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.

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
The Turkey Grill 8290 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-872-4624; theturkeygrill.com The Turkey Grill offers Southern sandwiches and dishes, and serves everything in large portions. It also features daily specials. Photo via Turkey Grill / Facebook
Al’s Famous Deli 32906 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; 248-549-3663; breadbasketdelis.com Since the 1960s, owner Al Winker has been serving large corned beef sandwiches. Yes, it is true that it sells over 12 tons of corned beef every week. Photo via GoogleMaps
Dan & Vi’s Pizza Deli 5951 Chene St., Detroit; 313-924-6077 This family-owned business is known for being able to customize its sandwiches and pizza. Some of its specialty sandwiches include the Bad Ass Bully, the Chene Street, and the Vi. Photo via Dan & Vi’s Pizza Deli / Facebook
Dimo’s Deli and Donuts 2030 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor; 734-662-7944; dimosdelianddonuts.com If you’re craving a sandwich and a donut (or four), Dimo’s is the place to go. Some include variations of corned beef, pastrami, salami, ham, and many more. Photo via Dimo’s Deli & Donuts / Facebook
Louie’s Ham and Corned Beef 3570 Riopelle St., Detroit; 313-831-1800 Located in Eastern Market, visitors can eat hole-in-the-wall sandwiches for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Louie’s is ham and corned beef oriented, but it also serves other variations of dishes. Photo via Louie’s Ham & Corned Beef / Facebook

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