The Overstuffed Sandwiches From This Missouri Deli Are The Stuff of Dreams

You deserve more than cold cuts on plain white bread. If you're searching for overstuffed sandwiches in Missouri, I’ve got the perfect spot for you: Bubba’s Deli. St. Louis area native Kyle Goldkuhl opened Bubba’s Deli in 2019, drawing inspiration from the neighborhood deli scene in St. Louis that shaped his childhood. Grab your stretchy pants and take a trip to indulge in the stacked, flavor-packed sandwiches at Bubba’s Deli.

But first, let’s dive into why St. Louis has such a vibrant deli scene. St. Louis's location as a major river city and trade hub attracted waves of immigrants, creating a cultural melting pot. Close to downtown, you’ll find various “little neighborhoods” that still hold onto their cultural identities, like The Hill (Italian) and other enclaves with Jewish, German, and Irish roots. Back in the day, walkable neighborhoods meant having local delis to serve grocery stores and served as community gathering spots. While most residents now shop farther from home, many of these neighborhood delis have held onto their charm, flavor, and history.

If you were opening a deli, wouldn’t you name it after your English bulldog, Bubba? That kind of playfulness shows up on the menu at the deli. Here, you’ll find more than the classics, think inventive sandwiches loaded with in-house smoked pork and brisket like the Piggy and Bubba’s Special. Drool.

I had the chance to speak with Kyle, who shared how his passion for food was sparked by experiencing the vibrant deli culture in downtown St. Louis neighborhoods, where welcoming shops and sandwiches left a lasting impression. That made him want to set up Bubba’s Deli in the Lindenwood Park neighborhood near downtown. Fun fact, the iconic Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is located in the same neighborhood. Kyle embraces the local culture, and it shows. He recently introduced the STL Deluxe, a sandwich stacked with ham, turkey, roast beef, salami, provolone, lettuce, pickles, and house-made Thousand Island dressing. Check out the Bubba’s Deli Facebook page for more pics of the overstuffed sandwiches.

Sure, the ingredients sound simple. So, what makes these sandwiches stand out? Quality. That’s what keeps customers coming back to Bubba’s Deli. The bread? Sourced from Vitale’s Bakery on The Hill. The sauces? All made in-house. The sandwiches? Packed with multiple meats and fresh, locally sourced ingredients that are simply irresistible.

As a foodie (self-proclaimed, but aren’t we all?), I’ve combed through the menu, and here are a few standout ingredients that scream unique + quality: house-smoked pulled pork, glazed ham, bacon, mustard garlic mayo, sauerkraut, and local French bread baked fresh daily. Exciting, right?

St. Louis has always had a strong connection to agriculture and fresh markets, like the Soulard Farmers Market, which has been operating since 1779. This history of fresh, local food means many St. Louis delis, including Bubba’s, have a tradition of crafting overstuffed sandwiches with premium, locally sourced ingredients. Who’s organizing a deli crawl? Because I’m in.

Delis in St. Louis are more than just sandwich shops; they’re casual, affordable, and community-centered spaces that highlight the city’s pride in its neighborhoods. Bubba’s Deli is carrying on this tradition, combining playful creativity, rich flavors, and a love for its community. That’s the kind of legacy Kyle Goldkuhl is building, one overstuffed sandwich at a time.

When you visit Bubba's Deli downtown, make a whole day of it and check out a food tour in St. Louis. If you're looking for other foodie spots, you've got to visit our page for more local restaurant gems in Missouri.