I now see why this little sandwich shop called Ideal's is ranked so highly on Yelp; Uncle Primo's chicken cutlet sandwich might just be the most addictively delicious sandwich I've ever had. I ordered mine on pressed focaccia bread and everything from the juicy crispy chicken to the parmesan cheese and toppings was top notch. Each of the flavors and textures played so well together that it's hard to stop eating after taking the first bite. Came on a Monday around 1pm and there was no line. Inside the shop was a classic deli where you order at the counter and then browse the various goods/merch while you wait. Service was fast and the sandwiches came out within 5 minutes of ordering. There are a couple picnic tables outside to sit and eat but other than that, mostly a to-go place. First timers: get the Uncle Primo's, you won't regret it! read more

Ideal's Sandwich and Groceries - Sandwiches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

See all

I came by on a Sunday right around opening time and the line was wrapped around the block. It took me about 75 minutes from getting in line to get my sandwich. I got half an uncle primos chicken cutlet sandwich ($11). It was a lot of food and was loaded with chicken! Even just the half sandwich was too much for me to eat at once. While it was tasty, I did feel like it was missing something, and personally didn't find it to be worth the wait. But if the line were shorter in the future I'd come back and try other yummies from the menu. read more

See all

Cool and little neighborhood deli that is very popular. I don't know how it is during the week, but if you go on the weekend either go early or go late or you're standing in line for a long time. They've got their service down pat so it goes pretty quickly once you're inside. Friendly service. Come in and give your order and they will call your name when it's ready and your sandwich comes wrapped in white butcher paper and they'll ask if you want a bag and napkins. They have packages of napkins and utensils, available near the door, and also complementary water on the inside while you're in line there. All the orders are to go, but they do have a couple picnic tables just outside. I ordered two sandwiches, one hot and one cold. The cold one for tomorrow. Both of them had an asterisk beside them saying they were spicy, imagine that. I got a full size chopped cheese which comes in a hoagie roll. It was delicious and nicely spicy. Perfect for lunch and dinner. The cold sandwich I got was the roast turkey. It was very tasty too, I'm almost tempted to say I liked it better. Now that I've tasted their sandwiches I know why there was a line. read more

I've been to Ideals twice now and I think I've waited in line a total of 2.5 hours in line between the two visits. While the wait in line can be a little ridiculous, the sandwiches are pretty darn good. My favorite so far have been the eggplant and ricotta, and Thanksgiving special sandwich. The sandwiches are good portion sizes and pretty affordable. They usually have a rotating sandwich each week, so they really know how to lure you into coming back!! Also, their in-house garlic and onion potato chips are yummy! Will definitely be back! Coming for that chopped cheese next time! read more

See all

Food was great, service was great, line was not great. It took us 45 min to order on a random Monday but definitely was great food. I wouldn't rush back only because of how long the line took but glad we tried it. The sauces on the sandwiches were amazing and the homemade bread was so good. read more

Ideal's Sandwich and Groceries - Sandwiches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

See all

Chefs kiss for a sandwich. Wow. This was great. Yes line was very long and you will wait a while. But worth the wait. We got the full size sandwiches. Next time I'll get half. There are big. Great place to meet a group at and chat in lime. Great staff great prices and great food read more

See all

Delicious sandwiches!! I was worried about how long the wait would be on a Sunday afternoon, but it honestly wasn't too bad. We arrived at 11:45 ish, and there was already a pretty decent line. I definitely suggest you arrive early! We waited for about 45 minutes in the blazing heat, but it was worth it. I got the Uncle Primo's chicken cutlet and the turkey sandwich on the focaccia bread. Oh my god, they were insanely good. The bread was fantastic, the sauce was great, and they really stuffed the sandwich. The Uncle Primo's sandwich was filled with chicken, prosciutto, and some greens which always adds a nice touch. The balsamic glaze they add is stellar. I did prefer the focaccia bread over the hoagie bread though. Their turkey sandwich was also super elevated and so addicting! It's definitely pricey for a sandwich, but they give you a lot of food and toppings. Check this spot out if you are in the area! There's a reason why they are so popular. read more

Fried Eggplant Sandwich on Focaccia was amazing! Highly recommend. People start lining up an hour before they open and product is first come first serve until they sell out. The inside has bakery items for sale and I would go back to stock up on fresh bread! There is parking behind the building. read more

Ideal's Sandwich and Groceries - Eggplant on Foccacia - Sandwiches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

