Posted: January 3, 2022

Hey, who wants a sandwich? If you do – and if you live in the Austin area – here are some of my local favorites.

Tucci’s Southside Subs

801 E William Cannon Dr, Austin, TX 78745
https://southsidesubsaustin.com

The best thing here: their specialty subs.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the cheesesteak and meatball subs. Juliette swears by the Italian beef.

The sub sandwiches are served on a nice, soft Italian sub roll.

Don’t forget to order a house made dill pickle on the side.

Pandemic practices: Poor. The restaurant is small, very crowded, and with little masking. So wear your N95 mask and do carry-out.

Otherside Deli

1104 W 34th St D, Austin, TX 78705
https://www.othersidedeliatx.com

The best thing here: the house made meats.

The pastrami is one of the very best in town. Plus, where else are you going to find house roasted turkey?

When they are serving house made half sour pickles, order extras. They are some of the best half sours I’ve ever tasted in my life. But they aren’t always available – the owner told me they’ll make them only if they can get good, in-season cucumbers.

Pandemic practices: Excellent. Maybe the best in town. They serve a lot of healthcare workers, and have exhibited best practices throughout. Early on they setup an ordering station so you could place your order and swipe your payment card from a distance. They have outdoors seating in back, so you can safely eat there.

San Francisco Bakery

2900 W Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78757
https://www.xn–sanfranciscobakeryandcaf-yfc.com

The best thing here: breads and pastries

You can order your sandwich on a number of breads baked that day: baguette, croissant, sourdough, wheat.

I’m a fan of the grilled chicken. Juliette likes the tuna salad.

Between you and me, even though it’s on my list of favorite sandwich places, Most often I’ll order something other than a sandwich. I like the chef’s salad. And the chicken & broccoli quiche. Both served with a baguette on the side.

They’re good people. We’ve been going long enough that the staff greets us by name.

Be advised that they do not have online ordering, but are glad to take carry-away orders by phone.

Pandemic practices: Excellent. Only serving take-away. There’s limited seating outdoors. If you’re willing to walk a bit, there’s seating around the pond in the Village shopping center.

Moreno BBQ

5608 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78745
https://www.morenobbq.com

The best thing here: turkey sandwich

Let’s get this out of the way – this is hella good BBQ. They made the Texas Monthly Honorable Mention list.

But here is the thing: while there are dozens of places for great brisket, at most places the turkey is an afterthought. At Moreno BBQ, the turkey sandwich is juicy, tasty, and oh-so-good. Served on a nice soft, sweet bun.

They have some unique items here. Juliette enjoys the Gouda Mac. The Shortbread Chocolate Chip Cookie is way too rich for my tastes, but if you like this sort of thing you’ll be delighted.

Be sure to check them online before you go. Their hours vary.

Pandemic practices: Mixed, especially now that they’ve moved from their trailer to the storefront. To order: you’ll be waiting in line in a small, crowded restaurant with mixed masking and no social distancing. But once you have your food you can eat at one of the many outdoors picnic tables.

Got feedback on my choices? Tweet me at @OhThatCourtney.

If you need an explainer for the hero graphic, here.