A family owned bare-bones counter in Ballard that delivers something rare: sandwich combinations that feel truly new or unexpected, not just an ever-more-outrageous pileup of various meats.
Grab some friends, pair that sandwich with a cool drink & head out back to their not-so-secret patio, complete with Ping-Pong and other parlor games.
Can’t stick around? Get it to go.
Straightforward, compact operation for sizable, flavorful sandwiches, plus beer & wine on tap.
Jenkins
Hands down my favorite sandwich place in town. What really makes this little sandwich shop stands out is that you can tell everybody who works here are really proud of the products. I love it when different workers sharing their personal favorite menu items with passions. The vibes are so infectiously sweet and wonderful.
We came in today with our mom who’s a walker user. It was very busy in the shop and all the indoor seating were taken, but the owner talked to one of the family, and offered their seating to us. Everybody involved was so kind and compassionate to help us out.
I cannot recommend enough of their oyster po’boy, definitely my favorite on their menu. They somehow manage to deep fried the oyster but still keeps most of the volume of the meat, the oysters are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
… moreD Walker
Great staff (friendly and energetic). The sandwiches were tasty with unique combinations and nuance. We had The Mean and The Fish. Traded out the Skins & Ins on one for the Mean Wedgie Salad and it was awesome.
… moreBrandon Mushlin
Super Delicious Sandwiches, we did the Corned Beef and the Steak Tartar after a local made those recommendations inside and they did not disappoint. The Potato wedges though were my favorite, because they were like potato skins that were extra crispy and salty, and the selection of dipping sauces were absolutely amazing. We loved every bit of it. They were doing construction right out front, which made parking and access a bit hard to get to, but super glad we didn’t give up on going to this spot. It was super delicious. Staff were super friendly, and we even left with a bread pudding for later which did not disappoint at all, we loved it so much we even went back the day after!
… moreLaine
Did an online order and dined right out on the dog-friendly patio. Fantastic sandwiches and the crispiest tastiest potatoes to go alongside them! So happy with this Saturday lunch choice. Highly recommend the Mean Sandwich and Midnight at the Oasis!
… morePaul S
Outstanding sandwich! Stopped in and tried the Mean Sandwich. Excellent composition. The cut of corned beef, the acidity of the mustard, the sweet acidity of the pickled red cabbage, and… the mint is brilliant. Excellent take on skins. We enjoyed the flavorful Salt-N-Pepa seasoning. And loved the cook on them. Can’t wait to go back and try everything on the menu. The owner was super friendly. Please keep doing what you are doing!!!
… moreJake Hauritz
My favorite restaurant in Seattle.. LOVE THIS PLACE!! Everything on the menu is delicious, but you have to order The D.A.M. Burger. It’s the best burger in the city. My other go-to order is the Jersey Sub, but don’t sleep on the falafel sandwich. And those potato skins are so addicting. The staff is incredible and very welcoming. Shoutout to Skyler! I wish they were open later.. I’d be there twice a week
… moreJohn Hamerink
Here’s an updated 5-star review:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mean Sandwich in Seattle is a true gem! The atmosphere is perfect—fun, relaxed, and welcoming, with great outdoor activities and games to enjoy while you wait. The customer service is excellent; the staff is super knowledgeable, friendly, and always helpful when recommending their delicious options.
The food is phenomenal! The burger was cooked to perfection, and the chicken sandwich was crispy and flavorful. The potato skins were a must-try, and their dipping sauces are on another level—so tasty! The drink selection is also impressive, with something for everyone.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or hanging out for a while, Mean Sandwich is the place to be. Highly recommend!
… moreDavid Williamson
I was in Seattle for work and out of all the places I visited, Mean Sandwich was the place that stuck with me. From the moment I walked in, Dan welcomed me in, and asked how he could help. I asked for the recommended sandwich and he said that the Mean Sandwich is what they’re named after. And it absolutely did not disappoint (see pictured). Unbelievably delicious. Tastes better than perhaps it looks, and I think it looks mighty fine. Great presentation! Dan was willing to provide more recommendations on other restaurants in the neighborhood worth going to, which was helpful in planning out my trip. And I do want to note, Dan treated every single customer with the same enthusiasm and care. I’d absolutely make the trip back here again if and when I’m back in the area!
… moreLorelle Holmes
Such a beautifully branded spot!! They truly do serve a mean sandwich, but with a smile and fantastic fries. Honestly I’m not typically a frie person but these are outstanding, especially with the lemon pepper sauce!
Tried the Jersey Sub and was definitely impressed by the freshness of all the ingredients, would recommend adding the pickled jalapenos and spicy mayo for a quick!!! The wedge salad was a great option to have instead of the fries but might think about getting the dressing on the side next time.
Thanks, will definitely be back for another round!
… moreMy etc
First time trying. Read an article about this place in the morning, ordered a Mean sandwich for lunch. Honestly, didn’t expect much but pleasantly surprised. So good. Cabbages, perfect. Deep fried potatoes, a little over done and a little too salty but otherwise, delicious! Would definitely go back and try other ones.
… more