Ideal's Sandwich and Grocery

I wanted to go to this restaurant for lunch today. I visited their website and found that there was no vegan option listed. I therefore emailed the restaurant. They responded that they removed the vegan option some time ago as it was ordered infrequently. Once in a while they will have a vegan daily special, check Instagram.

Next level sandwiches and super friendly staff. Be early or ready to wait a short line because everyone loves this spot

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chicken Cutlet Broccoli Rabe, Fried Eggplant and Ricotta Sandwich

Best sandwiches in durm

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Italian, Fried Eggplant and Ricotta Sandwich, Philly Roast Pork, Harlem Chopped Cheese

Worth The hype. I tried the Italiano and the fried eggplant ricotta subs. Their homemade bread is really good (a little too heavy on sesame seeds for me though). Both sandwiches were huge and exactly what you'd want in a handcrafted sandwich. I got there when the line was JUST starting to inch out the doorway, and only waited maybe a total of 10-15 minutes before I had sandwiches in hand (weekday afternoon). Right after I got there though the line snaked down the block, so leave time to get your food. I'll definitely be coming back to try other sandwiches.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Perfection!!

Best sandwiches! Well worth waiting an hour before opening to be first in line

Perfect semolina bread *mwah*

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Italian, Fried Eggplant and Ricotta Sandwich, Uncle Primos Chicken Cutlet Sandwich, Foccacia, Prosciutto&Mozzarella, Harlem Chopped Cheese

Amazing sandwiches and bread, some of the best Ive ever had. They sell out super fast on weekends b/c of how good they are. Recommend getting any of the warm sandwiches

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Pretty good. I had high hopes based off reviews. Will definitely try again.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

The Harlem Chopped Cheese is outrageously good!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Harlem Chopped Cheese

Best sandwich I've had in the US. The chopped cheese is my go-to. It's so much better than a typical chopped cheese. Highly recommend getting there early. The line is always out the door!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Harlem Chopped Cheese

The Chicken Cutlet Sandwich with Broccoli Rabe is absolutely delicious! This sandwich features a crispy, golden-brown chicken cutlet nestled between freshly baked bread, paired with the slightly bitter, garlicky punch of sautéed broccoli rabe. The provolone cheese balances and ties the sandwich together perfectly. Each bite feels hearty and satisfying!

It’s worth noting that Ideal’s is incredibly popular, and for good reason. Arriving early, I recommended strongly, as the line tends to build quickly. However, don’t let the crowd intimidate you. This is one of those spots where the wait is worth it. Your tastebuds will thank you!!!

Parking: The church parking lot across the street can be used.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Italian, Chicken Cutlet Broccoli Rabe, Prosciutto&Mozzarella, Italian Sub, Harlem Chopped Cheese

Best sandwich in Durham (maybe North Carolina, maybe the world)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Italian, Chicken Cutlet Broccoli Rabe, Fried Eggplant and Ricotta Sandwich, Uncle Primos Chicken Cutlet Sandwich

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.

Vegetarian options: The Eggplant sandwiches are to die for.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Fried Eggplant and Ricotta Sandwich

If there’s a better sandwich shop in all of NC I haven’t found (or heard of) it yet. Seriously unrivaled.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Favorite sandwich shop in the triangle, no contest. Just know you're going to be waiting in a line but it's worth it. Pressed focaccia Italian is A+++

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Focaccia Sandwich, Italian, Chicken Cutlet Broccoli Rabe, Roast Pork with Broccoli Rabe