Ah, the sandwich is awesome. You might think it’s just something you put between slices of bread, but any true sandwich lover knows that’s wrong. A truly great sandwich is often steeped in family tradition and is made with great care.
Classic Jewish delis, they usually pile the meat high. Some modern artisanal shops may push the boundaries. No deli sandwich is complete without a pickle. Pickles should be perfectly crispy every time, and the key is often the little details you know best.
Let’s find the most famous local deli sandwiches. These sandwiches easily win the hearts of locals and tourists can’t get enough. Now get ready to taste some truly delicious food.
1. **Fry Bread Taco The Fry Bread House: Arizona**: Now, there is a restaurant that sparks an interesting debate among friends. Is it a taco, or is it a sandwich? We think that the thick and fluffy fry bread is enough to make it a sandwich. That’s the fry bread tacos at The Fry Bread House in Phoenix. This restaurant has even won a James Beard Award. And their fry bread is part of the local indigenous food tradition.
This restaurant is known for making unforgettable tacos. They also offer other dishes, all at affordable prices. The story behind this restaurant is very interesting for everyone. Cecilia Miller, a Tohono O’Oama woman, started this restaurant a long time ago. It was in 1992, in a small building with only two cabins. Her main goal was to warm people’s hearts and provide a place where everyone can enjoy the flavor of home cooking.
Although Miller unfortunately passed away in 2020, her legacy lives on through her restaurant. And the fluffy, crispy, and mouth-watering fry bread that they always insist on making. For many locals, it’s more than just food; it represents tradition and history.
2. **French Dip Philippe The Original: California**: Ah, the French Dip sandwich is a classic for a reason. For those trying it for the first time, the first thing that comes to mind is a big, hot sandwich served on a French roll. The roll should be crispy, and it usually contains roast beef. But you’ll also find variations made with ham, turkey, pastrami, or lamb.
But the key is that it’s served with gravy, which is the delicious beef broth produced during the cooking process. In Los Angeles, two places claim to have invented this iconic sandwich many years ago. That was about 100 years ago. The two restaurants are Philippe’s in downtown and Cole’s nearby. Perhaps the best thing to do is to try both and decide for yourself which one is better for you.
Philippe The Original is said to be famous for its mayonnaise. Here’s the weird thing about Philippe’s: they’re actually famous for their spicy mustard. They also serve breakfast every day. But honestly, you’re here mainly to try their French dip. If you can’t make it to Los Angeles right now, you can even have Philippe’s delivered to your door through Goldbelly. You can also order other local specialties.
3. **The Veggie Curtis Park Delicatessen: Colorado**: Next we headed to Colorado and stopped in the city of Denver. We found a neighborhood restaurant called Curtis Park Deli. The menu at this restaurant is generally limited and they only do a few dishes. But what they do do very, very well. Judging by the good reviews, that is indeed the case.
They have delicious meat deli sandwiches that are always a big hit with their customers. One that particularly stood out was their vegan veggie sandwich. It was a generous portion and was based on portobello mushrooms, red bell peppers, and zucchini vegetables. Red onions were added for a nice crunch. Creamy goat cheese was added to the sandwich. This made it a vegetarian version, not a vegan one.
Everything was paired with their homemade pesto. This sandwich always gets high marks and the total cost was $12.20. Sounds like a fresh and delicious option. Proving that you don’t always have to use meat to make a legendary deli sandwich.
4. **Corned Beef Rein’s New York Style Deli: Connecticut**: Rein’s New York Style Deli is located just off Interstate 84 in Vernon, Connecticut. This shop is definitely worth a visit and walking into it is like walking into a little slice of deli heaven.
The hearty corned beef sandwich is a must-try. It is served piping hot and the filling is visibly generous. They use classic rye bread slices and top it with their signature meat, the corned beef. Some die-hard fans also swear by their Vernon Chicken Salad Club and the classic Reuben sandwich.
No matter which delicious sandwich you choose, you will want to try their half-sour pickles, which you can also take home. Don’t forget to stop by the bakery section later to pick up some fresh chocolate chip rolls and other sweet treats.
Product on Amazon: Carnegie Deli New York Corned Beef Sandwich Kit | Corned Beef, Rye Bread, Mustard & Pickles (Serves 4)
Brand: Carnegie Deli
Binding: Product Group: Grocery
Price: 140 USD
Features:
1. CLASSIC TASTE: It’s the family recipe that made the Carnegie Deli famous. A classic taste that people have loved for generations, our corned beef is cured then simmered long and slow until juicy, succulent and tender.
2. HEAT AND EAT: Make the Carnegie Deli sandwich of your dreams at home. Tender and flavorful with natural juices locked in, our corned beef is ready to devour as soon as you heat it…perfect for piling high on rye. Add a schmear of mustard and a pickle for a true NYC deli experience in your kitchen.
3. INSTRUCTIONS / STORAGE: Store our fully cooked pre-sliced meats in the freezer. To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight. Once the package is opened, store leftovers in an airtight container, keep refrigerated and serve within 3 days.
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5. **The Bobbie Capriotti’s: Delaware**: Capriotti’s The Bobbie is located in Wilmington, Delaware. The sandwich shop was originally opened in 1976 by brother and sister Lois and Alan Margolet, named after their grandfather. Today, it has grown into a popular national chain.
A household comfort food, The Bobbie’s idea is to slow-roast a whole turkey on site. The turkey is hand-shredded to ensure the perfect taste. The turkey is then served on fresh rolls and served with some festive ingredients such as cranberry sauce, stuffing and mayonnaise. This dish is perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers.
And you can eat turkey at their house all year round, so you don’t have to wait until November.
6. **Cubano Versailles: Florida**: Come to Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. Versailles has been a popular tourist destination since 1971, especially for the Cuban exiles who live there. It’s the perfect place to try a delicious Cuban sandwich, which sounds like a true cultural and culinary landmark.
The Cuban sandwich is based on Cuban bread. These breads are traditionally made with lard or shortening and are filled with ham cured in brown sugar. They often include delicious roast pork and thick-cut Swiss cheese. There are also sliced pickles, which add a tangy, sour flavor and a refreshing taste. All the ingredients here are smeared with mustard and grilled to perfection.
7. **Chicken Conquistador Zunzi’s: Georgia**: It seems that in Georgia, this sandwich is not only a local favorite, but has also conquered countless “best of” lists so far. We are talking about the Conquistador Sandwich at Zunzi’s, a South African-inspired restaurant with locations in Atlanta and Savannah.
This sandwich is very filling and generous. It is filled with a grilled chicken breast. This is really the foundation of its overall flavor. There are also crisp lettuce and fresh tomatoes inside to add texture and refreshing taste. But the real star is actually the special sauce made in the store. All these delicious fillings are served on crispy French bread.
Which sandwich will you add to your must-try list first? There are actually more surprise hidden shops waiting to be discovered on the Sandwich Adventure. I think you will find your favorite one soon.
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The Best Chicken Sandwich in Every State
