The 9 Best Sandwich Spots in Calgary for a Delicious, Quick Meal
As someone who’s always on the go, I’m very familiar with quick lunches. I’m basically a pro at eating food in the car or on public transportation by now.
Based on my experiences, sandwiches are the best thing to eat when you’re in transit. They’re not messy at all, and most of them have a healthy and filling mix of protein and vegetables.
So after years of consuming a variety of sandwiches, I’ve essentially built a mental map of the top sandwich spots in the city. Just keep reading below to find the best restaurants in Calgary where you can get delicious sandwiches.
1. Blue Star Diner
– Media credit: bluestar_yyc
Address: 809 1 Ave NE
Contact details: +1 403 261 9998
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday to Monday – 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Must-order: Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich
Blue Star Diner is the kind of place you’d find in a Hallmark movie. It’s a cozy, nicely-decorated brunch spot that plenty of nearby locals frequent.
The menu is definitely a huge part of why people keep coming back. It’s pretty inclusive, with plenty of keto, gluten-free, and vegan options and substitutes. Most of their ingredients are also locally sourced, so you know they’re fresh.
My go-to order here is the Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich. The chicken is always perfectly crispy and juicy, and they’re always so generous with the other fillings.
But if you’re looking for something without meat, I can confirm that The BSD Dirty Vegan is also the bomb. Even as a beef lover, I couldn’t tell that the impossible meat patty and the cheese were completely vegan at all.
| Pro tip: Since Blue Star Diner is quite a small space, it gets cramped and busy during peak meal times. The best way to ensure a table is to reserve one online a few hours before you arrive. |
2. Lazy Loaf & Kettle
– Media credit: lazy_loaf
Address: 8 Parkdale Crescent NW
Contact details: +1 403 270 7810
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday – 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Must-order: Tuna Melt
For over 20 years, Lazy Loaf & Kettle has been supplying Calgarians with their favorite homemade bread. They create a variety of loaves, most of which are made from recipes that have been passed down for generations.
Out of everything they serve, I think their Tuna Melt represents them the best. Although somewhat basic, their fresh ingredients create this creamy sandwich that makes my mouth water whenever I think about it.
The best thing about it, too, is that it’s served toasted with their famous kettle bread. It has a unique but subtle sweet and savory flavor that makes it great for grilled sandwiches. It’s so good that plenty of customers go to the cafe just to take a loaf of it home.
Just take note that it’s common to see a line here. Luckily, they provide free wifi, so you can entertain yourself while they prepare your order.
| Pro tip: One of the best ways to enjoy food from Lazy Loaf & Kettle is by eating it right outside the cafe. Get your order to go and enjoy it on one of the benches along the Bow River, which is just nearby. |
3. Spolumbo’s Fine Food & Deli
– Media credit: spolumbosdeli
Address: 1308 9 Ave SE
Contact details: +1 403 264 6452
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Must-order: Sausage on a Bun
Whenever anyone in my family starts craving sausages, we instantly think of Spolumbo’s Fine Food & Deli. Their sausages are top-tier, and no other place comes close.
From what we’ve heard, they don’t use preservatives or fillers at all. That’s why you can really taste the high-quality meat and all the herbs they put in their sausages.
As much as we love their famous Mamma’s Meatloaf, we’re not totally happy that it’s only available from Thursday to Saturday. We had to find a new favorite for all the times we dropped by on a different day.
That’s how we discovered Sausage on a Bun. The name’s very straightforward, but the flavors are totally out of this world.
We always go for their spicy Italian pork sausage, since it’s actually not too spicy. Plus, it’s made even better with the generous amount of tomato sauce that it comes with.
| Pro tip: You can rely on Spolumbo’s Fine Food & Deli to cater for all kinds of events. Their menu is quite flexible, and they can serve everything from hot entrees to cold cut deli trays. |
4. Alumni Sandwiches
– Media credit: alumnisandwiches
Address: 725 17 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403 455 7255
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Must-order: Hot Chicken Sandwich
Every time I arrive at Alumni Sandwiches, I always feel like I’m stepping into another era. Their decor is vintage, giving the restaurant a cool, laid-back vibe.
It’s because of this that I can’t help but get a drink every time I order. Depending on the mood, I either get one of their craft beers or their cocktails. Either way, both go well with their sandwiches.
And speaking of sandwiches, the Hot Chicken is their bestseller. The chicken is satisfyingly crispy, and it’s topped with tangy pickles and creamy coleslaw.
The spice level of this sandwich is conveniently adjustable, but don’t underestimate it at all. If you bite more than you can chew, you might end up having to rely on your drink to get through the heat.
| Pro tip: Although there’s some debate on what the best Alumni sandwich is, all of the regulars agree that the Parm Fries are a must-have. Get them as a side to complete the ideal Alumni sandwich order. |
5. Holy Grill
– Media credit: holygrill
Address: 827 10 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403 261 9759
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Must-order: Californian Panino
Holy Grill is the ideal first stop before a long and busy day. This restaurant serves delicious, hearty breakfasts at a reasonable price.
