Secret Indiana Sandwich Spots Where Residents Always Go First

Indiana might be famous for its basketball and cornfields, but locals know the real treasure lies in its sandwich shops.

Tucked away in neighborhoods across the state, these hidden gems serve up everything from classic deli stacks to creative gourmet creations that keep residents coming back for more.

Most visitors never find these spots because they blend seamlessly into their communities, known only through whispered recommendations and loyal regulars who guard their favorite lunch spots like precious secrets.

Whether you crave a towering pastrami on rye, a fresh bagel sandwich, or an Italian sub that transports you straight to the old country, these seven Indiana sandwich destinations deliver flavors that turn first-time visitors into lifelong fans.

Forget the chain restaurants lining the highways because the best sandwiches in Indiana are waiting in these neighborhood treasures where the owners know your name and the ingredients speak for themselves.

Get ready to discover where Hoosiers really eat when they want a sandwich worth remembering.

Goose the Market

Walking into Goose the Market feels like discovering a secret that locals have been keeping from tourists for years.

Located at 2503 N Delaware St in Indianapolis, this European-style market and café combines Old World charm with modern culinary excellence in ways that make every sandwich feel like an event.

The space itself invites exploration, with shelves stocked with imported goods, artisan cheeses, and specialty items you won’t find at your typical grocery store.

What sets Goose apart from ordinary sandwich shops is the commitment to sourcing ingredients that actually taste like something.

The meats come from trusted suppliers who prioritize quality over quantity, and the bread arrives fresh daily from local bakeries that understand the foundation of a great sandwich starts with the right vessel.

Every component matters here, from the pickles to the mustard, creating flavor combinations that feel both familiar and surprisingly sophisticated.

Regulars rave about the legendary Batali sandwich, featuring spicy coppa, provolone, and tomato jam pressed between crusty bread until everything melds into perfection.

The Turkey Avocado with bacon, sprouts, and garlic aioli on multigrain bread offers a lighter option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for health consciousness.

Vegetarians aren’t afterthoughts here either, with options like the Caprese featuring fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic reduction that rivals any meat-based creation.

The atmosphere strikes a balance between casual and refined, making it equally appropriate for a quick lunch or a leisurely meal where you linger over coffee and conversation.

Prices reflect the quality ingredients and attention to detail, but most customers consider the extra dollars well spent.

Goose the Market represents what happens when passionate food lovers create a space that celebrates good eating without pretension, making it a destination worth seeking out whether you live nearby or are just passing through Indianapolis.

Shapiro’s Delicatessen

Since 1905, Shapiro’s Delicatessen has been serving sandwiches that make people understand why Jewish delis became cultural institutions.

Located at 808 S Meridian St in Indianapolis, this landmark restaurant has survived over a century of changing food trends by refusing to compromise on the fundamentals; quality meats, fresh bread, and portions that respect the customer’s hunger.

The cafeteria-style service might seem old-fashioned, but it allows you to watch your sandwich being assembled by experienced hands that have made thousands before yours.

The corned beef and pastrami sandwiches represent Shapiro’s at its finest, with meat that’s been brined and seasoned using recipes that predate most of the buildings in downtown Indianapolis.

Thick slices of tender, flavorful meat pile high between slices of rye bread, accompanied by spicy brown mustard and pickles that cut through the richness with tangy brightness.

Some establishments slice their meat thin to make portions look bigger than they are, but Shapiro’s cuts thick slices that give each bite substantial texture and flavor.

The brisket sandwich offers another excellent choice, with meat so tender it practically dissolves on your tongue while still maintaining enough structure to hold together between bread slices.

What makes Shapiro’s more than just a sandwich shop is the sense of history that permeates every corner of the dining room.

Black and white photographs line the walls, showing Indianapolis through different eras while Shapiro’s remained a constant presence feeding generations of families.

The deli counter displays an array of traditional sides like potato salad, coleslaw, and matzo ball soup that complete the experience, turning a simple sandwich run into a proper meal.

Prices remain surprisingly affordable considering both the portion sizes and the quality of ingredients, making this accessible to everyone rather than just special occasion dining.

Tourists discover Shapiro’s through online reviews and travel guides, but locals have been coming here for decades, bringing their children and grandchildren to experience sandwiches that taste exactly like they remember.

That consistency across time represents something increasingly rare in modern dining, where restaurants constantly chase trends instead of perfecting timeless classics.

Subito

Downtown Indianapolis workers know that Subito is the ultimate weekday secret, centrally located just steps from the busy city center.

This is a place for a fast, efficient meal; it is a high-energy counter service spot that has mastered the art of the scratch-made lunch.

Since opening, it has become the go-to destination for the “power lunch” crowd and locals who want gourmet flavors without the wait, specializing in a rotating menu of artisanal soups and sandwiches that change with the seasons.

Location Note: The original walk-up window was at 44 Virginia Ave, but the current primary downtown location is at 34 N Delaware St, with a second spot at The AMP at 16 Tech.

The Delaware St location now features indoor seating.

The sandwich menu is a masterclass in balance, featuring house-roasted meats and zesty, homemade spreads that elevate simple combinations into something extraordinary.

The “Subito” signature sandwich remains a top seller, but the real draw for regulars is the way the bread; sourced from local bakers, soaks up the juices and sauces without losing its structural integrity.

As of 2026, Subito remains strictly a Monday through Friday operation, making it a coveted prize for those in the loop.

You’ll often see crowds gathering in the new indoor seating area or at nearby parks with their signature white bags, marking the start of the best part of their workday.

What makes Subito truly special is the consistency; the owner is often behind the counter, ensuring that every order meets the high standards that built their loyal following.

