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City Cast Seattle

Harry Cheadle

Chef Bryan Vietmeier and his wife, Rebecca Rouleau, bought 

 in early 2024 after working at the Ballard corner store and sandwich shop for a combined 30 years. Together, they had helped build up the business: Vietmeier created a menu of sandwiches where nearly every component was made from scratch, while Rouleau focused on providing high-level customer service. Take 5 became the kind of place where a neighborhood kid can walk in saying her mom needs some heavy cream for a recipe and Rouleau will pour some into a cup for her.

Then, four months after the couple purchased it, the business exploded. Literally. In May 2024 a 

 blew out the windows and burned out the interior. Nearly everything — except for the espresso machine — was ruined.

It took 11 months, but Take 5 was able to rebuild thanks to insurance. When it reopened it was swarmed with grateful customers. “When you have something and it's taken away, you then really understand what you have. That was us with the neighborhood and the neighborhood with us,” Rouleau says. “They realize how important having this kind of thing in their neighborhood is, and then vice versa for us… having this connection with our neighborhood and knowing how important we are to the neighborhood.”

Take 5 remains a staple for neighbors who want soda or simple grocery items, but it’s also become one of Seattle’s sandwich destinations. Occasionally, one of their menu items blows up online, precipitating a sudden spike in orders. One time it was the Caesar salad wrap, another time it was the breakfast sandwich. Then there was the day when everyone in line was ordering the meatloaf burger. “We were like, ‘What in the world’s happened?’” says Rouleau. And we go, ‘Oh, the meatloaf burger’s on the internet.’”

Take 5 Urban Market Is Ballard’s Unstoppable Corner Store

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Keep It Local

There are a lot of sandwich shops in Seattle worth visiting, and only so much space in this newsletter, so consider this a starter pack of a list, not a definitive rundown.

🥓 Our first entry is also the newest place on this list. This deli hidden inside an indoor courtyard in Pioneer Square just earned a 

. Louie’s doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel (though it does put whole grain mustard in its Italian sub), it just serves classic, East Coast-style sandwiches that are well-balanced and served on sturdy, fresh bread.

The hype is real, and Louie’s often sells out by the early afternoon.

 has been a destination for any Seattleite craving a cheesesteak. Since then it’s moved from 23rd and Union down to its current location opposite Franklin High School, but the menu hasn’t changed much. Big, meaty, rich, and served in rolls that somehow hold up, these bad boys feed two people or one very hungry person. You can also get variations on the cheesesteak like a “pizza steak” with red sauce.

. Layers serves a rotating menu of wildly creative sandwiches. You want some crispy pork belly with pepper jam? Ham and burrata sharing a potato bun with strawberry jam? Or just try the tuna sandwich that has some barbecue chips inside for a bit of flavor and crunch.

Get a side of crispy potatoes just so you get access to the green goddess dressing dip.

🇮🇹 Last year focaccia sandwiches were suddenly everywhere in Seattle. This 

 deviated from that trend by using schiacciata bread instead, which is crispier and thinner than focaccia. It’s a perfect vehicle for traditional Italian sandwich fillings. Expect olive oil — they have a 

of different olive oils — creamy stracciatella cheese, the usual meats… you know the drill.

Expect lines if you go at peak lunchtime.

The Carribbean sandwich king of Seattle, 

 specializes in slow-roasted pork and luxurious caramelized onions, though non-carnivores can content themselves with rice and bean bowls, salads, or a sandwich that is 

onions, which is honestly not a bad idea.

Get the beans. Aromatic, saucy, with a hint of sweetness, they are an incredible side.

restaurants & bars

Take 5 Urban Market Is Ballard’s Unstoppable Corner Store

These Are the Best Sandwiches in Seattle

Latest articles

Take 5 Urban Market Is Ballard’s Unstoppable Corner Store

These Are the Best Sandwiches in Seattle