Yes, you can cast your vote for the best sandwich in town here if you’d like, but I want to tell you about the best sandwich that I DIDN’T eat last week–and talk about entree envy. When the people seated at my right and left were served these incredible BLTs with fried oysters at Cochon in New Orleans last week, my rabbit and dumplings seemed pretty weak. Luckily the whole group was the sharing kind, so I was able to get a bite or two of the one pictured here. Wow!
I just came across a wire story about the great sandwiches in New Orleans and it’s po’ boy, muffaletta, po’ boy. I’ve got nothing against either, but I don’t think any of them could take this one.
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Responses to “The best sandwich…”
April 14th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
I agree with Michael, but my favorite sandwich overall & particularly at Kwik Chek is the muffaletta. Yang’s Deli also makes a fine one. I confess to being an oinker & ordering double meat on mine. Next on my favorites list would be the original from Schlotzsky’s. I don’t know if the Arabi Grocery survived Katrina & is still in business, but they made the best muffaletta I ever ate in the New Orleans area.
April 14th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Not sure if it counts, but the lobster “Knuckle Sandwich” at Restaurant Iris is tas-tee.
April 14th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Has anyone tried Restaurant Iris yet? I was gone the first week it was open and when I came home, I had (still have) a very sick dog and have been staying close to the house. I’ve heard great comments, though.
April 14th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
My votes would have to go to the Spicy Pork Tenderloin sandwich at Kwik-Chek, and the New York Yankee (corned beef and pastrami) at Jason’s Deli.
I also love the Versailles, the Egg-and-Olive and the Chicken Salad sandwich croissants from La Baguette.
April 14th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
I’m not a sandwich fan, but I absolutely loved the pork tenderloin sandwich at Cafe de France. Anyone know if they’ll be reopening anywhere else?
April 14th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
1. Fino’s (any/all)
2. Canale’s ham sandwich
3. Banh Mi Vietnamese sandwich (sold at multiple locations on Cleveland)
4. Jimmy’s Italian Beef
5. Heavenly Hoagie steak sandwich
6. Yum’s steak and mushroom
7. Firehouse subs NY Steamer
Ferdi Special at Mother’s in NOLA (long drive but worth it
Why can’t Memphis generate a Noshville-like deli?
April 15th, 2008 at 8:53 am
My favorite sandwich in Memphis (or anywhere, really) is the BLTA with BBQ shrimp from the Automatic Slim’s lunch menu. Delicious and HUGE, so if you have a light appetite you end up with 2 meals for about $9.
Karen Carrier’s Beauty Shop has a similar BLTA, but it’s a smaller portion and lacks the shrimp. Good enough to be my preferred order at a lot of Sunday brunches, though.
Petra Deli & Cafe off North Germantown Pkwy used to have really mouth-watering falafel pitas. I’ve not been to their newer East Memphis location since they moved, but I bet they’re still as tasty.
The Half Shell has pretty good po boy sandwiches and a good amberjack sandwich. (Though I confess I like their dinner style entrees better, and so rarely order sandwiches there.)
April 15th, 2008 at 9:11 am
The sheesh-ka-bob sandwhich at Jerusalem cafe on Summer Ave. next to Edo’s
April 15th, 2008 at 9:37 am
1. The New York at Fino’s.
2. The Ninja at Kwik Chek.
3. Chicken salad on croissant at La Baguette.
4. The super shrimp BLT at Cafe Espresso, no longer in existance.
On any given day they rotate, except for #4.
April 15th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Also, I would have voted for the Philly cheese steak at South Philly but I don’t consider that a “sandwich” as such.
April 15th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Hands Down!!! The best sandwich in the city of Memphis is the steak sandwich at Frank Grisanti’s.
April 15th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Unsure, but thats something I want to know! HELP! It’s a need to know, Ive been in Memphis for several years now and can not find the ultimate “SAMMI” Shop, Keep up the blog, I will take notes, Sunday afternoon, Spring in Memphis after 4 hours of yard work, I need a great ” SAMMI” Thx
April 15th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Super Sub Shop or Yang’s…either way, I haven’t found a bad sandwich on the menu.
I’m going to have to try that kebob sandwich, BarbaraFarmer. Sounds interesting.
I cannot forget to mention my “gross-out the friends” special…..the country-fried steak sandwich from Jack Pirtle’s…..with slaw….and pickles….and their brown(what I think could be chicken giblet)gravy. A certified, 100% acquired taste.
Call your cardiologists folks, this one’s a killer! 
April 15th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Anyone know of a place in town like the Baldinos chain out in Georgia? The closest I’ve found is the new Jimmy John’s (both claim Jersey style), and it’s good… just not *as* good. I love that type of sub and bread!
