Ideal&#x27;s Sandwich and Grocery

The 13 Best Restaurants In Durham

"Ideal's Sandwich Shop in east Durham puts broccoli rabe in basically everything. It’s smashed into the signature chicken cutlet sandwich and Philly roast pork alike, both of which make for an excellent quick lunch. Ideal's also has some grocery staples, including pasta, fresh-baked bread, and a few rotating take-and-bake dinner options, perfect for a night you’re rushing off to a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center. The space is so small there’s hardly room to wait in line, let alone sit and enjoy, so definitely plan on taking everything to go. " - eric ginsburg

11 Best Sandwiches in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill - Eater Carolinas

"Arrive well before Ideal’s opens in Durham to avoid a sellout (it happens often) Ideal’s has become a Triangle destination with its fresh hoagie rolls and focaccia bread. From the Italiano to the fried eggplant and ricotta, Ideal’s sandwiches are smothered in toppings like basic mayo, Calabrian chili oil, and roasted red peppers. A full sandwich runs around $15, and half sizes are also available." - Catherine Currin

18 Essential Restaurants in Durham, North Carolina

"Since opening in East Durham, Ideal’s has had lines out the door for its Northeastern deli-style sandwiches like the Harlem chopped cheese (ground beef, onions, provolone, cherry peppers, chop sauce), Philly roast pork (broccoli rabe, provolone, roasted garlic mayo), and a classic Italian sub. All sandwiches are served on daily baked bread — when the bread runs out, so do the sandwiches. Half of the shop is taken up by a small, mostly Italian grocery offering frozen meals, pasta, fresh local veggies, wine, and more. Ideal’s joins a growing East Durham restaurant scene that includes food trucks, Rofhiwa coffee and bookshop, Bull City Sweet Shoppe, and more restaurants and bars to come in 2023." - Matt Lardie

Ideal's Sandwich Shop - Review - Y.E. Smith - Durham - The Infatuation

Katherine Adams

Google

Ideal’s has the best sandwiches in the entire Triangle, possibly even in North Carolina. We’ve tried the chopped cheese, uncle primo’s chicken cutlet, and the fried eggplant with ricotta. All of these sandwiches are delicious and made with high quality ingredients. The bread is also fantastic - recommend upgrading to the focaccia if that is an option. The homemade chips and cookies are also amazing. This is a destination spot that my family always asks to visit when they come into town. My recommendation for first timers is to get there early and get in line before they open. There will be a line down the block by noon. Highly recommend this spot and will continue to support them. 10/10!

Zachary Zhu

Google

As a self professed sandwich hater, I feel like the bar for me to pay for and enjoy a sandwich is pretty high. And let me be the first to say: Ideal’s sandwich certainly does not disappoint. After waiting in line for a solid 15 minutes on a Saturday afternoon (fear not for the line passes quickly), I finally got a bite of the chicken cutlet + broccoli rabe sandwich. Super juicy chicken and the rabe provided a nice touch of vegetables as well. Savory, melt in your mouth cheesy, crunchy - this is everything you ever and then some. These are huge sandwiches and yet I still found myself demolishing the entire thing in one setting. Do note that seating is rather limited and exclusively outdoors, but it is well worth the wait!

Janine

Google

I'm hoping my experience was a fluke, since the other photos and reviews showcase a better quality. But as an Italian that lived in both NYC and Jersey I had really high expectations based off the look, reviews, and a vibe that screamed New York deli. I expected authentic, I got a cold eggplant sandwich with slices so thin they were like paper and a sandwich with more arugula than substance. The roasted peppers were authentic, like you'd get in an old school Italian deli but they don't list roasted pepper as an ingredient on the menu for the sandwich. I ordered one thing and got something different perhaps... I'm confused, honestly. Never had an eggplant sandwich given to me cold. Unless it was my Nona making leftover sandwiches to send me off to school for the day. I was really expecting the experience everyone raves about so I might try it again but this one left me extremely disappointed.

Kuroi G

Google

The best sandwich! Omg i would come back to durham again just to have it. Might get one to go for my trip back home. Great portions, friendly staff, quick service despite the many customers at lunch rush.

