The 9 Memphis, Tennessee Delis And Markets Where The Sandwiches Are Worth The Drive
One Memphis grocery store hides a deli inside a massive old Sears building that was reborn as a busy community hub. Yes, a sandwich counter now lives where catalog orders once moved.
That detail hooked me fast. Then I learned that another spot treats Philly cheesesteaks as serious business way out on East Shelby Drive.
A riverside neighborhood market also builds deli sandwiches right next to the produce.
Tennessee gets plenty of credit for barbecue, and it deserves it. But I love the idea that some of the best bites in this city come wrapped in paper from a counter you could easily drive past.
So I went looking for the delis and markets worth a detour. Some are old-school Italian.
Some are brand new. Which one is calling your lunch break?
1. Hard Times Deli
A deli named Hard Times sounds gloomy, but the sandwiches here tell a much happier story. The retro-style shop on Marshall Avenue builds generous, hearty subs meant to fill you up.
You can pick from hot and cold sandwiches, so your mood decides the order. One menu standout is the SSS Chopped Cheese, made with grass-fed beef, American cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion, and the shop’s signature Daddy Sauce.
It’s a hearty take on the classic chopped-cheese sandwich, with plenty of beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings. If you skip meat, you’ll appreciate options like the Eggplant Parm sandwich and the Chopped Greek, alongside meat-free salads.
The setup keeps things simple. You order at the counter, grab a seat, and dig in without waiting on table service.
Coffee is on hand too, which helps if lunch turns into an afternoon pick-me-up. There’s also dessert, so plan your appetite like a careful strategist.
The vibe leans casual and a little trendy. It works well for solo lunches, and groups fit in comfortably too.
Kids are welcome here, so the whole family can split a few subs. Just don’t expect to book a table, because the shop doesn’t take reservations.
Timing matters with this one. Hard Times Deli opens Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM and closes Sunday and Monday.
Parking includes a free lot and free street spots. Finding a space can take a little patience, so give yourself a few extra minutes.
Delivery, takeout, and catering are all available. That means a crowd of hungry coworkers can enjoy these subs too.
Address: 655 Marshall Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
2. Kellie’s Deli
Sitting at the corner of G.E. Patterson and Tennessee Street, this deli makes finding lunch pretty easy.
Kellie’s Deli serves freshly made hot sandwiches along with soup and salads.
The Reuben and the Italian Sub get plenty of love here. If you can’t choose, bring a friend and trade halves like it’s a lunchroom deal.
The space feels roomy, with seating inside and out. Nice weather?
Take your sandwich outdoors, and feel free to bring your dog along out there.
Service comes with a personal touch. You order at the counter, and the staff keeps things friendly and relaxed.
Families will find a kids’ menu, which saves you from bargaining with a picky eater. Healthy options and a full vegetarian menu round things out nicely.
Need to get some work done? Free Wi-Fi makes it an easy spot to answer emails between bites.
The hours stretch later than many delis. Kellie’s opens weekdays from 11 AM to 8 PM, so dinner is fair game.
On Saturday, the doors open from 11 AM to 3 PM. Sunday is a day off, so plan your Reuben cravings accordingly.
You can also grab curbside pickup or delivery when you’re short on time. The deli accepts reservations, which is handy for a bigger group.
Free street parking nearby keeps the trip simple. This downtown spot proves a sandwich can feel like a small Memphis treat.
Address: 516 Tennessee St Ste 127, Memphis, TN 38103
3. The Mad Grocer & Deli
Groceries on one side and creative sandwiches on the other sounds like a smart way to run errands. The Mad Grocer & Deli mixes both inside Crosstown Concourse in Midtown Memphis.
The deli turns out inventive sandwiches and soups. Daily specials keep the menu interesting, so your lunch can change with the calendar.
One sandwich carries a memorable nickname. Their signature po’boy called The Mess comes loaded with house roast beef, pan gravy, giardiniera, and provolone on toasted bread.
