Whether you like a PBJ, a BLT or something a little fancier, Cincinnati has some great sandwiches.
Here are nine great sandwiches to try in the Queen City, in honor of National Sandwich Day on Nov. 3.
Salazar's Cubano. Photo by Julie Niesen Gosdin.
Salazar's Cubano: Jose Salazar had this sandwich on the Cricket Lounge's menu when he was executive chef at the Cincinnatian Hotel. It traveled with him to his Over-the-Rhine restaurant Salazar, if only for lunch. With perfectly cooked pork balanced with ham, mustard, Swiss and pickles on great bread, it rivals many of the Cubans I've had in Miami. This is likely my favorite sandwich in the city. 1401 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine. salazarcincinnati.com
27 Bar & Kitchen: This quaint restaurant in Newport offers a variety of Kentucky-inspired dishes, but its Tri-Tip sandwich is a standout. It features tri-tip on brioche with a tangy barbecue sauce, slaw and a side of macaroni and cheese. It's barbecue with a Kentucky twist. 720 Monmouth St., Newport. http://27bar.kitchen
Wildflower Cafe's Fried Green Tomato BLT: Sixteen Bricks bread, freshly fried green tomatoes, local bacon and lemony, truffled bearnaise? Yum. This tiny farmhouse in Mason is a hidden gem, particularly for lunch. Be sure to make a reservation for dinner. 207 E. Main St., Mason. www.wildflowergourmetcafe.com
The Eagle's Fried Chicken Sandwich: The Eagle is known for its fried chicken, but I love its moist, boneless chicken breast sandwich, which is covered in coleslaw on a substantial bun. Hint: it's also really good cold around midnight. 1342 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. theeagleotr.com
Melt's Rachel: Melt Eclectic Cafe has everything from vegan chili to a muffaletta, so there's something for everyone, no matter your dietary preference. My usual choice is the Rachel, with turkey, rubykraut (red cabbage and apples), Swiss and Melt's special sauce on rye bread. 4165 Hamilton Ave., Northside. www.meltcincy.com
Gilpin's Razzle Dazzle: There aren't a ton of places to get late-night food, but Gilpin's capitalizes on that crowd with its steamed sandwiches. You can get them all day, but after midnight I like the Razzle Dazzle, with turkey, hot sauce, pepperoni, turkey bacon, provolone... and Doritos. The Doritos add some crunch and make it a perfect post bar-hopping meal. 37 E. Seventh St., Downtown. eatgilpins.com
Eli's BBQ: No Cincinnati list can be complete without Eli's. In just a few short years, Elias Leisring's slow-smoked pork, sweet-and-spicy sauce, cole slaw and buttered bun has become a staple. For $5.75, it's reasonably priced: Add a side of jalapeno cheddar grits or cheese macaroni for $2.25. 3313 Riverside Drive, East End; 133 W. Elder St., Over-the-Rhine. www.elisbarbeque.com
Dutch's Short Rib Grilled Cheese. Photo by Julie Niesen Gosdin.
Dutch's Short Rib Grilled Cheese: Dutch's may be known for its extensive beer list and burger, but I promise the rest of the menu is delicious, too. A standout is the short rib grilled cheese: short ribs and tallegio's richness is cut with pickled onions and whole grain mustard. If you miss out on the burger on Thursdays, this is no consolation prize; it's a winner. 3378 Erie Ave., Hyde Park. www.dutchscincinnati.com
Tom + Chee's Grilled Cheese Doughnut: Sure, Tom + Chee has gone national, but we still remember its humble beginnings on Fountain Square. Its signature? A glazed doughnut, sliced in half and turned inside-out (so as to crisp the inside), layered with cheddar. If you want to get fancy, add peanut butter, mascarpone and banana for The King or blueberry compote, ham and brie for the Barbara Blue. Various locations. www.tomandchee.com
What's your favorite sandwich? Let us know in the comments or tell me at @winemedineme on Twitter.
