It was official: I was in a sandwich rut. I had eaten $5 ham and cheese footlongs one too many times. In the spirit of expanding my horizons beyond Subway, I decided to check out local sandwich shops to see what I had been missing. The answer? A lot of yummy goodness. I can thankfully say that I have moved on and never looked back. If you too are stuck, check out these alternatives.

1. Cinnamon’s Deli: With three locations throughout the city, you’re never too far from a Turkey Avocado Cream Cheese, and that’s a very good thing. I have yet to meet a Cinnamon’s sandwich that I didn’t love, but my favorites include the Chicken Avocado Bacon and the Angel on a Haystack (honey mustard, turkey, cheddar cheese, tomato and alfalfa sprouts. I’ve never understood the appeal of sprouts though, so I leave those off). I recommend getting the ½ sandwich (which is a big portion) and a ½ cup of soup in a bread bowl. You can’t go wrong with the Wisconsin cheese soup to compliment your sandwich.

2. Artichoke Sandwich Bar: This place is everything that’s right in the world: live music on the weekends, scrumptious sandwiches, a cheesecake sure to satisfy any sweet tooth, and they serve liquor. What more could you possibly want from a sandwich bar? I’m a big fan of the Twisted Seester sandwich (turkey, bacon, mustard, cream cheese and jalapenos), but you have to try Our Famous #8 (turkey, bacon, swiss, cream cheese, topped with Italian dressing and parmesan cheese) at least once. There is a reason it’s famous; it’s delicious.

3. Grinder Man: I’ve been here several times and as a creature of habit always ordered a ham and cheese. In trying to end my rut, though, I decided it was time to try their signature sandwich, The Grinder (genoa, capocollo red, provolone cheese, tomato, pickles, onions and Italian dressing) and I’m glad I did. The combination of these ingredients work really well with each other. I also suggest a Pepperoni and Italian Cheese (pepperoni with provolone and mozzarella, tangy sauce and parmesan cheese). You will not regret it. Get a side of their potato salad while you’re at it, too, because it is mouth-watering. Also, if you go, bring cash. No checks or credit cards are accepted.

4. Dolci and Joe’s: Verb’s own Amanda Mundt gives an in-depth look at Dolci’s here. For my part, I will say that the sandwiches, while a bit expensive, were worth it. I loved my Joshalotta (Turkey, salami, peppered bacon, mozzarella, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, grilled onions, jalepeno-apricot mustard), and Jen, my sandwich-tasting partner in crime, had an amazing grilled cheese that she let me sample. It was divine, and the portions were big enough to take half for lunch the next day. That, combined with the sweet potato fries and the handmade Pepsi, made this place a win in my book.

I also recommend these other places that aren’t sandwich shops but still give good sandwich:

• Copper Oven: This place is home to a delicious omelet (Mushroom and Spinach) and some fabulous desserts (the carrot cake is to die for), but I’m getting off topic. The 3 Amigo sandwich is my favorite sandwich in town. Its description (turkey, ham and bacon club served warm on foccacia bread with pepperjack cheese and roasted red mayo) may not seem like anything special, but it is. Trust me. The meats are fresh and the bread is so soft it melts in my mouth.
• Heroes Sports Bar: My favorite fries in town belong to Heroes, but that’s a post for another day. As far as sandwiches go, I suggest trying The Mick (turkey, lettuce, tomato, bacon, cream cheese, creamy Italian dressing and Parmesan cheese) or the French Dip (roast beef with melted Swiss and a side of au jus). You can’t go wrong with a place that gives you popcorn to snack on before the meal and has the best fries in town (dip them in ranch. Do it).
• The Anchor: I would be remiss not to include their Reuben in my list. Try it and then tell me if it’s not the best you’ve had. Their lunch special of a ½ sandwich and two sides (yes, TWO sides!) is a really good deal. I usually go for the chips and potato salad unless they have cheddar ale soup that day. It is a must try. Order it and you can thank me later.

Any Dagwoods out there who know other good sandwich places around town? If so, let us know in the comments.

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2. [eat] Mike’s Wine Dive: Part One
3. [eat] Where to Find Great Sweet Potato Fries
4. [eat] Dolci & Joe’s
5. [eat] Where to Get Brunch in Wichita