These Indiana Sandwich Joints Rival The State’s Beloved Pork Tenderloin
Hold onto your horseshoes, Hoosiers! We’re about to utter words that might make traditionalists gasp, spill their sweet tea, or clutch their deep-fried hearts: the mighty Indiana pork tenderloin, while undeniably a legend, might just have some serious competition.
Yes, you heard that right! Forget everything you thought you knew about Indiana’s culinary hierarchy. We’ve scoured the state, from bustling downtowns to charming Main Streets, and discovered sandwich shops crafting masterpieces so bold, so delicious, they’re ready to go bun-to-bun with the iconic tenderloin.
Prepare your palate for a delicious debate!
1. Shapiro’s Delicatessen (Indianapolis)
Walking into Shapiro’s feels like stepping back to 1905, when this family-owned gem first opened its doors. The corned beef here gets cured for weeks, hand-sliced thick, and piled so high you might need an engineering degree to fit it in your mouth.
Locals swear by the Reuben, where tangy sauerkraut meets melted Swiss cheese and thousand island dressing on grilled rye bread. My first visit left me speechless after tasting their pastrami, which had more flavor than anything I had eaten in months.
Every sandwich comes with a side of nostalgia and enough meat to share, though you probably will not want to give up a single bite of this Indianapolis treasure.
2. Goose The Market (Indianapolis)
Goose The Market transforms simple sandwiches into culinary masterpieces using locally sourced ingredients and house-made everything. Their rotating menu changes with the seasons, ensuring peak freshness and creative combinations you cannot find anywhere else in the city.
The Goose Club stands out with thick-cut bacon, roasted turkey, avocado, and garlic aioli on sourdough that gets baked fresh daily. Quality shines through every component, from the heirloom tomatoes to the artisan cheeses carefully selected from regional producers.
This spot attracts food lovers who appreciate elevated flavors without pretentious attitudes, making it perfect for a quick lunch or grabbing provisions for a fancy picnic.
3. The Tamale Place (Indianapolis)
Mexican tortas at The Tamale Place deliver bold flavors that make typical deli sandwiches seem boring by comparison. Crusty telera rolls get stuffed with your choice of perfectly seasoned meats, refried beans, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, and crema.
The Milanesa torta features breaded steak that stays crispy despite all the toppings, creating textural magic with every bite. Authentic recipes passed down through generations ensure these sandwiches taste exactly like what you would find on Mexico City street corners.
Prices remain incredibly reasonable considering the generous portions, and the homemade tamales make excellent sides when you want to expand your flavor adventure beyond just sandwiches alone.
4. Dagwood’s Sandwiches (Bloomington)
Named after the comic strip character famous for towering sandwich creations, Dagwood’s lives up to its namesake with massive portions. College students and professors alike crowd this Bloomington institution, especially during lunch hours when lines stretch out the door.
Their Turkey Dagwood stacks multiple layers of deli meat with all the fixings on fresh-baked bread that somehow holds together despite gravity-defying height. Customization options seem endless, letting you build exactly what your taste buds crave without judgment from sandwich purists.
Cash-only policy keeps prices low, and the friendly staff remembers regular customers by name, creating that neighborhood vibe college towns do best when local businesses truly care.
5. Mile High Club (Rock Cola 50s Café) (Indianapolis)
Rock Cola 50s Café serves up nostalgia alongside their legendary Mile High Club sandwich, which towers with multiple meats and cheeses stacked between three slices of toast. Chrome barstools, vintage jukeboxes, and servers in period costumes transport diners straight back to the Eisenhower era.
This monster sandwich combines turkey, ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo in proportions that challenge even the hungriest appetites. I once watched a table of four share one, and they still took leftovers home in a container big enough for shoes.
The retro atmosphere makes every meal feel like a special occasion, perfect for families wanting entertainment beyond just food or anyone craving comfort classics done right.
6. Subito (Indianapolis)
Subito brings Italian sandwich traditions to Indianapolis with lightning-fast service that never sacrifices quality for speed. Made-to-order approach means every sandwich gets assembled right before your eyes using ingredients prepped fresh each morning.
The Italian sub features Genoa salami, capicola, mortadella, provolone, and a zippy vinaigrette on crusty bread that provides the perfect crunch. Vegetarian options shine equally bright, proving this spot understands flavor comes from technique and quality ingredients rather than just piling on meat.
Convenient downtown locations make Subito ideal for business lunches or quick dinners, and their efficient system gets you in and out faster than most drive-throughs manage.
7. YATS (Indianapolis)
YATS specializes in Cajun and Creole comfort food, but their po’boy sandwiches deserve recognition as some of Indianapolis’s best handheld meals. Authentic New Orleans recipes bring Louisiana flavor to the Midwest without requiring a road trip to the Gulf Coast.
Shrimp po’boys arrive overflowing with crispy fried shrimp, dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and remoulade sauce on French bread that stays soft inside while maintaining crusty edges. The catfish version offers another excellent choice, especially when you want something that tastes like it came straight from a French Quarter corner shop.
Affordable prices and generous portions make YATS a regular stop for locals who crave bold spices and soulful Southern cooking done the right way.
