Best sandwich shop? Two NC restaurants rank among the nation’s favorites
Whether you’re a fan of grilled cheese or pastrami, you may just find your next favorite sandwich in North Carolina.
That’s because the state is home to two of the nation’s best places to grab the classic lunch time food, according to results the review website Yelp published Tuesday, July 29.
The Half in Wilmington joins Waveriders Coffee, Deli & Market in Nags Head on a list of the top 100 sandwich shops in the United States.
To create the list, Yelp said it studied sandwich joints across the country. It considered several factors, including the “total volume and ratings of reviews” that customers left over time.
“Yelpers love all the new house-made aiolis, chutneys, pâtés, and sauces these chefs are adding to their creations,” the website wrote in its report. “Diners also give high praise to unique, delicious toppings like pickled vegetables and olive tapenade, as well as the artisanal breads like fresh ciabatta, garlic bread, or pretzel buns.”
Why the NC sandwich shops are favorites
Of the two North Carolina restaurants to earn spots on the national list, The Half ranked the highest at No. 56. The business on its Yelp page said it serves “sandwiches with flavors inspired from around the globe.”
On Yelp, fans raved about the variety of sandwiches, ranging from ham and Swiss to vegan options. Some customers also loved the beer selection at the Wilmington shop, which partners with breweries, according to its website.
Also ranking among the nation’s top sandwich shops was Waveriders, which landed at No. 92. The restaurant in the popular tourist destination of Nags Head — on the Outer Banks barrier islands — serves breakfast and lunch sandwiches.
But if you want a taste for yourself, you will have to wait. The shop is closed through July 30 as it treats workers to a summer break, according to a Facebook post.
It’s not the first time Waveriders has received recognition. Last year, the restaurant was named the No. 1 place to eat a sandwich in North Carolina, as fans gave it nods for offering fresh ingredients close to the beach, McClatchy News reported.
“The menu is vast and varied, but luckily you can order anything (including the breakfast sandos) all day,” Yelp wrote in its 2024 report. “Regulars highly recommend the Eddie V — a vegetarian panini-pressed bagel sandwich with egg, smoked gouda, and balsamic glaze.”
This time around, Yelp said the nation’s best sandwich shop was Franky’s Deli Warehouse in Hialeah, Florida, near Miami.
