Madison is a sandwich town.
We love sandwiches because they’re familiar, have history, and they resonate deeply in our memory and psyche. They’re a comfort food–easily devoured and complete unto themselves.
Food allegiances are forged deep in childhood. Preferences are tribal: there are egg salad people, French dip lovers, BBQ folks, grilled cheese freaks, reuben maniacs. There’s an aficionado for every type of sandwich.
While far too many Madison restaurants offer dull takes on familiar classics, there are still oodles of exciting options available for sandwich hounds looking for something spectacular.
Here’s a list of what’s worth the carb intake, in no particular order:
1 Gotham Bagels – Spanish Harlem, or V, or G
Maybe they’re technically bagelwiches, but Gotham Bagels has epic offerings . The Spanish Harlem is a savory legend, while both the G and the V are obsession-worthy. The latter is a spicy vegetarian option that can go head to head with any bagel sandwich anywhere. Spicy Poblano pepper, scallion tofu, arugula and avocado.
2 Stalzy’s- The Rachel, or The Corso, or The Big Weck
Stalzy’s arguably makes the best sandwiches in the city. Everything they do is top quality, made with precision and care. The Rachel– a pastrami sandwich with slaw –can be life changing. But other contenders are the Corso and, on Wednesdays, The Big Weck. Rest assured that any Stalzy’s sandwich will be one of the best you’ve ever had.
3 Marigold – “The Beetnik”
Marigold has had a number of great offerings over the years. Once upon a time they were famous for a slightly spicy, barely creamy, red cabbage slaw that appeared on a few of their sandwiches. These days the thing to get is The Beetnik: roasted beets, whipped goat cheese, cucumber, orange marmalade.
4 Weary Traveler Free House – West of the Andes
The home of the Bob’s Bad Breath Burger also sports the West of the Andes Sandwich, which is served a few ways. It’s great with tuna. But it’s just as good with beef or veggies. If you’re so inclined, it’s even good without the bun.
5 Tornado Club – French dip
It’s easy to think French Dips are boring. Just bread, beef, and jus. But a good one reveals what all the fuss is about. The Tornado’s French Dip is brilliant: baguette, tender beef, and salty jus. Especially good after a few Old Fashioneds.
6 Mickey’s- World’s Greatest Sandwich
It’s true, The World’s Greatest Sandwich at Mickey’s could be the world’s greatest sandwich. Essentially a BLT with a fried egg, it is somehow more than the sum of its parts.
7 Pizza Brutta -Caprese Sandwich
It’s the oven-fired foccaccia that puts this quality go-to on the map.
8 Alchemy – Stuffed Grilled Cheese, or BLFT
A war rages between partisans of the Stuffed Grilled Cheese and the BLFT, which blows minds with bacon, lettuce, and fried tomato. Your choice, but the stuffed grilled cheese has sweet onions, broccoli, and will deliver you to SGC (stuffed grilled cheese) nirvana.
9 Mermaid – Mighty Isis or Banh Meatless
The mighty Isis is one of Madison’s iconic sandwiches: egg, avocado, curry sauce on a toasted focaccia. The Banh Meatless is a really good vegetarian Banh Mi.
10 Roast Public House - Hammer’s Famous Ham Sandwich
Roast is new this year, and it is helping redeem lower State Street from all the chain sub shops. Cherry smoked hand-carved ham, Meunster, ham jus. Get it.
11 Nostrano – Mortadela Panino
Nostrano sandwiches are a bit of culinary heaven. Try the mortadela with kumquat mustard.
12 New Orleans Takeout – Fresh Oyster Po’ Boy
Sometimes that Oyster Po’ Boy just calls your name. Run. Don’t forget the hot sauce.
13 Crema Cafe – Bluebird
Steve Buckholtz makes one of the city’s most iconic sandwiches, dubbed the Bluebird. It’s chicken salad with Blueberries. And you want it.
14 Fromagination – Salami
The trick with Fromagination sandwiches is to let them warm up for a while once they’re out of the cold deli case. When they relax, they’re all yours.
15 4&20 Bakery – Cuban
4 & 20 is essentially a bakery with a former L’Etoile chef (Evan Dannells) on savory duty. Get the best Cubano in town (even though it’s not quite classic). However, because it’s difficult to recommend a menu item that doesn’t arrive on one of the bakery’s massive biscuits, I suggest you eat one of those too.
16 Harmony Bar - Hot White Whitehouse
The thing to get here is the Walnut Burger. But the other thing to get here is the Hot White Whitehouse. It’s the sandwich you never knew you needed. Rye, fried onions, smoked turkey, Thousand Island.
