There are good cold sandwiches, there’s no denying it. But when you pit them against the ones kissed by grills, fryers and red-hot coils, is there really any competition? Whether they’re bookended by crisp, caramelized bread, oozing with melted cheese, or brimming with tender meat—the kind that throws crisp veggies and cool sauces into sharp relief—the hot sandwiches have our vote. And on these chilly, gray days when all we want is something that warms and satisfies, we think you’ll agree. Fill that cold winter void with these toasty favorites from local menus.
Shrimp Po-Boy
Bonfire
It is widely accepted that the po-boy was born during the New Orleans streetcar strike of 1929. During that hot and turbulent summer, two restaurateurs helped the picketing transit workers, or “poor boys,” by handing out sandwiches made with French bread and inexpensive fillings. Bonfire whips up a significantly elevated version of the original, featuring plump Cajun shrimp dressed with corn and black bean salsa and a chipotle avocado aioli. To accompany this feast, go for the side of house-made kettle chips for some lightly seasoned crunch, or choose fries, coleslaw or fresh fruit. $12.95.
O’Philly Cheesesteak
O’Malley’s Irish Pub
Since first debuting in 1930, the Philly cheesesteak sandwich has inspired fierce loyalties and friendly rivalries in the City of Brotherly Love. Everyone’s idea of the perfect cheesesteak is a little bit different, from the texture of the beef to the choice of gooey cheese (American, provolone or Cheez Whiz—yep, Cheez Whiz). O’Malley’s tucks their chopped ribeye steak under a blanket of fried onions and melted American cheese (red peppers or mushrooms are 50 cents extra), and a hoagie bun keeps it all in check. Despite what Philadelphians may say, cheesesteak can exist, in all its glory, outside the gates of Philly. $12.99.
Shredded Porketta Pork Sandwich
Jordan Meats & Deli
The porketta was a lunch pail staple for immigrants mining the Iron Range in the early 1900s. Not widely heard of outside the Minnesota northeast, this garlic- and fennel-seasoned pulled pork is a favorite at Jordan Meats & Deli, where the porketta seasoning boasts a few additions like parsley and lemon pepper. A mild Swiss or provolone will temper its slight kick, and the optional sauerkraut is a toothsome companion to the tender, slow-roasted pork. $5.79.
Caprese Panini
Angelina’s Kitchen
It’s often the simplest dishes that evoke our heartiest swoons. Originating on the island of Capri, the Caprese salad enlists juicy Roma tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and sweet, pungent basil for the kind of epicurean experience that Italy is known for. For a warm and toasty take on this light and fresh classic, head to Angelina’s Kitchen, where the salad—made with bright green basil pesto and a tangy balsamic reduction—is piled between slices of ciabatta and grilled to perfezione. $10, with chicken $13.
Gyro Sandwich
Dino’s Mediterranean
Dino’s fast food chain serves up several variations on the gyro, a dish named after the Greek word for “turn” or “spin.” Go for the original beef/lamb blend that cooks as it spins on a vertical rotisserie. The sizzling strips of spiced meat are piled onto a warm pita with crunchy raw onion and sweet tomato slices. A generous pour of tzatziki, a cool and creamy cucumber sauce, completes this Mediterranean feast. $7.
Veggie Falafel Pita
Ze’s Diner
The family-friendly Ze’s Diner has all the trappings of a ‘50s hangout, from the cherry-topped malts to the ketchup- and mustard-colored chairs that conjure appetites for the classic burger and fries. But don’t overlook the less-expected menu items, like the veggie falafel pita. The stick-to-your-ribs falafel, made with protein-rich fava beans and seasonings, is steaming and fluffy with a crisp, golden shell. Piled with a cool and crunchy salad of lettuce, tomato and tangy Tahini, this pita comforts like diner food should. $7.75.
Gobbler Special Panini
Dorothy Ann Bakery & Café
All the sandwich bread at Dorothy Ann Bakery & Café is made in-house daily. That includes the focaccia, a soft, fluffy Italian bread laced with herbs and olive oil. A formidable snack on its own, the focaccia is even better when it’s swiped with mayo and pesto spread, then filled with roasted turkey breast, provolone, crunchy romaine and sun-dried tomatoes. Hot off the panini press, the delicious gobbler special is delivered with pickles and a cookie. $6.59–$6.99.
Vito’s Blackened Chicken Wrap
Ray J’s American Grill
Ray J’s sends the taste buds reeling with Vito’s blackened chicken wrap. All warm and cozy in a flour tortilla, it’s a masterful blend of spicy charred chicken, zesty pepper jack cheese and refreshing pico de gallo. But what sends this wrap to its taste-and-texture apex is the inspired addition of house-made garlic sauce and crunchy crushed tortilla chips. $11.
