15 Minnesota Sandwich Counters That Rival The State’s Iconic Walleye Dishes
I knew Minnesota loved its walleye, but what started as a quick road snack turned into a full-blown sandwich quest that kept surprising me at every turn.
Each stop revealed bigger flavors, warmer counters, and people who craft bread and fillings like tiny edible landmarks meant to be admired before devoured.
There’s a cheerful pride in every bite, the kind that makes you feel like you’ve been let in on a delicious local secret.
I want to hand you a map, a grin, and a gentle nudge to chase these flavors before the cravings chase you.
Buckle up—every sandwich argues for legend status.
1. Marty’s Deli – 400 Lowry Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
First impressions matter, and the first crackle of bread here sounds like applause for your hunger.
You feel the city humming outside Marty’s Deli at 400 Lowry Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418, while the counter crew stacks meat and pickles with easy confidence.
I lean on the cool case and watch herbs flutter like confetti as the sandwich closes.
Big flavors lead the way, with tangy dressing and roasted elements teaming up for perfect balance.
Your teeth meet crunchy edges, then glide into a soft center that keeps the rhythm steady. Each bite feels like a crisp walk on a bright Minneapolis morning, lively and clean.
Little surprises pop up, like a gentle sweet note that follows the savory chorus.
You can chase details on Marty’s Deli, plus MapQuest directions that guide your step by step. When you finish, a light smile lingers, and the next visit starts forming before the last crumb falls.
2. Northern Waters Smokehaus – 394 S Lake Ave, Ste LL1, Duluth, MN 55802
Smoked magic dances here, and your senses catch the rhythm before you even order.
At Northern Waters Smokehaus at 394 S Lake Ave, Ste LL1, Duluth, MN 55802, the air carries a gentle wave of cedar and sea.
I watch a knife glide through silky fish while bread waits like a patient stage.
Fresh greens add snap, and sauces whisper with citrus that brightens every layer. Your bite starts savory, turns gently sweet, then finishes clean with a tiny pepper wink.
The texture mix keeps you alert, like lake wind teasing your scarf on the canal.
Fans trade tips on TV Foodies and scroll endless praise on Yelp with cheerful devotion.
You will spot Northern Waters Smokehaus highlights on Northern Waters Smokehaus features that spotlight their craft. Leave with a sandwich in hand and the satisfying calm of a well tuned day.
3. All Square – 4047 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Comfort turns clever when grilled cheese gets treated like fine art with heart.
At All Square at 4047 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406, the griddle hums while thick bread toasts to lacquered gold.
I notice corners caramelizing as cheddar pulls long ribbons across the hot surface.
Tomato dips like a friendly handshake, and add ons stack into smart little boosts. Your first bite feels nostalgic, then sharper cheese notes ring out with lively sparkle.
The balance of crunch and melt makes slow chewing a pleasant form of celebration.
Stories unfold on The Guardian, with All Square Eats sharing the mission and menu details you will love.
Updates from All Square MPLS keep the community thread bright and clear. Walk away feeling full and grounded, with comfort food and purpose holding hands.
4. France 44 Cheese Shop – 4351 France Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Cheese takes center stage here, and every supporting role shows crisp timing and charm.
At France 44 Cheese Shop at 4351 France Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410, counters shine with wedges that promise bold character.
I spot a sandwich board with pairings that read like a friendly field guide.
Sharp cheddar meets silky ham, while mustard adds a bright spotlight without stealing the show. Your bite lands firm and savory, then lifts with a delicate garden crunch.
The bread holds strong, keeping structure like a quiet hero with great posture.
Fans compare favorites across France 44 offerings and browse France 44 Cheese & Butcher Shop notes for deeper cuts.
Highlights from France 44 appear widely, showing how carefully the team crafts every detail. You leave feeling both satisfied and curiously inspired to learn more about cheese.
5. St. Paul Cheese Shop – 1573 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105
Grand Avenue hums softly, and this shop turns that energy into layered bites of joy.
At St. Paul Cheese Shop at 1573 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105, the slicer sings while baguettes line up like patient little canoes.
I watch a smear of aioli gloss the surface until the light catches it just right.
Salami brings peppered warmth that settles beneath fresh crunch, then lifts with pickled sparkles.