Maggie Danielian

Google

Ideal’s Deli is for real serving up filling, wholesome, tasty masterpieces! 💯🌟🥖 Super grateful for these quality sandwiches created for absolute enjoyment. The Italiano was perfect! Crispy bread holds the Italian meats lovingly. The sesame seeds add a beautiful nuttiness that brings out the flavor of the provolone. Crispy lettuce, pickled pepperoncinis, & giardiniera adds that pop of freshness. 🤩🇮🇹 Uncle primo’s chicken cutlet on heavenly focaccia is a flavorful, comforting sandwich. The arugula gives a subtle peppery layer & pairs well with the delicate salty prosciutto. Add the roasted red peppers if you like em. ☺️♥️ And hey! Don’t sleep on those chocolate chip cookies with a sprinkle of sea salt 🍪 😍 YUMMY!

Isabella Castineyra

Google

I've got nothing but good things to say. Open from 12-3 or until supplies run out. The chopped cheese is unbelievable. I highly recommend. There's a few picnic tables outside to eat but it's a great to go spot as well, and there will be leftovers for the next day! The pic has a chopped cheese and Uncle Primos chicken cutlet. Both are 10s!

Amanda Page

Google

I’ve had every sandwich on the menu. All equally delicious but the chopped cheese hits different. It’s the bread that’s good but it’s the cheese thats good and the meat and sauce thats good. It’s the best sandwich I’ve ever had.

Parth Patel

Google

This place was overall great. Everything was fresh and you can see the guys making your sandwich while cutting fresh deli meats. I got the uncle primos chicken cutlet sandwich and the Harlem chopped cheese. The chicken cutlet sandwich was amazing. There was a great flavor and the chicken was cooked perfectly along with melted mozzarella on top which made it taste outstanding. 11/10 The chopped cheese was alright. It wasn’t what I’m used to without the fresh lettuce tomato onion substituted for sautéed peppers. It was more like a Philly cheesesteak than a chopped cheese. The bread really carried the whole experience as it was amazingly fresh and warm. 7/10.

Jose N.

Yelp

I'm going to keep it short: best sandwiches in the US I can't! It says 85 characters minimum Reasons: -Sooo good -They make their own bread -Best ingredients -Tasty! -Creative -Special place, worth seeing -A full sandwich feeds 2 -Love their dressings -And cool shop! I found aceitunas con anchoa from Spain :-)

Cate M.

Yelp

This place is a gem. Thin-sliced meats, fresh focaccia, delicious salted choc chip cookies. Friendly staff, worked through a big lunchtime line quickly. Loved everything about it.

Melissa Z.

Yelp

Wow. Amazing! But everybody already knew this, I'm actually late to trying this spot but have had it on my list for a while. I went on a sunday morning and only waited ten minutes, thankfully. The store itself is cute with unique drinks, different tinned fish variations which I love, and other cool snacks and already prepared food. The person at the front told me the most popular sandwiches were the chopped cheese and chicken cutlet. I went for the chopped cheese. I am usually the type to modify a sandwich but I decided to trust them from all their amazing reviews and was not disappointed. This sandwich was INCREDIBLE. I got the full size being greedy but half would've been plenty. It was so good, I have nothing else to say but it was filled with the perfect portion of meat, cheese, and peppers and went nicely with the toasted bread. I definitely can't wait to come back and try the chicken cutlet. This is definitely a spot you will try and end up craving over and over again.

Ken C.

Yelp

Hits like a New York deli This place has bomb sandwiches. Don't be intimidated by the line out the door, it moves quickly once they open. The sesame baguette is def the star of the show - crusty with the right amount of chew and generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. The primo chicken cutlet was my fav - hot and tender. The Italian was not bad either tho a tad sour for my taste. Overall sandwiches here satisfy, give it a try

Kristine S.

Yelp

My brother-in-law has had his eye on Ideal's Sandwich and Grocery for some time now. Since hubby and I were in town visiting, he thought it was the perfect spot to take us. And man was he spot on! We arrived just after 1 pm on a Monday and they were packed. Hubby and I ordered a full hoagie Harlem chopped cheese to share, my brother-in-law ordered one for himself. These sandwiches were large and loaded, definitely shareable. OMG it was so amazing! They make all their bread in house so I expected it to be good but it was a phenomenal hoagie. Then add the combination of ground beef, onions, cherry peppers, cheese and sauce - simply outstanding. It was meaty, cheesy and spicy. Must try item! Don't forget about the grocery items. They were selling everything from pasta and wine to ready to eat meals and ice cream bars. Keep in mind the hours are limited, Thursday through Monday 12-3. The seating was limited as well, a couple picnic tables out front. Do not let this stop you! Plan ahead and get to Ideal's ASAP!

