most fun) places to eat in the East Valley.
They specialize in massive sandwiches, and make their own fresh ingredients that go perfectly with pretty much anything: The Diamondback Italian Sub, Turkey Avocado Croissant, and non-meat options, too. The Kicker sandwich is also a favorite of ours – it’s perfectly stacked with generous meat, but fresh and flavorful throughout. And don’t be afraid to get involved in their great beer selection. It’s one of the best deals in town, and extremely affordable.
eegee’s
$ | (480) 885-0185 | WEBSITE
It’s good to have a simple goal. And even though we’re not sure what craving we’re going to stumble upon to achieve it, our simple goal involves becoming a regular at eegee’s. Because even though this Gilbert drive-thru spot is affordable, they’re also one of the best, most refreshing meals around. The signature ranch fries here are around $4, and will involve a generous portion of crispy, perfect potatoes.
The friendly staff will chat with you from the counter, tell you about their day, and make you want to come back this weekend for lunch. And even if two eegee slushes in a day is a bit excessive, you’ll still feel like a regular here when you’re back for your next quick bite.
Cheba Hut “Toasted” Subs
$ | (480) 361-2771 | WEBSITE
Cheba Hut “Toasted” Subs combines two things we like very much: creative sandwich shops and laid-back Arizona hangouts. This huge spot in Gilbert feels like the kind of place where you’d get a knowing nod for ordering the KUSH, but really, it’s a welcoming sub shop where you’ll eat amazing toasted sandwiches with tender meat that melts in your mouth, complimentary Krispy treats that hit the spot, and refreshing local beers from the bar.
They’ve got a variety of tasty options, but when the food’s this delicious and prepared fresh, you won’t mind trying the same incredible flavors over and over again.
Port of Subs
$ | (480) 545-4699 | WEBSITE
If you’re not already a regular at Port of Subs, you’ll feel like one before you even order. Because within a few seconds of walking in, the staff will greet you, ask what you’re craving, and probably launch into a story about how they just sliced the pastrami fresh that morning.
This place feels like the quintessential neighborhood sandwich shop: The attentive staff, the endless customization options, the possibility that they’ll send you home with an extra scoop of macaroni salad at the end of the day. You can’t go wrong with any of the sandwiches, but our favorites are the hot pastrami, piled high and juicy, and the classic Italian, loaded with meats and cheeses sliced right before your eyes.
Ike’s Love & Sandwiches
$ | (602) 855-9198 | WEBSITE
The entirety of Ike’s Love & Sandwiches consists of a lively space with playful decor and comfortable seating, though some wish for more booths. Inside that space is a team providing efficient, friendly service, who do everything from crafting your perfect customizable sandwich to recommending the acclaimed meatball sub or one of their impressive vegan options, and they’ll tell you why the Dutch crunch bread is the way to go.
This popular spot in Gilbert is the kind of reliable, flavorful place we only share with people we really, really like, because after one visit with its quality ingredients and quick to-go options, it’s going to become a part of their sandwich rotation, too—and we don’t like to share.
Which Wich Superior Sandwiches
$ | (480) 917-9434 | WEBSITE
We’re not sure where the people at Which Wich find all their energy. You’ll wonder, too, because by the time you finish ordering, one of the friendly staff members will have guided you through the self-service kiosk with genuine helpfulness, another will come over to check if you need extra spices or seasonings for your sandwich, and, somehow, they also maintain one of the cleanest, neatest spots in Gilbert.
Regardless, this sandwich shop with its reasonable pricing is a place where you’ll go once, and not only want to come back immediately for those fresh fries and quality bread, but also appreciate finding the kind of good customer service that’s hard to come by these days.
Firehouse Subs Market Street
$ | (480) 855-0900 | WEBSITE
Firehouse Subs on Market Street is the answer to the question, “What would happen if your favorite fire station opened a sandwich shop?” This popular Gilbert spot somehow involves both a fun, family-friendly atmosphere and the occasional order mix-up that feels like it came from 1995. The food, though, makes a lot more sense. If you’re here with the kids, you have to order the truly generous turkey bacon ranch sandwich, served with those free fireman hats, that’s big enough to split two ways.
But most often, you’ll find us grabbing lunch solo, sipping a soda, and devouring the Smokehouse brisket and cheddar (and maybe adding extra sauce if we’re feeling really ambitious).