A field guide to 20 great regional sandwiches of the USA

Lonely Planet ^ | 8/31/12 | Lonely Planet

[DallasBiff]

Many American sandwiches can only be found in one very specific location or region (or restaurant), but even those that have ventured beyond their birthplaces are generally best enjoyed in their original context. Sandwich history can be layered and complicated, but, like a good sandwich, rarely dry. American sandwiches are often surrounded by unexpected controversy, and naming the definitive version of any one of these sandwiches will almost certainly spark an argument. Argue if you will, but let’s argue it over one of these 20 American regional sandwiches:

[zeebee]

How can they not mention a Philly cheesesteak?

[imardmd1]

More particularly, it is not the properly roasted, thinly sliced beef or freshly ground horseradish that makes this menu item the "toast of the town" acclaimed by those who have experienced it.

It is the kümmelweck-style of Kaiser roll (the author here wrongly spells it "kimmelweck", a German word) that needs to be not less than four inches diameter to hold enough beef to make it satisfying. Five would be better.

Without the roll, it's only a sandwich.

I came to be accustomed to a broad exposure to marvelous cuisine as a born-again native of Western New York, a Southern Tiersman that resided and worked in the Buffalo-Niagara-Lewiston area for four and a half years. I found no better steaks anywhere else in the world, including Texas, Kansas, Colorado, or Tokyo. Buffalo had the best tender, rare roast beef for the sandwiches any where else.

Arby's® Restaurants have been very successful im multiplying since the 1960s by making beef-on-a-roll (and other tasty items) like it, but their beef is not on the big kümmelweck roll, which elevates this item to a heavenly plane! (More caraway seeds would be even better for the Kaiser rolls in the above image.)

[Bernard]

The Portillos in Schaumburg used to have local police direct lunch traffic in and out for weekday lunch times because of the heavy traffic.

Last time we went to the Portillos in DeKalb was the first time I noticed how much less beef was in the beef sandwich. There are a few local spots that carry it but fewer each lockdown.

[drwoof]

Grinders! Yes!

[cork]

Had a cappacola and cheese at Pirmantis two days ago

[atc23]

My dad always said alcohol is for losers so I don’t mess with it either. That Mexican Coke is good,though

[atc23]

Of course the meatball sandwich has a marinara on it

[Dr. Sivana]

Of course the meatball sandwich has a marinara on it

I would say Sausage should have it, too. You'd be surprised that some places do not automatically put the sauce on. I dunno, made some bad Swedish influence.

[Lurker]

“The Portillos in Schaumburg used to have local police direct lunch traffic in and out for weekday lunch times because of the heavy traffic.”

They did the last time we were there.

L

[metmom]

And don’t forget the curly-q fries and Loganberry to wash it down.

[FLNittany]

Cosmos are toasted subs made in and around the Williamsport area of PA. Canadian Bacon Cosmos are probably the most popular version.

Canadian Bacon Cosmo:

[Tommy Revolts]

Do you mean Runza?

Kansas City - Pigwich or Z-Man Sandwich.

[DallasBiff]

No, I’m in San Diego. Use to get them at the Embargo Grill, but they didn’t survive the lock-downs. I’m still looking for another place.

That pisses me off, hard working good people were so damaged by this elitist social experiment, and yet Fauci could go maskless to a ballgame, and Newsome could have a $500 plate dinner party with no masks and social distancing.

[Professional Engineer]

Except for a couple of outliers, the writer seems to be stuck in the northeast.