The 14 best kid-friendly sandwich shops in the DMV

Looking for a mouth-watering sandwich for both you and your kid? Look no further, because we’ve found the 14 best kid-friendly sandwich shops in the DMV. Whether your kid is a picky eater or ready to try anything, these options will have both parents and children in the best food coma of their life. With stress-free atmospheres, fresh ingredients and quick service, your new local sandwich spot awaits.

Key takeaways

• The bigger picture: These selected spots are stress-free with casual, high-energy settings, outdoor seating or interactive layouts where parents don’t have to worry about noise.
• The details: From classic, reliably soft grilled cheeses to creative “Thanksgiving-in-a-roll” flavors, these menus are kid-approved.
• The more you know: Spread across Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia, a top-tier family lunch is always just a short drive away.

Top kid-friendly sandwich shops in the DMV

Bub and Pop’s, Washington, DC

A family-owned restaurant in the heart of DC, Bub and Pop’s is one of DC locals’ most well-loved sandwich shops. With a masterclass in comforting, kid-friendly hospitality, it is an exceptionally welcoming spot for parents navigating downtown DC with children in tow. The restaurant also features bowling lanes, an arcade and pool tables, so families can stay for an entire afternoon!

The sandwich recipes are inspired by Mae and Irv Wagner (Bub and Pop themselves), who had a deep passion for home-style food, particularly the Italian Hoagie and Braised Beef Brisket Sandwiches. The restaurant’s menu now displays their grandson Chef Jon Taub’s reinvented version of these family classics.

Families love coming here to dive into massive Philly-style hoagies and braised pork melts. Parents routinely order the legendary Beef Brisket or the classic Italian hoagie, while kids are won over by the gooey, melted provolone and soft, freshly baked rolls that are easy for small hands to hold. The portions are notoriously huge, making it incredibly simple and cost-effective for parents to split a full-sized sandwich between multiple kids. It is a noisy, high-energy neighborhood staple where kids can enjoy their food and the multiple amusements the spot has to offer.

• Address: 100 Florida Ave. NE, Washington, DC
• What to order: Large Bub’s Italian hoagie to split.
• Cost expectation: Small sandwiches are around $14-$15 and a large is typically $23. I recommend splitting!
• Review: “Bub couldn’t have been more helpful explaining what they could do for our ‘fussy eater’ child, a pepperoni pizza sandwich that he ate with no fuss! The rest of us all devoured our sandwiches which were loaded with our chosen filling and decided it was the best meal we’d had on vacation so far! Definitely recommend this kind of quick informal lunch.” Liz B on TripAdvisor
• Helpful visit tip: Seating is limited, so prepare to take the sandwich to go. The restaurant is closed Monday and Tuesdays.

Jetties, Bethesda, MD

Jetties is arguably the ultimate local sandwich shop to take kids to in Maryland. The atmosphere is bright, airy and beach-themed, filled with nautical decor that instantly lowers the stress levels of parents walking in with energetic children. The counter-service setup keeps lines moving quickly, meaning you won’t have to keep toddlers entertained at a table for long before the food arrives.

What makes Jetties a standout for families is its clever menu named after Nantucket beaches and its genuine dedication to fresh, wholesome ingredients. While parents can dive into massive artisan salads or gourmet turkey creations, kids are treated to a specialized menu that goes far beyond generic fast food. Families consistently order the Nobadeer thanksgiving sandwich to share or look to the “Little Jetties” menu for perfect kid-sized portions of freshly roasted turkey, ham or grilled cheese that comes with two sides and a drink. With plenty of napkins on hand and a lively environment to eat in it is an effortless neighborhood favorite.

• Address: 4829 Fairmont Ave., Bethesda, MD
• What to order: The “Nobadeer” (freshly roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and mayo on sourdough) or the kid-favorite grilled cheese.
• Cost expectation: Sandwiches and salads range from $12-$17, kids’ meals are $10.95
• Review: “Forget Chop’t and Sweet Green. Jetties has the best and freshest selection and you just fill out your card and they make it fresh. Great home cooked warm turkey breast and roasted broccoli as well as many other selections. Not too much lettuce and good balance of goodies” David K, TripAdvisor
• Helpful visit tip: Gets very busy at lunchtime, so try to avoid peak meal hours!

