When I was a kid, making a sandwich meant slapping two slices of bread together with peanut butter and jam spread inside or a slice each of bologna and floppy Kraft cheese. Sometimes I liked to add potato chips and the crunchiest (i.e., the least nutritional) part of iceberg lettuce inside if I was feeling fancy.
I think my tastes have matured a bit since then; I’ve long since abandoned the processed cheese and now use more nutritious lettuces, like arugula for a little spicy kick. But finding a sandwich that truly hits the spot can be difficult. Here are 14 locally-owned sandwich shops in Arizona where you can chow down during your next lunch break.
1. Beyond Bread, Tucson
You'll find plenty of sandwich options here which range from classic to in-store specials all served on housemade breads, like the salmon sandwich pictured above. Eat the reuben and a serving of the mac and cheese when you’re here! They’re to die for. Beyond Bread has three locations in Tucson, including one at 6260 East Speedway Boulevard.
2. Chompie’s, Phoenix-metro
Please note, Chompie’s has permanently closed.
This New York-style deli has plenty of options to choose from and their sandwiches are huge and delicious. The Jewish sliders (pictured above) are one of their featured sandwiches at all of their Valley locations, including at 1160 East University Drive in Tempe.
3. Dilly’s Deli, Phoenix-metro
This gourmet sandwich shop offers a little something extra than your typical sub sandwich. One of those ingredients? Homemade bread, which can make a world of a difference in your lunch experience. If you want something on the lighter side, try the Dilly Bird with their house salad. So good! Dilly’s Deli is located in Chandler, Scottsdale, and Tempe.
4. Duck and Decanter, Phoenix
Find sandwiches of all types and sizes at this shop: hot, cold, large, small, all perfect. If you’re not sure where to start, we suggest the Classic Reuben or the Smokey Forest sandwiches. Duck and Decanter has three Phoenix locations but we recommend checking out the store at 1651 East Camelback Road.
5. The Hut, Bullhead City
If you’re travelling through town, you may easily pass by this tiny little building but don’t let its size fool you! The Hut has some of the tastiest sandwiches you’ll find in the area. Most people like the King Kong sandwich, which is filled bacon and pastrami.
The Hut is located at 3120 Highway 95 in Bullhead City.
6. Le Buzz Caffe, Tucson
If you’re looking for a reason to really treat yourself to a scrumptious meal, eating just about anything at Le Buzz is the way to go. However, since we’re focusing on sandwiches, be sure to try any of their fancy sandwiches. We like the Nappa, which keeps the flavors simple with turkey, brie, and mustard, with a cup of soup and a latte to finish off the meal.
Le Buzz is located at 9121 East Tanque Verde Road, Suite 125 in Tucson.
7. Miracle Mile Deli, Phoenix
Even though they moved to a new location, Miracle Mile Deli still serves the same delicious sandwiches as they have been since the 1950s. Any of their pastrami sandwiches are a good option but if you want something a little more healthy, try the Turkacado sandwich.
Miracle Mile Deli is now located at 4433 North 16th Street in Phoenix.
8. Ned’s Krazy Sub, Mesa
I grew up in Mesa and have been eating at Ned's for as long as I can remember. My only wish is that the company would expand a little further west, even just to Tempe, so that lunch is just a little closer! To this day, I frequently have cravings for a number seven Poorboy Sammich with Fritos and a cookie on the side, my go-to meal from my youth.
If you, too, would like to be fed by Ned visit one of their Mesa locations, such as the one at 1927 North Gilbert Road.
9. The Press Cafe & Bistro, Yuma
This sandwich shop recently opened and is already getting some good press from residents. They specialize in pressed hot sandwiches and one of the top recommendations includes the Yuman (pictured above), which has turkey, bacon, avocado, and pepper jack cheese on homemade bread. Yum!
The Press Cafe & Bistro is located at 121 East 24th Street in Yuma.
10. Sausage Shop Meat Market & Deli, Tucson
For impeccable sandwiches, visit the Sausage Shop and try any of the sandwiches on their menu, like The Animal pictured above. You won’t be disappointed. The Sausage Shop is located at 1015 West Prince Road in Tucson.
11. Sedona Memories Bakery & Cafe, Sedona
If you need to refuel on protein and carbs after a strenuous hike in Sedona’s red rock country, check out the Sedona Memories Bakery & Cafe for a sandwich that will definitely hit the spot. They have huge portions and stuff the sandwiches with more than enough fillings to help your body recharge for another day.
The sandwich shop is located at 321 Jordan Road in Sedona.
12. Siren’s Cafe & Custom Catering, Kingman
Instead of stopping at the gas station while traveling to or from a Las Vegas getaway, check out this sandwich shop just off the I-40 in Kingman. Eat one of their tasty cold sandwiches or paninis with their lemon pasta salad for a better roadside meal.
Siren’s Cafe is located at 419 East Beale Street in Kingman.
What is your favorite go-to sandwich when you’re hungry? Let us know what you like to eat and where in the comments.
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