Since it’s a grocery store too, you can shop while you wait. Grab a few staples and leave with dinner plans plus a sandwich.
The location adds to the fun. Crosstown Concourse is a huge former Sears building that now holds shops, restaurants, and more.
That makes the deli easy to pair with a stroll around the building. You might come for lunch and stay to explore.
Parking is simple, with a free garage, free lot, and free street parking. Few things make a sandwich run smoother than that.
The shop opens Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Sunday is closed, so don’t make The Mess part of your weekend brunch.
Takeout is the way to go if you’re in a hurry. Just know there’s no delivery, so this one requires a short road trip.
Address: 1350 Concourse Ave #163, Memphis, TN 38104
4. Pop’s Deli
Out on East Shelby Drive, cheesesteaks get the star treatment. Pop’s Deli specializes in them and backs them up with plenty of other sandwiches.
The menu gets creative with the Philly idea. You’ll find a Chicken Philly Cheese and a Cajun Turkey Philly Cheese alongside the classic steak.
Hot dog fans have options too. The Memphis BBQ Dog and Pop’s Loaded Dog bring some hometown attitude to a ballpark favorite.
There’s also The Chilean and Pop’s-Style Gyros. Add jumbo wings and tenders, and the menu covers a lot of cravings.
Save room for Chocolate Cake if your willpower allows. Honestly, after a cheesesteak, cake feels like a reward for good choices.
Pop’s offers a wide selection of cheesesteaks, burgers, gyros, and salads, including some meat-free options. That makes it easier for mixed groups to agree on lunch.
Service runs fast, and the lobby stays clean and relaxed. The mood is casual and quiet, which suits a quick bite.
The hours are generous for a deli. You can stop by Monday through Thursday until 9 PM, and Friday and Saturday until 10 PM.
Evenings later in the week tend to get busy. Weekday mornings are calmer if you prefer less waiting.
Parking is usually plentiful, with a free lot and street spots. Curbside pickup and delivery help on lazy nights in Tennessee.
Address: 6749 E Shelby Dr, Memphis, TN 38141
5. Front Street Deli
Some lunches come with a side of history, and this downtown deli serves one. Front Street Deli sits in an older building on Front Street near the Mississippi River.
The sandwiches are the main event. The deli makes signature sandwiches on fresh, house-made bread, which sets a strong foundation.
Soups are also on the menu. Pair one with a sandwich, and you’ve got a solid midday meal.
The staff behind the counter knows the building’s story. Ask about it, and you might leave with a mini history lesson along with lunch.
That’s a nice bonus in a city packed with stories. Memphis wears its past proudly, and this spot fits right in.
Views are part of the charm too. The setting downtown makes your sandwich break feel more like a small outing.
Plan around the schedule, though. The deli opens Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 4 PM and closes on weekends.
That makes it a perfect weekday lunch stop. Downtown workers and visitors exploring the area can both swing by easily.
You can eat in or carry your order out. In-store pickup helps when your break is short and your hunger is not.
Delivery isn’t offered, so you’ll need to stop in. Street parking is available, both free and paid, depending on where you land.
Address: 77 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103
6. Fino’s Italian Deli & Catering
Meatballs tucked into fresh bread can fix a rough Tuesday. At Fino’s Italian Deli & Catering, the Meatball Sub is one of the headliners.
The other big name is the Fino Sandwich. It’s the house namesake, so ordering it feels like the polite thing to do.
Italian sandwiches are the focus here. The bread matters a lot, and fresh, tasty loaves give these subs their backbone.
Pasta salad also earns a spot on the tray. It’s an easy side that keeps things in the Italian family.
The room carries an old-school feel with a lively bustle. Expect a busy deli energy rather than a quiet café mood.
Staff are known for being helpful and friendly. That helps if you’re new and staring at the menu like a test.
