Tomato season in Raleigh just hits different. Reaching peak ripeness in July/August (sometimes stretching through early September if we’re lucky), the plump, juicy fruit is the golden delicacy we pine for all year long—a jackpot of vegetal goodness we just can’t stop chasing.
Often enjoyed on fresh crusty bread with just a smear of mayo (Duke’s, obv) and a hit of salt and pep, NC tomatoes don’t necessarily *need* anything else to shine—but we’re of the opinion that bacon makes everything better. And so, these local BLTs may show off with special aiolis, homemade bread or pickled accoutrements, but rest assured those robust tomatoes still steal the spotlight.
Benchwarmers Bagels Come peak tomato time, Benchwarmers’ BLT is always the move. The specialty bagel goes full summer mode with uberjuicy thick-cut tomatoes and Duke’s Mayo for instant seasonal obsession. Moore Square & Park districts, @benchwarmersbagels
Tepuy | Photo by Andrew Albright
Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery Three layers, three times the drama. Hayes Barton’s triple-decker BLT pulls its weight—and then some—with an extra layer of flavor in between an added slice of bread. The more the merrier, as they say. Five Points,@hayesbartoncafeanddessertery
Oakwood Deli Oakwood’s MO? Don’t mess with a classic. The signature sando gets the standard treatment—complete with fresh sourdough that packs a well-rounded punch. Seaboard & Person Street District, @oakwooddeli_nc
Southern Craft Sandwiches Built for two hands and zero regrets, the sando staple stacks up a mean BLT: tomatoes add juicy drama, garlic aioli delivers depth, and thick applewood smoked bacon brings the drama—all anchored on a signature hoagie roll. North Raleigh,@southerncraftsandwiches
Tepuy Donuts Pro tip: Don’t sleep on Tepuy’s sandwiches. Built on housemade brioche, the bangin’ BLT—bolstered with smoked bacon and roasted garlic aioli—goes hard when you’re feeling savory (or before a doughnut or two). Northeast Raleigh, @tepuydonuts
Union Special The popular neighborhood bakery gives its BLT some Southern swagger with chow chow aioli made with pickled, chopped veggies—plus fat slices of hothouse tomatoes. Messy, but she’s oh-so worth it. Iron District, @unionspecialbread
If you thought sandwiches were the most boring lunch op since sliced bread, well, think again. Raleigh’s got sando sanctuaries in droves—boasting all kinds of hot and cold flavor-filled selects piled high with housemade ingredients on freshly baked bread to boot. Think spicy buffalo chicken-stuffed numbers, turkey melts, your go-to ham and cheeses, and even vegan options feat. a rainbow of veggies. In short, your lunch break just leveled up. Here, the sandos you should be noshing on right now.
(ish) delicatessen What to order: Reuben Good ish: found. “Weird sandwiches from weird people” is the MO at this hole-in-the-wall sandwich haven helmed by former Poole’s partner Matt Fern (also a Level 2 certified sommelier!) and boasting Jewish, Italian and Southern influences. Insider intel: Brekkie also slaps. 702 N. Person St.,@ish_delicatessen
Union Special What to order: Grown-up grilled cheese Every sando is ~special~ when featuring Union’s top-notch housebaked bread feat. flour sourced from Graham-based Lindley Mills. Take a sammy scroll on Insta for almost-daily specials—and be sure to grab a pastry for the road, trust us. 2409 Crabtree Blvd., Ste. 102,@unionspecialbread
Southern Craft Sandwiches What to order: Steak and cheese You beefin’? Southern Craft Butchers’ since-revamped full-scale sandwich oasis features the same local beef its longtime fans know and love—making the meat lovers sandos the obvious go-to. So go ham… or beef, chicken, bacon or turkey (!). 8460 Honeycutt Road, Ste. 116, southerncraftsandwiches.com
Eastcut What to order: Chicken Parm Welcome to sandwich utopia! Born from the New Jersey- and Bronx-bred owners’ nostalgia of the delis and sandos of their youth, this Raleigh Iron Works lunchtime mecca boasts traditions from all over the East Coast—alongside craft beer, cider and wine. Pro tip: Always add a side of the housemade mozz sticks. 1101 E. Whitaker Mill Road, Ste. 126, @eastcutsandwich
Alimentari at Left Bank What to order: Tomato jam tigelle They’ve got the meats! … A collab between Mothers & Sons Trattoria chef/owner Josh DeCarolis and Left Bank Butchery, the Transfer Co. Food Hall outpost not only boasts large sandwiches and tigelles (aka Italian sliders), but doubles as a whole animal butchery feat. fresh sausages, bacon and the like. And don’t sleep on the fresh pasta. 500 E. Davie St., @alimentari_at_left_bank
The Panini Co. What to order: Raleigh Rooster Get pressed at this slice of heaven inspired by the restaurant industry’s post-pandemic resilience feat. a pentad of gourmet paninis repping Raleigh. From the chicken-pesto Rooster to the Oak City Hamboree and Carolina Caprese, every bite is made with love—NTM the gourmet charcuterie and those fresh local chocolate-covered strawberries. Morgan Street Food Hall,@thepaninico
From the same team behind Rocky Top Catering, the Big Apple-inspired spot boasts sandwiches made with freshly baked bread, housesmoked meats and fresh cheeses—pro tip: The chicken Parmesan cutlet and prosciutto di Parma are faves. Not to mention breakfast bagels (hey, pork roll, egg and cheese!), salads and more for those passing through or just proximal and in need of a quick breakfast or lunch.
