Everyone knows the Midwest takes pride in its sandwiches: Tenderloins, pork-bellies, subs… anything you can think of that has ever been thrown between 2 slices of bread. If you’re native to Iowa, traveling through America’s heartland, or just have an infatuation with sandwiches, these 11 restaurants are sure to hit the spot in the most memorable way.
1. Timmy Flynn's Red Pepper Deli & Grill, Iowa City
Known for generous serving sizes, reasonable prices and quality food, Timmy Flynn's Deli is a popular sandwich joint in the Iowa City area. The whole menu is held in high esteem, and there's sure to be something to satisfy your tastebuds.
2. Sub City, Cedar Rapids
Don't let its midwestern location fool you, Sub City can go hoagie for hoagie with any deli on the east coast. Customers rave about their choice ingredients, great service and quality-tasting food.
3. The Sandwich Bowl, Harlan
This hidden gem is tucked away in the small town of Harlan, Iowa. The staff is friendly, the menu is unique and you'll be sure to enjoy a great sandwich at The Sandwich Bowl.
4. Avenue Subs, Muscatine
Quality is nothing without consistency, and Avenue Subs delivers quality food every time. Period. They are known for delicious subs and friendly, small town service. Give them a visit for a great sandwich with prime choice meats.
5. Jason's Deli, West Des Moines
With over 20 locations from California to North Carolina, aren't we lucky that Jason's Deli found its way to Iowa's capital city? These guys are professionals. Even when the shop is packed to capacity, you can be sure you'll be served quickly, and they're only as fast as their food is good, and their food is very, very good.
6. Firehouse Subs, Cedar Rapids
Firehouse Subs knows how to handle messy, piping hot sandwiches. They have the choicest turkey, chicken, ham and beef cuts smothered in every cheese you can pronounce. If you want to eat like you're in a big city, but can't be bothered to get there, Firehouse Subs is an excellent option.
7. Maid-Rite, Multiple Locations
Maid-Rite has over 26 locations in Iowa. If you live in Iowa, there's bound to be one near you, and the mind mustn't wander far to think about what their claim to fame is: Maid-Rites, or Sloppy Joe's as some call them. This is classic Iowan cuisine, and lovers of small town eats shouldn't hesitate to get a booth at this retro diner chain.
8. Belmond Drive-In, Belmond
You can't go through the best Iowa has to offer without running into a pork tenderloin or two. Iowans take such matters seriously, so when Belmond Drive-In was named best pork tenderloin of 2015, you can be sure they have the quality to back that up. This venue is another with a local, small town feel, but you can't find a tenderloin like this in any city you'll find yourself at.
9. Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, Davenport
Capriotti's boasts a great selection of signature subs. They have a unique menu, and are guaranteed to please. Although they have multiple locations, we recommend the Davenport restaurant for the best tasting experience.
10. Montgomery's Sandwich Shop, Grinnell
Family owned and operated, Montgomery's has had the same feel since it was established in 1933. They pride themselves on quality ingredients, and their sandwiches reflect the love they have for their business.
11. The Buck Snort, Neola
Never has a venue been so encapsulated by its name. If you want a truly Iowan experience, then the Buck Snort is the sandwich spot to find. Located in the tiny town of Neola, it has one of the most intense menus on this list. There are plenty of authentic options to silence the hungry mouths of any lover of barbecue. If you're looking for cold cuts, keep on driving, but you probably will go through a full tank of gas before you find another place that can come close to competing with The Buck Snort.
Well, there you have it; the 11 best sandwich joints in Iowa. This list probably has your taste buds begging for a savory experience, and who would you be to let them down? Pick whichever sounds the best to you, or pick one at random if you can’t do that. If you’re going to eat a sandwich, you might as well eat the best you can.
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