Few things top the feeling of driving a quality car down a long, open road, except, maybe, driving down a long, open road with a sandwich in hand. If you’re local to the Panama City area, you may already know about some of the exceptional sandwich shops nearby. If you’re visiting or new, Panama City Toyota would like to offer a list of some of our favorite spots around town to grab a sandwich.
Trigo San Francisco Style Deli
Image via Flickr by StevenGroves licensed by CC BY 2.0
For those wanting to try a new sandwich style, we strongly recommend the Trigo San Francisco Style Deli. The deli makes its sandwiches fresh daily, and you can tell. If you’re not in a sandwich mood, this shop also has delicious pizzas, salads, and soups. We love the exposed brick, cable car designs, and San Francisco-style atmosphere. You and your taste buds will feel transported after the first bite. We recommend the Gilbert Special hot sandwich and the Chicken Mango Curry salad.
The owner, Gilbert Hamati, started this deli because he thought there weren’t enough sandwich shops in the area, but since Trigo started in 2010, we’ve hardly noticed. The expression says, “quality over quantity,” and Trigo San Francisco Style Deli certainly brings the quality. Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Fridays, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. It’s closed Sundays, which means you have a free day to check out another restaurant on this list.
The Bagel Maker
For bread lovers, we suggest another local favorite: The Bagel Maker. Their bagels, bread, cream cheese, and delicious sweets are all made from scratch, and each day of the week boasts a unique and memorable flavor. The bakers make all their delicious sandwiches on either a bagel or the bread of your choice. You can choose from amazing options like the Colossal Corned Beef, the Tummy Tickler Turkey, or the Egg Salad Sandwich. Stop in on a Tuesday to try their Asiago specialty bagels or almost any other day of the week for an unforgettable experience.
Bring the pooch because they bake dog treats your furry friend can enjoy. Also, be sure to check out their homemade pizza dough for another take-home treat. The veteran and family-owned shop is closed Sundays, but you can find them with hot and ready offerings Monday-Friday, 5 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturdays, 6 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cahall’s Deli
For amazing sandwiches and a welcoming atmosphere, check out Cahall’s Deli. We love this spot because it’s more than just a delicious deli. It’s also a great place to get your deli meat for the week. Cahall’s Deli doubles as a butcher shop, and its selection of meats almost rivals that of its sandwiches. We recommend Cahall’s Philly Cheesesteak, but it’s truly impossible to go wrong. With plenty of sides to choose from and a fruit cobbler for dessert, you’re likely to want to return to this spot again and again.
The Deli now has two locations for added convenience: one on 23rd street and the other in the Holley Center at Florida State University, Panama City. Breakfast sandwich lovers will love to know that it’s open for breakfast. Cahall’s is open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Bayou Joe’s Marina And Grill
Enjoy the taste of Southern comfort at Bayou Joe’s. This unpretentious spot sits on the water and offers a mouth-watering selection of fried Southern goodness. Fish sandwich lovers need look no further because Bayou Joe’s yellowfin tuna sandwich is one of the best in the state. They also have po’boys, club sandwiches, and cheesesteaks. The outdoor dining at Bayou Joe’s is truly unique, as you dine on a dock set atop the beautiful Massalina Bayou. Enjoy a meal in the sunset while watching the boats cruise in and out of the marina.
You’ll also enjoy the restaurant’s decor, with its many fun and quirky “Old Florida” touches. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays, but fans can still secure their favorite sandwiches on the other days of the week. It’s open Mondays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wednesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Friday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Uncle Ernie’s
For more great seafood sandwiches, check out Uncle Ernie’s, another of our nearby favorites. This bayfront bar and grill offers splendid views of the water and boasts a menu full of local flavor. Located in the historic St. Andrews community of Panama City, this spot offers drinks, live music, and some of the best crab cake sandwiches you’ll ever eat. They also offer more unique sandwiches, such as their soft shell crab sandwich and grilled fresh grouper sandwich. Uncle Ernie’s only uses fresh wild-caught fish, so you’re always eating fresh and sustainable.
History lovers will also enjoy this spot. The restaurant is actually a historic house, belonging to Jessie and Ernest (Uncle Ernie) Morris. Photographs within the restaurant preserve the historic couple’s legacy and the family-run feel continues today. You can sit on its second floor and get a perfect view of the sunset, or opt for seating in the main house, where you can enjoy the history and view from the home’s many large picture windows. The spot is open Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fatty’s Sandwich Shop
If you’re willing to take a quick drive across the bay to see Panama City Beach, be sure to check out Fatty’s Sandwich Shop while you’re there. There’s a lot to love about Fatty’s menu, but our favorite has to be the Heart Stopper. With three types of meat and two kinds of cheese, it’s hard to find a sandwich this spectacular on our side of the bay. We promise it’s worth the trip.
To make it more convenient for Panama City Beach visitors, Fatty’s offers two locations. The first is one block east of Pier Park and the other is across from the Navy Base. The sandwich shop is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. It’s closed on Sundays.
Was your favorite sandwich shop on this list? If not, let us know. We’d love to hear about your favorite local gems and update some of our favorites. After all, it’s never a bad time for a sandwich break. We can’t wait to see where your sandwich adventures take you.
