8 Unique Sandwiches in West Virginia

Not all gourmet meals require a knife and fork. You can eat these West Virginia-made sandwiches on the go, but you might want to grab a couple extra napkins. Bon appétit!

1. Secret Sandwich Society

You’ll feel like you’re getting the VIP treatment when you eat at Secret Sandwich Society. All the sandwiches at this Fayetteville restaurant are named after presidents, founding fathers or world leaders, and indeed, these gourmet sandwiches are fit for a prime minister. Try the Truman, made with warm, succulent slices of roast turkey breast, topped with peach jam, blue cheese spread and crispy onions. It’s like Thanksgiving turkey served on a toasted baguette! This sandwich shop is also known for its crispy fries served with homemade pimento cheese sauce.

2. Yen’s Sandwiches

Yen’s Sandwiches are served on a freshly baked bánh mì — that’s Vietnamese for baguette. Bánh mì differs from a French baguette though, in that it’s made with rice flour, which results in a lighter, thinner crust. This cozy little South Charleston sandwich shop serves up delicious bánh mì made with pork, chicken or beef, with vegetarian options. But the toppings are what make these sandwiches distinctly Vietnamese. Toppings include slivers of carrots, cucumber, red onion, jalapenos and cilantro tossed in a tangy garlic-chili sauce for just the right balance of sweet and hot. A customer favorite is the pork meatball. Try it with a bubble tea, a unique blend of sweetened frozen tea and tapioca rice balls.

3. Sandwich U

You’d better bring a big appetite to Sandwich U because this shop’s sandwiches are over-the-top filling and ridiculously delicious. The Morgantown restaurant’s aptly named Fat Sandwiches are piled high with everything but the kitchen sink. Since you’re in Mountaineer Country, you might want to try the Fat Mountaineer, a jaw-dropping mound of cheesesteak, burger, mozzarella sticks, fried chicken tenders, jalapeno poppers, bacon, egg and your choice of sauce. If by some chance you’re still hungry, these sandwiches go great with Pizza Fries: crinkle-cut fries topped with marinara, provolone, mozzarella and parmesan.

4. Coleman’s Fish Market

Coleman’s Fish Market is proof you don’t have to get all fancy to make a good sandwich. A staple in the Wheeling area, Coleman’s fish sandwich has been recognized by Gourmet Magazine as “the country’s best fish sandwich.” All it consists of is a generous stack of breaded, crispy white fish served on two slices of white sandwich bread, but boy is it satisfying! Try it with a side of Coleman’s creamy coleslaw and beer-battered onion rings.

5. Sabatino’s Sandwich Kitchen

Having cut their teeth in the restaurant franchise business, the owners of Sabatino’s Sandwich Kitchen decided to open their own West Virginia-based restaurant in Huntington. Sabatino’s specializes in subs and paninis made with mouth-watering slices of ham, turkey or chicken. You can order vegetarian style as well, but the shop’s crown jewel is its original cheesesteak, made with sizzling hand-cut sirloin steak, white American cheese, grilled onions, bell peppers and fresh mushrooms served on a fresh sub bun.

6. Cider Press Deli and Grill

When you walk into Cider Press Deli and Grill, you can be sure you’re getting the highest-quality meats. This Inwood shop sources locally raised beef, free-range turkey and veggie-fed chicken — all antibiotic and hormone-free. There’s a lot to choose from here, from paninis to wraps, to hot or cold subs and sandwiches. A good place to start is the Fried Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich made with a southern-style fried chicken filet topped with capicola, smoked Gouda, lettuce, tomato and a dollop of honey mustard served on a brioche bun.

7. Third Street Deli

Third Street Deli in Parkersburg boasts a menu of two-dozen sandwiches to accompany its diverse selection of soups and salads. You can find everything from the tried-and-true Rueben, to club sandwiches and gyros. You’ll also find some yummy vegetarian options, like the Grilled Portabella. Served on a Third Street roll, this juicy sandwich consists of grilled portabella mushrooms, caramelized onions, fresh basil, roasted red sweet peppers, melted provolone and Italian dressing.

8. Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia

If you grew up in the south, you’ve probably eaten fried-green tomatoes. This crispy, tangy treat takes on a new twist at Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia. While you’re shopping for West Virginia-made arts and crafts at the Beckley travel center, swing by the Tamarack café for a special take on the traditional BLT. Fried-green tomatoes, breaded and seasoned, make up the “T” in this bacon, lettuce and swiss cheese toasted sandwich. You’ll be glad you did!

Which ones have you tried?

This post was last updated on March 17, 2022