I had just driven into Waco and was craving a good deli sandwich. After checking out the reviews, this place seemed like a great choice -- and it absolutely was! I arrived just five minutes before closing, and the staff still welcomed me warmly and quickly put together a delicious sandwich for me to enjoy back at my hotel room. What really stood out was the friendly, family-like atmosphere from everyone working behind the counter. You can tell this is a place that truly cares about its customers, and it's easy to see why they've remained a local favorite over the years. read more

Schmaltz's Sandwich Shop - Sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Waco, Texas

Easily the best sandwich spot in Waco and likely one of the best I've ever had. It is a very unassuming small spot but they are so unique and flavorful. To add the service is great as well. The bread is the star of the show as they bake it fresh daily and it is not your traditional slice from a loaf but essentially a giant biscuit that they coat in garlic butter. Then their ingredients are all just the absolute freshest. I can't speak more highly about this Waco staple and will always stop by when I'm passing through. read more

Schmaltz's Sandwich Shop - Ham and Swiss Sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Waco, Texas

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TAAAASTY sandwiches in downtown Waco! Friendly staff, counter serve, and you aren't going for the ambiance, you're going for the sandwich. The bread is out of this world! A small is plenty big. Potato salad was standard. Get the Schmaltz, get it all the way -- Thank me later! read more

Schmaltz's Sandwich Shop - Small The Schmaltz Sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Waco, Texas

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Dined-12.23.25: Great tasting sandwiches both via pick up and dining in. I had the Schmaltz Sandwich, it was nice and hot, great cheese pull & just overall delicious!. Shoutout to the cashier as she noticed I had been accidentally overcharged (by $20 on an order for 3). She took the time to point it out to me & get her coworker to also double check & issue was immediately resolved. Fantastic & honest customer service-can't beat tha. I will definitely be back when I visit Waco next! read more

This is the best sandwich i've ever had. Me and my mom ate here September 12th 2025, amazing. We ate here again today, March 18th 2026. Since we are on the way to the Houston area, we went out of our way to eat here at the downtown location. Today it's me, my mom, and my dad. We would definitely rate this place 100/5 stars if we could. The workers are super nice, and we got our food within 20 minutes. It seems like a bit of a wait for 3 sandwiches, but it's so worth it! The bread is made in house and it has a nice little crunch. Definitely stop here for lunch or dinner if you are near! read more

Schmaltz's Sandwich Shop - Turkey with Cheddar Sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Waco, Texas

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The best buttery bread that you'll ever have in your life. I got the Ham & Cheese sandwich, and my friend got a BLT. Would highly recommend both! read more

I love their sandwiches. It's hard to describe their bread... it's different from any other I've ever had; and I've had ALOT of bread!! Maybe like a soda bread? Not sure what makes it different but I like it. I live over an hour from Waco but when I drive through I always (except Sundays) stop for a Schmaltz sandwich... for many years!! Their service is always friendly. The atmosphere isn't much to talk about but I truly don't come for the ambience. It's all about that bread. I was told Schlotzsky's copied their style of sandwich but changed the bread. Idk but seems reasonable. They have a great cheese soup too. I don't stray from their original Schmaltz sandwich but my husband gets the turkey and says it's good. read more

Was passing through on way to Dallas and thought I'd try this instead of Jimmy John's. Glad I tried it. Pastrami with Mozzerella tasted great. Bread is uniquely delicious. A little like Schlotzkys bread but better. Iced tea was good. Plenty of seating inside. . Would return for another sometime. Note: Probably could have had 3 Jimmy John's for the price of my meal read more

Wonderful sandwiches. The bread is so fresh and the meat is all real and juicy not like "another" store that uses only turkey based products. Very friendly and efficient. read more

I had the pastrami sandwich. I don't see why so many people have rated this place five stars. It was very mediocre. Maybe those people have never had a great sandwich. The bread was fresh baked, but it was very crumbly. Sort of a cornbread consistency. The interior gives off a very sad vibe. read more

The best sandwich shop. Love coming to Waco to eat at this gem of a place! Their wheat bread turkey sandwich is to die for. Ate here twice in 4 days it was that good. Folks are really nice here. Fresh ingredients & delicious food. read more

Favorite sandwich shop ever! I get the veggie sandwich with cheese every time I'm in town. The bread is soooo delicious.

Stopped by for lunch. Great shop. Sandwiches and soup are good. Would definitely recommend.