See all

DELICIOUS deli sandwiches!!! Get there EARLY, a line will start to form 30 minutes before they're open (it is usually around the block by the time they open). They stay open until they run out of bread (rolls and focaccia bread are homemade, but the focaccia is the most limited). I tried both the "Harlem Chopped Cheese" sandwich and the "Uncle Primo's Chicken Cutlet"- one on focaccia and one on a roll. I thought both sandwiches were fresh (especially the bread), the meat (chicken and beef) was tender and juicy, and flavors were 10/10. The ground beef sandwich was SPICY (be prepared if you're not good with spice); almost too hot for me to eat. I would definitely return here- If I was able to come early and avoid a super long line. Note: only a couple picnic tables outside, no seating inside! read more

See all

Long line for just about the best sandwich in the triangle. Tried both the Harlem Chopped Cheese and the Chicken Cutlet-- hands down the Chicken Cutlet sandwich slapped. It's got so much loaded inside: tomatoes, broccoli rabe, prosciutto, a thick chicken cutlet, balsamic vinegar and garlic mayo. Do yourself a favor and eat here! read more

Ideal's Sandwich and Groceries - Uncle Primo's Chicken Cutlet - Sandwiches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

If you're wondering if it's worth the wait in line--stay put! It absolutely is. The line moves fairly quickly, and the food is on another level. I don't usually have high expectations for sandwiches, but the bread here is the real star of the show. I ordered the Philly with broccolini and was blown away. The beef was so tender it melted in my mouth, and the broccolini complemented the flavors perfectly. Between the bread and the cheese, every bite was juicy and delicious. At $9 for a half sandwich, it's worth every penny! read more

Ideal's Sandwich and Groceries - Delicous - Sandwiches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

10/10 cannot recommend Ideal's enough. Our friend recommended we stop by and it was the best decision we could have made. Got a half chopped cheese and half uncle primos chicken cutlet. Both were phenomenal and highly recommend getting one of each. The combination of all the flavors on both sandwiches and the fresh bread was amazing! I honestly don't think you could go wrong with any of the other sandwiches either, they all looked and sounded great as well! *do note that there is limited space inside they use for the line and so the only seating is a few benches outside* read more

See all

Not only was the size of this sandwich already worth it, it also tasted amazing!! The chicken cutlet was perfectly crispy, and the sauce really tied it all together. I definitely recommend getting the round focaccia bread. This was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had!! The staff is very nice, service is quick despite it being a busy spot, and I love that they sell cute items and pre-cooked food in their little grocery store :) 10/10 delicious! read more

Ideal's Sandwich and Groceries - Sandwiches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I'm not a usual sandwich person, but this spot is always a winner, even for me. It has limited hours (12-3) and it reliably runs out of sandwiches around 2:30. Be prepared to stand in line, but it's worth it. It all out of a tiny spot that also sells beers, wines, and canned Italian goods. The bread is freshly made daily, and you have a choice of your sandwich on hoagie bread or focaccia. My go-to is the chicken cutlet with rabe on hoagie. The chicken is moist, and the breading has cheese in it. The rabe is a perfect pairing to cut the fat of the cutlet and sauce. If you're not into bitter veggies, I would avoid the rabe. There are so many other gems to choose from. read more

Ideal's Sandwich and Groceries - Chicken cutlet with broccoli rabe on hoagie bread. - Sandwiches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

What I recommend: The chicken cutlet sandwich and the eggplant ricotta (great vegetarian option) Ideal Sandwich is one of the most talked-about sandwich spots in Durham, and for good reason. They bake their bread fresh every day, and once they run out, they're done. They're only open for about three hours, so timing is everything. We got there around 11:30, ideals opened at noon, we waited about ten minutes after open, and were able to try the chicken cutlet sandwich, the cold turkey, and the parm with ricotta. The sandwiches were great, and the chicken cutlet and the parm were the clear standouts. The only real downside is the lines can get long, and there's a chance you'll wait only to leave empty-handed if the bread runs out. When you catch them at the right time, though, it's an awesome spot. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 and definitely recommend it. read more

See all

There's a reason Ideal's keeps winding up on all kinds of best of lists. Just amazing sandwiches served on amazing bread. And if you know you know, bread makes the sandwich. Put any kind of artisan ingredients on crap bread and you wind up with a crap sandwich. Ideal's does it right. Get there well ahead of opening hours and be prepared to wait. It is so worth it. read more

First time trying Ideals and I definitely think I had the right idea to grab lunch from here *cheesy--ik, haha-- but this was one of the best turkey sand I've ever had. It was 'spicy' but not too much. 10/10 recommend, can't wait to try the other items on the menu. read more

Ideal's Sandwich and Groceries - Roast Turkey Sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

One of the best sandwiches in the triangle. All three we tried were amazing. Excited to go back soon.