C J.

Yelp

Wow! I had Uncle Primo's Chicken Cutlet hot sandwich on focaccia, and she had a Roast Turkey cold sandwich on a hoagie roll - we cannot remember having a better sandwich anywhere. Great selection of drinks too. Very small place with limited hours/days but well worth the effort. Outstanding!

Christie F.

Yelp

My husband and I have been wanting to try Ideal's for a while and we finally made it today. We ordered the chopped cheese and the Italian. Both were tasty, but we didn't love the homemade bread. Lots of seeds when we both prefer our bread to be softer. We also ordered the chips but I probably wouldn't get them again. The line was very long (I think we waited close to an hour). I would go back if I was in the area again, but I would try the focaccia roll instead.

S ..

Yelp

The food is amazing, every sandwich I have had from here has been an *experience*, delicious, creative, and made with the best ingredients. Just be prepared to wait! The line starts well before noon opening time and can be upwards of an hour long. I hope they'll open a bigger shop eventually but we'll wait as long as it takes because it's worth it!

Janel L.

Yelp

Just came back from a short trip in NYC and I was already craving an NY style deli. I've been trying to make my way to Ideal's for a loooong time but their hours are wonky so months went by. Well today, Mercury entered retrograde, Saturn returned and all the stars aligned and I was finally able to make my way to this popular spot. My expectations were high, especially with a long line forming down the block before it even opened. I came about 30 minutes before opening time, was able to snag a parking spot on the street and was 5th in line. The space is incredibly small, offering take-out entrees, wines, beers, and sandwich related wares. No inside seating and theres only two picnic tables outside. I splurged and went for the chopped cheese and the chicken cutlet, rabe & cheese because who knows when I'll be back. Both sandwiches were spectacular but the chopped cheese stole the show for me. It's the best chopped cheese I've ever had, it was truly a religious experience. There was a me before Ideals and a me after and I've seen the light. It might not be tomorrow or even this year, but I will definitely be back.

Martin Q.

Yelp

I understand now why they only have to be open 3 hours a day because their sandwichs go fast. They live up to their reputation! Excellent sandwichs, honest prices, top quality. Most half sandwichs cosy around 9 bucks and full sandwichs around 15$. We ordered the Harlem Chopped Cheese and the Philly Roast Pork. Blown away by everything, it's hard top explain... Go early because they sell out of chicken and eggplant quick.

Julia M.

Yelp

I love finding hidden places in Durham that serve quality food! Ideals sandwich shop was that for me! Certainly an unexpected gem for me located in east durham. My sandwich was amazing. The bread was so fresh! Not only was the sandwich huge the ingredients were so fresh. I got the Uncle primos sandwich. Not only do they have great bread and sandwiches they serve meals like eggplant Parmesan, and macaroni and cheese in their freezer/fridge that you can take home and bake later.

Sally H.

Yelp

This place is so tiny, it has two picnic benches out front as seating. The interior is small enough that you order once you enter the door and then wait for your name and order to be called. So ambience...not so much. But make no mistake, the food here is out of this world. We got there at 12 when the store should open, and there was already a line of 20 people waiting (and when we left...there were a different group of 20 people waiting!). The reason: this place bakes its own bread and makes only about a dozen kinds of sandwiches...and boy are they good!! I endorse the fried eggplant with ricotta and arugula. Mmmmh good! This place is really worth the wait. They close if they run out of sandwiches, so the hours are 12 - 3ish.

Sally S.

Yelp

One of the best sandwiches I've ever eaten!! Very small interior (no inside seating), only open a few days a week and extremely crowded with long lines. Sounds like a hassle, right? IT IS SO WORTH IT!! Go now!!!!

JJ D.

