535036 Wed Jul 02 19:16:49 -0700 2008 64 6 Southwest 0 3834934 I'm taking nominations for the Best Sandwich in Phoenix. I have had so many bad ones here that it's almost incredible. I'm looking for great bread, a great choice of meats - hot or cold, and an interesting combination of flavors. A big, hearty, drip-all-over-the-place-take-it-to-the-dry-cleaners-later type of sandwich. The kind that you crave. Interesting combinations or old stand-by's....I don't care. I've lived here since 1983 and haven't found it. Am I missing something? I was lamenting to my wife today that if I don't find it soon I'm starting my own sandwich place. Come on people...show me what you've got. EJS. Wed Jul 02 19:16:50 -0700 2008 65085 ejs1492 1 3834980 Three that I crave the most: 1) mozz / tomato / basil @ Pane Bianco 2) torta cubana @ Tortas El Guero 3) pulled pork @ Stacy's Smokehouse Wed Jul 02 19:35:37 -0700 2008 3834934 67548 azhotdish 1 3834981 Flancer's in Gilbert and Mesa (new location) has some really good sandwiches with interesting combinations. Scott's Generations Deli has some great ones. Huge menu of options. Dilly's Deli has several locations in the Valley and have some really good sandwiches. I got a somewhat traditional Italian on their focaccia recently that was amazing. There are some Mexican sandwich places that are supposed to have amazing tortas, but I'm blanking on the names at the moment. Wed Jul 02 19:35:50 -0700 2008 3834934 21290 Firenza00 2 3835063 Dilly's place link didn't take the first time. Well, CH is being flaky. The link didn't take again, and my other reply vanished. Lovely. :) Wed Jul 02 20:10:34 -0700 2008 3834981 21290 Firenza00 2 4787724 My favorite at Flancer's is the Chile Verde Birdie. They have a half-and-half deal with the sandwich and salad (or soup) that can't be beat. Try the goat cheese bruschetta as an appetizer and you will roll out of there satisfied. Fri Jun 19 10:23:38 -0700 2009 3834981 254884 Inertia 1 3834988 Pane Bianco Tortas El Guero Los Reyes de la Torta Wed Jul 02 19:37:20 -0700 2008 3834934 26466 silverbear 1 3835108 i'm a fan of duck and decanter..... and lisa g's does some great sammies too..... they definitely run high end..... i'd be interested in finding a REALLY good french dip...... not an overly salty mess... Wed Jul 02 20:26:38 -0700 2008 3834934 13333 hzp 2 3835116 Good call on Duck and Decanter. I practically grew up there in the 80s but it's been a while since I've been back. I'll make that a priority. I'm a fan of the French Dip at Cafepino in N. Scottsdale, although I know that's a trek for you. In the Scottsdale 101 center. They use great beef and the au jus is totally unique....it has a very slight thickness to it, subtle, but there. Wed Jul 02 20:30:26 -0700 2008 3835108 65085 ejs1492 3 3837227 Specifically I love the Duck's Smokey Forest and Duckling. Mmmm. Thu Jul 03 14:35:58 -0700 2008 3835116 95577 yamalam 3 3838972 I have to disagree on the "very slight thickness" to Cafepino's au jus. Unless they've changed it since I was there six months ago, when I had it it was the flavor and consistency of a canned beef gravy. After the first few bites, I found the sandwich to be much better w/o it. Fri Jul 04 09:12:09 -0700 2008 3835116 140805 mdepsmom 2 3837463 hzp keegans on 32nd street and camelback has a great french dip!! Thu Jul 03 16:10:59 -0700 2008 3835108 63433 drewb123 2 4826327 The only memorable sandwiches in Phoenix have been at D & D. We've had great ahi, and also chicken there. All of the rest fade, but then we are originally from NOLA, where sandwiches are king. Hunt Thu Jul 02 20:23:59 -0700 2009 3835108 11329 Bill Hunt 1 3835119 Has anyone been to Primenti Bros. in Pittsburgh? Amighetti's in St. Louis? Molinari's in San Fran? These are the sandwiches that legends are made of! Although I'm not searching for only Italian places, are any of these in that league? Wed Jul 02 20:32:04 -0700 2008 3834934 65085 ejs1492 2 3835709 I've not been to any of those places, but if you're looking for Italian-American deli sandwiches, I suggest the following: Andreoli -- North Scottsdale Calabria -- DT Phoenix Niccoli's -- North Central