What luck we had, we had left the Dr. Pepper Museum and were headed to another restaurant for lunch when we passed Schmaltz's. We decided to give it a try and the rest is history. They say "It's the bread" and after having the sandwiches we agree. The bread that look like rolls to me are really good. The fillings are certainly playing "second fiddle" to the bread. I had the Roast Beef and my wife had the Ham and Swiss. While they were good, we thought that the meat and cheese portions served were a bit skimpy. Ordering is done at the counter and the gal who took my order was less than enthusiastic but she was efficient. The restaurant is small with little decor and plastic furniture. I did take off a star based on the price of the sandwich and the portion sizes. However, when we are in Waco again, we will certainly will eat there again. read more

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This is my GO-TO sammich spot whenever I'm in Waco. I always get the same order every time-The Schmaltz large. The bread is always toasted and has a great crunch, and the amount of meat they give you is a healthy portion. The combination of everything on the sandwich plus the garlic butter finish makes this thing to die for. Each time I've gotten The Schmaltz it's been consistent. This location is downtown so parking can be a bit tricky around lunch time, but it's always busy. Service is quick, try to go in knowing what you want, and your food will come out quickly. Good ambiance-very old school kind of vibe, but definitely a local spot. Very heavy with take out orders, but there are spots inside the shop to sit down and eat. Will definitely return. read more

The front workers are not near as attentive as the OG locations. Especially when it comes to receiving your soup lol. But the sandwich's never disappoint! read more

Food is fine. Is it bad? No. Is it something to write home about? No. I wouldn't go again. They missed a sandwhich in our order and by the time they got it made everyone else was done. Totally happens. The restaurant itself was dirty and there were large dead bugs (can't say for sure what type) in the lights. No water pressure in the bathrooms to flush the toilets. I don't understand the hype with this sandwhich shop. The bread was again, fine but schlotskys has the same bread. I would NOT recommend nor go again. read more

Super yummy! Cute little sandwich shop with handwritten signs...nothing fancy but was yummy and really hit the spot!

You're gonna spend a minute waiting once you order and if there is a line it's going to be a bit. Next time we'll call ahead. Great sandwich though and people there are nice. read more

It was so delicious and retro ! Great spot to stop and have an old time sandwich. Potato salad was good too

You can't beat freshly baked bread every single day. Maybe I'm biased since I grew up here but I can honestly say the original Shmaltz is my favorite sandwich of all time. read more

This is a great place for lunch. The person who gave it one star was probably a regular at Jack-in-the-Box.

While I was waiting in line people were raving about this place. I was really excited to get my sandwich. The bread was delicious. There was only 2 pieces of meat in my sandwich, as well as, the potato salad was store purchased rather than home made. A rather disappointing $15 dollars, or should I say for that price what did I expect? I also witnessed one lady putting on a new pair of gloves to only touch her hair after she had put them on to touch lettuce. That should have been a sign for me to ask for a refund and walk away. read more

Can we talk about the history of this sandwich literally the best thing all through my high school years. My Parents couldn't understand the hype. The bread is amazing soft and crispy at the same daym time! And I get the Schmaltz, I have never had another sandwich from this place and I probably never will. The mix of meats lettuce, tomato and whatever the sauce or oil or mayo is....Amazing! Definitely worth a stop anytime your in Waco read more

We were actually wandering over in the "Magnolia" area, and were so disappointed in what we saw, that we sought out other options. So glad we did. Schmaltz's Sandwich Shop was a great find. We both loved the old school vibe, the super friendly staff, and especially the food. Yum. Bottom line: Try it, you will like it. read more

Yes yes and yes. Classic old sandwich shop has been around forever and is amazing. They are so kind and helpful. Fresh bread. Hot sandwiches. I love it. read more

Such a good sandwich shop! I got the Schmaltz and it was amazing! Wait took a while but it was busy. Will be back to try their other items for sure! read more

We love Schmaltz's! The local flair is wonderful. You order at the counter and they give you a number for your order. The wait for your food is not long. We love the original! It's huge. My husband and I split a sandwich. read more

Schmaltz's Sandwich Shop - If my son gets to pick where to eat it's Schmaltz's every time. - Sandwiches Near Me - Waco, Texas

My sandwich was great, I loved the bread. (It was like Schlotsky's if you're familiar with that chain.) Price was very reasonable. The store itself was in need of some reresh/repairs, but overall I recommend it here. There was a nice mix of locals and tourists (like me) descending on the Magnolia empire! read more

Lively, local spot. Food was delicious, incredibly generous portions. They gave me half/half Wisconsin cheese soup and broccoli cheddar. So yummy! I had a fresh, big salad, too. read more

Long time Waco treat....the cheese soup is awesome plus the Schmaltz sammich is what I get every time....oh and a bag of chips!!

