Ideal's Sandwich and Groceries

My brother-in-law has had his eye on Ideal's Sandwich and Grocery for some time now. Since hubby and I were in town visiting, he thought it was the perfect spot to take us. And man was he spot on!We arrived just after 1 pm on a Monday and they were packed. Hubby and I ordered a full hoagie Harlem chopped cheese to share, my brother-in-law ordered one for himself. These sandwiches were large and loaded, definitely shareable. OMG it was so amazing! They make all their bread in house so I expected it to be good but it was a phenomenal hoagie. Then add the combination of ground beef, onions, cherry peppers, cheese and sauce - simply outstanding. It was meaty, cheesy and spicy. Must try item!Don't forget about the grocery items. They were selling everything from pasta and wine to ready to eat meals and ice cream bars.Keep in mind the hours are limited, Thursday through Monday 12-3. The seating was limited as well, a couple picnic tables out front. Do not let this stop you! Plan ahead and get to Ideal's ASAP!

My partner and I recently visited Ideals, and the sandwiches were to die for. The ingredients were incredibly fresh, the chicken was juicy, and the bread was amazing. The staff was friendly and welcoming.The only downside is the restaurant's size; it's quite small with limited seating, which is unfortunate because you'll want to dig into the sandwich right away. Despite this, the quality of the food more than makes up for it. There was a line down the block, and I can 100% see why. Ideals is definitely worth the wait!

Wow. Amazing! But everybody already knew this, I'm actually late to trying this spot but have had it on my list for a while. I went on a sunday morning and only waited ten minutes, thankfully. The store itself is cute with unique drinks, different tinned fish variations which I love, and other cool snacks and already prepared food. The person at the front told me the most popular sandwiches were the chopped cheese and chicken cutlet. I went for the chopped cheese.I am usually the type to modify a sandwich but I decided to trust them from all their amazing reviews and was not disappointed. This sandwich was INCREDIBLE. I got the full size being greedy but half would've been plenty. It was so good, I have nothing else to say but it was filled with the perfect portion of meat, cheese, and peppers and went nicely with the toasted bread. I definitely can't wait to come back and try the chicken cutlet. This is definitely a spot you will try and end up craving over and over again.

Just came back from a short trip in NYC and I was already craving an NY style deli. I've been trying to make my way to Ideal's for a loooong time but their hours are wonky so months went by. Well today, Mercury entered retrograde, Saturn returned and all the stars aligned and I was finally able to make my way to this popular spot. My expectations were high, especially with a long line forming down the block before it even opened. I came about 30 minutes before opening time, was able to snag a parking spot on the street and was 5th in line. The space is incredibly small, offering take-out entrees, wines, beers, and sandwich related wares. No inside seating and theres only two picnic tables outside. I splurged and went for the chopped cheese and the chicken cutlet, rabe & cheese because who knows when I'll be back. Both sandwiches were spectacular but the chopped cheese stole the show for me. It's the best chopped cheese I've ever had, it was truly a religious experience. There was a me before Ideals and a me after and I've seen the light. It might not be tomorrow or even this year, but I will definitely be back.

Hits like a New York deli This place has bomb sandwiches. Don't be intimidated by the line out the door, it moves quickly once they open. The sesame baguette is def the star of the show - crusty with the right amount of chew and generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. The primo chicken cutlet was my fav - hot and tender. The Italian was not bad either tho a tad sour for my taste. Overall sandwiches here satisfy, give it a try

Had the eggplant sandwich which was good. The line was super long and I got there before 12pm which is when they open. Now for the price and the wait time I would say it's not worth it. It's a bit overhyped in my opinion but to each there own. The shop is small and they have a few things that you can buy in store such as wine,canned goods , and drinks.

Some of the best bread and sandwiches I've ever had. As someone who grew up in New Jersey, my family has always been very particular about their hoagies and they agree these are by far the best we've had in NC.

I love finding hidden places in Durham that serve quality food! Ideals sandwich shop was that for me! Certainly an unexpected gem for me located in east durham. My sandwich was amazing. The bread was so fresh! Not only was the sandwich huge the ingredients were so fresh. I got the Uncle primos sandwich. Not only do they have great bread and sandwiches they serve meals like eggplant Parmesan, and macaroni and cheese in their freezer/fridge that you can take home and bake later.

I understand now why they only have to be open 3 hours a day because their sandwichs go fast. They live up to their reputation! Excellent sandwichs, honest prices, top quality.Most half sandwichs cosy around 9 bucks and full sandwichs around 15$. We ordered the Harlem Chopped Cheese and the Philly Roast Pork.Blown away by everything, it's hard top explain... Go early because they sell out of chicken and eggplant quick.

All the great reviews are true! Food and service were on point, but get there early because you will be waiting in line- although I found it moved reasonably quickly. Besides Bombolo in Chapel Hill and Ish in Raleigh, this is the only other legitimate sandwich joint in the triangle. Don't sleep on this place, it's legit delicious !