Phoenix Thu Jul 03 06:27:23 -0700 2008 3835119 26466 silverbear 2 3837648 I haven't been to the St. Louis or SF places you mention but every trip we make to Pittsburgh we make a stop at Primanti's. I don't think anything can compare to Primanti's as its so unique in my mind. Very different from anything you can get here locally. I like Andreoli's paninis and I haven't had a sandwhich I didn't like at Flancer's. Their bread is homemade and it makes all the difference. Thu Jul 03 17:41:02 -0700 2008 3835119 107689 scorpioscuba 2 3837657 I haven't been to either the STL or SF places you mention, but every trip we make to Pittsburgh requires a stop at Primanti's - usually late at night! Primanti's is very unique in its own right and I don't think anything anywhere can really compare. I love Andreoli's panini's and I haven't had a sandwich at Flancer's that I didn't like. Their homemade bread and unique combinations are real winners every time. Thu Jul 03 17:44:37 -0700 2008 3835119 107689 scorpioscuba 1 3835155 Pane Bianco, each sandwich there is terrific ... DeFalco's makes excellent meatball wedges and cheesesteaks ... Uncle Sam's @ 32nd and Shea makes a nice chicken cheese steak ... Calabria Grocery makes great sandwiches, especially the stuffed eggplant and the ones with chicken cutlets ... Pino's sanwiches are sublime -- get them on focaccia. City Bakery's roasted chicken sandwich is pretty good. Tortas del Guero, Los Reyes de la Torta and La Tolteca make mighty fine tortas. Has anyone had a cimeta at Guero's? Oh, and Carly's has a nice, sort of Cuban panini. Wed Jul 02 20:50:30 -0700 2008 3834934 85615 misohungrychewlow 1 3835165 sigh ... I'll try again. Pane Bianco, all of them are terrific. DeFalco's has excellent meatball wedges and cheesesteaks. Uncle Sam's @ 32nd and Shea does a nice chicken cheesesteak. Calabria Grocery makes great sandwiches, especially the stuffed eggplant and the ones with chicken cutlets. Pino's sandwiches are sublime -- get them on focaccia. Tortas del Guero, Los Reyes de la Torta and La Tolteca make superb tortas. Has anyone had a cimeta at Guero's? Oh, and Carly's has a nice, sort of Cuban panini. Wed Jul 02 20:57:46 -0700 2008 3834934 85615 misohungrychewlow 1 3835251 The steak sandwich (the "Encore") and the salmon sandwich (the "Mona"), both at Sacks. http://sacks.info/ Wed Jul 02 21:57:25 -0700 2008 3834934 11583 ipsedixit 2 3835270 Interesting - I shop at Safeway right near Sacks on 48th St and have never tried it. Will have to get over and check it out. Wed Jul 02 22:12:25 -0700 2008 3835251 67548 azhotdish 3 3835653 Sacks is similar to Baggin's in Tucson, kind of a spin-off. The sandwiches that I like there are (do not remember what they call them); thanksgiving style-turkey, stuffing, cranberry (get it heated), Roast beef with horseradish, red onion and the turkey on 12 grain with cream cheese sprout etc. Thu Jul 03 06:00:41 -0700 2008 3835270 13373 Molto E 2 4826335 And the egg salad( the Dali), the BLAT (the Jazz) and the veggie (the Impressionist) are also very good. I'm not sure there's one worthy of legend here yet, still I'm happy with Sacks, Dilly's and Uncle Sam's. Otherwise I'd rather forget the bread and have a split single Chicken Salad with pasta at In Season Deli. Thu Jul 02 20:28:14 -0700 2009 3835251 128716 AguasFrescas 1 3836211 I second Flancer's, just about any sandwich there is great as long as you get it with the green chili mayo! I also love Miracle Mile's "New Yorker"- pastrami with russian dressing and coleslaw. The place gets mixed reviews, but I absolutely love that sandwich... definitely need to make a trip to the dry cleaners after that! Thu Jul 03 09:21:41 -0700 2008 3834934 128359 jcoz23 2 3870243 Love Flancer's Philly Cheesesteak, but I have to agree that all of their sandwiches are great Tue Jul 15 09:32:05 -0700 2008 3836211 73847 ggdinero 1 3836671 I always crave sandwiches from Paradise Bakery. It’s casual dining and their turkey cranberry is delicious, they make their own bread- it’s to die for! Thu Jul 03 11:30:39 -0700 2008 3834934 201953 TasteBud25 2 3838980 I agree. My favorite is their tuna. I'm not sure what the official