Sandwiches have become as much a part of American culture as apple pie, especially in the Midwest, where meat and cheese reign supreme.
So, if you love a great sandwich, put these top sandwich shops on your list of must-visit spots. Some of these restaurants are legendary, while others are up-and-coming, but they'll all melt your tastebuds like gooey cheese in between slices of delicious roast beef.
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Open since: 1982
Rating: 56.6
Bottom line: A veritable Ann Arbor institution, Zingerman's is a city legend that has received guests such as former president Barack Obama. The Jewish deli is famous for its perfectly crispy homemade bread.
It may be cliché, but you'll definitely want to order the Reuben, the shop's most popular sandwich.
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Open since: 1913
Rating: 64.8
Bottom line: The first soda fountain in St. Louis still serves some of the city's best food. Its signature offerings are sundaes, milkshakes and, of course, sandwiches.
Crown Candy Kitchen's signature sandwiches include a delicious Reuben and a mouthwatering turkey and bacon melt. But the absolute best thing to get is the heart-stopping BLT, which is topped with Miracle Whip and is oh-so-so-good.
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Open since: 1961
Rating: 75.9
Bottom line: Serving the best Italian beef sandwiches in Chicago, Johnnie's Beef is living proof that the less pretentious a sub place is, the better. Traditionalists will always say that the Elmwood Park location is the best one and that you can't beat a traditional beef sandwich, wet (dipped in jus) with sweet peppers.
The joint doesn't offer indoor seating but provides picnic tables to customers. Visit on a nice spring or summer day for the full experience.
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Open since: 1964
Rating: 77.6
Bottom line: Looking for a perfect corned beef sandwich in Cleveland? Everyone in the city will tell you to go to Slyman's. Well, except maybe the people who want to keep tourists away from this beloved spot.
Come with an appetite. The owners aren't kidding when they say they have some of the biggest sandwiches in town.
For more of America's best sandwich shops, check out Far & Wide.