Simple slices of bread filled with meats, cheeses, veggies and spreads. Sandwiches are truly one of the culinary gifts that can be greater than the sum of their parts in the hands of the right makers.
Here’s a list that could be contenders for this type of foodie bliss, focusing on some unique sandwiches from local restaurants. It’s less Reubens and Cubanos (which deserve their own list) and more signature sandwiches and local cult favorites. These are ones that fans order by name.
Let us know if there are any sandwiches we missed by emailing aballard@usatodayco.com. We might include them on a future list.
Sunday Savior, Fox’s Hole in the Wall
This watering hole and dining saloon at 124 Princess St. in downtown Wilmingtonnamed this sandwich with fried chicken thigh, Duke’s mayo and pickles
on a soft Hawaiian bun such because it’s their version of a certain fast food favorite you can’t order one day of the week.
Rachel, Mibby's Deli
The owner cures and smokes the meats for his sandwiches – and creates the signature sauces. An early favorite at the business in the cargo container at End of Days Distillery at 1815-A Castle St. is this one with the house-brined and smoked peppered turkey, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and "rushback" sauce on grilled sourdough.
The Tucker, The Half
This sandwich with a pile of thinly sliced turkey, cucumber and balsamic, provolone and a romesco sauce on ciabatta bread is a best-seller at this sandwich shop, with was rated one of the best in the county by Yelp and recently opened a second location. You can also get a vegan version at 7110 Wrightsville Ave. and 510 1/2 Red Cross St.
Sub Stopper, Sub Stop
With close to 50 years of sandwich making skill, you know this restaurant at 2432 Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington has some favorites, including their signature sub-burgers. This eponymous selection, though, is a classic and has “all the meats,” including roast beef, ham, turkey, salami, provolone with lettuce, tomato and pickled peppers.
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Buffalo Baby, CheeseSmith
This sandwich has the distinction of being featured on the Cooking Channel's "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" when this business was a food truck. Now, with two Wilmington locations, it's still a winner with pulled Buffalo chicken, creamy Havarti, ranch and slaw.
New Yorker, Butcher of Brunswick
This popular spot at 5850 Ocean Highway West in Ocean Isle Beach serves a selection of classics, from the Chicken Parm to the Italian Combo. But the New York-style deli also has this sandwich layered with prosciutto, roasted red peppers, and fresh mozzarella.
5th Avenue, Jax 5th Avenue Deli & Ale House
This restaurant at 5046 New Centre Dr, Wilmington in Wilmington may be best known for The Legend, which is loaded with Italian meats, but is one may be equally popular with ham, mesquite turkey, roast beef, bacon, Swiss cheese, mixed greens and their popular house dressing on a trio of toasted bread.
109 Chestnut, Copper Penny
The restaurant at 109 Chestnut St. in downtown Wilmington says this signature sandwich is Philly-cheesesteak-inspired with thinly sliced seasoned chicken breast, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and provolone and drizzled with a homemade chipotle mayonnaise.
Havana'nana, Beach Bagels & Subs
You can find a number of sandwiches of all varieties at the four locations of this local restaurant. This one is an award-winning selection, having nabbed the honor at the annual Taste of Wrightsville Beach competition. Look for mojo pork, caramelized plantains, tangy onions and a house-made spicy cilantro sauce.
The Gobbler, Pine Valley Market
There are many versions of sandwiches made with Thanksgiving favorites. But this version with oven-roasted turkey breast, collard greens, house dressing, cranberry sauce, turkey gravy and garlic mayo hits all the notes in one bite. It’s only available in November. So, until then, try the Not Your Mama's Bologna Sandwich at their Wrightsville Beach location, 1611 Pavillion Place.
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Best sandwiches in Wilmington? Here are 10 you should know by name