Your mouth tracks tempo changes, from assertive first notes to gentle closing chords.
The overall feel is calm and confident, the mark of practiced hands and good taste.
Write ups from Eater Twin Cities keep the buzz measured and helpful as you plan.
Guides from St. Paul Cheese Shop and reviews on Yelp round out the view. You will head out with a wrapped treasure and a steady spring in your step.
6. Manny’s Tortas – 920 E Lake St, Ste 125, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Big flavor strides onto the stage, wearing warm bread and a smile that lasts all day.
At Manny’s Tortas at 920 E Lake St, Ste 125, Minneapolis, MN 55407, the griddle perfumes the market with seasoned comfort.
I watch avocado fan out neatly while onions and jalapenos jump with cheerful energy.
Chicken, steak, or veggie builds stack high, then press just enough to seal the deal.
Your bite meets creamy richness, a bright squeeze, and gentle heat that keeps curiosity awake. The texture layers feel intentional, like chapters that keep turning themselves.
Menus sing on mannystortas.com with helpful details repeated clearly on mannystortas.com pages.
Guides from Midtown Global Market provide easy directions and festive context for your visit.
Leave with a content fullness that cruises happily through the rest of your afternoon.
7. Lu’s Sandwiches – 2624 Nicollet Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Fresh herbs fly here, and the air smells like a garden met a bakery in spring.
At Lu’s Sandwiches at 2624 Nicollet Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408, baguettes crackle while carrots and cucumbers line up like bright little tiles.
I admire the calm steadiness as pate and meat tuck in beneath crisp greens.
Lightness leads the flavor, with sweet pickles, gentle heat, and a squeeze that wakes everything up.
Your bite feels focused, fast, and refreshingly tidy, like a quick walk down Eat Street. The bread keeps pace without tiring, delivering snap from first crunch to last.
Roundups by Eater Twin Cities point you to favorites, while lusandwiches.com shares daily gems.
Helpful notes on Yelp confirm timing, lines, and smart combos for every appetite.
You leave lighter on your feet, already planning a return for another clean finish.
8. Alma Provisions – 812 W 46th St, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Quiet confidence defines this counter where every detail clicks like a well tuned watch.
At Alma Provisions at 812 W 46th St, Minneapolis, MN 55419, you see tidy stacks of roasted vegetables and herbed spreads waiting patiently.
I notice a warm roll opening like a curtain to welcome the star of the show.
Roast turkey pairs with bright citrus and peppery greens that move the bite forward gently.
Your mouth enjoys depth without heaviness, landing on a finish that feels clean and bright.
The sandwich holds together with calm grace, perfect for a thoughtful midday pause.
Social hints appear on Facebook while Alma Provisions shares rotating ideas that keep menus lively.
The community notes on Yelp add small tips about timing and seasonal stars.
Walk out feeling centered, as if lunch taught a tiny, happy lesson in balance.
9. Cecil’s Deli & Restaurant – 651 Cleveland Ave S, Saint Paul, MN 55116
Tradition lives here, and the rye slices carry stories with every caraway breath.
At Cecil’s Deli & Restaurant at 651 Cleveland Ave S, Saint Paul, MN 55116, the slicer whispers through pastrami like a practiced violin.
I smile when a stack lands tall, then folds obediently beneath a neat blanket of slaw.
Mustard nudges the flavor forward while the meat stays tender and fragrant in the middle.
Your bite feels classic and generous, a friendly postcard from a well loved kitchen. The bread stands firm, keeping drips in line and spirits lifted.
Background notes show up on shiva.com with community history, while Cecils Deli pages share menus and stories.
Helpful city pointers appear through Visit Saint Paul when planning a grand deli stroll. You finish with a warm glow that carries down the block like a gentle tune.
10. Toasty’s Sandwich Shop – 324 W Superior St, Ste 21, Duluth, MN 55802
Toasting here feels like a tiny fireworks show that crackles without making a mess.
At Toasty’s Sandwich Shop at 324 W Superior St, Ste 21, Duluth, MN 55802, the press seals layers with delightful precision.
I notice cheese melting into corners that promise a satisfying final crunch.
Roasted vegetables bring sweetness, while fresh greens keep the bite lively and bright. Your mouth meets buttery warmth first, then a bright snap that resets the palate.
