Sandwiches in Bloomington can be a gamble—too often, you’re left with a soggy sub or an overpriced disappointment. Maybe you’re a student rushing between classes, a parent grabbing a quick lunch, or a visitor craving a taste of local flavor. The good news? While truly great sandwich spots here require some digging, they absolutely exist.
Dagwoods Deli Sub Shop
$ | (812) 333-3000 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Bloomington’s college-town scene, this deli from the early 90’s is an ideal spot for a quick lunch that doesn’t remotely resemble fast food. They serve a handful of classics like the steak and cheese “prime rib” and brisket, which come on fresh, warm sub bread with healthy portion sizes. But our favorite is the Ultimate turkey sub—the combination of quality turkey and crisp veggies helps balance out the hearty, satisfying Dagwood on wheat.
Dagwoods’ subs are large enough that one could count as a meal, but if you do happen to want to share (hanging out is encouraged), they have those options too.
Jimmy John’s
$ | (317) 686-0246 | WEBSITE
Jimmy John’s occupies a space that could easily feel like just another quick-service sandwich spot. And when you step into the straightforward dining area with its functional layout and counter setup, it definitely feels like a place you’d visit during a hurried lunch hour. Instead, the sandwiches here deserve your full attention. Everything is focused on speed and reliability—from the fresh bread that forms the foundation to the prompt delivery that gets your order right on time.
The accommodating staff, especially Jesse during deliveries, shows great care while navigating through busy periods, and the helpful team makes you feel genuinely valued. And because this place is consistently reliable for catering and accessible with nearby parking on Pennsylvania, there’s really no excuse for you not to make it your go-to.
Penn Station East Coast Subs
$$ | (812) 331-7300 | WEBSITE
This East Coast-style sandwich shop from the Penn Station chain is tucked among Bloomington’s college-town storefronts, and is ideal for sub enthusiasts looking to branch out from the typical deli counter routine. In fact, cold cuts take a backseat to the hot and fresh options. Instead, you’ll get the popular Italian sub, or teriyaki that will help you tune out the bustling lunch crowd. Whole wheat bread enthusiasts can at least get their fix, with the new option for any sandwich.
And despite the decent prices, a meal at Penn Station doesn’t feel rushed, thanks to the friendly staff like Derrick, who provides recommendations with exceptional kindness.
Subway
$ | (812) 323-3500 | WEBSITE
Subway is our top choice in Bloomington for sandwich shops. The menu is full of fresh classics, like turkey subs, veggie delights, and options like meatball marinara. Since this spot is right on 10th street, you can also plan on it being full of locals. But at least they’re the cool kind of locals who know where to go for a good meal.
McAlister’s Deli
$ | (812) 333-4800 | WEBSITE
McAlister’s Deli is a sandwich shop in Bloomington. What’s a deli, you ask? Taken from their vibe, it’s “a casual yet classy dining experience with quality food and excellent service.” And “classy sandwich shop” is not something we expected to love. But it turns out it’s not too fancy—it’s more of a relaxed spot that works for a quick lunch or casual meet-up. Plus, the food is delicious.
The menu has items like the fresh club sandwich, the Jalapeno Avocado turkey sandwich with great flavor, and some very tasty lemonade. The “Deli” part really just means that the service is really friendly, and the atmosphere feels open and appealing since the remodel, so check their setup to see if you want the outdoor covered seating before you visit.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
$ | (812) 822-1027 | WEBSITE
Your weekend in Bloomington is finally here, and the good news is that you don’t have to travel far for a great meal. But this also means you’re now responsible for finding a spot that keeps everyone happy while making sure no one leaves hungry. Put lunch at Jersey Mike’s Subs on the list. It’s a top-notch chain establishment in Bloomington, and has consistently fresh, delicious, and generous food. It’s particularly good for groups, with friendly and helpful staff creating a great atmosphere.
The food probably won’t blow you away, but the quality makes up for it.
Roly Poly
$ | (812) 822-1422 | WEBSITE
Roly Poly’s fresh wraps, cheerful staff, and cozy atmosphere could trick you into thinking you’re at a friend’s kitchen. At this welcoming spot, office workers grab quick turkey-avocado wraps with crisp greens. Students share generous salads topped with grilled chicken and tangy dressings. Some options are overly simple—we’d prefer the veggie wrap without the distracting raw onions.
But you’ll forget about the minor quibbles (and how close you are to campus traffic) once you’re lost in the perfectly toasted panini with melted cheese and savory fillings.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
$ | (812) 334-9846 | WEBSITE
Potbelly Sandwich Shop is a casual sub shop in Bloomington. And unlike a lot of other sandwich spots at similar levels of quick-service, Potbelly isn’t bland. There’s a steady hum of activity, and a surprising number of customers grabbing lunch between classes. The menu is full of solid versions of sandwich classics, like their delightful sub sandwiches and chicken salad, and enough mac and cheese to warrant its own mention.
So if you have friends visiting, consider meeting them here for a quick bite before taking them around town for some campus sightseeing.
Roly Poly IvyTech
$ | (812) 822-0475 | WEBSITE
Before heading to class at Ivy Tech or browsing the Bookstore, make sure to grab a quick lunch at Roly Poly IvyTech nearby. This casual sandwich spot has salads and soups, but the best things here are the sandwiches made with fresh ingredients. Our current sandwich rotation includes the savory hickory chicken, the flavorful basil cashew chicken, and the customizable creations where you can remove ingredients you don’t like.
Their s’mores cookies and variety of drinks also come in handy as a sweet treat to help you power through an afternoon of studying.