17 Froth House – Ben Franklin
It’s so good it’s received press from Milwaukee. Turkey, Provolone, Romaine lettuce.
18 Johnson Public House – Roast Beef Breakfast Sandwich
Arguably the best coffee shop in town, JPH also serves a little food. The Roast Beef is offered during the day — but not with an egg as it is at breakfast. So if they won’t give you an egg, take this sandwich home and fry your own damn egg. It’s worth it. [JPH reports eggs are an option any time of day]
19 Merchant – Egg Salad
Say you need an egg salad sandwich but the idea of boiling a lot of eggs and then peeling them makes you want to cry. This is your best bet, and it goes with Merchant’s cocktails.
20 Graze- Farmer John Provolone
Before it was Graze’s Farmer John’s Provolone, it was Cafe Soleil’s Farmer John’s Provolone. Another icon.
21 Banzo – The Harvest
These Banzo people are on a roll. The Harvest is downright sick: grilled eggplant, spinach, falafel.
22 Mildred’s Sandwich Shop – Blystone or Leadbetter
Mildred’s is a piece of Madison history. Owner Nels Nelson passed away recently. Employees are carrying on the restaurant unchanged until further notice. It’s a get- in- there- and- try- the- Blystone- today situation. ”Turkey breast, provolone, Swiss, onion, green pepper, lettuce, and tomato with mayonnaise and dressing on whole wheat pita.”
23 Old Fashioned – Walley
If you can get a spot to sit, try the Walley Sandwich.
24 Blowin’ Smoke – Three Little Pigs
This is serious BBQ out of a cart. Pig three ways.
25 Fraboni’s – Otto
Fraboni’s deli is a little bit of old school European awesomeness. Pick up some cerignola olives. Ditto the greasy housemade croutons. Then have the fantastic Otto.
26 Le Baguette – Parisien Sandwich
Ham, gruyere, cornichons and butter on a fresh baguette. For $5.75. Plus, you can order in French.
27 Los Gemelos – Torta Milenesa
It’s like a pork tenderloin sandwich on flavor steroids. Crispy pork or chicken, avocado and mayo on a fluffy torta roll. You may not have to eat again for 24 hrs.
28 Osteria Papavero – Panino Pazzo
Osteria Papavero sandwiches are ridiculously good. Try the Panino Pazzo: 18 month old prosciutto di Parma, cow’s milk mozzarella, tomatoes, soft-boiled eggs, Sicilian tuna, and romaine lettuce on a warmed ciabatta roll.
29 Green Owl – BBQ Jackfruit
You’ve probably never had jackfruit, have you?
30 Salvatore Tomato Pies - daily special
Patrick DePula is bringing food made with care and local ingredients to the ‘burbs in Sun Prarie. At lunch, he runs a sandwich of the day special using meat he’s procured from Stalzy’s.
31 Jordandal Cookhouse – daily special
Jordandal Farms doesn’t always have sandwiches, but when they do . . .
32 Redamte Coffee House – Chicken & Brie
Redamte’s food exceeds the normal coffee shop fare. The Chicken & Brie is deeply satisfying, and includes avocado as well as raspberry jam. A delicious combination. The Sweet Potato Pesto is also worth a visit.
33 Underground Butcher – Whitefish Sandwich
In a close tie with the thrillingly tasty Porchetta sandwich.
34 Sardine – Smoked Salmon (brunch)
Here’s a breakfast/brunch sandwich that exceeds the form. Smoked salmon, cucumbers, radishes, hard-boiled egg, arugula, capers and sweet mustard on toasted sourdough.
35 Brasserie V
The burgers are good here, but so are the sandwiches. A version of a pan bagnat at lunchtime is the winner: grilled tuna, Niçoise olive relish, hard-boiled egg, baby spinach, tomato, red onion & aioli on Baguette
36 Saigon Noodles – Roasted Pork (Banh Mi)
A good version of the classic Vietnamese Banh Mi.
37 Willy St Co-op – make your own
All those delicious organic ingredient choices just beg to be built into a massive, healthy, hippied-out extravaganza.
38 Natt Spil – Pork Sandwich
No list is complete without Natt Spil’s Pork Sandwich. Pulled pork piled hot and high straight from the wood-fired oven.
39 Bluephies Downtown Deli – Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
The best sandwich of its kind downtown? You decide.