Found this place via yelp. Best sandwich I've had in a long time... my wife got the Italiano and I got the prosciutto and mozzarella. If there is a line, it's worth the wait. read more

Ideal's Sandwich and Groceries - Sandwiches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

"Excellent deli sandwiches in East Durham" I came here on a Sunday afternoon at just after noon, and there was a line going past 2 buildings of people eager to eat here-- wow! (Note: they have VERY limited hours). Took almost 40 minutes to get to order given the length of the line, but luckily it was a beautiful day outside. The place is TINY, albeit with a few picnic tables out front, and has a handful of gourmet-style grocery options (e.g., pastas and sauces, alcohol). You then order at a counter and they call you when it's ready. To be clear, YOU CANNOT EAT INSIDE-- you have to leave as there is no indoor seating. I ordered the chicken cutlet, rabe, and cheese on focaccia, and my dining partner had the fried eggplant. The timing was good-- they ran out of focaccia RIGHT after our order. The food was fixed quickly-- ready in maybe 5 minutes or so. We took it outside and sat at the picnic table. My sandwich was GREAT-- the chicken was outstanding, as was the garlic mayonnaise. I actually think they put a little bit too much of the broccoli rabe-- it did overpower a little bit. If you are sensitive to bitter, you may want to pull a little out of the sandwich, but it is nice having "healthiness" in there. Overall, I'd happily go back, but may pick times that are less crowded, especially if the weather is potentially inclement! read more

i haven't even left the establishment and i have to write this before the moment passes.........if you find yourself anywhere in the general area of this shop while you're reading this, drop your lunch plans and drive straight to ideal's. i don't (usually) cry over a sandwich but when they're this good, you just have to let it out. i will be back to try the chopped cheese, as the uncle primo was calling my name today but i really don't think you can go wrong with anything you order. just GO!! right now! why are you still reading this? there WILL be a line, but it WILL be worth the wait. read more

Ideal's Sandwich and Groceries - uncle primos - Sandwiches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

See all

We did the long line wait over the weekend to try this spot (had been once before as a vegetarian too, but wanted to try the full menu this time!). We got the Uncle Primo's and the Italiano. Both sandwiches were good but did not wow me (especially on par with the level of hype). The hoagie bread was on the chewy side, so it didn't allow the textures of the other ingredients to come through. Italiano was slightly better-executed. The provolone cheese they use here is pretty flavorful (full disclosure I am not the biggest provolone fan), so it takes a balance of other strong flavors to not have that stand out - the Italiano did a good job of having enough acidity and brightness from the peppers and vinaigrette, plus the giardiniera was nice. The lettuce was perfect and added a critical crispy/crunchy freshness. Although good, this sandwich is similar to many other Italian subs you could find anywhere. The Primos was not served as hot and crispy as would have been ideal - the cutlets were unremarkable, and the texture was not discernable between the chewy bread. The arugula salad was dressed in balsamic, but still a bit more acidity and spice could have elevated the balance and flavorfulness of the sandwich. The herb mayo was a good addition. We also got some drinks - they had a tea with popping boba which was fun, and they have other great things in their market inside. It is a fun experience to go wait in line with a friend group, and it is nice to explore the surroundings in East Durham, so I would definitely still try it, and I will be back to try other items on the menu! read more

Well done!!! The beef chopped is SO GOOD. Best bread Ive had in a long time and I hold sesame hoagies to a high standard. The peppers are spicy and delicious. We added lettuce to tone down the spice and the cheese was so gooey 10/10. The egg sandwich is pretty big and the provolone is the leading flavor. Good beer and wine options, outdoor picnic seating only, order at the counter. The line was halfway down the street but we really only waited ~20 total from line to dine. Super friendly staff who seem to love working there. Only recco would be outdoor music to minimize the table chatter. Didnt try the homemade chips or desserts but they looked good. We found street parking right in front and they also sold out of hoagie bread by ~1:45pm! They also have Italian deli groceries and takeout dishes like chicken parm, lasagna, red sauces, gnocchi, etc. and merch. read more

