IT'S 'WICHCRAFT

IT'S 'WICHCRAFT

Robyn Schindeldecker

“If it isn’t nestled between two slices of bread, is it still considered a sandwich?” The disagreement over what constitutes a proper sandwich is a debate for another time and place (never and nowhere, preferably). Whether you call it a sub, hoagie, panini, melt, gyro, or wrap, what really matters is the satisfaction you feel after taking the last bite and before noticing the mayonnaise stains covering your Zubaz. 

Here are five Twin Cities purveyors of the ultimate portable meal. 

Acme Deli, 1552 St. Clair Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105

Located in the heart of the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood, Acme Deli supplies St. Paulites with the quintessential lunchtime staple. Simply mosey on up to the counter, snag an order sheet, and construct your own sandwich by choosing from ten varieties of bread, eleven different meats, eight kinds of cheese, thirteen toppings, and four condiment options. It’s a tasty Choose Your Own Adventure for a palatable $5.05. 

Be’wiched Deli, 800 North Washington Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Reminiscent of cross-sections depicting geological phenomena, Be’wiched’s colossal piles of fixings aren’t so much sandwiches as they are lessons in gustatory endurance. The magic that this North Loop favorite is capable of creating is epitomized by its pastrami on rye. While a double will cost you $13.50, the heap of house-cured smoky meat, pickled cabbage, and coarse-grain mustard will inspire awe from your dining companions. 

Caffrey’s Deli & Subs, 3008 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Jasmine Deli's bánh mì.

Valued as much for its convenient central location and long hours as it is for its fare, this Lyn-Lake establishment has satisfied many late-night cravings. As the temperature decreases and your predilection for staying indoors correspondingly increases, take advantage of Caffrey’s vast delivery range and acquire a Blue Cow or Havin’ a Ball without setting foot in the snow.

Jasmine Deli, Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404

If a menu item’s worth could be measured by its appearance on vibrantly-colored t-shirts, then Jasmine Deli’s bánh mì would be considered a resounding success. For a modest $4, let a crusty baguette act as an edible vehicle for delivering a delightful shock of grilled beef, pickled carrots, sprigs of cilantro, and cucumber to your system. It’s a formula that merits multiple visits to this Eat Street fixture.

Manny’s Tortas, Midtown Global Market, 920 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 and Mercado Central, 1515 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407

Manny's Tortas' pork loin torta.

While crossword puzzles would have you believe otherwise (clue: a four-letter word for crunchy sandwich; answer: taco), the torta is Mexico’s true contribution to the sandwich taxonomy. On this front, Manny’s superbly executes a succulent pork loin version with supporting roles from lettuce, tomato, cheese, avocado, onions, jalapeños, beans, and chipotle pepper mayo, which are then pressed together inside a thick white roll.