Something wicked this way comes. Something wickedly delicious, that is!
The leaves are changing (somewhere) and the weather is cooling (ever so slightly), harbingering the arrival of spooky season. But this year, we’re not hunting for ghouls and goblins - no. This year, we’re hunting for monstrously good sandwiches all across the Valley.
The art of a sandwich lies in its ingredients, masterfully combined in both classic and creative ways. We’re not talking the mundane here - these are not your average ham-and-cheese on thin white bread provisions. These are sandwiches whose quality ingredients elevate the experience of eating.
Our mission is to discover culinary creations that exist between two slices of bread. An exceptional sandwich is more than just a meal; it’s proof of the delicious power of simple, fresh ingredients imaginatively and intentionally combined.
We’ve traveled the Valley testing all manner of sandwicheries, from local delis to trendy eateries, and we’re sharing some of the best on offer. Our journey has taken us to beloved local spots and legendary mainstays. We’ve found something for everyone (even a family-friendly Tempe institution where kids eat free on weekends), from perfectly stacked, savory sandos to unexpected sensations. Each of these restaurants offer unique bites to be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or even dinner.
Bring your appetite as we share some of the most mouth-watering sandwiches in the Valley.
The only spooky thing you'll find is how quickly these sandwiches disappear.
Pane Bianco
Located in Midtown, the restaurant features Italian-inspired sandwiches on freshly baked, perfectly salted and split focaccia. Presented on a plate in the restaurant, or packed to go in a brown paper bag, you can’t go wrong with any of the sammies. Try the Mozzarella - a classic sandwich that marries creamy mozzarella and fresh tomato topped with basil and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
PizzeriaBianco.com/Pane-Bianco | Instagram @PaneBiancoPhoenix
Dilly’s Deli
Established in 1993, Dilly’s Deli prides themselves on constructing sandwiches with quality ingredients. For a sweet and savory sandwich, order the Sweet Leaf Turkey Wrap (we substituted the spinach tortilla their focaccia), a combination of turkey, feta, candied walnuts, dried cranberries and balsamic vinaigrette. Of note, kids eat free with the purchase of adult entrees on weekends.
DillysDeli.com | Instagram @DillysDeli
Copper State Bread
Bryan O’Connor’s bakery, which had been a staple at the Ahwatukee Farmers Market, recently opened a brick-and-mortar shop on the southeast corner of Rural and Elliot roads. Order The Peak breakfast sandwich, a perfectly fried egg, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, peppery arugula and creamy mayo that comes together on a flaky sourdough croissant.
CopperStateBread.com | Instagram @CopperStateBread
Zookz
If you’re looking for a truly unique sandwich, Zookz should be at the top of your list. The stuffed sammies are pressed in a custom sandwich maker that crimps the edges, sealing the ingredients inside. Our pick: The California Dreaming BLT, filled with turkey, bacon, cheddar cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato and a their signature sweet heat mustard sauce. All sandwiches are served with chips or a homemade side.
ZookzSandwiches.com | Instagram @ZookzSandwiches
DeFalco’s Italian Deli and Grocery
The family-owned Italian eatery and market had fed generations of Arizonans since they first opened in 1972 with family recipes passed down for more than 100 years. We tried one the Chicken Pesto sandwich, one of their nearly 40 signature sandwiches, which features a crispy chicken cutlet with Havarti cheese topped with pesto on a crusty Italian sub roll.
DefalcosDeli.com | Instagram @DefalcosDeli
Sacks
For over 25 years, Sacks has been serving sandwiches (and salads, pastas and more) from their Arcadia location. While the Symphony may be a popular order, we tested the Sacks Dali, a sandwich crafted with homemade egg salad, country bacon, lettuce, tomato, cream cheese and mayo on 12-grain bread. Each sandwich comes with a small cookie made from the founder’s mother’s recipe.
SacksSandwiches.com | Instagram @SacksArcadia