I really don't know why this sandwich shop was recommended. I got a pastrami sandwich and it really wasn't much. Two thin slices of meat and som lettuce. It was all bread. They say it's home made but seems to have a corn meal base. Not sure why. I personally would not recommend this shop. read more

I can see why this is a classic Waco spot because a Schmaltz's Sandwich definitely my tastebuds waltz! Their secret weapons are their bread and garlic butter. You'd think, "huh, that sounds weird?" But relax, cool your tail and do it their way. You won't regret it. #chow read more

A Waco gem!!! If you like big, gourmet, delicious sandwiches on homemade thick and crisp bread, then you've come to the right place at Schmaltz's! This is a classic deli shop with amazing tasting sandwiches and great prices for the quality and sizes. They are famous for their Schmaltz sandwich which is loaded with a few types of meat, mozzarella, and olives. People drive from all over to try this one. I am also a huge fan of their roast beef-tons of flavor with cheddar cheese melting on top of your meat! They also have a great deal where you add a side (soup of the day, potato salad, or chips) and get a drink for free! Definitely worth the visit. PS, they use crushed ice for their drinks! read more

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Grew up in Waco and this place is a staple. Sandwiches and soups are outstanding. You won't regret adding the Wisconsin cheddar cheese soup to your meal. I always take time to stop in on my way thru town. read more

This is the kind of place that my friends from California still talk about after their last visit! Service is top notch, the food is consistently great. Even coupons won't get me to goto their competitor Schlotzski! Keep It Local! read more

Great sandwich but I had to wait 30 minutes to get it. I guess the best bet is to order online and pick up. Just remember it's a great sandwich read more

This place is great. Service is great, food is made fresh, and they don't get upset at you when you show up 5 minutes before closing. They were urging us to come in an d order. I did feel bad about showing up so late, I just wasn't aware they were closing so early. I come here every time I am in town. read more

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A Waco original born and bread! If your lucky enough to go during jalapeño bread week, grab the jalapeño bread! My go to is a Turkey with cheddar made up all the way with the house butter sauce. read more

We were up in town at the title and registration building which was right down the street. We decided to try this restaurant for the very first time. I have to admit that I really enjoy homemade bread bread as well as sandwiches in general. I was a fan in my childhood of their competitor schlotzskys. I had never been here before but after reading about it here on Yelp was both intrigued and curious. My fiancé doesn't really enjoy sandwiches. I liked the down home feel of the place when we entered. I had looked at the menu before coming and set my eyes on the blue plate special. I got the large original sandwich with potato salad instead of chips and unsweetened iced tea. My fiancé got a chef salad. She was disappointed a little as the posted potato soup that was posted was evidently the special from yesterday. She seemed to enjoy her salad and said there was quite enough ranch to please her. She let me have her homemade roll which I really enjoyed as I do love homemade bread. My sandwich was very satisfying. It was better than my memory of schlotzskys. I enjoyed it. For people who can take or leave sandwiches it might not seem to be a big deal but to a sandwich aficionado like me it was luscious. The bread was homemade. It was buttered and if you don't like that I am sure that you can request it to be left off. The meat was good in my opinion and the veggies fresh. I loved the potato salad. My fiancé is very picky about her slaw and potato salad and was reluctant to try it. She did though after I stated that I didn't feel a need to salt or pepper it and she really enjoyed it. She liked the sweet tea and I liked the unsweetened. I got tea because there was free refills. The sodas had 1 free refill allowed. The locals could tell that we were new there. They described for my fiancé how the Wisconsin cheddar tasted and a customer brought our slip we left at the counter. She asked if we were from Waco and we said we moved here in January. When we told her we were from Houston she welcomed us. There was a sense of inclusion w the locals and we didn't feel like outsiders. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and while hoping to have leftovers wasn't disappointed I finished everything. A great place to eat downtown. We were glad we came around 11 AM as it started getting crowded around 11:30. This restaurant closes currently at 3PM. I really enjoyed my visit to schmaltz's. read more