name of the bread is on which it is served, but it has oatmeal flakes on the crust. The bread there makes the sandwich, imo. And I love their sugar cookies! Fri Jul 04 09:16:00 -0700 2008 3836671 140805 mdepsmom 3 3842607 I think the one you're thinking of is the Molasses...it's their best bread by far! Sun Jul 06 11:20:03 -0700 2008 3838980 17961 Jess321 1 3837349 my top 3 : 1. lamb escarole - if its the market sandwich at pane bianco, it'll be a perfect day 2. improv at sacks - turkey, stuffing, and cranberries on a hoagie, its my weakness *and there's on on 5th ave and thomas* 3. jp turkey at mcgurkee's - to die for. i LOVE this simple sandwich. no wonder mcgurkee's has been open for about 70 years *give or take ;)* on 15th ave and osborn sorry - but place links hate firefox, at least on my machine :( Thu Jul 03 15:20:43 -0700 2008 3834934 60025 winedubar 2 3837413 linky dink... Thu Jul 03 15:49:12 -0700 2008 3837349 86822 hohokam 2 3837432 I'll mark them (using an old version of Linux and Firefox 1.5 :^P). Thu Jul 03 15:59:46 -0700 2008 3837349 10852 johnseberg 3 3837473 My top 3 Pane Bianco-pulled pork La Grande- Tuna Low down Cafe- Any wrap they have Thu Jul 03 16:14:55 -0700 2008 3837432 63433 drewb123 1 3837698 I think the torta de conchinta de pibil at Barrio is the ultimate Thu Jul 03 18:09:28 -0700 2008 3834934 196810 kandmls 1 3838124 Sausage at Pane Bianco. Actually, pretty much anything at Pane Bianco. But the sausage is amaaaaaazing. And I'm not usually a huge fan of Italian sausage. I'm fond of Andreoli as well; have tried 2 or 3 things there so far, all good. On a good day the turkey sandwich at Palatte is very very tasty. Other days, just eh. But I like that it's actual hunks of roasted turkey -- like you'd use the day after Thanksgiving to make a sandwich for yourself -- rather than the thin thin deli sliced type stuff you get at most places. Thu Jul 03 21:11:10 -0700 2008 3834934 133997 Bax 1 3839287 My top three (in no particular order): Brown sugar pork and the chicken/sage pesto/goat cheese, The Herb Box Sweet potato/moz/arugala and the chicken continental, Wildflower Cajun chicken w/grilled onions, AJ's Used to also love the turkey ciabatta at Dragonfly Cafe, but haven't been since they sold the place, so not sure how it's changed. Fri Jul 04 11:41:54 -0700 2008 3834934 24418 crsin 2 3848853 Hey, I was the co-author of that sandwich at Dragonfly! It was definitely one of the staff favorites. I haven't tried it since the new ownership (although I did go back once and was disappointed with the obvious changes in preparation/quality...) PS- Dragonfly's former sous-chef (and the second half of the turkey ciabatta) is now at AJ's on Central with a dedicated following for her weekend omelet station. Tue Jul 08 10:34:36 -0700 2008 3839287 149633 Starka 3 3851288 Good to hear. What happened to Dragonfly? Did it just change hands due to finances? It's a shame, I really enjoyed it. Any other ventures for the owner/chef(s) that you know of? Wed Jul 09 00:19:58 -0700 2008 3848853 24418 crsin 2 3889257 I had the roasted sweet potato sandwich you mention @ Wildflower in Arcadia this weekend - it was really sweet (in a bad way) and the focaccia was fluffy. Which one do you go to? Maybe they're not consistent. The harvest apple pork was ok, but again too sweet I thought and seemed quite small for the price. I hadn't been to Wildflower is quite a while but left disappointed. Mon Jul 21 16:39:06 -0700 2008 3839287 67548 azhotdish 1 3866042 I'm really fond of Chompies deli. Their pastrami reubens are especially messy. But then I'm a displaced east coast gal. Sun Jul 13 21:34:37 -0700 2008 3834934 209543 CoteGal 2 3866164 You should try Scott's Generation Deli on Missouri. They have some equally messy and good sandwiches. We tried them for the first time a few weeks ago and really liked it. The sandwiches we got were quite big, as well. Scott's address is in the place links already. Sun Jul 13 23:59:18 -0700 2008 3866042 21290 Firenza00 2 3868647 I love chompies seet and sour cabbage soup and all their sandwiches. They need to open a location in arcadia. Mon Jul 14 17:07:28 -0700 2008 