Just a sandwich? Is the Eiffel Tower just a stack of metal? Is heart surgery just a medical procedure? Of course not! As such, it is wholly unfair to malign the delightful marriage of sliced bread, condiments and fillings as just a sandwich. Whether its peanut butter and jelly, a Reuben stacked high with pastrami, fresh sauerkraut and spicy mustard or some wholly original concoction, the only time its okay to say just in connection with a sandwich is, Just trust me. A sandwich is what we need. Here are a few places where you can find great ones.
Neptune Submarine Sandwiches
3301 N. Classen Blvd.
405-525-0414
Neptune was the Roman god of the sea, but that wasnt all. Much like the busy era of today, ancient Roman gods multitasked. Neptune also was in charge of horses and earthquakes, so as far as Roman gods of Oklahoma go, two out of three aint bad. Worshipping him is easiest at his Oklahoma City altar, Neptune Submarine Sandwiches, where the pillowy bread tastes as if it was touched by his divine hand. Order a Supreme Sub if youre feeling particularly powerful.
Belle Kitchen
7509 N. May Ave.
405-430-5484
Belle Kitchen is known mostly for sweets, including doughnuts and delicate macarons. And while macarons are kind of like sandwiches, with layers of filling surrounded by crispy, chewy meringue cookies, theyre not nearly as filling as the restaurants delectable Cuban sandwich or a grilled cheese made with brioche. Its breakfast sandwich with bacon, eggs and arugula inside a freshly baked roll also is satisfying. While youre there, you should probably grab some macarons for later.
Someplace Else A Deli & Bakery
2310 N. Western Ave.
405-524-0887
After customers find their way to Someplace Else A Deli & Bakery, they often wont go anywhere else in Oklahoma City for a sandwich. The deli is beloved for its freshly baked cookies, but the venue is busiest at lunch as hungry diners queue up for fresh rolls stuffed with avocado and cream cheese, chicken salad on rye or hot Polish sausage with sauerkraut and spicy mustard. Vegetarians, pescatarians and omnivores alike will find plenty of options at Someplace Else.
Kamps 1910 Cafe
10 NE 10th St.
405-230-1910
Not only does the train trap commuters as it rumbles past Kamps 1910 Cafe in the mornings, but it is immortalized on the Kamps menu. Boxcar Burrito and Biscuits and Gravy Derailed are filling morning fare while Stuck at the Train (chicken breast on a ciabatta bun), Pacific Railcar (turkey, avocado and tomato chutney) or a Wrong Side of the Tracks Reuben (pastrami, sauerkraut and cheese on rye bread) will fill you up.
Hobbys Hoagies
222 S. Santa Fe Ave., Edmond
405-348-2214
George Hobson, the Hobby of Hobbys Hoagies, once told me he was from Delaware. So Im not sure how his restaurants make such amazing Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. With a blend of juicy chopped steak, sweet onions, melted cheese and special hoagie peppers on a fresh roll, his cheesesteak guarantees several oh, wow bites in every sub.
Langs Bakery
2524 N. Military Ave.
405-528-5141
Bring cash to Langs Bakery or you can forget taking home one of the best bánh mì sandwiches in the metro. If youve never tried one of these Vietnamese sandwiches, nows the time. Crispy, crusty baguettes are cut lengthwise down the middle to make room for pickled carrots, fresh cilantro and spicy sliced jalapeños with your choice of filling. Charbroiled pork and chicken sandwiches are popular, but the best on the menu is bò kho, a baguette stuffed with stewed beef and carrots.
Bison Witches Bar & Deli
211 E. Main St., Norman
405-364-7555
It doesnt take witchcraft to make most of us crave a delicious sandwich, but Bison Witches doesnt take any chances. The restaurants mages/staff cast a spell of humor with funny menu names (like Slamwich or Miss Priss ) before enchanting hungry diners with delicious combinations including turkey breast, avocado, bacon, cream cheese and alfalfa sprouts on the Green Turkey. Finally, diners are in their thrall with sides of baked potato salad. Its magically delicious.