Yelp

Atmosphere: Ideal's is a small grocery shop/deli in Durham with a quaint and homely vibe. There is not much space in the store, and some seating is available outside. Service: We got in line at around 12:30, waited 30 minutes to order, and received our food in 30 minutes. The restaurant was understandably busy, but beware of longer waits for your food especially during peak lunch time. Food: We ordered Uncle Primo's Chicken Cutlet and the Philly Roast Pork Sandwich, both on a hoagie. The hot, fresh, and soft bread was the perfect vehicle for both sandwiches since it wasn't too dense. Uncle Primo's Chicken Cutlet was the best sandwich we've had in Durham, and one of the best sandwiches we've ever had. The chicken cutlet was crispy and juicy, the prosciutto and mozzarella added even more savoriness to the sandwich, and the loads of arugula made the sandwich fresh and bright. The Chicken Cutlet Sandwich was perfectly constructed and each of its components were balanced in every bite. However, we were less impressed with the Philly Roast Pork Sandwich, which in addition to the pork, consisted of broccoli rabe, sharp provolone, and roasted garlic mayonnaise. Our experience with the Philly Roast Pork was rather an uneventful one and we struggled to finish the hoagie. We found this sandwich to be too salty - mainly from the pork and the broccoli rabe - and meat heavy. This may be a plus to some though! Overall: We'd give the Chicken Cutlet sandwich a 5 and the Philly Roast Pork sandwich a 3, bringing our average to a 4. Despite the longer wait for our food, we'd say that this wait is worth your time to be able to try some solid sandwiches. We definitely plan on coming back to try their other offerings!

J W.

Yelp

Had the eggplant sandwich which was good. The line was super long and I got there before 12pm which is when they open. Now for the price and the wait time I would say it's not worth it. It's a bit overhyped in my opinion but to each there own. The shop is small and they have a few things that you can buy in store such as wine,canned goods , and drinks.

Caitlin R.

Yelp

Excellent. Don't be deterred by the line outside; it moves quickly and there's an organized system. Plus, every bite is worth the wait.

Gail B.

Yelp

All the great reviews are true! Food and service were on point, but get there early because you will be waiting in line- although I found it moved reasonably quickly. Besides Bombolo in Chapel Hill and Ish in Raleigh, this is the only other legitimate sandwich joint in the triangle. Don't sleep on this place, it's legit delicious !

Dale G.

Yelp

Some of the best bread and sandwiches I've ever had. As someone who grew up in New Jersey, my family has always been very particular about their hoagies and they agree these are by far the best we've had in NC.

Andrew G.

Yelp

Ideal's got hyped up so much my expectations might have been too lofty. My Italian was a bit stingy on the meat and toppings, but the Primo seemed to be a bit more hefty. It is definitely a place for locals who are in the know.

Ashley F.

Yelp

I went here today for a late lunch. My original plan was to try two half sandwiches since I was finally getting to try the restaurant. One of the first things I noticed was a sign that said no chicken and no fried eggplant. No worries though I could order the pork sandwich but sigh they were out of pork also. So the only hot sandwich they had was the chopped cheese. I would have removed a star for this if the chopped cheese wasn't so amazing. It was nice and hot and full of flavor. I must admit I've never had a chopped cheese so I don't have much to compare it too but this sandwich was fantastic. I'm disappointed that I couldn't try any of the other hot sandwiches but perhaps I will try to come before 2pm. The place is small inside not much space to wait around but the food came out pretty quickly because there wasn't many people there. I'm not sure about the parking situation but I parked on the street right in front. They seemed to have some cool grocery items such as some pastas and some sauces and breads which are all my favorites. The service was great, I had my one year old with me and they offered him a cookie which was really sweet. Can't wait to go back!

Julia R.

Yelp

This is easily one of my top favorite places to eat in the triangle. I love this place so much, everyone is super friendly. It feels like a nice mom and pop/hole in the wall. Very welcoming and makes you feel at home. I have gone to this place more at least a dozen times now and every single time they have been consistent wirh their food and service. I've tried a good chunk of their menu and I think all the sandwiches are great but I'm a sucker for the Chopped Cheese and their Eggplant, Rabe & Cheese. They also have a little market inside where you can buy different pantry items, their homemade bread, or their prepared meals -- I've bought some really good pizza dough from them before. Also they usually have some homemade cookies or dessert bars, highly recommend! You definitely have to get there when they open because they close when they run out of ingredients. Often there will be a line out of the door, especially on weekends, but it is definitely worth it. But! The wait usually isn't too terrible and they are very fast and efficient. I recommend placing your order and walking around the corner to Rofhiwa Book Cafe where you can browse some books or grab a coffee while you wait.

