The sandwich. It's this perfect food that provides you with all major food groups, that you can find them just about everywhere. Yes, "handcrafted" sandwiches appear on menus of trendy eateries, with built-out, state-of-the-art kitchens. But the great thing about a sandwich is that an amazing one doesn't necessarily have to come out of a fancy restaurant. In fact, some of the best ones we've discovered are in modest delis, hot dog joints, coffee houses, artisan grocers - even party stores. So read up and keep this guide handy for your next lunch break.
15) Dan and Vi's Pizza, Detroit
This pizza and sandwich shop has been tucked away in an eastside Detroit neighborhood since the early 1960s. It's known for its "deli slice," literally a sandwich made of ham, salami, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and Italian dressing, held together with two buttered and Parmesan cheese-flavored pizza crusts. Truly, a hidden gem.
14) Food Dance, Kalamazoo
This eatery and market is known for its natural, local food offerings. Like this corned beef Reuben grilled on house-made rye.
13) Grand Central Market and Deli, Grand Rapids
This spot is simply loaded with sandwich goodness.
Such as this loaded sandwich. The bread can hardly contain it.
12) Hab's Good Eats N Treats, Muskegon
This Muskegon sandwich shop and BBQ joint clearly favors its meats.
... And melty cheese and drippy mustard. And... Cue in the Homer Simpson drool.
Pictured here, a big, messy pastrami.
11) Hoffman's Deco Deli and Cafe
This popular Flint shop gets creative with its sandwiches of the month.
Pictured here is one of them, "Citizens Bank."
Pictured here is one of them, "Citizens Bank."
10) Hygrade Deli, Detroit
This here is an old Detroit classic.
Just west of all the hype of new Corktown eateries. Where a sandwich is just a sandwich.
9) Jersey Giant Subs, Grand Rapids
This spot reminds me of that classic sub shop during my college days back home, where the sandwiches are swimming in house-made Italian vinaigrette and the meats are stacked high (bonus points if you can guess where my go-to college sub shop was!).
8) Johnny Dogs, Munising
Everything you see on the menu here is made in-house, meaning you know it's gonna be good.
The menu at this Up North joint is, despite its name, is not just dogs. They do killer sandwiches, burgers and of course hot dogs.
7) Mudgie's, Detroit
When showing out-of-towners the good that does exist in Detroit, you'll inevitably find yourself at Mudgie's. Known for serving up Michigan-made products and inventive sandwiches, this tiny, but popular spot has quickly become a Detroit staple.
6) Ralph's Italian Deli, Ishpeming
You can't mess with the decades-long success of this old school Italian deli in the UP. What you'll get here is Ralph's famous Cudighi - prepared with homemade Italian sausage, mozzerella chess and marinara sauce. Mamma mia!
5) Schnitz Deli, Grand Rapids
If you can't decide which awesome Grand Rapids sandwich shop you should visit, just think of Schnitz, which has held the title of "Best sandwich in GR."
4) Skywalk Deli, Grand Rapids
Tired of the same ol' ham and cheese? You won't be disappointed by the selection at this Grand Rapids deli. Just look at the spread on this beauty.
3) The Den Partystore, Kalamazoo
Ah, the party store. There's always at least one in your neighborhood that goes above and beyond your standard, smelly liquor store and sells just about everything you could possibly need. The Den is just such a shop for Kalamazoo. It's known for its huge selection of Michigan craft beers and its unique deli "sammich" menu, which always features something different.
2) West Texas Barbeque Co, Jackson
While Michigan has some excellent BBQ spots, the state is not particularly known for its own variation of barbeque. That's OK though, because plenty of spots throughout the Mitten State draw from the specialties of other regions in the country.
Case in point, this Jackson joint, which on Fridays features a prime rib sandwich. Get 'em while they're hot, cuz they sell out quick.
1) Zingerman's, Ann Arbor
This spot is always packed, and for good reason. The monstrous, gourmet sandwiches are fit for a president. In fact, President Barack Obama has been known to pop in here when he's in the state.
Now that you're thoroughly famished, we dare you not to run to your nearest sandwich shop, pronto. And please, don't be stingy, share with us your favorite spot.
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