Top 7 spots for sandwiches in metro Detroit
To celebrate National Sandwich Month, we compiled a list of the best sandwich spots in and around Detroit, Michigan.
When John Montagu, the Fourth Earl of Sandwich, asked for a way to eat something while he was playing cards, he had no idea that the sandwich would become the culinary staple it is today.
Sandwiches of all shapes, sizes, and fillings are so popular all around the world that they even have a month dedicated to them. Yep; August has been deemed National Sandwich Month! And where better to celebrate than in the Motor City?
Michiganders know that Detroit is no slouch when it comes to sandwiches. From picnic-style sandwiches full of local meats and produce, to casual delis where you can build your meal at the counter, to full-service restaurants serving deliciousness between bread, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a great sandwich.
Here are some of the best spots in Detroit for sandwiches to suit all tastes:
1. Gonella’s
295 Oakwood
For over 75 years, Gonella’s Italian deli has been a Detroit classic, serving up mouthwatering, many-layered Italian subs. Visitors to the original Detroit location can choose meat-to-cheese layers, which range from six layers of meat and one of cheese to the mammoth eighteen-meat, three-cheese mega sub. Get to chomping!
2. Chadd’s Bistro
46858 Dequindre Rd
The name may say bistro, but this Shelby Township hangout, which has been listed among the 100 best eateries in the country according to Yelp, is laid-back and casual. Whether you’re eating in with a glass of wine, or grabbing a sandwich to go, you’ll be satisfied.
The bistro’s sandwich menu is extensive, including bountiful vegetarian and vegan options. The house special is called “Chadd’s Tremendous Brunch,” a triple-decker club with avocado and a fried egg that’s good for any meal of the day!
3. Green Dot Stables
2200 West Lafayette Blvd
What’s better than a tasty sandwich? How about two, three, four, or five tasty sandwiches? The more the merrier at Green Dot Stables, a Detroit institution specializing in sliders.
Come on by the cozy tavern-style eatery for budget-friendly, bite-size versions of everything from pastrami with sauerkraut to a vegan banh mi. You can even enjoy a sandwich for dessert – the peanut butter and marshmallow fluffernutter sliders are a house specialty!
4. Royale With Cheese
4163 Cass Ave
Although the name comes from a movie quote about a burger, Royale With Cheese is all about the oozy dairy deliciousness. In addition to its nacho cheese ravioli and mac and cheese bites, Motor City guests at Royale With Cheese can enjoy their signature sandwiches from this fast-casual favorite’s “between the bread” section, including brisket sandwiches with cheese fondue topping.
The ultimate dish, though, is the grilled cheese sandwich, which comes with three types of cheese, a fried egg, and turkey bacon. Oozy, but scrumptious!
5. Chef Greg’s Soul-N-The Wall
10009 Curtis St
Chef Greg, a Detroit culinary icon, is best known for his Boogaloo Sauce, which you can find at his restaurant as well as Market Fresh. But did you know that his beloved soul food carry-out also sells one of the Motor City’s finest sandwiches?
The Boogaloo Wonderland Sandwich, a version of which was originally pioneered by Brothers Barbecue, has found a home at Chef Greg’s. Loaded with ground pork, sauteed onions, and melted cheese, and slathered with Caribbean-inspired Boogaloo Sauce, this is a big sub that packs a powerful punch of flavor!
6. Rocco’s Italian Deli
3627 Cass Ave
Not sure if you want to stock up on gourmet pantry staples, or relax with a cheese board and a glass of chianti? At Rocco’s Italian Deli, you can do both! More importantly, you can sink your teeth into some of Detroit’s most delicious takes on classic Italian sandwiches.
Since 2018, Rocco’s, which markets itself as a modern take on an old-fashioned Italian deli, has been serving up classics like chicken parm subs and muffalettas, made with top-quality ingredients from their in-house deli counter. Grazi, Rocco!
7. Zingerman’s
422 Detroit St
Yes, yes, we know – Zingerman’s is technically not in Detroit. But the famous deli, founded in Ann Arbor, is the Wolverine State’s most legendary spot for sandwiches, and at just a short drive from Detroit itself, it deserves a spot on this list.
From the funky interiors to the extensive array of specialty cheeses and sandwich offerings that include a limited-time “sandwich of the month” with a seasonal flair (July’s was made in collaboration with Marrow Detroit Provisions butcher shop), it’s easy to see why people have been making the trek to Ann Arbor for a bite of Zingerman’s for over 40 years!