3866042 63433 drewb123 2 3870288 I agree w/ jcoz23 If you like chompies...try The Miracle Mile @ the Camelback Colonnade. The sandwiches are big and messy...love the Hot Pastrami and Corned beef w/ saurkraut and russian dressing. I always substitute a potato latke for the fries.......yum! Tue Jul 15 09:46:06 -0700 2008 3866042 16764 ciaogal 3 3872720 I must be missing something. I find the food at Chompies to be gross. Dilly's Deli, a local favorite, is usually pretty consistent in quality and selections. I think the Valley has a wide variety of reputable restaurants that also offer fine sandwiches, but our town certainly lacks a casual sandwich shop. Tue Jul 15 22:21:18 -0700 2008 3870288 199931 ginael 4 3872754 You definitely aren't missing something...Chompie's is pretty gross. Everytime I've been there (WAY too many times to count, unfortunately), things just tend to look grimy, from the cleanliness of the tables to the restrooms. The service is always rude (maybe that's their gimmick? Is that how typical NY servers are?). The food isn't very good, though they do know their way around a bagel. That's their saving grace, but some people just flock to it. Never something I understood, but everyone has their own taste. Tue Jul 15 22:35:30 -0700 2008 3872720 17961 Jess321 5 3874660 The Sardine #9 Bahn Mi @ Lee's in Chandler is my new addiction....it's neck and neck with the grilled Pork. Wed Jul 16 13:24:26 -0700 2008 3872754 16764 ciaogal 5 3874921 Thank you, Jess! Confirms my suspicions that Chompie's is not only overrated, but on the poorer end of the sandwich spectrum. I can certainly do without rude service, smelly food, greasy meat, and dirty aesthetics. Wed Jul 16 14:29:52 -0700 2008 3872754 199931 ginael 1 3875508 I wonder if Tukee's is still open for walk-in business. It's been years since I've been in, but back then it would change your entire idea of what a good sandwich was. The website is live, so call ahead to see if they still do seating and takeout. http://www.tukees.com/ Wed Jul 16 17:50:08 -0700 2008 3834934 184889 blair_houghton 1 3893988 Good thread. I now have some new places to try this weekend. I like Pane Biano of course. That bread is wonderful. Andreoli is also very, very good. The family that runs it is very nice. But my fav is the Havarti, asparagus and arugala sandwich at Bertha's Cafe in central phx. I actually dream of that sometimes. The flavors are complex, the aspagus just a bit crisp, the cheese melty, the arugala perfectly bitter and the dressing is spicey. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I don't know how they came up with this concoction, but it is a winner. Wed Jul 23 07:55:57 -0700 2008 3834934 71843 Elmo 2 3894433 I agree Elmo - that's the best sandwich that Bertha's has. Wed Jul 23 10:15:12 -0700 2008 3893988 67548 azhotdish 3 3894750 for some reason I am not a fan AT all of Bertha's. I thought it was gross :( Wed Jul 23 12:02:20 -0700 2008 3894433 63433 drewb123 4 3894857 I have had mixed experiences at Bertha's - sometimes good, sometimes very bad. Breakfast seems to be the most hit-or-miss. I'm within a mile of them though, and wouldn't recommend driving very far for it. I usually stick with the Caesar, Asparagus and Havarti Panini and/or a daily soup (and of course the free cookie). Wed Jul 23 12:38:03 -0700 2008 3894750 67548 azhotdish 2 4809696 Oh man, you had me at "havarti, asparagus and arugula sandwich". I will make the trek from South Tempe to Central Phx for such a delight. Do you like any other sandwiches at Bertha's, or would you say that one is their specialty? Thank you for the recommendation. Fri Jun 26 16:56:17 -0700 2009 3893988 199931 ginael 3 4810333 Betha's is currently closed - in the process of moving. http://berthascafe.com/ Sat Jun 27 02:38:34 -0700 2009 4809696 10852 johnseberg 1 3894981 Haven't seen mention of that Vietnamese sandwich place in Chandler yet (name escapes me), but the flavor combinations are certainly interesting. And the bread's pretty good too: fresh, crusty, and a little chewy. Wed Jul 23 13:15:41 -0700 2008 3834934 141035 oryza 2 3895866 Do you mean Lee's on Dobson and Warner? I am a big fan