The Art of the Veggie Sandwich

Finding a great vegetarian meal used to mean settling for another black bean burger or a portobello mushroom sandwich. Thankfully, Santa Fe’s restaurant scene has evolved, offering creative, satisfying, and flavor-packed options that appeal to vegetarians, vegans, and even dedicated meat lovers.

Here are five standout vegetarian sandwiches in Santa Fe—all priced under $20—that prove plant-forward eating can be every bit as hearty and delicious.

1. Bánh Mì at Counter Culture

930 Baca St., Suite 1

Counter Culture serves one of Santa Fe’s best vegetarian lunches with its grilled tofu bánh mì. Built on a lightly toasted baguette, the sandwich features grilled tofu, crisp cucumber, cabbage slaw, and a tangy chile-lime aioli that delivers just the right amount of spice.

Pair it with the restaurant’s popular vegan cold sesame noodles, tossed in a rich peanut, cilantro, soy, sesame oil, and chile sauce that many diners rave about.

Vegan Tip: Order the sandwich without the aioli for a completely vegan option.

Bonus: Enjoy your meal on one of two outdoor patios before browsing the nearby art studios and local shops.

2. Fried Green Tomato Sandwich at The Betterday

905 W. Alameda St.

The Betterday brings a Southern favorite to Santa Fe with its Fried Green Tomato Sandwich.

Two crispy fried green tomato slices are layered with American cheese, pickles, coleslaw, and green chile mayo on a fresh house-made bun. The sandwich comes with hand-cut fries and house-made ketchup that are worth ordering on their own.

Vegan Tip: Skip the cheese and substitute green chile for the mayo.

The relaxed atmosphere makes The Betterday an excellent place to linger over lunch with friends.

3. Roasted Veg Sandwich at Bread Shop

1703 Lena St.

Fresh local vegetables shine in Bread Shop’s Roasted Veg Sandwich.

Built on airy focaccia, the sandwich includes roasted carrots, cauliflower, pickled beets, butter lettuce, and radishes sourced from New Mexico farms whenever possible. A creamy blend of sheep and goat cheese provides richness, while olive oil, red wine vinegar, cumin seed, and cracked pepper keep everything bright and fresh.

Vegan Tip: Ask for the tahini version instead of the cheese.

Pair your sandwich with espresso from the in-house Pivot Coffee counter, then browse the bakery’s selection of artisan breads and specialty grocery items.

4. London Royale Mushroom at Time Traveler’s Gastropub

907 W. Alameda St.

If you’re looking for something indulgent, Time Traveler’s Gastropub delivers.

Their London Royale Mushroom sandwich swaps steak for grilled lion’s mane mushrooms, then piles on caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, pesto, and roasted bell pepper aioli inside a crispy hoagie roll.

Served alongside seasoned fries dusted with the restaurant’s house-made Old Bay-style seasoning, it’s a filling meal that’s perfect with a stout or handcrafted cocktail.

Bonus: Happy hour specials are available before 5 p.m.

5. Vegetarian Reuben at Second Street Brewery

1607 Paseo de Peralta, Suite 10
(Also available at the Rufina Taproom.)

Second Street Brewery has created one of Santa Fe’s most beloved vegetarian sandwiches.

Their Vegetarian Reuben replaces corned beef with thinly sliced grilled portobello mushrooms layered with Swiss cheese, house-fermented sauerkraut, and a light spread of Thousand Island dressing on toasted marble rye.

The result is surprisingly hearty and packed with flavor without trying to imitate meat.

Don’t skip the sweet potato waffle fries, although the brewery also offers an impressive selection of other house-made sides.

More Vegetarian Favorites to Explore

While these five stand out, Santa Fe offers plenty of additional vegetarian-friendly restaurants worth visiting, including:

• Jambo
• Bobcat Bite
• Chocolate Maven
• Sage Bakehouse

Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or simply looking to eat a little less meat, Santa Fe’s growing collection of creative sandwiches proves that vegetables can be just as satisfying as any burger or deli sandwich.