Most of us are aware of Tucson’s well-known sandwich shops. We may even roll our eyes with one more mention of places such as Baggins, Bison Witches, and Eegee’s. Great places, no doubt. I’ll even give a quick shout-out to some other well-known faves such as Luke’s, Frankie’s, East Coast Super Subs, and Tony’s Italian Deli.
But, Tucson is home to a number of locally owned places that serve delicious sandwiches more off the radar than on.
Cafe a la C’art
150 N. Main
This quirky little restaurant hidden on the Tucson Museum of Art grounds puts out some seriously amazing grub. They have an awe-inspiring selection of baked goods and one of the most creative lunch menus around – fitting for a museum cafe.
Standout items:
- Salmon BLT – Seared salmon filet, smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, chipotle aïoli, focaccia
- The Rothschild – Wine-braised beef brisket, roasted red peppers, chipotle aïoli, melted pepperjack, toasted kaiser
- Achiote Pork – Slow roasted pulled pork, avocado, melted pepperjack, crispy onions, freshly baked focaccia
For more information, visit cafealacarttucson.com.
Choice Greens
2829 E. Speedway
They may scream corporate chain, but believe it or not, this is a locally owned, one of a kind restaurant. Known for their create your own salads, Choice Greens offers delicious paninis.
Standout items:
- Avocado Club – All natural turkey, peppered bacon, cream cheese, avocado, sprouts, on ciabatta
- Caprese – Fresh mozzarella, spring mix, tomato, sun-dried tomato spread, olive oil, on ciabatta
For more information, visit choicegreens.com.
Roma Imports
627 S. Vine
Location, location, location did not enter into the equation when this locally owned Italian specialty foods market opened up shop. A great spot for all kinds of market purchases (such as their real anchovies), they also feature daily specials, sandwiches, and much much more.
Standout items:
- Roma’s Signature – Slow roasted pork shoulder marinated with beer and mustard, with crunchy cabbage slaw
- Roma Stallion – Porchetta served with mild or hot girdineria
- Ultimate Roma – Capicolla, genoa salami, mortadella, provolone, girdiniera, roasted red peppers, lettuce, tomato, balsamic vin
For more information, visit romaimports.com.
Sausage Shop Meat Market & Deli
1015 W. Prince
A little off the beaten path, this meat market (not that kind), offers a large selection of meats, delicious house made sausages, as well as a variety of house cured meats. No cell phones allowed.
Standout items:
- Barn Yard – Roast beef, chicken breast, bacon, mayo, hard boiled egg, corn relish
- Richard – Grilled pastrami, grilled corn beef, sauerkraut, thousand island, swiss cheese on rye
- Ruffus – Hot link sausage, pulled Pork, bourbon BBQ sauce, cole slaw, toasted marble rye
For more information, visit The Sausage Shop on Facebook.
Time Market
311 E. University
One of my personal favorites. At some point in the last year or so, Time Market experienced an internal and external rebirth. What was a decent little university market, wine shop, cafe, and deli (that also served pizza) is now fully realized. Their menu is top notch and the new build out is beautiful.
Standout items:
- Roasted Chicken & Tamal – green corn tamal, sliced wood fired chicken breast, cheddar, avocado, hot fresh salsa on house pain levain
- Coppa – capocollo, havarti, tomato, basil, radish sprouts, mayo, olive oil, balsamic
- Pan Bagnat – Olive caper relish, hard boiled egg, fennel, tomato, cucumber, red pepper, spanish white anchovy, red onion, basil, arugula, red wine vin, olive oil
For more information, visit Time Market on Facebook.
Beyond Bread
3026 N. Campbell • 6260 E. Speedway • 421 W. Ina
Okay, I know, I know Beyond Bread is a well known sandwich shop. It’s well liked, and definitely well patronized. But, I have a feeling you don’t know about their Saturday special. It’s an award-winning Reuben on pretzel bread. It’s imperative that you get this sandwich and not their regular Rudy’s Reuben. Big difference.
Standout items:
- Ernie’s Everything Reuben (only available Saturdays) – Corned beef, swiss, vinegar slaw, Russian dressing on a pretzel everything roll
- Maya’s Market – Swiss, provolone, basil pesto, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, tomato, red onion on Multigrain
For more information, visit beyondbread.com.
Interested in more sandwiches? Check out 9 Killer Spots For A Pastrami Sandwich in Tucson.
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