of their pork and as mentioned above their sardine sandwich! Wed Jul 23 17:58:34 -0700 2008 3894981 16764 ciaogal 3 3896031 I really like the sardine as well, along with the grilled pork, bbq pork and special combo w/extra pate. Wed Jul 23 19:09:35 -0700 2008 3895866 67548 azhotdish 4 3896060 I'll be working in Chandler the week after next....looking forward to trying the pate @ Lee's! Thanks for the head's up azhotdish! Wed Jul 23 19:20:56 -0700 2008 3896031 16764 ciaogal 5 4787709 Make sure you bring cash - their prices are so low because they don't take cards or checks. The BBQ pork is my favorite, followed by the meatball. The meatballs have pretty much nothing in common with any other meatball you may have had, but they're delicious. Their spring rolls are also good. Take a baguette or two home with you - they are fresh and fantastic for about $1 apiece. And for dessert - Gelato 64 across the street. Lee's Sandwiches is on the SE corner and Gelato 64 is on the NE corner, where Lee Lee Supermarket is. Fri Jun 19 10:20:44 -0700 2009 3896060 254884 Inertia 1 4808185 Sone vert giid recommendations. I've been to all the torta places mentioned and they are excellent. Also, Phoenix Ranch Market has good tortas. I'm a fan of the Cubano. they are huge and messy. Lee's in Chandler is definitely on the list. Ask for extra meat. There's a small extra charge but it's worth it. Finally, a place that is easy to forget is Miracle Mile Deli in the Collanade Shopping Center on Camelback. They are on the backside with poor visibility. They have a wide variety of deli sandwiches and a couple of specialty sandwiches as well. Big portions. The places you've mentioned - particular.ly Primanti's - are iconic just like Geno's Philly Cheesesteaks. That doesn't necessarily mean anyone that isn't an iconic sandwich shop puts out a lesser product. Fri Jun 26 08:20:55 -0700 2009 3834934 46819 Poerz 2 4808886 Not sure if this has been mentioned but the Hero Factory downtown is pretty good as well. Nothing earth shattering. Just good bread and fillings. Fri Jun 26 11:35:22 -0700 2009 4808185 17684 avandelay 1 4809273 Recently had the California panini from Grazie (their N Scottsdale location) and it was excellent - bread from the wood-fired oven, great ingredients. Going to try a few others. As an aside, Miracle Mile is opening a new branch up on FLW blvd in the Scottsdale Promenade area. Fri Jun 26 13:48:00 -0700 2009 3834934 10500 srf1 2 4812097 I second Grazie's paninis. They are fantastic. One of the most underrated lunch's around. Sat Jun 27 21:18:42 -0700 2009 4809273 137248 danieli10 1 4809971 Chestnut Lane's prosciutto and brie sandwich - simplicity at it's finest. Unfortunately, today was their last day open for a couple months - they're remodeling. Fri Jun 26 19:26:49 -0700 2009 3834934 67548 azhotdish 1 4810326 Im very opinionated when it comes to east coast food. So many veriables cab come in to play it is hard to pick pasta meet etc. love ya want to see what you choose Sat Jun 27 02:25:24 -0700 2009 3834934 63433 drewb123 1 4822443 I just wanted to support a lot of the places listed so far. I totally agree with Pane Bianco, Andreoli, Lee Sandwiches, Bertha's Cafe and Calabria. To this list I would add one more. I know there's a lot of support for Tortas El Guero and Los Reyes de la Torta when it comes to "best torta in town." I do like both those places, but if you would like to try an authentic Mexican sandwhich with a little bit higher quality ingredients, a little less greasy and with a similar price, try TORTA RICA on 91st Ave and Thomas. They have a fresher tasting torta that is addictive. Right ther with TR is El Mantantial, another torta y jugo shop on 67th and Camelback. Wed Jul 01 15:08:40 -0700 2009 3834934 205556 drobe30 1 4825135 As this old thread has been well and truly revived: my personal favorite is the capacollo, hard salami and provolone sub (with everything plus hot pepper relish) at DeFalco's. It's not "the same" as vaguely similar subs in, say, Philadelphia, but as a lover of cold cuts sandwiches in general, I really like this one. Thu Jul 02 12:53:58 -0700 2009 3834934 174150 bortukan