Vivian S.

Yelp

OMG this place is awesome. We spent the day in Durham and had lunch here. It's a bit off the beaten track but well worth it. We had the chicken cutlet with prosciutto, arugula, mozzarella sandwich . Fantastic!!Highly recommend you go here for lunch. They have limited hours so confirm them before you go.

Kenneth O.

Yelp

I love eating sandwiches with chips. They go hand in hand for me. I got the chopped cheese and ate the whole sandwich without even missing a beat. Needless to say it was amazing

Narvon H.

Yelp

Good food, decent service, long line. Small place so don't expect to sit. No online ordering, trying to call the line is always busy. No vegan options are disappointing.

Meg L.

Yelp

We can't get over how delicious their sandwich is. They are only open from 12pm-3pm and we try to line up quickly because the line will be out the door within minutes of opening! My favorite is the fried eggplant sandwich with broccoli rabe. I can eat a 14" in one sitting but you can order a 7" sub too. There are no indoor seating but you can grab a seat at one of the picnic tables out front, The grocery store inside reminds me of NYC. It had a select number of items that they recommend and I love the local items.

Joy C.

Yelp

This is honestly the best sandwich shop in Durham. Their sandwiches are perfect -- everything from the bread to the sauces and meats are all very high-quality. They also have homemade chips and cookies that are delicious! They are only open for three hours a day and usually have a line, but it's worth

Kayla B.

Yelp

Truly one of Durham's gems, this East coast style deli makes the sandwiches of my dreams. You are likely to find a line outside of this place but the staff is excellent and moves things along quickly.

Samuel L.

Yelp

This is probably the most identical NY style sandwich you can get in the Triangle area. Ideal's is right in the heart of Durham and it really was worth the hype. Found this place through Instagram because I have been missing my NY deli style sandwiches and I have now found it. Every time I've driven by there is always a line and when I decided to give it a try, I waited around 35 minutes. When you go inside the ambiance and service is a NY style Italian deli. Service is super fast. Bread was the highlight because you get that semolina style I grew up with back in NY. The chopped cheese reminded me like home. The Uncle Primo was just an awesome hero. Just go here and wait on line, you won't regret it.

Christine G.

Yelp

The sandwiches at Ideal's are delicious and the menu has some really interesting choices. The specials can be great. Their fresh bread is awesome. The service aspects of this place could probably still use some polishing, which is why I gave it 4/5. If we go at peak time (in the 12-1:30 range), we usually wait about 45-60 minutes to order and get our food, but if we go later in the afternoon, things start to sell out. We've even seen them sell out of certain sandwiches by 1 pm on busy days. There's no way to know what's sold out until you get up to the cashier, then you have to make a rushed decision on your plan B at the register. I think customers would really appreciate if they put a sign in the window indicating what's sold out to avoid some of the disappointment of waiting 30+ minutes just to be told you can't get what you've been waiting for. We've also gotten home only to realize they gave us the wrong sandwich, but I'm hoping this is a rare occurrence. Definitely give Ideal's a shot. They have some of the best sandwiches in the are.. but be prepared to wait and have a backup option in mind!

Felice B.

Yelp

Greasy nostalgic deliciousness in East Durham. The line starts forming before the noon opening but moves quickly and there's no indoor seating so have a plan before you go. The bread is house-made and is very good. The texture is just right to hold up to the heavy fillings and it has flavor. It tastes like real bread which is no small thing around here. I wish they sold it by the loaf. The vibe feels a little more Philly or North End Boston than NY deli but "minimalist" works, too. The list of sandwiches isn't long and to some extent reuses the same ingredients in different combinations, but the quality is high and the execution is impeccable. I'm not a fan of broccoli rabe but I'm told by a broccoli rabe lover that this Philly roast pork sandwich is the best he's had outside of Philadelphia. The chop cheese also holds its own admirably. The house-made potato chips were a little too browned and salty for me, but that's a matter of personal preference. They are absolutely worth getting. Based on this meal, I will be back and will strongly consider ordering the eggplant and ricotta. Or maybe more if that lovely seeded hero bread. I just wish that not every sandwich green was arugula. Oh well, can't win 'em all.

