Top 5 Sandwich Shops in Newfoundland

This week the crew at the K-Rock morning show conducted an informal poll of its listeners on social media to decide on what is the best sandwich shop in Newfoundland.  They took votes via their Facebook page and through the #NLBestSandwichSpot on Twitter as well as through their “Rock line.”  Manna Bakery in St. John’s and Rupert’s Deli in Holyrood squared off in the final with Rupert’s Deli emerging as the champion.

While everyone has their favourite, we thought we would run down our list of Top 5 Sandwich Spots in Newfoundland.  You’ll definitely notice an “East Coast bias” based on where we’re located, but if there are any sandwich places you think deserve to be on the list, let us know in the comments.

1. Rupert’s Deli

I have to agree with the K-Rock listeners that as far as sandwich shops go, it’s tough to beat Rupert’s.  I had read quite a bit about them on Facebook and saw all the rave reviews they had been getting before actually going to try them, but I still went in with tempered expectations.  When I walked through the door the place looked so small and the menu was actually written out on neon bristle board but when I took my first bite of my sandwich I understood what all the fuss was about.  They smoke all their own meat and use the freshest of bread and I can honestly say the clubhouse sandwich they served was one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever eaten.  And to top it off, I tried a piece of their cheesecake (which is also smoked) and it was amazing.

Their shop is in Holyrood, so it’s a bit of a drive if you’re in St. John’s, but it’s highly worth the trip out.  Just be sure to call first to make sure their open as I’m sure they’ll be even more popular now that K-Rock has give them a boost.

Recommended: Smokehouse Club Sandwich

Update: It seems there are quite a few people finding this page while looking for the Rupert’s Deli website. At this point (4/12/2015) they don’t seem to have a website. However the owner of the restaurant is quite active posting their offerings on Facebook. You can visit their page here.

Update #2: It sounds as though Rupert’s Deli will be closing indefinitely after Labour Day weekend.  In a Facebook post dated June 14th, the owner Gary, said he would be closing the restaurant to recharge and try to figure out if he’s got what it takes to keep Rupert’s going in the future. Better get out there while you can!

Update #3 (March 2016): Rupert’s has now re-opened, but in a different location in a different community.  They have now re-open at 682 Conception Bay Highway in Kelligrews.  See their Facebook page for more information.

2. Bistro Sofia

Bistro Sofia didn’t get much love in the K-Rock contest, but they have an underrated lunch menu.  We’ve got them ranked particularly high on account of their Chicken Schwarzwald Sandwich.  This sandwich is definitely something different as you won’t find it in any other sandwich shop in the province, but its spicy chicken, special sauce and crispy ciabatta bun make this sandwich particularly delicious.  It has a small kick to it, so if you can’t handle a bit of spiciness at all then it may not be for you, otherwise I’d highly recommend giving this a try.  And while Bistro Sofia’s evening menu can be a little on the higher end scale in terms of price, their lunch menu is very reasonably priced.

Recommended: Chicken Schwarzwald Sandwich

3. Manna Bakery and Deli

Who doesn’t love a breaded chicken sandwich on pretzel bread?  This could very well be the most popular sandwich in St. John’s and Manna has been serving it up for years.  It’s so popular in fact that typically if you don’t get your order in by 12:30pm you’re likely out of luck.  The crispy chicken and fresh bread make this a delicious combo and overshadow the rest of their still quite delicious menu.  I’ve arrived at the bakery more than a couple of times when they’ve been sold out of the chicken sandwiches only to be pleasantly surprised by how good their turkey sandwiches are.  Probably the hardest thing about your trip here though will be staying away from their desserts after your meal.

Recommended: Breaded chicken sandwich on pretzel bread (obviously!)

4. Breen’s Bakery and Deli

Breen’s Deli has been a staple in St. John’s for quite a number of years and they’ve expanded to multiple locations around St. John’s (and even on the TCH near Goobies).  While they offer all kinds of foods including soups and clubhouse and fries combos, their turkey and dressing sandwiches are still their calling card.  They make sure their sandwiches have enough turkey in them so that you almost have to un-hinge your jaw to take a bite and their cranberry mayo gives it a slightly sweet taste.  Pair these two with fresh bread baked daily in house and you’ll definitely leave Breen’s a satisfied customer.

Recommended: Turkey and dressing sandwich with cranberry mayo

5. Rocket Bakery

At Rocket Bakery you have the option to make your own or choose one of their pre-made sandwiches.  While having them make your sandwich is always a good option I would highly recommend keeping an eye on their “sandwich of the day.”  Their daily offerings are definitely different from your regular clubhouse sandwich.  Everything from a Sriracha chicken sandwich to a housebaked ham sandwich will definitely make you a happy customer.  One sandwich in particular keeps me coming back though and that’s their roasted sirloin sandwich on a ciabatta bun.  It’s extremely hard to say no when I see this one pop up on their daily special.  Be sure to sign up for their “Rocket Blast” newsletter (enter your email address on the bottom of their website) that will keep you updated on their daily menu – just don’t blame us when you start drooling over it daily.

Recommended: Roasted Sirloin, carmelized onions, horseradish cream on a ciabatta bun

How do you feel about our top 5?  Spot on or way off the mark?  Let us know in the comments below.