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Jordy Richman/Eastwood Deli

11 Spots to Find the Best Stacked-High Sandwiches in East Nashville

Find stacked-high deli meats, plant-based proteins, and barbecue between slices of bread here

by Delia Jo Ramsey
Kate Cunningham
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by Delia Jo Ramsey
Kate Cunningham
Jordy Richman/Eastwood Deli

After enough “once-in-a-lifetime events” for, well, a lifetime, it seems Nashville is bouncing back stronger than ever. On the East side of the river, the East Nashville neighborhood continues to bloom into one of the city’s most desirable dining destinations. With the recent openings of Eastwood Deli Co and Shep’s, and their predecessors, East Nashville is now home to some of the best delis in the city. Its offerings rival those found up north with our friends in NYC, proving that the booming deli scene is becoming an integral part of East Nashville’s culture.

Here are 10 solid spots to grab a great sandwich on the East side of town. Looking for burgers or fried chicken sandwiches? None of those on this heatmap, just deli meats, barbecue, and even a few vegetarian options piled high between slices of bread.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Bill's Sandwich Palace

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Chefs and buddies Ryan Bernhardt, Aaron Clemins, and Aaron Distler joined forces for the ultimate sandwich pop-up — available only on weekends at TKO. The cast of sandwich options rotates — including an elusive mystery sandwich each week — but fan favorites include the badass Bill’s beef (with Bear Creek Farms chuck roast), the Philly phanatic, and the Evansville special meatball sandwich, plus the colorful vegetarian-friendly supreme. Follow along on Instagram for weekly menus and for ordering instructions.

4204 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216
(615) 955-0224
(615) 955-0224
Bill’s Sandwich Palace/Facebook

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Shotgun Willie's BBQ

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Even the most loyal Texas barbecue enthusiasts have stamped their approval on the slow-smoked meats at Shotgun Willie’s — and that includes the sandwiches. Pile that brioche bun high with choice of Angus brisket, Tennessee-style pulled pork shoulder, or beef smoked sausage.

4000 Gallatin Pike Suite B, Nashville, TN 37216
(615) 942-9188
(615) 942-9188
Shotgun Willie’s/Facebook

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Mitchell Delicatessen

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Mitchell Deli has been a go-to for locals since they first opened in 2008. They take pride in using fresh, high-quality ingredients in every sandwich. Breakfast bagels are served every day, with specialty breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and bowls on weekends.

You really can’t go wrong with the sandwiches at Mitchell’s, (several of their offerings have made it on “Best Sandwiches in America” lists), but a clear frontrunner is the Asian flank steak, which went from a Monday-only special to a daily essential loaded with giardiniera and provolone. 

1306 McGavock Pk, Nashville, TN 37216
(615) 262-9862
(615) 262-9862
Mitchell Delicatessen/Facebook

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The BE-Hive Deli & Market

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The Eastside vegan deli offers a selection of plant-based takes on typically meat-heavy classics. Choose from the classic or hot Italian, seitan “steak” and cheese, or buffalo “chicken” sandwiches. There’s also a convincing “taco beef” crunchwrap special that can convince even the most devout meat-eater. Place orders online for carryout.

2414 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 733-9609
(615) 733-9609
The seitan Reuben
The BE-Hive Deli & Market/facebook

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Tower Market and Deli

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Tower Market and Deli combines New York-style sandwiches with southern ingredients — and the menu runs the gamut from breakfast sandwiches to classic deli handhelds, burgers, chicken, and classic southern salads. The NY Deli Sandwich offers the perfect mix between a New York specialty and southern Nashville charm. It is made up of beef salami, pickled red onion, munster cheese, and house dressing on a hero.

1305 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 650-1005
(615) 650-1005
Tower Market and Deli/Facebook

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East Side Banh Mi

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The fast-casual banh mi shop opened in August of 2020 amid the pandemic, and it was a quick local favorite. There’s a selection of seven Vietnamese banh mi from industry vets Gracie Nguyen and Chad Newton — ranging from one with smoked Gifford’s bologna, ham hock terrine, and pate to a vegetarian-friendly option with chili crisp tofu and roasted eggplant.

