These Underrated Utah Sandwiches Make The Desert Drive Totally Worth It
Utah might be famous for its stunning red rock landscapes and national parks, but the real treasure hunt begins when hunger strikes on those long desert drives.
Hidden between canyon walls and mountain passes are sandwich shops serving up masterpieces that’ll make you plan your entire road trip around lunch.
From Italian delis to Vietnamese banh mi spots, these underrated gems prove that the best part of exploring Utah isn’t always the destination.
1. Feldman’s Deli (Salt Lake City)
Pastrami piled higher than the Wasatch Mountains awaits at this New York-style deli that brings East Coast attitude to the Beehive State. The corned beef practically melts on your tongue while the rye bread provides the perfect sturdy foundation for meat mountains.
House-cured meats and traditional Jewish deli recipes create sandwiches so authentic, you’ll swear you’re sitting in Manhattan. Pickles come complimentary, and trust us, you’ll need them to cut through all that savory richness.
Warning: attempting to finish their overstuffed sandwiches in one sitting is ambitious but totally worth the food coma.
2. Caputo’s Market & Deli (Salt Lake City)
Italian authenticity meets Salt Lake City at this family-owned market where sandwiches aren’t just made—they’re crafted with passion passed down through generations. Every bite transports you straight to a Roman street corner, minus the jet lag and expensive plane ticket.
The imported meats and cheeses stacked high on crusty bread create flavor combinations that’ll have you speaking Italian without even trying. Fresh mozzarella, prosciutto di Parma, and house-made spreads turn simple ingredients into unforgettable experiences.
Grab extra napkins because these beauties are deliciously messy in the best possible way.
3. Chunga’s (Salt Lake City/Herriman)
Peruvian flavors explode in every bite at this local favorite where sandwiches break all the boring rules. Forget everything you thought you knew about lunch because Chunga’s rewrites the playbook with bold spices and unexpected combinations that somehow work perfectly together.
The chicharron sandwich features crispy pork belly that crackles with each bite, while tangy sauces add layers of complexity most sandwiches only dream about achieving. Sweet potato fries on the side aren’t just recommended—they’re practically mandatory for the complete experience.
Your taste buds will thank you for this adventure.
4. Oh Mai Sandwich Kitchen (Salt Lake Area)
Vietnamese banh mi gets the spotlight it deserves at this kitchen where French colonialism’s one good contribution shines bright. Crispy baguettes cradle pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and your choice of protein in a harmony that makes your mouth sing.
The bread arrives fresh daily with a crust that shatters perfectly while staying soft inside—a textural miracle that elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Pate, mayo, and jalapenos add layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more.
Pro tip: order extra because you’ll regret not having seconds immediately available.
5. Knickerbockers Deli (Salt Lake City/Cottonwood Heights)
Since 1991, this local institution has been slinging sandwiches that make Utahns reconsider leaving the state. The menu reads like a greatest hits album, with each sandwich earning its spot through years of perfecting recipes and listening to customer feedback.
Generous portions ensure nobody leaves hungry, while fresh ingredients guarantee every sandwich tastes like it was made specifically for you. The bread gets baked fresh, the vegetables arrive crisp, and the meats stay tender and flavorful throughout your entire meal.
Locals know to arrive early before the lunch rush clears out the daily specials.
6. Hidden Peak Provisions (Midway)
Mountain town charm meets gourmet sandwich artistry in Midway, where this cozy spot proves small towns can compete with big city flavors. Named after the local ski resort, Hidden Peak serves up sandwiches worthy of après-ski celebrations or mid-hike fuel stops.
Locally sourced ingredients shine in creative combinations that change with the seasons, keeping the menu fresh and exciting year-round. The atmosphere feels like eating in a friend’s cabin—if that friend happened to be a professionally trained chef.
Save room for their baked goods because the cookies alone justify the scenic drive through Heber Valley.
7. Village Baker (Lehi)
When a bakery decides to make sandwiches, magic happens because the bread quality starts at legendary status. Everything here gets baked from scratch daily, filling the shop with aromas that make your stomach growl before you even order.
Sourdough, ciabatta, and whole wheat options provide the foundation for sandwiches that understand bread isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a crucial component. Fresh-baked cookies and pastries tempt you at checkout, creating tough decisions about dessert before you’ve finished lunch.
The breakfast sandwiches deserve special mention for turning morning commutes into something worth celebrating instead of dreading.
8. Sweet Cravings Bakery + Bistro (Moab)
After conquering Arches or Canyonlands, refuel at this Moab gem where sandwiches compete with the scenery for your attention. The bistro atmosphere provides welcome air conditioning while your sandwich gets assembled with care that matches the precision of your hiking plans.
Creative flavor combinations reflect the adventurous spirit of Moab itself, with ingredients that surprise and delight in equal measure. The bakery side ensures dessert options that’ll give you energy for afternoon explorations or justify an extra rest day.
Outdoor patio seating lets you soak up desert sunshine while enjoying lunch between adventure activities.
9. Central 9th Market (Salt Lake City)
Neighborhood markets that nail the sandwich game deserve recognition, and Central 9th Market absolutely crushes it with offerings that keep locals coming back weekly. The grab-and-go setup doesn’t mean sacrificing quality—these sandwiches rival sit-down restaurants while respecting your busy schedule.
Fresh ingredients sourced from local suppliers ensure everything tastes vibrant and seasonal rather than generic and forgettable. The market also stocks snacks, drinks, and supplies for impromptu picnics in nearby Liberty Park.
Convenience meets quality in a way that makes you wonder why every neighborhood doesn’t have a spot this good.
10. Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop (St. George)
Southern Utah’s desert heat demands serious sustenance, and Capriotti’s delivers with sandwiches substantial enough to fuel entire afternoons of exploring. The Bobbie—their signature creation featuring Thanksgiving dinner between bread—sounds crazy but tastes like genius decided to open a sandwich shop.
Real roasted turkey gets sliced fresh daily, while cranberry sauce and stuffing create nostalgic flavors without requiring you to cook for hours. Hot sandwiches arrive steaming, cold ones stay crisp, and every option comes sized for serious appetites.
Perfect pit stop before heading to Zion or after sweating through morning hikes around Snow Canyon.