Royal Grinders — Restaurant in Seattle

I almost never leave reviews and am only moved to by truly exceptional quality. I have been a customer at Royal Grinders since around 2013 when I lived right up the street. I would go at least once (sometimes three times) a week my whole time I lived in the neighborhood. I’m a creature of habit and always get the chicken pesto grinder with everything. Since leaving the neighborhood I don’t have the opportunity to go as often, but i look forward to it every time I do. When it closed during the pandemic, I was quite disappointed. I remember when it first reopened I called ahead to get my usual order. I figured it would be slammed. Nobody answered like they always had in the past and I was disappointed. When I arrived I noticed the line going out the door and I understood why no one had answered. When I got to the front the owner seemed to recognize me from my time as a regular which took me by surprise. I told him I’d called ahead and nobody answered. He was apologetic and, without me asking, told me he would get my order out quickly. There were at least 5 people waiting ahead of me and my sandwich came out first. I felt truly appreciated and like my regular business was noticed and rewarded which is extremely rare. As for the sandwiches, they are literally my favorite sandwich in the city. I take any opportunity to tell my friends that it’s the best sandwich...

Toasted subs on garlic bread?? Yes please!

This little shop is hidden in the very corner of an open plaza, behind the big Lennon statue in Freemont, so it might be easy to miss at first. It does take a little time for them to prepare your sandwich, which they're very up front with (I think it was about 5-8 minutes for me when the shop is empty). But it's totally worth it. Staff is fantastic, friendly and helpful.

Pictured here is my favorite, the Itallian. The bread is so warm and fluffy. The crust is firm but not tough or hard to chew and brushed with garlic butter.

I always get my sandwich to go, though they do have outdoor seating in addition to their bar style counter inside. They always wrap it up nice and in foil so it's usually still nice and hot when I get home. Water is complementary, with some local hard cider and other beverage options.

They have the ability to take orders over the phone if you don't want to wait around, you can call ahead. I saw they have some sandwiches that can be adjusted to be...

I know it sounds hyperbolic to say this, but I am willing to go from a pleasant debate about Seattle's Best Sandwich to a straight-up fistfight defending Royal Grinders' honor. The sandwiches are on the greatest warm and soft bread. Everything is seasoned beautifully. They do not short you on meat or other items going in your sandwich. You want to go rogue and customize a little bit? They won't bat an eye and they'll just do it.

Since the pandemic started, they've been closed down for the protection of their staff (which I totally respect). That said, I've lost custody of my children and gone through a divorce as I would constantly tell my family that Royal Grinders will open back up again. My empty promises have torn my family apart, but I will wait until the end of civilization as we know it if that means I can get my hands on another Royal Grinder with Ying Yang...