Craig M.

Yelp

Ideal's is a small sandwich shop in East Durham. The size of the restaurant results in limited seating (outdoor only). However don't let the size fool you. Good things come in small packages. You may have to wait a bit, but the sandwiches are worth it. My chicken cutlet was super crispy, and not oily. We got an eggplant and ricotta sandwich (not pictured), and it was even better! Again, the fried eggplant was delicious and probably some of the best I've had. Put it on your list.

Marissa R.

Yelp

I would drive an extremely far distance to eat an Ideal's sandwich! We come once every few weeks from Raleigh & have never been disappointed. You can't go wrong with any of the bread choices. Some of my personal favorites are the Italiano on a hoagie and Uncle Primo's chicken cutlet on focaccia. The homemade chips are also delicious. We like to arrive a bit before they open to be one of the first in line. Highly recommend everyone try Ideal's if visiting or passing through The Triangle area

Steph G.

Yelp

I am sure I am not the only one but I feel like this is The Bear for Durham irl. The sandwiches are just superb- I mean I would never have thought of putting mayo and balsamic on a chicken sandwich but boy it is good. Get there early if you want to avoid sellouts. The pork sandwich is also divine. People are very friendly but it's fast paced so make sure you know what you want.

HS L.

Yelp

Delicious. I got there about 30 mins before closing so I didn't have to wait at all. I got a half prosciutto and mozzarella...holy crap that was good. Their house made chips were super delicious as well. Grabbed a couple of sodas to wash it all down. Can't wait to be in town again to try something else.

Rosa L.

Yelp

Delicious sandwiches at a reasonable price point. Ideal's is a little bodega style shop that serves sandwiches on fresh baked bread. There's no seating inside, and just three teeny 2-tops outside, so don't expect to eat in here. Do expect sandwiches stuffed to the brim. My husband got the primo, which had a juicy chicken cutlet, and I got the chopped cheese. I think they forgot my cheese (the menu said it came with provolone), but it was still tasty! You can get a half hoagie for ~$8, which is a pretty filling lunch. We came on a Monday right when they opened and didn't have to wait long. I've heard the wait gets intense on the weekends!

Lucia G.

Yelp

Food has always been great and never disappoints. I will have to say, i was recently dissapointed I bought one of their cold drinks and found mold in it floating. Not very pleasent to spend $5+ on a moldy drink.

Jess H.

Yelp

Oh how I love a local dive and a perfectly crafted sandwich - Ideal's offers both. They're only open for 3 hours each day for the lunchtime crowd and as an indication that they're just that good that they can run a successful business with limited hours. They open at noon, but arrive by at least 11:45am if you want to minimize your wait - by noon there's typically at least 20-50 people in line (which is mostly outside given the limited indoor space, so plan accordingly on a hot day). The store itself is small, enough for a few people to stand in line and a couple to peruse the take-and-bake refrigerated and deli items they offer. After placing your sandwich order, sandwiches come out quite fast. The chicken cutlet is my favorite to date - it's unique but perfectly made. There are a couple of picnic tables outside if you want to eat on site, but nothing fancy in the way of furnishings - when your food is this good, you don't need all the other stuff.

Aditya C.

Yelp

Delicious bread and sandwiches, only downside is their limited weekend hours and the massive line they usually have. If you don't mind the wait, these are the best sandwiches in town.

Dave H.

Yelp

Finally got to try Ideal's after many months of reading about it. First, the good. We got the Chopped Cheese and the Philly Roast Pork. Both tasted fantastic. I haven't had a roast pork sandwich that good since I was in Philly. The Chopped Cheese is highlighted as "spicy" (like a warning) but it's just spicy enough. The rolls were excellent. Both sandwiches were really, really tasty. Now, the other stuff: - the homemade chips were tasty but were not crispy at all. I'll blame it on the August humidity. - the place is tiny, which is important to know in advance in case you're thinking of eating there. There were two picnic tables outside, mostly in the hot August sun, and lots of people ordering sandwiches. Even if you didn't mind the outside temp, I wouldn't bet on having a place to sit given the crowds. Have a plan to go elsewhere to eat just in case . We took our sandwiches to go, which was fine, as the flavors can meld together on the ride home - my experience with Chopped Cheese sandwiches is that they always come with tomatoes and shredded lettuce. I didn't even think to look at the ingredients listed because it's part of this iconic sandwich. But I definitely noticed they were missing when I got home. We'll be back to try some of the other sandwiches, but the ones we had were damn good.