1000 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 953-7424
(615) 953-7424
overhead shot of banh mi sandwich, close up on right side of a white plate .topped with shredded carrots, cilantro, and onions. East Side Banh Mi [Official Photo]

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Eastwood Deli Co

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Born from the ashes of the 2020 tornado, Eastwood Deli Co gives the East Nashville community a comforting, inviting, home-cooked meal type of place — tucked away in a small shop off next to Jeni’s and Rosepepper. Eastwood Deli’s Riverside Rueben is a crowd favorite — with house brined, sous vide corned beef (or turkey breast), fresh kraut, and swiss cheese.

1896 Eastland Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 726-3699
(615) 726-3699
Jordy Richman/Eastwood Deli

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Dino's Bar

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The dive bar is known for its soul, burgers, and hot chicken sandwiches (and now a freshly upgraded patio) — but there are also a couple of other notable menu items. The “damn sandwich” is a breakfast aficionado’s delight — buttered, toasted white bread layered with bacon, egg, cheese, and special sauce. The breakfast patty melt adds a beef patty and grilled onions.

411 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 226-3566
(615) 226-3566

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Shep's Delicatessen

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A new favorite located in the heart of Five Points, Shep’s Deli gives Nashville a rare taste of traditional Jewish comfort food with some Southern edge. One of Shep’s bestsellers is Pennington’s Southern Gem. Made with pastrami, corned beef or tongue, fried egg, and cheese. It is the perfect mix of breakfast and lunch, for the late risers who need something hearty enough to last until dinner.

1000 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 252-5700
(615) 252-5700
Shep’s Deli/Instagram

Duke's

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Duke’s in East Nashville is a go-to for late-night sandwiches and cold beer. Head to the sandwich counter while the DJ’s spin vinyl for hot or cold tavern ham, Sausalito turkey, or porketta Cuban sandwiches.

1000 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 228-2697
(615) 228-2697

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The Wild Cow

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The Wild Cow is another totally vegan option in the heart of East Nashville. A vegetarian dining mainstay for over a decade, The Wild Cow recently moved to the Fatherland District. Their buffalo Caesar wrap is the vegan version of a deli sandwich that tastes as good as it sounds. Consisting of buffalo tempeh, spinach, and lettuce greens, quinoa, sun-dried tomato, pumpkin seeds, sprouts, cashew parmesan, and house-made Caesar dressing, even the most devout meat-lovers would never know they were missing out on the real deal.

1100 Fatherland St SUITE 104 11/22, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 262-2717
(615) 262-2717
Oyster mushroom hoagie
The Wild Cow/Facebook

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Bill's Sandwich Palace

4204 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216

Chefs and buddies Ryan Bernhardt, Aaron Clemins, and Aaron Distler joined forces for the ultimate sandwich pop-up — available only on weekends at TKO. The cast of sandwich options rotates — including an elusive mystery sandwich each week — but fan favorites include the badass Bill’s beef (with Bear Creek Farms chuck roast), the Philly phanatic, and the Evansville special meatball sandwich, plus the colorful vegetarian-friendly supreme. Follow along on Instagram for weekly menus and for ordering instructions.

4204 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216
(615) 955-0224
(615) 955-0224
Bill’s Sandwich Palace/Facebook

Shotgun Willie's BBQ

4000 Gallatin Pike Suite B, Nashville, TN 37216

Even the most loyal Texas barbecue enthusiasts have stamped their approval on the slow-smoked meats at Shotgun Willie’s — and that includes the sandwiches. Pile that brioche bun high with choice of Angus brisket, Tennessee-style pulled pork shoulder, or beef smoked sausage.

4000 Gallatin Pike Suite B, Nashville, TN 37216
(615) 942-9188
(615) 942-9188
Shotgun Willie’s/Facebook

Mitchell Delicatessen

1306 McGavock Pk, Nashville, TN 37216

Mitchell Deli has been a go-to for locals since they first opened in 2008. They take pride in using fresh, high-quality ingredients in every sandwich. Breakfast bagels are served every day, with specialty breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and bowls on weekends.

You really can’t go wrong with the sandwiches at Mitchell’s, (several of their offerings have made it on “Best Sandwiches in America” lists), but a clear frontrunner is the Asian flank steak, which went from a Monday-only special to a daily essential loaded with giardiniera and provolone. 