April 15th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Fino’s has great sandwhiches, but I have to get the soft bread. The other stuff tears up my mouth - maybe I have a delicate palate.
Also love the chicken philly from Heavenly Hogie.
I love the Ultimate Turkey at Bogie’s when I am in the mood for cold cuts.
Nobody has mentioned any panini’s. I was hoping to get some good info. I used to get the panini’s at Panera all the time when I lived in Knoxville. Haven’t found any good ones here.
April 15th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Fino’s has a panini at the bottom of the menu. It’s a little bit smaller than the normal sandwiches, but still big enough for a meal and VERY good.
April 15th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Another vote for Canales Ham Sandwich (and you can’t beat the price).
Honey Baked Ham sandwich is also pretty good.
April 15th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Oh my, Jennifer! What in the world is going on with your baby?? Seems like it’s been sick for a long time now! Always hate to hear of a sick puppy…..my thoughts are with you.
April 15th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Cafe Med - Poplar/Kirby–work you way thru…UMMM
Fino’s - the whole menu (New York my fave)
La Baguette - egg & olive
Canale’s out off Houston Levee
where’s this Kwik Chek place? (Madison, perhaps?)
April 15th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Paninis from The Fresh Market are outstanding.
And speaking of price, I must have been living on another planet—when did subs at a chain sub shop get to be north of $10???? They are ok, and we love them, but it is a plain ole sandwich for goodness sakes!
April 15th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Julie - yes Kwik Check is on Madison. It is the convenience store attached to Umai (across the street from Blue Monkey/Molly’s) You should give it a try. They also have really good cappuccino cheesecake. yummy!!
hmmm, Kathy - I did not know Fresh Market did a panini. I work near White Station. I’ll have to go over for lunch one day this week.
April 15th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
If cdel is looking for a panini Bola’ Pasta three really good ones. I used to live in Knoxville myself and ate at Panera all the time, and they’re even better at Bola’ Pasta.
April 15th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
1) Mantia’s Mushroom Madness. To say it is a portabella sandwich is like calling a Ferrari a car. Crusty fresh French Bread, cherry tomato, pesto, grilled portabella mushroom slices (not one big honking fungus like most other places, and blue cheese. Won’t make you miss eating meat.
2) Red Snaper Tortuga at Deli Mexicana - or any of their special seafood sandwiches. They recently had a spicy shrimp and sometimes a crab. They are pricey, but worth every penny.
3) My Feta smells good, or Veggie Delight at Kwik Check. Nuff said already.
4) Red Snapper BLT at Molly Fontaine’s
5) Chicken Panini at Petra Cafe in Germantown
April 15th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Ham sandwich @ Canale Bros
Pannini’s at Fresh Market
Corned beef/pastrami @ Jason’s - has to be two inches thick
April 15th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
cdel, you might want to give the veggie panini a try at Zinnie’s East on Madison. I won’t claim that it’s an authentic Italian panini, but it’s tasty nonetheless.
April 15th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Right now I’m loving the avocado pesto panini at Lolo’s Table for lunch. When Stella was open for lunch before, there was a great cappicola panini on the menu–not sure if it’s still on since lunch service resumed.
April 15th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Brenda, thanks for asking about my dog. She had surgery to repair both her ACLs a week before I left and I kenneled her when I was gone. Whether it was being cooped up or if she was accidentally hurt by someone, she ended up partially paralyzed in her rear legs. She’s better–the right leg is back, but she’s still a long way from good. Her left leg is still very, very weak, but she’s having acupuncture and is under good veterinary care (plus getting lots of attention at home). So much so, I’m afraid, that my husband has strained his back carrying her (60 lbs.) and today I can hardly move.
Animal lovers here know that something like this can take so much of your time–honestly, we work, eat, take care of her and sleep. So be patient with me…
April 16th, 2008 at 6:19 am
BenVaughn, as stated earlier, the Cuban at Soul Fish is a fine sandwich. There was a time you could get one at Sabor Tropical, but I don’t think they’re open any more.
April 16th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Las Delicias on mendenhall not only has the best pastor cuban but the best authentic mexican in town.. place is flat out amazing
April 16th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
For those who mentioned Panera, are we still on target to get several of those in Memphis this year? I ate at my first one in Orlando several months back & realy enjoyed it. Fresh Market also has a very good shrimp salad on a croissant -I get that & their clam chowder & it’s good for two meals. Thanks for mentioning Jack Pirtle’s steak sandwich, Kristin - I hanker for one of those every once in awhile too. I have had a decent Cuban at Bahama Breeze on occasion w/pasta salad & red globe grapes on the plate that was a nice combination (for those who don’t mind a chain). And yesterday I had a very good ham salad sandwich at the new Just for Lunch. My sister also enjoyed the chicken salad sandwich there. They have pimento cheese or egg & olive on the menu as well & killer desserts (caramel bread pudding with whipped cream & very dense fudge pie with French vanilla ice cream, to name the two we tried).