They’re a great choice if you’re in a rush, too, since their kitchen moves fast. But despite the quick service, it’s clear that their sandwiches are always made with care and top-notch ingredients.
The most popular thing on their menu tends to be their paninis. They’re massive, grilled nicely, and jam-packed with filling.
Their Californian Panino, in particular, is the one we keep coming back to. Most of its components are vegan, such as the grilled zucchini and artichoke hearts, but you can also swap out the avocado for cheese if you’re craving that melted, creamy goodness.
| Pro tip: If you end up going to Holy Grill during the summer, don’t get your order to-go. Instead, enjoy it on their lovely patio for some nice views and warm sunshine. |
6. ZCREW Cafe
– Media credit: zcrewcafe
Address: 401 11 Ave SE
Contact details: +1 403 460 6668
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Must-order: Mr. Egg Sandwich
ZCREW Cafe might have the most aesthetically pleasing menu in the entire city. Every dish I’ve tried so far has been worthy of being proudly posted on my Instagram feed.
They’re not just known for their beautiful presentation, though. They also have a reputation for being masters at preparing eggs. Whether it’s a scotch egg or something as simple as a sunny side up, they get it right every time.
The Mr. Egg Sandwich is proof of this. The combination of scrambled yolks, Asian slaw, and cheddar cheese all on a butter-toasted brioche bread is already amazing, but it’s even tastier when you put some of their house hot sauce on it.
| Pro tip: Skip the coffee at ZCREW Cafe. Even though it’s good, your breakfast will taste much better with a cup of their special Matcha Latte. |
7. Thi Thi Vietnamese Submarine
– Media credit: banh.mi.thi.thi
Address: 209 1st St SE
Contact details: +1 403 265 5452
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Must-order: Sate Beef Submarine
You don’t have to fly all the way to Ho Chi Minh to get some authentic Vietnamese sandwiches. Thi Thi Vietnamese Submarine is the number one source of banh mi in Calgary.
If you’ve never been here, this is a heads-up that the restaurant looks really plain. There are also no tables inside, so you have no choice but to get your order to go. However, there’s a reason why this restaurant has been around for more than 30 years.
Starting with the bun, the bread they use has a crispy quality to it. Even when it gets saturated with the juiciness of the meat, it retains its texture.
And speaking of meat, their Sate Beef Submarine is phenomenal. The beef is tender and just the right amount of spicy. Be prepared for a bit of mess, though — they definitely don’t skimp on any of the fillings, especially the vegetables.
| Pro tip: Thi Thi Vietnamese Submarine attracts plenty of customers daily. The best time to visit is right after they open. Arrive late and you’ll probably have to wait around 20 to 30 minutes for your order. |
8. Sidewalk Citizen Bakery
– Media credit: sidewalkcitizen
Address: 618 Confluence Way SE
Contact details: +1 403 457 2245
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Must-order: Breakfast Sandwich
The bakers at Sidewalk Citizen Bakery seem to have magic hands. Everything they touch turns into a delicious masterpiece.
In fact, I can confidently say that they have the best sourdough bread in the city, and no other place comes close. It’s tasty, slightly tangy, and baked fresh every day.
It tastes even more incredible with their Breakfast Sandwich. Opt for the avocado and the bacon as toppings, and you’re guaranteed to have a delicious and filling meal to start your day.
| Pro tip: Sidewalk Citizen Bakery is perfectly situated beside the Bow River Pathway. Joggers and cyclists can easily add the bakery as a breakfast stop on their route along the river. |
9. Keith’s Deli
– Media credit: heathers_eats
Address: Chinook Plaza, 6100 Macleod Trail SW
Contact details: +1 403 252 5100
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Must-order: Keith’s Special
Keith’s Deli is a Calgary institution that’s approaching its 50-year mark. Just ask any of the locals, and I’m sure plenty of them can fondly share memories related to Keith’s awesome food.
You’d be happy to hear that the quality of the food has stayed the same. The flavors that people fell in love with years ago are still the flavors you’ll find here.
But if you’re not sure what to order from their sandwich menu, we highly recommend getting the Keith’s Special. Some regulars have had this as their go-to for decades.
It comes with their famous homemade barbecued pork sandwich, topped with cheese, mustard, and mayo. We’re not entirely sure what’s inside the sausage, but we love how garlicky it is. Maybe just don’t schedule a meeting right after having one.
| Pro tip: The people working at Keith’s Deli are very approachable. If you’re a first-time diner, you can just let them know. They’ll happily give you a sample of their sausage before you decide on what to order. |