The Overstuffed Sandwiches From This Arkansas Deli Are the Stuff of Dreams

When you get that craving for a stacked deli sandwich, where is your go-to spot in Arkansas? You know that place that serves sandwiches piled high with your favorite deli meat and topped with all the fixin’s. Then, the added chips or pasta salad that takes the meal to the next level is a must! Are you hungry right now, thinking about that sandwich? I know, I am! 

If the answers to these questions are yes, then don't delay another second - head on over to TJ's Sandwich Shop in Fayetteville and get ready to have a sandwich (or two, I won’t judge!) that will impress, fulfill, and satisfy! From the Caveman Club to the Porker, these are some of the best overstuffed deli sandwiches in Arkansas. After you visit this beloved Arkansas restaurant, you can thank me later!  

Discover the Neighborhood Deli With Arkansas Roots

Owner and chef Todd Golden and his wife, Nickki, have been serving fantastic food to Arkansans for over 35 years. This amazing sandwich shop is just one of several establishments they own and operate in the area. You might be familiar with them and their food from dining at Mermaids Seafood Restaurant, which is well-rated and well-known for Rogers' best seafood, or from visiting Isabellas Italian, which offers some of the very best fine-dining Italian food in the state.

Both of these restaurants are excellent and showcase Todd's talent and passion in a pleasant and memorable atmosphere. But, if you're looking to enjoy the Goldens' offerings in a more casual environment, then you're really going to love TJ's Sandwich Shop. This is not your average sandwich shop in Arkansas; expect to leave full and have a memorable experience every time you're here. In fact, the Golden family states that TJ's is a "place where food and friendship go hand in hand," and we believe them! They deliver every time!

A Beloved Deli, Built the Old-School Way

The sandwiches at TJ's Sandwich Shop are to die for! Everything on the menu is mouthwatering, and you'll be pleased with whatever you choose to order there. All the sandwiches created by Chef Todd are simple and straightforward, yet incredibly impressive, and they're piled high with ingredients that patrons love.

I highly recommend the Brooklyn Bad Boy, for starters. This NY-style sandwich is stuffed with pastrami and Swiss cheese, and seasoned with whole-grain mustard; it's served on Jewish marble rye. After eating enough deli sandwiches in New York, I can confirm that this sandwich would even be impressive even in Brooklyn, where sandwiches like this are king! So, having this sandwich in Fayetteville is an extra special treat. Its ingredients are few and are so simple, but the fact that Chef Todd puts so much care into selecting the very best of each component elevates it to an epic level.

The Porker is another popular sandwich on TJ's Sandwich Shop's menu. When you order this tasty treat, you'll enjoy pork loin and BBQ sauce topped with slaw made in-house with a Creole vinaigrette. It's served on Sheila Partin's jalapeno cheese sourdough bread, and every bite is better than the last.

The Caveman Club is a local favorite and more than a club! This combination of ham, turkey, apple-smoked bacon, pepper jack, and cheddar is also served on bread by Sheila Partin - in this case, sourdough - and is topped with honey mustard. It melts in your mouth and goes down smoothly! Yum! Don't skip this monster creation.

TJ's offers a wide variety of other sandwiches, and there's something for everyone on the menu. If you like cheesesteaks, Chef TJ's Cheesesteak is as good as anything you'll get in Philadelphia. The Spicy Bird, which is a combination of chicken strips, spicy buffalo sauce, bleu cheese, and bleu cheese dressing, is another fantastic option, too.

There are other options at TJ's as well. If you're looking for a salad, TJ's salads are great too, as are the tacos, soups, and pastas. And, if you're looking for a great side to go with your sandwich or salad, don't overlook the house-made macaroni and cheese or pasta salad. If you're still hungry for dessert after finishing your meal, you should also try the ice cream. Hugs Ice Cream is all made in-house by Chef Todd himself. I always save room for dessert, and trust me, you won't regret it!

Todd and Nickki Golden love creating food and dining experiences to thrill the fine folks of northwestern Arkansas, and their passion and dedication to their craft are obvious. There's obviously a good reason why the Goldens have done so well in the restaurant industry in Fayetteville for so many years - they love what they do, and people love them for it, and they certainly love the food that they offer. Are these unique hometown restaurants in Arkansas enough for the Goldens? It's hard to say! Keep an eye on this pair because you're sure to enjoy what they're doing, and it will be exciting to see what they do next.

TJ's Sandwich Shop is one of the best fast-casual places to eat in NWA. If you haven't tried it yet, it's about time that you did. And since it's open every day for lunch, you'll have no reason to visit the next time you're in the area. Enjoy!

Where is your favorite place to get an overstuffed deli sandwich in Arkansas? Tell us on our nomination page. And when you're feeling inspired to feed your foodie soul, use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to discover more hidden gem restaurants in Arkansas.