Most start with two slices of bread, but from there, the possibilities are endless. Here are the best places in town to order sandwiches, from classic combinations to innovative pairings of meats, cheeses and toppings.
Barcelona
263 E. Whittier St. — German Village
The Spanish stalwart gets lots of attention for its trendy tapas, but you’ll find strong sandwiches as well, especially on the changing daily lunch menu. Always offered at lunchtime: the Cangrejo, a crab cake sandwich with roasted tomatoes and shallot caper aioli on toasted ciabatta, and the Langosta, a lobster grilled cheese with Havarti and fresh basil on grilled brioche.
Brown Bag Deli
898 Mohawk St. — German Village
The German Village deli offers a create-your-own sandwich option, but it’s advisable to leave it to the experts and order from the specialty sandwiches menu. Longtime best-sellers include the Brown Bag Sub (smoked ham, capicola, pastrami, salami, Swiss, hot pepper jack, provolone, lettuce, tomato, red onion, banana peppers and Italian dressing), and the Village Addiction (smoked turkey, Havarti and cranberry mayonnaise on grilled sourdough).
Cravings Cafe
Cravings Cafe has re-opened Downtown at 114 N. Front St.
New review here!
Cravings was making some of the city’s most creative and delicious sandwiches, many of them served on house-made brioche, from a tiny storefront in Italian Village. They’re currently on hiatus, set to reopen in a new location by early 2016 (support their crowdfunding campaign to help cover the costs of the move!). In the meantime, find Cravings’ calzone-like “hop pockets” daily at North High Brewing and bronuts (brioche donuts!) every weekend at Bodega.
Katalina’s
1105 Pennsylvania Ave. — Harrison West
This hip little cafe has pared down its sandwich menu over the years, but the ones that remain are truly outstanding specimens. Try the hearty Mazatlan Slow-Roasted Pork & Egg for either breakfast or lunch—it’s got slow-roasted pork, two fried eggs, provolone, avocado, roasted red peppers and aioli on toasted Old World loaf.
Katzinger’s
475 S. Third St. — German Village
Not surprisingly, the city’s best-known deli has fantastic sandwiches. The Katzinger’s Reuben is the most-ordered, with hot corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss, house-made Russian dressing grilled on rye. But there are plenty of other options to choose from, ranging from BLTs and clubs to deli salad sandwiches (the egg salad is terrific) and even several vegetarian options.
Lexi’s on Third
100 E. Broad St. — Downtown
Lexi’s and its brother restaurant, Danny’s Deli, are favorites among Downtown workers craving a filling lunch sandwich. Most impressive is Lexi’s Tower, a skyscraper of corned beef, roast beef, pastrami, turkey, Swiss, lettuce, tomato, mayo and spicy mustard on grilled rye. Those with smaller appetites will love the Yummy Gobbler, with turkey, sun-dried tomato pesto, provolone, lettuce, tomato and red onion on a croissant.
Old Mohawk
819 Mohawk St. — German Village
One sandwich in particular tends to get rave reviews at the Mohawk—the Mother Mohawk, a crazy-but-it-works combination of grilled roast beef and homemade chicken salad topped with Swiss on marble rye. But the Bratwurst Sandwich is pretty excellent as well. Grilled Bucyrus bratwurst is garnished with caramelized onions, Swiss and sauerkraut on a toasted bun, served with potato pancakes and sour cream. Both come with a side of Mohawk’s house-made horseradish caraway sauce.
Si Señor
72 E. Lynn St. — Downtown
200 Civic Center Drive — Downtown
1456 W. Fifth Ave — Fifth by Northwest
This hidden Peruvian gem serves reliably great sandwiches to Downtown lunch crowds, with highlights including the Chicharron Peruano, with tender fried pork shoulder and pickled red onions in a sweet potato mayo; and the Jumping Beef, with sliced roasted Angus beef, sautéed onions and tomato, melted white cheddar and avocado mayo.
Tasi Cafe
680 N. Pearl St. — Italian Village
The charming breakfast and lunch spot tucked away on Pearl Alley has great ambiance and equally great sandwiches. Go for the Cubano, with roast pork, pickled veggies, mozzarella and Bolivian salsa; the pressed-thin Marinated Chicken with avocado and mint pesto on sourdough; or the Open Faced Zoe Tuna Salad with caper relish, onions and hard boiled egg on sourdough toast.
Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails
73 E. Gay St. — Downtown
The Pot Roast Sandwich at this Downtown watering hole has a devoted following. Slow-roasted beef round is paired with Swiss cheese and ale mustard on a toasted pretzel roll. But there are other great options to explore as well, including the Italian Beef (shaved roast beef with provolone and spicy giardiniera on toasted hoagie roll with au jus) and the Ohio Style Monte Cristo (shaved turkey, ham and Swiss on battered and grilled Texas toast topped with honey mustard and strawberry compote).
Dine Originals Columbus celebrates, supports and promotes the culinary diversity that locally owned and operated member restaurants contribute to the identity and culture of our city. The nonprofit group is committed to strengthening the local economy and enriching the community through education and charitable partnerships.
On the first Wednesday of each month, each Dine Originals restaurant offers their own special dining experience, whether it’s a prix-fix dinner, a tasting menu, a retail wine night or a fun promotion. No matter which Dine Originals restaurant you visit tonight, you’ll be treated to a VIP dining experience that can’t be found anywhere else.
For more information, visit www.dineoriginalscolumbus.com.
Editor’s note: Article has been updated with new locations and re-openings.