1306 McGavock Pk, Nashville, TN 37216
(615) 262-9862
(615) 262-9862
Mitchell Delicatessen/Facebook

The BE-Hive Deli & Market

2414 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

The Eastside vegan deli offers a selection of plant-based takes on typically meat-heavy classics. Choose from the classic or hot Italian, seitan “steak” and cheese, or buffalo “chicken” sandwiches. There’s also a convincing “taco beef” crunchwrap special that can convince even the most devout meat-eater. Place orders online for carryout.

2414 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 733-9609
(615) 733-9609
The seitan Reuben
The BE-Hive Deli & Market/facebook

Tower Market and Deli

1305 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

Tower Market and Deli combines New York-style sandwiches with southern ingredients — and the menu runs the gamut from breakfast sandwiches to classic deli handhelds, burgers, chicken, and classic southern salads. The NY Deli Sandwich offers the perfect mix between a New York specialty and southern Nashville charm. It is made up of beef salami, pickled red onion, munster cheese, and house dressing on a hero.

1305 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 650-1005
(615) 650-1005
Tower Market and Deli/Facebook

East Side Banh Mi

1000 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

The fast-casual banh mi shop opened in August of 2020 amid the pandemic, and it was a quick local favorite. There’s a selection of seven Vietnamese banh mi from industry vets Gracie Nguyen and Chad Newton — ranging from one with smoked Gifford’s bologna, ham hock terrine, and pate to a vegetarian-friendly option with chili crisp tofu and roasted eggplant.

1000 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 953-7424
(615) 953-7424
overhead shot of banh mi sandwich, close up on right side of a white plate .topped with shredded carrots, cilantro, and onions. East Side Banh Mi [Official Photo]

Eastwood Deli Co

1896 Eastland Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

Born from the ashes of the 2020 tornado, Eastwood Deli Co gives the East Nashville community a comforting, inviting, home-cooked meal type of place — tucked away in a small shop off next to Jeni’s and Rosepepper. Eastwood Deli’s Riverside Rueben is a crowd favorite — with house brined, sous vide corned beef (or turkey breast), fresh kraut, and swiss cheese.

1896 Eastland Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 726-3699
(615) 726-3699
Jordy Richman/Eastwood Deli

Dino's Bar

411 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

The dive bar is known for its soul, burgers, and hot chicken sandwiches (and now a freshly upgraded patio) — but there are also a couple of other notable menu items. The “damn sandwich” is a breakfast aficionado’s delight — buttered, toasted white bread layered with bacon, egg, cheese, and special sauce. The breakfast patty melt adds a beef patty and grilled onions.

411 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 226-3566
(615) 226-3566

Shep's Delicatessen

1000 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206

A new favorite located in the heart of Five Points, Shep’s Deli gives Nashville a rare taste of traditional Jewish comfort food with some Southern edge. One of Shep’s bestsellers is Pennington’s Southern Gem. Made with pastrami, corned beef or tongue, fried egg, and cheese. It is the perfect mix of breakfast and lunch, for the late risers who need something hearty enough to last until dinner.

1000 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 252-5700
(615) 252-5700
Shep’s Deli/Instagram

Duke's

1000 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206

Duke’s in East Nashville is a go-to for late-night sandwiches and cold beer. Head to the sandwich counter while the DJ’s spin vinyl for hot or cold tavern ham, Sausalito turkey, or porketta Cuban sandwiches.

1000 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 228-2697
(615) 228-2697

The Wild Cow

1100 Fatherland St SUITE 104 11/22, Nashville, TN 37206

The Wild Cow is another totally vegan option in the heart of East Nashville. A vegetarian dining mainstay for over a decade, The Wild Cow recently moved to the Fatherland District. Their buffalo Caesar wrap is the vegan version of a deli sandwich that tastes as good as it sounds. Consisting of buffalo tempeh, spinach, and lettuce greens, quinoa, sun-dried tomato, pumpkin seeds, sprouts, cashew parmesan, and house-made Caesar dressing, even the most devout meat-lovers would never know they were missing out on the real deal.

1100 Fatherland St SUITE 104 11/22, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 262-2717
(615) 262-2717
Oyster mushroom hoagie
The Wild Cow/Facebook

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