Sandwiches come in many shapes and sizes with different toppings, from meat to vegetables to sauces and more.
While grilled cheese, BLT, and roast beef are among the most popular, they’re just a sample of the wide variety. When it comes to sandwiches, some are better than others, according to Yelp reviewers.
The review website determined the best sandwich in each state by identifying businesses in the “sandwiches” category where many reviews mentioned the keyword “sandwiches.” It then ranked those places based on a number of factors, including geographic location and the number and rating of reviews that mentioned the keyword.
In Illinois, sandwiches from Firenze Italian Street Food topped the list. The market — with locations in the West Loop and West Town — takes its cues from Italy and uses house-made schiacciata bread made famous in Florence.
“Co-owners Kevin Hunsberger and Alan Wallis have reinvented their favorite street food from Florence, Italy – sandwiches made with schiacciata bread,” reads the entry on the “Best Sandwiches in Every State” page. “The crispy outside, soft inside bread is baked fresh daily and offers a small menu of sandwich creations, including a popular spicy soppressata.”
Curious to see which places made the cut in other Midwestern states? Here are the places that serve the best sandwiches in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Indiana
Immediately – San Francisco Region, United States of America
This small takeout-only spot gets top marks for its sandwiches on soft rolls or ciabatta baked in-house every day. The dip, made with brisket cured for 72 hours and slow-roasted for 15 hours, is a Yelper favorite. Check the daily calendar to see what soups are available, based on chef-owner Chuck Brezina’s 60-plus recipes.
Iowa
Charlotte’s Kitchen – Johnston Region
Inspired by childhood memories of learning to cook with his grandmother Charlotte, owner Michael Hanstad has transformed this modern fast-casual kitchen into a mini Iowa chicken sandwich empire. The Crab Rangoon chicken sandwich with wonton chips and Rangoon spread is particularly popular.
Michigan
Ernie’s Market – Oak Park Region, United States of America
Giant sandwiches on freshly baked onion buns are the stuff of legend at this old-fashioned shop in suburban Detroit. Yelpers recommend the Monster, a sandwich with seven kinds of meat and two kinds of cheese. Look for beloved owner Ernie Hassan, who opened the shop in 1955.
Wisconsin
Casetta kitchen and counter – Madison Region, United States of America
Yelpers can’t get enough of the homemade focaccia at this Italian sandwich hotspot, which is only open 4 hours a day (and the sandwiches regularly sell out). Yelpers especially like the Paradigm, with spicy soppressata, mozzarella, homemade spicy tomato vinaigrette, arugula, and roasted red peppers.
