It’s noon, lunch was an hour ago, and you’re staring at your desk, having a culinary crisis with your sad desk salad. Maybe you mutter, “There has to be more than this.” The salad says nothing, because it’s a salad. The point is, once you push that last limp leaf aside, mediocre meals are officially off the menu. You deserve better—a sandwich that’s a revelation. Here’s where to find them.
The Lunch Spot
$ | (442) 334-7171 | WEBSITE
We endorse ordering the spicy BBQ pulled pork sandwich from The Lunch Spot and devouring it in one sitting and calling it a feast. And the fact that they offer gluten-free options is even better. If you’re not up for tackling that massive sandwich alone, they have smaller options like the turkey bruscetta or turkey pesto. Hope that the pastrami bomb, good fella, or jalapeño bomb are available.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
$ | (760) 340-5257 | WEBSITE
Take a bite of Jersey Mike’s Philly Cheesesteak in the sun-baked parking lot of Palm Desert and it’ll almost feel like a lunch break in South Philadelphia – until you realize you’re circling for the third time trying to snag one of those shared spaces between businesses. At least you still have some excellent sandwich-level satisfaction despite your sudden need to practice parallel parking patience.
Brown Bag A Sandwich Shoppe And More
$ | (760) 345-5454 | WEBSITE
Maybe you’re exploring Palm Desert’s best sandwich spots, and your friends are all craving classic deli sandwiches, but you’re leaning toward something with a kick. Brown Bag is your move here. You can sit back with a spicy Italian or a pastrami on fresh bread while they enjoy the West Coast or Beef Dip. For something that hits both savory notes, get the pastrami with a side of their house-made sauce for dipping. A great sandwich counts as a meal and a treat. We just decided.
Firehouse Subs Desert Gateway Center
$ | (760) 202-9100 | WEBSITE
Firehouse Subs Desert Gateway Center offers a variety of delicious and fresh sandwiches, including classics like the Spicy Cajun Chicken, Pepperoni Meatball Pizza Sub, and New York Steamer Sub. If your idea of a satisfying lunch break is grabbing a sub instead of hitting another fast-food chain, come here. The establishment looks very clean and provides a pleasant environment, with friendly and helpful staff who cater to dietary restrictions by offering gluten-free bread.
While the service can be more welcoming at times, the staff is generally polite, and the donation to firefighters makes it a worthwhile choice for many, even if the prices are a bit higher than other fast-food places. Overall, Firehouse Subs provides a tasty experience with quality ingredients and a focus on community safety, earning its reputation as one of the best sandwich shops in town.
La Baguette Vietnamese Sandwiches
$$ | (760) 620-5308 | WEBSITE
Sometimes you need a crisp baguette with your banh mi. La Baguette Vietnamese Sandwiches specializes in freshness in sandwich form, and they come in varieties like vegetarian, gluten-free, and traditional among others. You’ll also want to take advantage of their excellent homemade bread paired with well-seasoned meat and fresh veggies.
Which Wich Superior Sandwiches
$ | (760) 895-4378 | WEBSITE
If you’ve ever craved a sandwich so good it makes you forget all other lunch options, Which Wich Superior Sandwiches will be your personal sandwich paradise. And instead of settling for something mediocre from the fridge, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff like Marshall who actually help you navigate the menu. It’s all delicious, whether you go for the hearty Grinder, the flavorful Cuban sandwich, or one of their other fresh options.
If you’d rather have it piping hot, the sandwiches come straight from the grill – and very satisfying.
Sub King
$ | (760) 776-5468 | WEBSITE
Every sandwich experience should involve ‘the mix’ – especially if it’s your first time. Sub King is one of our favorite lunch spots, and you can get one of their delicious sandwiches any day of the week, whether you go for something classic like their Italian Sub on French bread or one with their signature ‘the mix’ that everyone recommends. Get the chef’s salad if you’re trying to eat something enormous and fresh – it’s a tremendous value with perfectly cut ingredients.
Jimmy John’s
$ | (760) 341-7827 | WEBSITE
Jimmy John’s is our lunchtime go-to for sub sandwiches like the Club Lulu, but to the left of the counter is a chip display that shouldn’t be ignored (except the too-salty pretzels – feel free to ignore those). While we’re fans of the fresh vegetables and the soft, perfectly baked bread, you also can’t go wrong with the tasty sandwiches paired with the recommended chips.
Charleys Cheesesteaks
$ | (760) 568-2463 | WEBSITE
Normally, we’d head to the food court for a quick bite, but their standout is the Philly cheesesteak with bacon. It’s a generous sandwich packed with flavorful fillings, expertly cooked with just the right amount of Buffalo sauce. You can find us grabbing a seat at one of the simple tables, savoring every bite, even when the place gets busy.
Subway
$ | (760) 346-7965 | WEBSITE
Maybe you’re craving something fresh and quick, and the usual fast-food burger joint isn’t cutting it. Head to Subway instead for a satisfying sandwich and a clean meal. Despite the fact that it’s a chain restaurant, it’s a reliable spot to grab a tasty lunch or dinner with options like their classic subs, wraps, and a delicious veggie delight that looks like it belongs in a health-conscious picnic.