See all

Honestly and genuinely...this was the best sandwich I've ever had in my entire life. And I say that with FULL confidence. Literally my friend and I took a bite out of it and we both looked at each other in pure shock. Line was out the door but moved quickly. Every sandwich is made to order and they even have some cute marketplace things inside. There's limited seating outdoors and street parking in front and around the neighborhood. read more

Ideal's Sandwich and Groceries - Uncle primos chicken cutlet - Sandwiches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

This is hands down my favorite sandwich spot in NC. They are open till 3pm but as everything is made in house (so freshhhhh) they close when they run out of food. Protips: Follow them on Instagram to see their daily specials- be warned these tend to run out first! Show up an hour before they open to line up- I promise you this is worth the wait. I have been here a few different times and while everything I've had has been phenomenal the standout for me is their chopped cheese. Oh. My. Lawd. What a meal. It's a small shop, most people order their food to go but there are some benches outside you can use if you can't wait to dig in! read more

The place was okay but I don't think it was worth the wait, even though the line was pretty fast. The portions were huge but I honestly didn't think it was crazy flavorful. Good but nothing mind boggling. read more

See all

Ideal's has the best damn sandwiches around. Bar none. There is a tremendous sense of pride in their craft you can taste and a level of quality that is rare to find. I am so thankful this establishment exists and that they chose Durham as their home. Also I love their limited hours and the fact that the line is crazy long. Call me crazy, but it's a testament to the unrivaled level of quality food they offer. I wish them the very best and can't wait to come back. read more

Ideal's Sandwich and Groceries - Sandwiches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

See all

Have heard outstanding things about Ideal's sandwiches and they did not disappoint! Arrived on a Sunday around 1 pm and the line was already out the door and going past the store (note they are currently only open Thursday-Monday 12-3 pm). There is some street parking, as well as a lot behind the store. No indoor seating, only 2 picnic tables outside so I would anticipate having to takeaway to eat elsewhere. Alternatively, there are a couple of public benches across the street - since the weather was nice and the picnic tables were full, we ended up sitting on these benches instead. The line was quite long, but moved relatively quickly - the staff were efficient at taking our orders and the food came out fast. Overall, the food was well worth the wait. The bread was fresh and chewy and the perfect foundation needed for a proper sandwich. We tried Uncle Primo's Chicken Cutlet, which had prosciutto, mozzarella, herb mayonnaise, and arugula salad. The chicken cutlet was delicious - tender and juicy with a well-seasoned breaded crust. The arugula salad added an acidic/bright flavor and the herb mayonnaise was buttery and melded all of the flavors together. We also tried the Harlem Chopped Cheese which was a combination of ground beef, onions, sharp provolone and cherry peppers. We ate right away after getting our sandwiches but I can imagine if you waited, this sandwich might be prone to getting soggy. It was like a version of a philly cheesesteak. This sandwich was heavier on the saltiness and greasiness but still very good. Would highly recommend Uncle Primo's Chicken Cutlet and will certainly be back to try the fried eggplant sandwiches! read more

Ideal's Sandwich and Groceries - Uncle Primo's Chicken Cutlet (left), Harlem Chopped Cheese (right) - Sandwiches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

A real hidden gem. Authentic Italian deli style sandwiches and small market. Very nostalgic vibe. Definitely reminded me of local deli's in Connecticut, which is where I am from. The bread is made fresh and the eggplant and broccoli rabe sub and chopped cheesesteak sub's were chefs kiss.The fact that the line is practically down the street, lets you know the food is superb. They are very organized and get you in and out fairly quickly. They also have two picnic tables outside, so you can enjoy your meal. I probably should have kept this place a secret. It will definitely be my go to place for sandwiches. read more

Ideal's Sandwich and Groceries - Eggplant and Broccoli Rabe sub - Sandwiches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

See all

I've been wanting to eat here forever- so glad I finally got the chance! Went on a Thursday right at opening & was quite surprised to see a queue already forming (thankfully, it went by pretty quickly). We opted to take away since it was so crowded. As a result, the sandwiches got a bit soggy but they were still delicious. Got hoagie half rolls of the Fried Eggplant, Rabe & Cheese sandwich (also has provolone & garlic mayonnaise) & the Uncle Primo's Chicken Cutlet sandwich (also has prosciutto di Parma, fresh mozzarella, arugula salad, herb mayonnaise) with their homemade garlic & onion potato chips. The standout is definitely the hoagie itself- it is so obvious that the bread is made fresh everyday, it was so fluffy. I love fried eggplant so that was probably my favorite of the two sandwiches I got, but both were good; I loved the garlic & herb mayonnaises they used. The potato chips were super garlicky & crunchy, but definitely way too salty. There's sufficient street parking in the front. Service is fast, ambiance is fine (no seating indoors, but there are a couple of picnic benches outside). 10/10 would recommend, this may be my new favorite place to get sandwiches in Durham! read more

