These Wisconsin Sandwich Counters Rival The State’s Iconic Cheese Curds
Wisconsin isn’t just about cheese curds anymore. The state has quietly built a sandwich scene that deserves just as much hype, from old-school Italian delis tucked in Milwaukee neighborhoods to charming Door County counters serving up subs with a side of small-town charm.
Whether you crave a classic meatball bomber or a fresh panini piled high with Wisconsin cheese, these 15 sandwich spots prove the Badger State knows how to stack up flavor between two slices.
1. Glorioso’s Italian Market – Milwaukee
Step into Glorioso’s and you’ll find yourself transported straight to an Italian neighborhood where the smell of fresh salami and provolone fills the air. This Milwaukee landmark has been slinging iconic Italian-market sandwiches since 1946, making it one of the oldest family-run delis in the state.
The deli counter here is legendary, piling high layers of imported meats, cheeses, and house-made spreads onto crusty bread that snaps with every bite. Locals swear by the classic Italian sub, loaded with capicola, mortadella, and a generous drizzle of olive oil.
The market also stocks hard-to-find imported goods, from canned San Marzano tomatoes to aged balsamic vinegar. Stop by on a Saturday morning when the line wraps around the block, and you’ll understand why Glorioso’s remains a Milwaukee treasure that rivals any cheese curd stand in the state.
2. Stalzy’s Deli & Bakery – Madison
Madison’s Stalzy’s has mastered the art of the no-frills, satisfying deli sandwich that hits the spot every single time. Walking in feels like visiting your favorite aunt’s kitchen, where everything is made from scratch and portions are never stingy.
The bakery side churns out house-made breads and pastries daily, which means your turkey club or roast beef on rye comes on bread that was probably still warm an hour ago.
Regulars know to order the Stalzy’s Special, a towering creation that combines corned beef, pastrami, Swiss cheese, and tangy coleslaw.
The bakery case tempts you with cookies, brownies, and seasonal treats that pair perfectly with a sandwich lunch. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or stocking up for a picnic, Stalzy’s delivers classic deli goodness without any pretense or fuss.
3. Casetta Kitchen & Counter – Madison
Casetta Kitchen & Counter brings Italian-style sandwich magic to Madison’s weekday lunch scene with a counter that operates like a well-oiled machine. Fresh breads arrive daily, and the kitchen crew assembles sandwiches with the kind of care you’d expect from a sit-down trattoria.
Each bite delivers layers of flavor, from house-roasted vegetables to thinly sliced prosciutto and creamy mozzarella. I once grabbed a porchetta sandwich here on a Wednesday afternoon, and the crackling skin combined with tender pork made me forget I was eating lunch at a counter.
The menu rotates seasonally, so you might find roasted eggplant one week and sun-dried tomato pesto the next. Open only on weekdays for lunch, Casetta rewards those who make the midday pilgrimage with sandwiches that taste like they were crafted in a Tuscan kitchen.
4. Fraboni’s Italian Specialties & Delicatessen – Monona
Fraboni’s in Monona serves up old-school Italian deli sandwiches that taste like they’ve been perfected over decades of family recipes and customer feedback. This Madison-area gem specializes in take-and-go favorites, meaning you can grab a sandwich, some pasta salad, and a chunk of Parmigiano-Reggiano all in one stop.
The deli counter showcases rows of house-made sausages, marinated olives, and imported Italian cheeses that make your mouth water before you even order. Their meatball sub is the stuff of local legend, with massive meatballs simmered in rich marinara and tucked into a soft hoagie roll.
Fraboni’s also offers prepared foods like lasagna and chicken marsala, perfect for those nights when cooking feels like too much work. The friendly staff treats every customer like family, making this deli a neighborhood favorite.
5. Gino’s Italian Deli – Madison Area
Gino’s Italian Deli operates as a counter-service haven where Italian subs, fresh salads, and prepared foods come together in perfect harmony. The Madison-area spot keeps things simple but flavorful, with a menu that focuses on quality ingredients rather than trendy gimmicks.
Each sub gets built with precision, layered with meats sliced to order and topped with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and tangy Italian dressing. The Italian combo sub remains the crowd favorite, stacked with Genoa salami, capicola, mortadella, and provolone on a crusty roll.