Jennifer, I am so sorry about your baby. I have seen recent programming about acupuncture for dogs & I hope it is successful. Maybe the other back leg will respond soon & be good as new.
April 17th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I’m curious about Just for Lunch. Is this a resurrection of the Just for Lunch that used to be in the Audubon Woods Shopping Center years ago? If so, we are in for a treat, and La Baguette is in for some competition.
April 17th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
I think the hot chicken sand.at Bayou Bar ande Grill(the one with the hot wing sauce and slaw)is super..fino’s #1 with the black olive tapenade is great and Jack Pirtles hot brown…country fried steak, gravy and pickles with slaw is my next favorite. The Gyro’s at the Kwik Shop#1 east parkway at central is pretty fine too.
April 17th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Let me add the scallops sandwich at Deli Mexicana and (some won’t like this) the Philly cheesesteak at Lenny’s. I’ve eaten at both Pat’s and Geno’s in Philadelphia and I like Lenny’s just as much.
April 17th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
The Best Sandwich in New Orleans is the ALL THAT JAZZ (or JAZZY, as it is called by locals) at Verti Marte in the 10-thousand block of Royal. Call them, they deliver in the Quarter and the CBD by bicycle. The sandwich is made on Leidenheimer bread with grilled turkey and SHRIMP (yes turkey and shrimp) melted swiss and cheddar cheese with WHAM sauce. It is CRAZY GOOD. It’s $6 and the other half will be laying on the floor of your hotel room rolling dice with your liver in the morning. HA!
The Best Sandwich in Memphis is the Veggie Sub at Fino’s. I am NOT a vegetarian, hail all that are, but this is all I order there. Marinated tomatoes and onions with olive salad AND black olive tapanade, and don’t forget the thick layers of three types of sliced cheese. I have the place on speed dial. I don’t even order, I just say my name. Can’t write about it anymore… won’t be able to sleep.
April 18th, 2008 at 7:41 am
Ditto on Kwik Check on Madison for their Hey Zeus and Gyros!
The Brie and Apple sandwich at the old Cafe de France was amazing, too.
April 18th, 2008 at 9:57 am
I was disappointed the one time that I went to Verti Marte. I need to go back and try the Jazzy. I’ll be back down in NOLA in about six weeks.
Speaking of New Orleans, Crabby Jack’s has great sandwiches. It’s a lunch place out in an industrial area away from the French Quarter and Garden District that was opened by the guy who owns Jacques Imo’s. I always try to leave Memphis early and stop there for a late lunch when I drive down.
April 18th, 2008 at 10:14 am
You’re in luck, Molly. Memphis Magazine City Dining section describes Just for Lunch as: “Popular in the 1980s & ’90s, this eatery returns with some old favorites - including signature homemade rolls - as well as new items; menu includes soup, salads, fresh fish, and daily specials. Closed Sunday.” I’m going for shrimp salad in an avocado my next trip.
April 18th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Just got back from Lunch at Bluefish. I didn’t have it, but the oyster po boy looked divine and the lady at the table next to me said it was absolutely delicious. I will try it next time. It was loaded with oysters and a tangy sauce.
April 19th, 2008 at 10:46 am
I agree with dht for Deli Mexicana. They have a great red snapper sandwich. Petra Cafe also has really good panini’s and cuban sandwiches. Try it!
April 20th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Linda, Just for Lunch is in Chickasaw Oaks Plaza, just east of the Main Library on Poplar. It is inside the shopping center & the closest parking area is on the west side that faces the library. You’ll see the restaurant straight ahead as you come into that entrance
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Hey everyone,
first time blogger here, but thought I’d chime in.
I co-own Vanelli’s Deli in germantown, (Jenifer wrote an article on our home made sausage a couple years ago-thank you Jenifer).
My favorite sandwich was “the grinder” @ Super Sub Shop on poplar, looooong time ago.
My favorites now are of course at my place, I love “The ‘Ami” it was modeled after ” the Grinder”.
I also believe we have the best Chicken Salad (no nuts or fruit)and Pimento cheese.
Much love to Fino’s, we get most of our meats from the same company in St. Louis. ( Volpi).
April 24th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Not yet Michael, but I am trying to perfect an
olive salad my mom once made. Most of our stuff is homemade from family recipes. Thanks for asking.
April 25th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Found another sandwich today that was very tasty - BBQ bologna w/sauce & slaw at Central BBQ. The bologna tastes smoky, the mild sauce is just sweet enough, & the crunchy mustard slaw sets it off just perfectly. They have house-made BBQ potato chips too that are a great accompaniment. Check it out!
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