40 Number 40 is up to you. What’s your favorite sandwich in Madison? Add it to the comments below!
26 comments
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nichole
December 18, 2012 at 1:22 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Seconds on 6 (though they could hold the hyperbole) and 24. I also liked the liver sausage at Village Bar, Lakeside St. Coffee House’s Reuben, breakfast sandwiches at Zuzu’s, and there’s this one at Willalby’s.
andredarlington
December 18, 2012 at 2:29 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
These are all great sounding recommendations. Esp curious about the liver sausage. And I love Lakeside Coffee House, but never eaten there.
shayla
December 18, 2012 at 1:23 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
i’ve got to recommend trying the deli sandwiches at Fromagination!
andredarlington
December 18, 2012 at 2:28 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
It’s on the list! #14
Barb
December 18, 2012 at 2:12 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Avenue bar Reuben…
Brian
December 18, 2012 at 5:36 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Putting Jordandal above Craftsman Table and Tap’s Tuscon BLT is nearly blasphemy.
Kevin
December 18, 2012 at 8:12 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
A great list. I know you have one 4&20 sandwich on here, but I’d add their breakfast sandwich, too. With or without bacon.
andredarlington
December 19, 2012 at 1:02 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
That’s a great sandwich!
Anica
December 18, 2012 at 8:43 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
the Sheldon at Monty’s Blue Plate
Rachel
December 18, 2012 at 8:51 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Best reuben in town is at Mickey’s, in my humble opinion. Also, can’t go wrong with their waffle fries!
Rachel
December 18, 2012 at 8:53 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Best reuben is at Monty’s Blueplate Diner, in my humble opinion. Can’t go wrong with their waffle fries either!
Rachel
December 18, 2012 at 9:10 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Sorry, meant to edit the first post!
Amy
December 19, 2012 at 10:36 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
The ArtiMelt at Crema Cafe. Yum. But it drips. Their Breakfast Sandwich is good, too, without the bacon. The Caprese at Brasserie V. It doesn’t get any better.
Sara
December 19, 2012 at 11:20 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Hook’s Melt from Barriques
Shelly
December 19, 2012 at 11:33 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I’m right with you on the Three Little Pigs sandwich from Blowin’ Smoke, but I also highly recommend the beef brisket sandwich. Make sure and choose potato salad as your side. This is really important, because it’s perfect. The Blowin’ Smoke cart is generally parked at the intersection of Pinckney and Main street on Capitol Square, just outside the US Bank building.
andredarlington
December 19, 2012 at 1:02 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I haven’t had the brisket– I’ll try it!
Nick
December 19, 2012 at 11:44 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
F.I.B.’s “Ron Santo” [i.e., Sicilian Beef]. And, yes, I know it’s not a restaurant…. it’s so good.
andredarlington
December 19, 2012 at 1:08 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Nick, thanks for the tip. I’ve had F.I.B’s, but not the Ron Santo. I’ll check it out.
Lisa
December 19, 2012 at 12:29 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
The meatloaf sandwich at Mickey’s Dairy Bar is a slice of Madison and a memory of the kind of food that has virtually disappeared off the Madison map. Paired with a chocolate malt made the old fashioned way and served in the metal canister…before you die and before it’s gone for good!
andredarlington
December 19, 2012 at 1:03 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Ooo, thanks for the tip Lisa! I’ve had quite a bit of that menu, but not the meatloaf.
Jeremy
December 19, 2012 at 12:36 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I like the list, but I’m stunned not to see Madison Sourdough on it. Pick any sandwich on their (ever-changing) menu… It currently includes a meatloaf sandwich w/ bleu cheese, gastrique,
pickled onion, and spinach on miche; a kimchi grilled cheese with fontina and cheddar; and several others.
(Also, their brunch is the best in town.)
andredarlington
December 19, 2012 at 1:07 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Jeremy, I agree– after I compiled the list, Madison Sourdough was the first place I thought of that should have also been included. I’ll be stopping in there to retry a few items.
Kyle
December 19, 2012 at 4:11 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
The breakfast sandwich at Crema has been consistently great, though I grant not as signature as the Bluebird. Papa Bear’s BBQ does a BBQ corned beef brisket sandwich that’ll knock your socks off — and the po’boy occasionally offered as a special might be even better.
Jacki
December 19, 2012 at 6:51 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
No mention of the greatest sandwich at Weary Traveler, which is the Walleye sandwich.
Mooseboy
December 20, 2012 at 1:47 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Great list, but no Manna Cafe? The Collins House Tendrrloin with horseradish sauce is one of the finest sandwiches in town.
Karl Pierick
December 20, 2012 at 1:59 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
The Cuban at La Concha!!
The Churn: Local Food Gift Guides and More
December 19, 2012 at 5:17 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
[...] A brilliantly thorough story in the Growler on the legal ins and outs of starting a brewery. 40(!) Madison sandwiches to eat before you die (anyone want to write the Minneapolis-St. Paul version for us?) A profile of Joseph’s Mexican [...]
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December 27, 2012 at 6:10 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
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