The finish feels playful, like skipping a stone across a calm Duluth harbor.
Updates arrive on Facebook, and toastysduluth.com posts daily combos that feel both cozy and bold.
Loyal notes on Yelp point you toward the smart pick for a first visit. You head out feeling light on your feet, ready to chase another sunny block.
11. Rocket Deli – 202 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802
Speed meets craft at a counter that never forgets flavor needs time to shine.
At Rocket Deli at 202 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802, the line moves briskly while sandwiches arrive with bright edges.
I see a careful hand layering tomato, onion, and a tangy spread that wakes everything up.
Turkey or beef stand tall, with cheese melted just enough to hold hands with the bread.
Your bite lands confident and tidy, then trails a savory echo you will want to chase.
The texture harmony makes lunch feel like an easy win on a busy day.
Menus sit on restaurants minnesota nears me with clear lists, and Yelp fills in the local wisdom.
Directions appear simply on MapQuest so your dash across town stays smooth and simple. You return to work with a grin that makes the afternoon fly by.
12. Chicken and What – 231 N Central Ave, Duluth, MN 55807
Crunch leads the parade, and tender chicken follows with a cheerful drumbeat of spice.
At Chicken and What at 231 N Central Ave, Duluth, MN 55807, the fryer sings while buns warm like soft little clouds.
I watch pickles line up straight, ready to pop with briny sparkle against the juicy center.
Seasoning brings gentle heat that you feel more as rhythm than roar.
Your bite lands crisp and bright, then settles into soft comfort that lasts nicely. The structure holds tight, keeping every flavor in its lane and on time.
Fans share notes through Chicken N What while chickenandwhat.com lists the latest specials and sides.
Review angles on Yelp add handy insights about timing and favorite combos. You finish with happy fingers and a calm sense that lunch was exactly right.
13. Cafe Latte – 850 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105
Light streams across the line, and sandwiches glide out with polished grace and ease. At Cafe Latte at 850 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105, the layout invites a smooth flow that calms busy minds.
I linger over a turkey cranberry build that looks like a tidy little celebration.
Fresh greens keep the bite sunny, while whole grain bread brings a steady, satisfying chew.
Your mouth notes gentle sweetness, then a clean finish that resets the afternoon mood. The portions feel thoughtful, leaving space for conversation and an easy stroll.
Details appear clearly on Cafe Latte pages with menus echoed across Cafe Latte updates and Cafe Latte posts.
Service stays friendly and quick, making this a graceful stop during errands. You leave feeling unrushed, like time finally remembered how to be kind.
14. City Market Downtown – 212 1st Ave SW (Street Level), Rochester, MN 55902
Downtown rhythm meets comfort at a counter that understands the lunch hour sprint.
At City Market Downtown at 212 1st Ave SW (Street Level), Rochester, MN 55902, the line flows quickly without losing its friendly touch.
I watch a pesto chicken build that turns simple parts into a nimble little symphony.
Warm bread carries leafy crunch while roasted notes anchor the middle with gentle depth.
Your bite feels bright and focused, perfect for a schedule that refuses to slow down. The sandwich travels well, staying tidy even when the sidewalk calls.
Menus are easy through NetWaiter with handy links from downtownrochestermn.com and citymarketmn.com.
Staff suggestions help you hit the sweet spot between bold and balanced every time. You return to work feeling centered and ready for whatever the afternoon plots.
15. Kaffe Stuga – 43821 Forest Blvd, Harris, MN 55032
Small town warmth greets you first, and the bread follows with homestyle confidence.
At Kaffe Stuga at 43821 Forest Blvd, Harris, MN 55032, the counter feels like a friendly porch with extra sunshine.
I watch roast beef stack generously while horseradish smiles with polite conviction.
Fresh lettuce cools the bite, and the roll stays soft without losing its backbone.
Your mouth gets a pleasant tingle that fades into a savory lullaby. The pace feels unhurried, like a good chat that ends with one more laugh.
Local notes live on Kaffe Stuga pages, and Yelp helps with hours and gentle tips.
Quick glances at Tripadvisor confirm that comfort is the dominant theme here.
You drive away feeling glad you pulled off the highway for a sandwich that feels like home.