The Midtown location on Madison Avenue puts it close to other neighborhood spots. You can turn lunch into a little Midtown wander.
Hours work for most schedules. Fino’s opens Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 6 PM and remains closed on Sundays.
Catering is right there in the name, so big events are covered. Takeout and delivery work too, and a free lot makes parking easy.
Address: 1853 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
7. Bogies Delicatessen
A sandwich called the Awesome BLT sets high expectations. Bogies Delicatessen answers with melted Gouda on grilled homemade bread.
Bread is a big deal here. Fresh loaves and baked goods come out of this East Memphis kitchen, giving sandwiches a homemade start.
The Reuben is another strong pick. If you’re a fan of tangy, hearty classics, it belongs on your list.
Salads get serious attention too. Chicken Salad, Pasta Salad, and Potato Salad are popular choices for sides or lighter lunches.
Pimento cheese is worth a try, especially in the South. It’s a spread with plenty of Tennessee fans.
Early birds win at Bogies. The deli opens at 7 AM and offers a great selection of breakfast items.
Weekday hours run until 3 PM, and Saturday wraps up at 2 PM. Sunday is closed, so plan your BLT fix earlier in the week.
Midweek and Friday mornings into the afternoon get busy. Saturdays fill up too, which says a lot about the breakfast crowd.
Homemade Cakes sit ready for dessert. A slice to go might be the smartest choice you make all day.
Free Wi-Fi, takeout, and catering add flexibility. The space feels clean and homey, and free parking makes stopping by easy.
Address: 703 W Brookhaven Cir, Memphis, TN 38117
8. South Point Grocery
Grocery stores don’t usually make sandwich lists, but South Point Grocery earns its spot. This South Memphis market near downtown pairs fresh deli sandwiches with a butcher counter.
The deli carries a wide selection of Boar’s Head meats. That gives you plenty to work with when building your perfect sandwich.
The meat selection runs deep, which is great news for picky eaters. You can keep it simple or go stacked.
Beyond the deli, the store offers a bakery and prepared foods. Fresh produce is a highlight too, so you can grab fruit for later.
Flowers are on hand as well. Picking up lunch and a bouquet in one trip feels pretty efficient.
The store keeps its shelves stocked and its aisles clean. That makes quick shopping trips less of a chore.
Hours are a big plus. South Point opens seven days a week from 7 AM to 9 PM.
Weekday afternoons into evenings tend to be the busiest stretch. Sunday morning is the quietest time to visit.
Parking couldn’t be much easier. There’s an on-site lot, plus free street parking around the area.
Free Wi-Fi is available if you need it. Delivery isn’t offered, so stop by and see the deli counter in person.
Address: 136 Webster Ave, Memphis, TN 38126
9. Cordelia’s Market
Mud Island’s Harbor Town neighborhood has its own corner grocer, and it happens to build a mean sandwich. Cordelia’s Market features a deli-sandwich station inside the store.
The deli sandwiches stand out as a reason to make the drive. Add a selection of tasty prepared foods, and lunch gets easy.
Produce is a highlight here too. You can pick up fresh fruit and vegetables while your order comes together.
The neighborhood feel shapes the visit. Cordelia’s serves the island community, so it works like a handy everyday market.
Getting there is part of the fun. Harbor Town sits across the water from downtown Memphis, offering a quick change of scenery.
Hours run long, so timing is flexible. The market opens weekdays from 7 AM to 9 PM.
On weekends, doors open at 8 AM and close at 9 PM. That’s great for a Sunday sandwich when many delis rest.
Evenings are the busiest times most days. Mornings tend to be calmer if you want a relaxed visit.
Delivery is available when you can’t get away. Still, a short drive to the island makes for a pleasant outing.
Free parking in the lot and on the street keeps things simple. It’s a fine final stop on this Tennessee sandwich tour, and your appetite will agree.
Address: 737 Harbor Bend Rd, Memphis, TN 38103