Gino’s also offers a rotating selection of prepared foods like stuffed peppers and baked ziti, making it easy to grab dinner on your way home. Counter service here is quick and efficient, but never rushed, ensuring every sandwich leaves the kitchen exactly as it should.
6. Morelli’s Deli – Kenosha
Morelli’s Deli in Kenosha has been a longtime fixture for anyone craving Italian beef, meatball bombers, and classic deli sandwiches that pack serious flavor. Walking into Morelli’s feels like stepping back in time, when delis were neighborhood gathering spots and sandwiches were built to satisfy hungry workers.
The counter here doesn’t mess around with tiny portions or fancy presentations, just honest, hearty sandwiches that fill you up. Order the Italian beef and watch as the counter crew piles tender, juice-soaked beef onto a fresh roll, topping it with sweet peppers and giardiniera.
The meatball bomber is equally legendary, featuring oversized meatballs that practically burst out of the bread. Morelli’s keeps the deli tradition alive in Kenosha, proving that sometimes the best sandwiches come from places that have been doing it right for decades.
7. Mars Cheese Castle Deli Counter – Kenosha
Mars Cheese Castle sits right off I-94 in Kenosha, luring road-trippers with its castle-shaped building and promise of Wisconsin cheese in every form imaginable. While most visitors come for the cheese curds and gift boxes, the deli counter inside deserves just as much attention.
Here you’ll find a full sandwich menu that takes advantage of the cheese shop’s incredible selection, piling sandwiches high with Wisconsin cheddar, Colby, and Swiss.I stopped here during a road trip last summer and ordered a turkey and aged cheddar sandwich that tasted better than anything I’d eaten at a rest stop in years.
The counter also serves up hot sandwiches, soups, and bratwurst, making it a legitimate lunch destination rather than just a tourist trap. Next time you’re cruising through southeastern Wisconsin, skip the fast food and let Mars Cheese Castle feed you properly.
8. Riley’s Sandwich Co. / Riley’s Social House – Milwaukee Area
Riley’s Sandwich Co. has expanded across the Milwaukee area with multiple locations, each one serving up modern sandwich counter favorites that appeal to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters. The menu balances classic deli staples with creative combinations that feature seasonal ingredients and unexpected flavor pairings.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a casual meal, Riley’s delivers sandwiches that taste thoughtfully crafted rather than assembly-line rushed. Popular choices include the roasted turkey with cranberry aioli and the grilled chicken pesto panini, both served on fresh-baked bread. Riley’s also offers vegetarian options and rotating specials that keep the menu interesting for repeat visitors.
The counter service is friendly and efficient, and the casual atmosphere makes it easy to bring kids, coworkers, or out-of-town guests who want a taste of Milwaukee’s sandwich scene.
9. Baumgartner’s Cheese Store & Tavern – Monroe
Baumgartner’s in Monroe is a cheese-shop tavern that has been famous for cheese-forward sandwiches since 1931, making it one of Wisconsin’s most beloved culinary landmarks. The tavern specializes in limburger cheese sandwiches, a pungent delicacy that’s not for the faint of heart but absolutely worth trying if you’re feeling adventurous.
The cheese comes from the nearby Chalet Cheese Cooperative, the only limburger producer left in the United States. Beyond limburger, Baumgartner’s serves sandwiches loaded with sharp cheddar, Swiss, and other Wisconsin cheeses, all paired with fresh onions, mustard, and rye bread.
The tavern atmosphere adds to the charm, with locals bellying up to the bar alongside curious tourists. Monroe proudly calls itself the Swiss Cheese Capital of the USA, and Baumgartner’s proves that claim with every deliciously cheesy bite.
10. Hen’s Deli – Milwaukee
Hen’s Deli in Milwaukee offers a cozy counter serving bagels and deli-style sandwiches that have become neighborhood staples for breakfast and lunch crowds. The spot operates regularly with consistent hours, making it a reliable choice when you need a satisfying sandwich without the guesswork.
Bagels arrive fresh daily, and the deli counter assembles sandwiches with quality meats, cheeses, and toppings that taste fresh rather than pre-packaged. Regulars love the smoked turkey on an everything bagel, piled high with cream cheese, tomato, and sprouts.