“Our goal is to provide our customers with high-quality, delicious food that transports them straight to the heart of New York City,” says GM Sean Degnan, also known for now-closed bu•ku, so•ca and kō•än.
More than just a deli, the casual shop also offers sandwich trays, boxed lunches and breakfast platters ideal for catering your next work event or friendly soiree. And no matter what, don’t forget to grab some of the New York-famous black-and-white cookies for the road. Ready to “hop on the sammich train?!” unionstationdeliandcatering.com
Four Raleigh food trucks we can’t get enough of this month
The Golden Empanada
John Cena once famously ate 36 empanadas in a row—and while it may seem like an impossible feat, these deep-fried goodies (filled with the likes of shrimp, cheese, veggies or chicken) make it seem like a walk in the park. Heck, order 37! Round out your golden grub sesh with yellow rice and veggies with pebre (a nonspicy spin on the classic Chilean sauce), and top it off with a mil hojas cake (aka layers of flakey goodness with dulce de leche and cream). You’re guaranteed to be stuffed—in the best way. @thegoldenempanadanc
Eat Thai Raleigh
A taste of Thailand on wheels? Say less. Born of a passion for teaching others how to cook Thai food, the authentic catering and cooking class service has expanded its horizons with a food truck, rolling out street-style eats like larb meatballs, shrimp curry, pad thai, Vietnamese spring rolls and khanom moh gang. Prepare to break out of your comfort zone! @eat.thai.raleigh
El Toro Alebrije Tacos & Tapas
Flavor-blasted Goldfish have nothing on this bright and bold food truck fusing Latin American and Caribbean cuisine for a savory explosion that’ll have you coming back time and again. Load up on tostones, aka fried green plantains topped with Cajun ranch and cotija cheese; tacos; quesadillas; burrito bowls; and more—NTM rotating specials (check Insta before you go!). @eltoroalebrije
Santopietro’s Sandwiches
Let’s get this bread—literally. Sandwich lovers, meet your new go-to lunch spot. The mobile deli food truck specializes in freshly sliced and grilled-to-order sammies stuffed with everything from roast beef and turkey to steak and cheese to Buffalo chicken—all served with lettuce, tomato, onion, vinegar, oil and oregano. Carb counting? Lose the bread and turn your fave menu item into a bowl.@santopietros_sandwiches
In honor of DTR Sandwich Week March 27–April 7, here are the Raleigh Mag team’s fave sammies.
No matter how you slice it (personally, I prefer diagonal), there’s no better lunch item than a sandwich. They’re quick and easy to make, can be eaten on the go or at the desk, and come in many different forms. While you could whip up your own at home, during DTR Sandwich Week (now through April 7) we encourage you to go out to the 100+ spots serving lunch Downtown and order up one of their specially crafted housemade sammies. Pro tip: Post your sando on social media during using the hashtag #DTRSandwichWeek to have a sandwich named after you at a participating restaurant (!). Below, Raleigh Mag’s go-to DTR sandwich picks to get you started. Get bready to chow down!
Chicken Club Hero, Capital Club 16 —Gina Stephens, Publisher
