A quest to bite into some of Charlotte’s best sandwiches led me to Laurel Market
Pulling into the Laurel Market parking lot, all I could think was: “Where am I?” and “Why haven’t I been here before?”
With high expectations, after hearing countless CharlotteFive readers rave about it, I finally made my way to Laurel Market — and I can confirm that it lives up to the hype.
Walking in, I immediately knew I was about to have another go-to sandwich spot in Charlotte.
After discovering Rhino Market & Deli over the summer, I continued my search for more great sandwich spots.
What appears to be a small, mom-and-pop deli filled with baked goods and quirky snacks is actually a must-visit for anyone seeking comfort food done right.
My first visit to Laurel Market was for one mission: Get a breakfast sandwich. After seeing a breakfast torta on its website, I needed to make that my first stop on the menu.
What to expect at Laurel Market
After paying and grabbing a seat outside on one of the benches at the entrance, I unwrapped the torta. One bite in, I literally said, “woah.” The man sitting next to me looked over, and we shared a quick laugh.
The breakfast torta isn’t your average breakfast sandwich. Stacked with two eggs, chorizo, Havarti cheese, scallions and cilantro, the sandwich made for a hearty and delicious start to the day.
One tip: Don’t skip over the hot sauce stand near the deli counter. With little ramekins ready to fill, I grabbed some Cholula hot sauce and it was the perfect match with my breakfast torta.
To each their own, but when it comes to sandwiches, I firmly believe that condiments make or break the bite, and Laurel Market seems to agree.
Which chicken torta is better?
While browsing the menu, I couldn’t help but notice one familiar-sounding item on Laurel Market’s list, which is reminiscent of the beloved Rhino Deli & Market menu, where I spent my summer indulging in its chicken torta.
Trying Laurel Market’s take on the chicken torta felt essential.
The two are strikingly different, as Laurel Market’s version comes with refried black beans, avocado, grilled chicken, mayo, provolone, onion, tomatoes and lettuce and pressed toasted. Rhino Deli’s version comes with pulled chicken, avocado, provolone, jalapeños, lettuce, tomato and mayo on ciabatta roll.
While some may be hesitant about the idea of including refried beans, the results did not disappoint.
After just one taste of the Laurel Market chicken torta, I bestowed my first betrayal on Rhino Deli & Market, a shock to many, as Laurel Market came out on top in the battle.
The bread was perfectly toasted and pressed, the ingredients were balanced and the sandwich itself was nearly the size of my head.
Another aspect of Laurel Market’s chicken torta that gave the shop a leg up was minimal packaging mess. The handful of times I purchased Rhino Deli & Market’s chicken torta, there was always damage control at the table with extra napkins.
Can’t beat comfort food
Through multiple visits to Laurel Market, one thing I always felt every time I walked through the doors was comfort. And it is clear that I am not the only Charlottean who shares this sentiment.
Even as a newcomer, I was greeted with genuine kindness and recommendations from the staff. More than once, I watched the market go from quiet to packed within minutes, with every bench taken and parking space filled.
It was also endearing to see groups of men with newspapers gathered around on the benches and chairs outside, coffee in one hand and a sandwich in the other. I honestly thought I was watching some sort of Hallmark commercial every time I walked past the scene.
But it’s not just the atmosphere and the people who make the Laurel Market experience so comforting; it’s also the food.
Through the trials and tribulations of the Laurel Market menu, I have crafted a list of a work week’s worth of cozy breakfasts and lunches:
- The Breakfast Torta (breakfast)
- The Healthy Americano (breakfast)
- Chicken Torta (lunch)
- The No. 6 (lunch)
- Bruschetta (lunch)
Now, there is more to Laurel Market than just sandwiches, which is why it is noteworthy to mention its ginormous fresh cookies and its pasta salad.
For those who dislike pasta salad because of all the extra fixings that come with it, look no further than Laurel Market’s simple yet delicious take on the classic side. Mixed with celery, red onions, peas, lemon juice and sweet pickles the pasta salad is delicious with just a few effortless ingredients.
Whether just going in to grab a quick cup of coffee, a sandwich between classes or work, or settling in for a Sunday morning breakfast, Laurel Market is the kind of place that reminds you why local spots matter. In a big city that’s always changing, some simple things that stay consistent are what can keep us grounded, which is what Laurel Market does right.
Know of a good spot to try next? Email us at charlottefive@charlottefive.com to tell us where to go!
Laurel Market
Location: 114 Cherokee Rd Charlotte, NC 28207
Cuisine: Sandwiches, salads, deli, baked goods.
Instagram: @laurelmarketmyerspark
Uniquely Charlotte: Uniquely Charlotte is an Observer subscriber collection of moments, landmarks and personalities that define the uniqueness (and pride) of why we live in the Charlotte region.