Hen’s also offers classic deli sandwiches on rye, wheat, or sourdough for those who prefer traditional bread. The cozy atmosphere makes it easy to linger over coffee and a sandwich, chatting with neighbors or catching up on emails. Milwaukee’s sandwich scene benefits from spots like Hen’s that prioritize consistency and quality over flashy trends.
11. Scardina Specialties – Milwaukee Riverwest
Scardina Specialties in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood runs an Italian deli counter that specializes in house-made sausages and pressed panini that taste like they came straight from a Roman cafe. The counter showcases rows of freshly made Italian sausages, from sweet fennel to spicy calabrese, all crafted in-house using traditional recipes.
Panini here get pressed to golden perfection, with fillings that range from classic caprese to hearty sausage and peppers.
I tried the porchetta panini on a chilly autumn afternoon, and the combination of crispy bread, tender pork, and sharp provolone warmed me from the inside out.
Scardina also offers prepared foods, imported Italian goods, and a selection of Wisconsin cheeses that bridge the gap between Old World and Midwest traditions. The Riverwest location adds to the charm, with a neighborhood vibe that feels authentically local rather than tourist-focused.
12. Kewpee Sandwich Shop – Racine
Kewpee Sandwich Shop in Racine is a retro sandwich and hamburger counter that has been a local fixture since 1927, serving generations of families with classic American counter service. The vintage atmosphere transports you back to a simpler time when diners had checkered floors and sandwiches cost a nickel.
Today, Kewpee still operates with old-school charm, serving burgers, sandwiches, and malts from a counter lined with swivel stools. The hamburgers here are flat-grilled with crispy edges and served on soft buns with pickles, onions, and mustard.
Kewpee also offers classic deli sandwiches and hot dogs, all prepared with the same care and consistency that has kept customers coming back for nearly a century. Racine proudly claims Kewpee as a hometown treasure, and one bite of their simple, perfectly executed sandwiches explains why this place has survived when so many others have closed.
13. The Chocolate Factory – Multiple Wisconsin Locations
The Chocolate Factory operates multiple locations across Wisconsin, including Cedarburg and Delafield, offering dependable sub counters with year-round hours that make them reliable lunch destinations. Despite the name, the sandwiches here deserve just as much attention as the ice cream and chocolates.
The sub counter serves classic Italian subs, turkey clubs, and specialty sandwiches built on fresh bread with generous portions of meat and toppings. Families love stopping here because kids can get a sub for lunch and ice cream for dessert, all under one roof.
The Cedarburg location sits in a charming historic building that adds to the experience, while other locations maintain the same quality and consistency. The Chocolate Factory proves that a place can excel at both sweet treats and savory sandwiches without sacrificing quality in either category.
14. The Last Stop Deli – Ellison Bay Door County
The Last Stop Deli in Ellison Bay lives up to its name as a classic small-town deli counter that serves Door County locals and tourists with equal warmth and generosity. Located in the northern reaches of the peninsula, this counter offers a welcome break from tourist traps with sandwiches that taste homemade rather than mass-produced.
The menu keeps things simple, focusing on deli classics made with fresh ingredients and served with a smile. Order the turkey and Swiss on wheat, and you’ll get thick slices of real turkey breast rather than processed mystery meat.
The Last Stop also offers soups, salads, and baked goods that pair perfectly with a sandwich lunch. Door County visitors often discover this gem by accident, then make it a regular stop on every trip north, proving that sometimes the best sandwiches come from the most unexpected places.
15. Baileys 57 Grab-And-Go Counter – Baileys Harbor
Baileys 57 in Baileys Harbor operates a grab-and-go counter that serves Boar’s Head deli sandwiches and subs perfect for beach picnics, boat trips, or quick lunches between Door County adventures. The counter keeps things straightforward, offering quality deli meats and cheeses stacked on fresh rolls with your choice of toppings and condiments.
Whether you’re heading to a state park or just need fuel for a day of exploring, Baileys 57 delivers sandwiches that travel well and taste fresh. Locals appreciate the consistent quality and convenient location, while tourists discover it as a reliable alternative to overpriced resort food.
The grab-and-go format means you can order quickly and get back to enjoying Door County’s scenic beauty. Baileys 57 proves that sometimes the best sandwich counter is the one that gets you fed fast without compromising on flavor or freshness.