8. Little Italy Market (Bloomington)
Little Italy Market transports Bloomington diners straight to an authentic Italian neighborhood deli with imported goods lining every shelf. Family recipes guide sandwich preparation, ensuring each bite tastes like something an Italian grandmother would approve of wholeheartedly.
The muffuletta stands out with layers of Italian meats, cheeses, and olive salad on sesame-crusted bread that soaks up flavors while maintaining structural integrity. Sandwiches get made by folks who grew up eating these exact combinations, bringing genuine passion and knowledge to every order they prepare.
Shopping for imported pasta and olive oil while waiting for your sandwich makes the experience even better, turning lunch into a cultural adventure through Italian culinary traditions.
9. Bloomington Sandwich Company (Bloomington)
Creativity meets comfort at Bloomington Sandwich Company, where the menu reads like a greatest hits collection of sandwich innovation. Local ingredients get transformed into unexpected combinations that somehow make perfect sense once you taste them together.
The Hoosier features fried chicken, bacon, cheddar, and maple aioli, proving Indiana knows how to honor its roots while pushing culinary boundaries. My cousin dragged me here skeptically, but one bite of their roasted vegetable panini converted me into a regular customer who plans trips around lunch.
Friendly staff offers suggestions without being pushy, and the cozy atmosphere makes this spot ideal for catching up with friends over sandwiches that spark genuine conversation about flavors.
10. The General Deli & Cafe (South Bend)
South Bend residents have trusted The General Deli for decades to deliver consistently excellent sandwiches without gimmicks or unnecessary fuss. Classic preparations using quality ingredients remain the focus, proving that sometimes the old ways work best for satisfying hungry customers.
Reuben competes with any version found across Indiana, featuring house-cooked corned beef that gets sliced to order and grilled to perfection. Breakfast sandwiches also deserve mention, especially when you need something hearty before tackling a long day of work or exploring the city.
Regulars appreciate the no-frills approach and reasonable prices that let you enjoy great food without emptying your wallet or waiting through elaborate preparation rituals.
11. Grindstone Public House (Noblesville)
Grindstone Public House elevates pub food to art form status with sandwiches that pair beautifully with their extensive craft drink selection. Chef-driven menus change seasonally, but quality and creativity remain constant throughout every dish that leaves the kitchen.
The French Dip comes with tender roast beef, melted provolone, and au jus so rich you might want to drink it straight from the cup. Upscale touches like house-made pickles and artisan breads justify slightly higher prices, especially when you factor in the outstanding service and inviting atmosphere.
Noblesville locals treat this spot as their special occasion restaurant, though the welcoming vibe makes it equally suitable for casual weeknight dinners with family or friends.
12. Pembroke Bakery (Fort Wayne)
German baking traditions meet American sandwich culture at Pembroke Bakery, where bread quality sets the foundation for exceptional handheld meals. Everything gets baked on-site using recipes that have been perfected over generations of family ownership and dedication to craft.
Their sandwiches shine because the bread actually tastes like something special rather than just serving as an edible plate holder. Ham and Swiss on fresh rye delivers simple perfection, while the bakery case tempts you with pastries for dessert before you even finish lunch.
Fort Wayne residents know to arrive early for the best selection, as popular items sell out quickly when word spreads about a fresh batch coming out of the ovens.
13. Friendly Fox (Fort Wayne)
Friendly Fox brings Portland-style cafe culture to Fort Wayne with inventive sandwiches that appeal to adventurous eaters seeking something beyond ordinary lunch options. Locally roasted coffee and house-made sodas complement the food menu, creating a complete dining experience worth savoring slowly.
The breakfast sandwich alone justifies the trip, with perfectly cooked eggs, thick bacon, and aged cheddar on an English muffin that gets toasted to golden perfection. Lunch options rotate but maintain the same commitment to fresh ingredients and bold flavor combinations that make each visit feel like discovering something new.
Cozy seating and free wifi attract remote workers, while the friendly staff creates an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome regardless of whether they stay five minutes or five hours.
14. Siciliano Subs (Regional Favorite)
Siciliano Subs has built a devoted following across multiple Indiana locations by mastering the art of the classic Italian submarine sandwich. Family recipes and traditional preparation methods ensure consistency whether you visit the original location or a newer outpost in another city.
Signature sub loads up Genoa salami, capicola, ham, provolone, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and Italian dressing on fresh-baked bread that arrives daily from a trusted bakery partner. Portion sizes err on the generous side, meaning a whole sub easily feeds two people or provides lunch and dinner for one hungry soul.
Loyal customers swear no other sub shop comes close, often driving past competitors to reach their preferred Siciliano location for that specific flavor profile they crave.
15. Hilltop Inn (Evansville)
Evansville’s Hilltop Inn serves the region’s most famous and controversial sandwich, the fried brain sandwich, keeping alive a tradition that dates back generations. This working-class tavern does not apologize for its unusual specialty, instead celebrating the culinary heritage that makes Southern Indiana dining culture unique.
Breaded and fried pork brain gets served on a bun with pickles and onions, offering adventurous eaters a taste of history that most restaurants abandoned decades ago. Traditional options exist for those less daring, but the brain sandwich remains the signature item that puts this unassuming spot on foodie bucket lists.
Visiting feels like joining a secret club where locals gather to preserve traditions outsiders might never understand but definitely should respect and perhaps even try once.