The Gut Bomber
If you’re going to eat a sandwich that will stay with you for, oh, a week or two, let me make a recommendation: The Adam Richman at Ike’s Place in Santa Rosa (1780 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa).
To celebrate National Sandwich Day 2015, here’s a pick that will make you feel a little dirty. As in Dirty Sauce, Ike’s garlicy-mayo spread is just part of the secret mojo that goes into a list of 200-plus sandwich combinations that have made the Bay Area sub shop legendary.
The Adam Richman is a gut-bomber of fried (halal) chicken, honey, avocado, ham, dirty sauce and a Dutch crunch roll that’s an ode to former Man vs. Food calorie martyr. Add a couple fried mozzarella sticks just to make sure you’ve celebrated properly.
Though I’ve only ever eaten one, I’ll go out on a limb and say: Best. Sandwich. Ever.
Not up for that kind of culinary investment? Ike’s also includes a number of meaty and meat-free choices (including several nods to locals including the Charles Schulz, Luther Burbank and SRJC Bear Cub).
My Personal Favorite (besides a straight up turkey and Swiss): Banh mi.
This Vietnamese-French hybrid is typically a baguette filled with pate, pickled vegetables, barbecued pork, jalapenos and cilantro. Pair with a tasty Vietnamese coffee and you’re good to go.
– Lee’s Noodle House: 1010 Hopper Ave. Santa Rosa, (707) 523-2358
– Simply Vietnam Express: 3381 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa, (707) 544-4585
The Latin Sandwich Crew
The Cubano
A grilled Cuban sandwich with roasted pork, ham, Swiss, pickles and mustard on real Cuban bread. Ai papi. Rumba Cuban Kitchen, 8750 Old Redwood Hwy, Windsor, (707) 687-5632.
The Torta
This taco-truck staple is worth seeking out. Filled with meat, cheese, and other goodies the two best I’ve found..
– Homemade Tortilla: The Pambazo is a four-napkin feast with chile-sauced soaked and fried bread filled with chorizo and potatoes (papas con chorizo, $6.95). Don’t miss a side of curtido, a fermented Salvadoran slaw similar to sauerkraut (2770 Stony Point Ave., Santa Rosa, (707) 521-9977)
– Nuevo Sazon: Torta Ahogada, a roll dipped in tomato sauce, stacked up with carnitas, onions and refried beans. Insane. At the West End Farmer’s Market on Sundays (check the Facebook page to make sure they’re at the market).
So what’s your favorite local sandwich?
Michael’s sourdough in Petaluma
Homemade pastrami sandwich at Emily’s Kitchen. Hidden gem.
Perry’s Deli has been making quality Sandwiches for a long time. The tri tip sandwhich is a must try!
Thought there’d be a line out the door at the nearby Subway, but no one apparently told Subway about the “holiday.” For a mind-blowing banh mi, try making one w/ red curry roasted portobellos, pickled veggies, spicy lime (just) mayo, and for bonus umami smear on some black trumpet mushroom pate. Works well with a demi sourdough loaf if you are lucky enough to find near your local WF salad bar. Pairs well w/ a Japanese red ale from BevMo.
The Wild Sage in Healdsburg makes amazing sandwiches. Get a pint of Racer 5 to go with it. Spectacular!
Canevari’s in Santa Rosa on Lewis rd makes the yummiest vegetarian sandwich, and I am not even vegetarian.
The Best sandwich in Sonoma County is the Turkey, Stuffing, Cranberry on fresh baked bread at the best deli in Petaluma, Lucchesi’s Deli. They warm the stuffing which is key to this amazing sandwich, and you can get it all year long. This is my personal favorite but they have an extensive menu and you can customize any sandwich on their menu as well as order off menu to your specifications. Mangia!
I have to agree with Meg that Ray’s Deli is tops! But I have a hard time choosing over the Keokuk or the Rachel, both are fab!
The Rueben at Wild Sage Deli in Healdsburg. Best. Ever.
Hard to beat the smoked turkey sandwich with tomato chutney and avocado at Jackson’s.
All the PO-boys at Parish Cafe are outstanding! The roast beef with debris gravy is the best roast beef sandwich made according to my husband. I go for the half and half with fried oysters and shrimp. Try the new Boudin Rice balls too.
Wine Country Cafe & Deli has THE BEST sandwiches in Sonoma County, they should really be highlighted more often.
Thanks, Biteclub! We have daily specials and we BBQ everyday, all day long! The Tri Tip is a favorite and so is our Marco Polo, we are a local Sonoma County family owned Italian Deli. Ciao from the Lazzini Market Crew
Ray’s Deli in Petaluma has the BEST sandwiches! Love the Keokuk !
I agree, best sandwiches are at Ray’s!
I can’t make up my mind over the Rachel or the Keokuk; but yes, Ray’s Deli is the best!
The Godfather, Lazzini’s