Sunah O.

Yelp

They have the best gourmet sandwiches. I have driven there from Charlotte multiple times. Okay, maybe it was to take care of some other business as well, but the sandwiches were my main objectives. They are THAT good. I am hoping they will open another store in Charlotte.

Raymond S.

Yelp

WOW! The chicken cutlet sandwich was awesome. The Harlem chopped was a little spicy for me but also very good. One of the best sandwich joints in the US!

Ron W.

Yelp

A really wonderful option for grinders and sandwiches made with a Northerner's taste! I stopped in on day 2 and they are still getting things together. Two friends decided that they wanted a sandwich shop like back home (NYC, Boston) and now we've got Ideal's in Durham (named after an uncle). There's a short list of Italian-American faves like a chicken cutlet and roast pork sandwich done Philly-style and they are GOOD! Ideal's bakes their own bread and you can choose from a seeded hoagie roll or round focaccia. While the place isn't cheap, the sandwiches are really big and you can most likely share one for average appetites. Get some of their home-made chips and a Pellegrino and you'll be super content. This review is on their food only, the space is still in development but I suspect they will get things together based on what I tasted. Big thumbs-up from this ex-Bostonian!

Joe L.

Yelp

This sandwich place is just amazing. It's just unique and on their homemade bread . They are only open 3 hours a day 5 days a week or until they run out of bread. Lines out the door. The other amazing secret is that the owner cooks what I believe is his family secret recipe for amazing Italian food and sells them frozen starting on Friday/Saturday. I have bought literally dozens of the dishes which include Lasagna, Chicken Parm, Egglplant Parm, and Gnocchi and everyone has been amazing. The Lasagna is so so good that my wife won't ever cook it any more as she can't beat their recipe. Your fork just easily melts through it. I really didn't want to share this hidden part of the best sandwich shop in the US because its going to be harder for me to find the inventory I need, but the owner is so so nice and the product amazing that I decided to share. I recently compared this Lasagna with one made by a famous Italian store in Cary, NC and there was no comparison. So in summary - best sandwiches anywhere and best frozen italian food anywhere. Open Thurs-Mondays.

Mary T.

Yelp

The most creative and tasty combinations! High quality ingredients. Be sure to get there early or you will wait in line. It's worth it!

Lydia P.

Yelp

Fresh made to order sandwiches. Sometimes bread a little chewy/tough. Always a long line. Friendly staff.

Robert W.

Yelp

Lived in Jersey until I was 19, I'm large dude, let's just say I've eaten a good amount of sandwiches in my life. Depending on the day, I might say sandwiches are my favorite food. So when I tell you Ideal's is the best sandwich in the South, I'm not being hyperbolic. Rain, sleet or snow, I would walk uphills both ways, barefoot, pulling a sled filled with my hopes in dreams just to get a sandwich from Ideal's. I'd battle a rabid grizzly bear if it stood in my way of there delectable chicken cutlet sandwich. Yelp should be ashamed in themselves for not amending their star system to allow me to give them a high rating.

Sarah D.

Yelp

Had a life changing sandwich...a chopped cheese! This "hole in the wall" place is unique with its homemade bread, free focaccia samples while in line, garlic and onion chips made in house as well as the brown butter chocolate chip cookies! This place is a must-try. Get there early. I've seen the line forming before they open. There is no seating inside but limited picnic tables are outside.

Jai L.

Yelp

Great food. Decent service considering the line . Hold in the wall hem. Prices are sturdy but I digging complain because you get what you pay for here. Definitely give them a try but I wouldn't go on Sunday in particular because that seems to be when they're grease truck comes and the wafting funk while you stand in line and wait for a sandwich is...

Donald C.

Yelp

BLUF: Seriously... HOW are you this delicious?! We can't stop raving about Ideals. Their sandwiches are perfectly portioned between the perfectly baked, toasted bread. With an amazing amount of filling. Each sandwich is slathered with their respective dressing and oils. Amazing bite each and every time.

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