15 hole-in-the-wall sandwich spots you should have tried by now

By Metro Times Staff on Fri, Feb 28, 2020 at 5:07 pm

When it comes to sandwiches, you don't need to go to a fancy restaurant to find the best. Great sandwiches often exist outside the bounds of expensive meals and 500-seat dining rooms. Sometimes, the best of the best are found right where you aren't looking. We're here to help — we've cultivated a list of hole-in-the-wall sandwich places that need to be on your radar ASAP.

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Nathan’s Deli

581 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-962-3354; nathansdelidetroit.com
Nathan’s serves deli sandwiches, roll-up sandwiches, specialty sandwiches, and more. It also offers catering and vegetarian options.

Photo via Nathan’s Deli / Facebook

El Rey de las Arepas

7701 McGraw Ave., Detroit; 313-307-2210
If you’ve never had a homemade Venezuelan arepa, this is the place to go. An arepa is a sandwich made with ground maize dough, and meats and veggies in between.

Photo via GoogleMaps

Hydrangea Kitchen

371 Fisher Rd., Grosse Pointe; 313-469-9970; hydrangeakitchengp.com
Easy to pass, but hard to forget, Hydrangea Kitchen offers a comfortable, kitschy environment and meals made fresh on the spot. Get a classic sandwich, like the Philly cheesesteak, or get something new, like the brie butter apple. Or, if you’re looking for a treat, try the Caesar sandwich with grilled parmesan cheese. Also, any sandwich can be made into a wrap!

Photo via Hydrangea Kitchen / Facebook

Gonella’s

295 Oakwood Blvd., Detroit; 313-841-3500, 10021 Telegraph Rd., Redford Charter Twp.; 313-535-7827; gonellas.com
Gonella’s is Detroit’s original Italian deli. It has been serving food for over 75 years, and recently opened a Redford location. It specializes in Italian meats and a large selection of sides and toppings.

Photo via Gonellas Foods / Facebook

Peepo’s Subs and Shawarma

10890 Beech Daly Rd., Taylor; 313-299-9992; peepossubs.com
This quick, yet quality restaurant specializes in sub sandwiches and Middle Eastern sandwiches and shawarmas. Customers also love its house-made smoothies and its spicier "Africano" menu.

Photo via GoogleMaps

Hygrade Deli

3640 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-894-6620; hygradedeli.com
This old-school restaurant is known for its huge corned beef sandwiches. In addition to that, Batman vs. Superman and The Pickle Recipe were filmed there.

Photo via Hygrade Deli / Facebook

Mike’s Famous Ham Place

3700 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-894-6922; mikesfamoushamplace.food-places.com
Mike’s has been serving different variations of ham for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for decades. Menu items include ham and egg sandwiches, ham melts, and more.

Photo via Mike’s Famous Ham Place / Facebook

Stadium Deli

1956 S. Industrial Hwy., Ann Arbor; 734-662-2885
For years, Stadium Deli has been serving U of M’s community. It is known for its different variations of stromboli. It also serve wine to go with the sandwiches.

Photo via GoogleMaps

Ernie’s Market

8500 Capital St., Oak Park; 248-541-9703; erniessandwichshop.com
Ernie’s is known for its large, unique sandwiches. You can put a number of toppings on them, and choose from a wide variety of sides. The local business has been serving the community for years.

Photo via Ernie’s Market / Facebook

Chef Greg’s Soul “N” the Wall

10009 Curtis St., Detroit; 313-861-0331
Chef Greg’s is known for its signature sandwich, the Boogaloo — a Detroit-style sloppy joe. The newly revived business also offers other Boogaloo Wonderland sandwiches such as Steak Boogaloo, Veggie Boogaloo, and more.

Photo via GoogleMaps