Earl’s Sandwiches, Arlington, VA

Earl’s Sandwiches is an absolute favorite spot to take kids to in Northern Virginia. The atmosphere is incredibly casual and fast-paced, meaning parents can sit back and relax without worrying about their children making a little noise. The open-style counter system allows kids to watch exactly how their food is built, which is a great way to keep short attention spans occupied.

Earl’s is famous for slow-roasting their turkey, pork and beef completely from scratch every day, providing a wholesome quality that parents can feel great about. Families consistently head here to order their roasted turkey creations that taste like a Thanksgiving holiday wrapped inside a fresh roll. Picky eaters love their incredibly soft breads and simple, perfectly melted grilled cheeses, while parents can enjoy complex hot premium sandwiches packed with homemade stuffing and rich gravy.

• Address: 2603 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA
• What to order: The “Turkey Club” or the “Roasted Turkey” sandwich with stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy on thick-sliced sourdough. Hot dogs and grilled cheese on the kids menu are perfect for pickier eaters.
• Cost expectation: Sandwiches and salads range from $6.49-$12.99, depending on meal options, and kids’ meals start at $3.49.
• Writer’s note: “As a Northern Virginia native myself, this has always been one of my personal favorite spots. The service is quick and friendly, and the sandwiches are filling enough to share between two people. Their cane sodas, featuring flavors like mandarin orange and black cherry, were my favorite treat when I was younger, and I still go back for them now.” Miranda Simpson
• Helpful visit tip: Lacks a ton of seating, so consider an alternate location to enjoy your sandwiches.

More kid-friendly sandwich shops by region

Washington, DC

Mangialardo’s

This neighborhood fixture has been serving up some of the best Italian subs on Capitol Hill for decades. The quick-moving counter line is perfect for families who need to grab a high-quality lunch quickly without waiting around.

• Location: 1317 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC
• Who it works for: Families with active teenagers and school-aged children.
• Cost expectation: $12-$18 per sandwich.
• Helpful visit tip: Take your sandwiches to go and picnic at the nearby park blocks on Capitol Hill.

SUNdeVICH

This spot serves up globally inspired sandwiches built on perfectly crisp, freshly baked baguettes. The unique menu layout features items named after major international cities, making lunch a fun geography game for kids and a much more exciting bite for parents.

• Location: 601 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, DC
• Who it works for: Curious, adventurous young eaters and parents looking for creative flavors.
• Cost expectation: $14-$19 per sandwich.
• Helpful visit tip: You can avoid long waits by ordering ahead online via SUNdeVICH or by scanning the QR code when you walk in.

Compliments Only

This trendy sandwich counter has taken the local food scene by storm with its clever menu names and top-tier ingredient pairings. The staff is exceptionally accommodating, and kids can build their own sandwich, customizing it to fit the needs of pickier eaters. There are locations on both Capitol Hill and in Dupont, so you don’t have to travel far.

• Location: 526 8th St. SE, Suite A, Washington, DC
• Who it works for: Young families looking for a trendy, laid-back lunch spot.
• Cost expectation: $15-$20 per sandwich.
• Helpful visit tip: Grab one of their signature house-made chocolate chip cookies as a reward for finishing lunch.

Stachowski Market

A butcher shop, deli and grocery store, Stachowski Market has both incredible sandwiches and lots of aisles for kids to wander down. They craft some of the most massive sandwiches in the city, so splitting is a great money-saving option.

• Location: 1425 28th St. NW, Washington, DC
• Who it works for: Families with big appetites looking for shareable, meat-packed classics.
• Cost expectation: $18-$26 (Note that a single sandwich easily feeds two people).
• Helpful visit tip: Buy some sandwich meat to take home for school lunches!

Maryland

Sister’s Sandwiches and Such

A loved Bethesda spot, Sister’s Sandwiches and Such has freshly made salads, sandwiches, nachos and desserts. With a kids menu containing basics like a PB&J, a mac and cheese, or a half a sandwich offer, this restaurant is made for hungry families looking for a local spot.