Even with a line wrapping around the corner, the service is remarkably efficient, living up to its name, which translates to “immediately” in Italian.

For visitors exploring the downtown area, a stop at Subito offers a taste of the real Indy; fast-paced, friendly, and focused on quality that speaks for itself.

It remains the quintessential “hidden in plain sight” gem that separates the tourists from the locals.

Love Handle

Massachusetts Avenue’s funkiest sandwich destination doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that playful attitude extends from the name to the creative menu at Love Handle, located at 877 Massachusetts Ave in Indianapolis.

Bright colors, quirky decor, and an obvious sense of humor create an environment where eating lunch feels like a mini-adventure rather than a routine obligation.

The staff matches the vibe, friendly and accurate.

Chef Chris Benedyk specializes in elevating overlooked cuts of meat to culinary heights, turning items like pork belly, beef tongue, and schnitzel into desirable, satisfying sandwiches.

The menu changes weekly, featuring items like the Bunny Sandwich and the Frankie, alongside the popular Bodega Breakfast Sandwich.

This commitment to using adventurous proteins means the menu offers something genuinely unique each visit, rewarding regulars who are always eager to try the next creation.

Beyond the meats, the attention to detail is evident in house-made condiments, creative pickles, and the selection of local breads that serve as the foundation for these towering creations.

The atmosphere encourages lingering, not just for the food but for the experience of being in a place that marches to the beat of its own drum.

Love Handle represents the newer, more creative side of the Indianapolis food scene, proving that the city’s sandwich culture is evolving in exciting ways.

It is a local favorite that embodies the independent, artistic spirit of the Mass Ave neighborhood.

Hoagies & Hops

The name tells you exactly what to expect at Hoagies & Hops, located at 4155 Boulevard Pl in Indianapolis; excellent sandwiches paired with an impressive beer selection that turns a simple lunch into a proper dining experience.

This isn’t a sports bar pretending to care about food quality, nor is it a stuffy gastropub where you need a dictionary to understand the menu.

Instead, Hoagies & Hops strikes a perfect balance between casual neighborhood hangout and serious food destination, creating a space where everyone feels welcome regardless of whether they’re wearing work boots or business casual.

The hoagie selection covers classic combinations and creative innovations, all built on fresh rolls that arrive daily from bakeries that understand bread’s crucial role in sandwich success.

The Philly Cheesesteak brings together thinly sliced ribeye, sautéed onions, peppers, and melted cheese in proportions that honor the Philadelphia tradition while adding subtle improvements that locals have come to expect.

The Italian hoagie layers salami, capicola, pepperoni, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, and oil and vinegar dressing in the proper order, ensuring that each bite delivers the full flavor spectrum rather than random ingredient encounters.

Chicken parmesan, meatball, and various other options round out the menu, providing enough variety that regular customers can visit frequently without falling into boring routines.

The beer selection deserves equal attention, featuring local craft breweries alongside national favorites and imports that pair beautifully with different sandwich styles.

Knowledgeable staff can suggest pairings if you’re uncertain, or you can trust your own instincts and explore combinations that appeal to your personal preferences.

The atmosphere encourages lingering over your meal rather than rushing through, with comfortable seating and a layout that accommodates both solo diners and larger groups without anyone feeling cramped or isolated.

Prices reflect the quality ingredients and beer selection without becoming prohibitive, making this a spot where you can eat regularly rather than just for special occasions.

The neighborhood location creates a local hangout vibe that makes first-time visitors feel like regulars, welcoming rather than exclusive or pretentious in any way.

Ripple Bagel & Deli

Broad Ripple’s bagel authority operates at 850 Broad Ripple Ave in Indianapolis, where Ripple Bagel & Deli has been perfecting the art of bagel sandwiches for years.

Real bagels; boiled before baking, creating that distinctive chewy texture and shiny crust that separates authentic versions from the imposters sold at chain coffee shops—form the foundation of every sandwich here.

The difference becomes obvious with the first bite, when your teeth sink through the exterior into the soft interior while the bagel maintains its structural integrity rather than collapsing into a doughy mess.

Breakfast sandwiches shine particularly bright here, with combinations like bacon, egg, and cheese on everything bagels that transform morning routines from mundane obligations into something worth waking up for.

The lox and cream cheese bagel brings together silky smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, red onion, and tomato in the classic New York style that so many delis attempt but few execute properly.

Lunch options expand beyond breakfast fare, with turkey, roast beef, and vegetarian sandwiches that use the same quality bagels as their morning counterparts.

Fresh-made salads provide lighter alternatives for those who want something beyond sandwiches, though most customers come specifically for the bagel experience.

The Broad Ripple location puts you in one of Indianapolis’s most eclectic neighborhoods, known for its mix of students, young professionals, artists, and long-time residents who have watched the area evolve while maintaining its essential character.

Ripple Bagel & Deli fits naturally into this landscape, providing consistent quality without the pretension that sometimes accompanies popular food destinations.

The space itself stays compact and unpretentious, focusing energy on food quality rather than elaborate decor or ambiance engineering.

Morning lines can stretch out the door on weekends, testament to both the quality and the neighborhood’s appreciation for places that do one thing exceptionally well rather than spreading themselves thin trying to be everything to everyone.

Prices remain affordable enough for regular visits, whether you’re grabbing breakfast before work or meeting friends for weekend brunch.

Ripple Bagel & Deli represents the kind of specialized food business that elevates its entire neighborhood, giving residents something worth bragging about and visitors a reason to venture beyond downtown Indianapolis’s more obvious attractions.