Ode to Sandwiches

In a world filled with uncertainty, sandwiches offer a delicious constant. You’ve eaten them all your life—from gooey grilled cheeses when you were just a pipsqueak to multilayered clubs that take two hands to hold. They saturate the menus of restaurants—both upscale and fast food varieties—and are quick dinners that anyone can make. And yet, even with their simple formula, sandwiches can offer surprisingly complex flavors and very inventive compositions. We’re not just talking about sprinkling crushed potato chips in your sub or grilling your peanut butter-and-pickle sammie. Think a bit more sophisticated. And think local.  Woodbury Magazine set out to find a smattering of the most savory, crave-worthy sandwiches in the neighborhood. We threw the silverware aside for this one and studied myriad menus in search of the showstoppers and the sleepers of the sandwich world. Consider this roundup an inventory of the best that the area has to offer for consistently pleasing sandwiches.  Cubano Cravings Wine Bar & Grille There are times when the hankering for one particular morsel is so strong that you will move mountains to get a taste. What’s that strong urge called again? Oh yeah—a craving. You’ll understand this eatery’s namesake through and through as soon as you taste this whopper of a sandwich: the Cubano ($14). You don’t have to move mountains to get your hands on this stunner of a sandwich though. It’s got shredded pork, ham, crunchy pickles, mustard and melty Swiss cheese pressed between a grilled hoagie roll. Another sandwich we’re jones-ing for lately is the classic French dip ($12)—a hot sandwich brimming with tender shaved beef, caramelized onions and provolone cheese, saddled beside that savory au jus for dipping. All sandwiches are served with your choice of kettle chips or a side salad. 755 Bielenberg Drive; 651.528.6828 Super DeLeo Bros. Grinder DeLeo Bros. Pizza Is your stomach growling? Is it tugging at your sleeve and begging you to eat something substantial and delicious for lunch? Settle down, hungry belly, there’s a serious sandwich on the way. At DeLeo Bros. Pizza, you’ll find an impressive list of grinders—those monster sub sandwiches brimming with tasty cold cuts, cheeses, meatballs and more. We recommend going for the Super DeLeo Bros. Grinder ($7.99). It’s the most popular sandwich at the joint, filled with ham, salami, Canadian bacon, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and a drizzle of Italian dressing. Another winner is the meatball grinder ($7.99), which features DeLeo’s own succulent meatballs, three kinds of cheese and its hearty, homemade marinara sauce. All grinders are served with chips. 803 Bielenberg Drive; 651.714.9315 Burnt Ends Famous Dave’s Barbecue is one of those glorious things you never really get sick of. Its smoky flavors infuse dinner with a haunting deliciousness. If you’re in the mood for a sandwich and you want to anoint it with the deep essence of barbecue, look no further than Famous Dave’s. And scan no further on its menu than the burnt ends sandwich ($10.49). This baby offers melt-in-your-mouth tender pieces of Texas beef brisket that’s been seared and caramelized, served with a slathering of zesty barbecue sauce. Another sandwich you’ll love is the Georgia chopped pork ($8.99), which stars award-winning, slow-smoked chopped pork topped with rich & sassy barbecue sauce. All sandwiches are served with a side of your choice. We like the famous fries or Dave’s cheesy mac & cheese. 1940 Donegal Drive; 651.501.1900 Spinach Artichoke Chicken Lake Elmo Inn Shrouded in history with its black-and-white photos and antique salt-and-pepper-shaker collection, The Lake Elmo Inn is a gem of an eatery. But lest you think it’s stuck in the past, the restaurant pulls all the stops to make sure its food is inventive and fresh. The sandwiches are no exception. We love the spinach artichoke chicken sandwich ($11.95). It features a juicy chicken breast topped with rich spinach-artichoke dip, slices of tomato, spinach leaves and provolone cheese—all served on a grilled pretzel bun. Sandwich lovers will be happy to see that there’s a classic on the menu as well: The Lake Elmo Reuben ($11.95) featuring corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and thousand island dressing on toasted pumpernickel bread. All sandwiches are served with house-cut fries, a cup of soup or a side salad.  3442 Lake Elmo Ave. N.; 651.777.8495 Leonardo da VeggieBruegger’s BagelsWe know you love ‘em, but this time skip the baker’s dozen of spongy-soft bagels with a side of cream cheese. Instead, opt for one of Bruegger’s signature sandwiches. We love the freshness of the Leonardo da Veggie sandwich ($5.89), piled high with red peppers, muenster cheese, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, red onions and a shmear of herb garlic cream cheese. Another sandwich that’s oh-so-good happens to be the bagel shop’s most popular sandwich: the Herby Turkey ($5.99). It features roasted turkey, a sun-dried tomato spread, lettuce, red onions and a spread of light herb garlic cream cheese. You can also customize your own sandwich, of course. Just ask one of the friendly staff to plop your favorite sandwich fixins on a bagel or bread of your choice. 8320 City Center Drive; 651.735.7711Pizza SandwichPotbelly Sandwich Shop It’s a common scenario: You’re looking for a quick bite, but you cringe at the thought of grease-soused fast food. Relax and check out Potbelly Sandwich Shop. It’s a cozy sandwich eatery that’s got you covered in the fast department—without the compromise on flavor and sandwich fixin’s. It was here that we discovered an amazing hybrid: the pizza sandwich ($5.60). It’s a lovely little number that includes all the ingredients you love in a slice of classic ‘za: pepperoni, marinara sauce, provolone cheese, mushrooms and Italian seasoning—made to order and toasted on bread of your choice. Are you a meat lover? Then you’ll be totally smitten for the wreck ($5.60), which is packed with salami, roast beef, turkey and ham plus Swiss cheese. Whatever you pick, you’re in for a scrumptious sandwich indeed. 7230 Valley Creek Plaza; 651.735.1308 Walleye Po’ Boy Current If you’re looking to set the scene for devouring a delectable sandwich, search no further than Current. Nestled in the cute-as-a button town of Afton, Current offers refreshing options for patrons with sophisticated yet playful palates. You’ll be swept away by the walleye po’ boy ($13)—a sandwich that gives a nod to Minnesota’s favorite fish, served with romaine lettuce, tomato, celery and preserved lemon aioli slathered on a ciabatta roll. Another sandwich worth mentioning is the turkey burger ($11). Piled with fresh, shaved apples, lingonberries, wild rice aioli and sunflower sprouts, it’s not your typical turkey burger. All sandwiches are served with fresh-cut fries, fruit, a side salad or spicy edamame. 3291 St. Croix Trail S.; 651.436.8883