Ideal's Sandwich and Groceries - Fried Eggplant, Rabe & Cheese sandwich; Uncle Primo's Chicken Cutlet sandwich; Potato chips - Sandwiches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Incredible sandwiches. Location is small and you will always have to wait in line, but it is worth the wait. Go when you have plenty of time for a great lunch. read more

This wasn't just a bad experience--it's the kind of experience that makes people decide not to come back at all. There's nothing here that would make a customer choose this place over any other option. The long wait times, high prices, outdated environment, and poor service all send the same message: this isn't a place worth returning to. And once customers start feeling that way, they don't give second chances--they just stop coming. Waiting nearly an hour and still getting the wrong order is already unacceptable. Having to go back and deal with an unpleasant attitude just to fix it makes it worse. That combination doesn't just frustrate people--it pushes them away permanently. Places don't lose customers because of one issue--they lose them because the overall experience gives people a reason to stay away. Right now, this feels like one of those places people try once and then avoid in the future. If this is the standard, it's not hard to see why customers would choose to go somewhere else and not come back. read more

My cousin had been bragging about this place for so long. I went and saw there was a long line. So I figured this place was really good. I got in line and it smelled so good. The smell made my mouth water! I was excited! As soon as I got excited, that excitement was destroyed because a worker came out to tell us that they were out of bread so they couldn't serve any more sandwiches. I was so hurt. I wanted to still wait and try, but they were really out. So maybe I'll be able to try it one day! read more

X - Sandwiches: hhhhhnnnnnuughhhhhhhh Chips: Religious experience Brown butter chocolate cookie: Real good Diet Coke: Canned and cold Also bought a sick shirt. Good folks in there, heard someone on the line say "you read my mind, chef" which was cool. Will go back L - I was blown away by the Philly Roast Pork. The flavor was absolutely incredible, and I'm already scheming coming back to get it for a rainy, cozy Saturday. The chips and cookie were good, but the sandwich was the highlight! It's worth the wait! read more

Ideal's Sandwich and Groceries - Wiches - Sandwiches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Best sandwiches I have ever had! The fresh bread and well executed sandwiches are the reason behind the line that builds up 45 minutes prior to opening. Well worth the wait, I recommend getting in line 30 minutes prior to opening. read more

See all

I've been a regular customer at this restaurant for quite some time and have always been willing to wait in long lines because the food is consistently good. However, my recent experience was extremely disappointing and concerning. An order was placed with a clear request to exclude a specific ingredient. Despite this, the item was prepared with that ingredient, and instead of remaking it properly, it was simply removed and served anyway. When my parents noticed and asked for it to be remade correctly for safety reasons, they were met with resistance and made to feel uncomfortable for advocating for their own well-being. Although the order was eventually remade, they were asked to wait until everyone else had been served, which felt unnecessary and dismissive. Food quality is important, but food safety and respectful customer service should never be compromised. This experience has left me very disappointed in a place I've supported for so long, and it definitely makes me reconsider returning. read more

If you're willing to wait, Ideals is absolutely worth it. The sandwiches are that good. We got there at 1pm on a Saturday and waited about an hour and a half. By the time we got to order, a few menu items had already run out, but what we did get was still amazing. Seating is limited, so be prepared to grab a spot quickly or eat on the go. Crowd favorite? The Uncle Primo on focaccia. One bite and you'll see why it has the whole city lining up. read more

I really enjoyed this restaurant-we came at noon on a Saturday but the line went by relatively fast (30 minutes). The portions sizes were very generous, but it's $18 for a full sandwich. The flavors were really good and I would recommend this place to any sandwich lover. read more

Ideal's Sandwich and Groceries - Outside - Sandwiches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

See all

The wait went really fast and I loved the chopped cheese sandwich. It was super flavorful and the portions were huge. There was a lot of sauce in the chopped cheese in the best way. The other two sandwiches (chicken cutlet and eggplant) were definitely less flavorful so I definitely think the chopped cheese was the best out of the three read more

See all

Just get Uncle Primo's Chicken Cutlet on focaccia bread and be happy. Best sandwich I've ever tasted