• Locations: 16834 Georgia Ave., Olney; 20201 Century Blvd., Suite 150, Germantown; 4520 East-West Highway, Bethesda
• Who it works for: Kids and parents of all ages.
• Cost expectation: $7 for kids menu, $10-$12 per sandwich
• Helpful visit tip: This spot has covered outdoor seating so families don’t need to worry about noise!

Filippo’s Italian Specialties

Located in Wheaton, Filippo’s Italian Specialties serves up old-school sub sandwiches packed with fresh sliced-to-order meats. The market also sells colorful, varied desserts imported from New York, so you can treat your kids to lemon drop and jelly sugar cookies.

• Location: 11224 Triangle Lane, Wheaton
• Who it works for: Families looking for traditional, fresh sandwiches.
• Cost expectation: $10-$15 per sub.
• Helpful visit tip: They offer smaller, half-sized subs that are perfect for elementary-aged kids.

Santucci’s Deli

With wraps, sandwiches, pizzas, wings, pasta and more, Santucci’s Deli has something for the whole family. Reviews boast speedy service and consistently delicious food, making it a great option for families in a rush.

• Location: 10107 Colesville Road, Silver Spring
• Who it works for: Families looking for a classic, reliable neighborhood joint with zero pretense.
• Cost expectation: $11-$15 per sub
• Helpful visit tip: The hot meatball parmigiana sub is served at a perfect, kid-friendly temperature upon request.

Virginia

The Italian Store

Both a deli and a grocery store, this sandwich spot is not only delicious, but is packed with rows of colorful imported candies for kids to wander through. With both an espresso bar and gelato, everyone in the family can have a mid-day pick-me-up.

• Locations: 5837 Washington Blvd., Arlington; 3123 Langston Blvd. (formerly Lee Highway), Arlington
• Who it works for: All age groups and families looking for a lively local marketplace.
• Cost expectation: $10-$15 per sub.
• Helpful visit tip: Order the “Milano” sub on a soft roll if you are sharing with younger toddlers.

Soko Butcher & Deli

The Leesburg location opened in May 2026, Soko Butcher and Deli is known for butcher cuts, gourmet deli sandwiches, breakfast favorites, loaded fries, wings, salads and specialty meats. Kids can peer through the glass displays at custom cuts while waiting for their expertly grilled burgers or turkey sandwiches.

• Location: 15 Loudoun St. SE, Leesburg
• Who it works for: Foodie parents and kids who love a great, high-quality backyard-style smash burger.
• Cost expectation: $15-$22 per sandwich.
• Helpful visit tip: Their massive beef tallow fries are an absolute must-order item to share with the table.

Grazie Grazie

With locations in Arlington and DC, Grazie Grazie features Philly-style cheesesteaks, pizzas, hoagies and more. The venue sits right in the lively Ballston Quarter area, making it easy to pair lunch with a family shopping day.

• Location: 4121 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
• Who it works for: Families looking for a clean, vibrant dining space with options to please everyone.
• Cost expectation: $13-$18 per sandwich.
• Helpful visit tip: If you’re looking to feed a big family, the Let’s Be Friends sandwich box includes four sandwiches, four sides and cookies to share.

The Sandwich Shop

The Sandwich Shop in Vienna has an extensive kids menu, including salami and provolone sandwiches and meatballs, as well as a delicious array of options for parents. Loved by locals, it boasts hot, cold and vegetarian sandwiches, making sure the whole family is full.

• Location: 132 Church St. NW, Vienna
• Who it works for: Families of all ages
• Cost expectation: $10-$12 per sandwich.
• Helpful visit tip: Kids love the tater tots as a side!

More family dining guides from Washington Parent

Still building the weekend lunch rotation? Our roundup of kid-friendly pizza spots in DC covers everything from Neapolitan to Detroit-style, and our guide to the best Asian restaurants for families in the DMV is packed with dumplings, noodles and conveyor-belt sushi. When the weather cooperates, try our list of kid-friendly patios across DC, Maryland and Virginia. And if you are watching the budget, our tips for eating out on a budget with kids will stretch the family lunch fund further.