Yes, it’s Election Day, but did you know that Tuesday, November 3rd is important for another big reason? Today is National Sandwich Day, and no one enjoys a good sandwich as much as yours truly. Goodness knows I have eaten my fair of them through the years. In the Little Rock area, we have some great ones. With that said, here are my 10 favorite…
Tandoori Chicken Sandwich at Ciao Baci
The sheer enormity of Ciao Baci’s Tandoori Chicken Sandwich is impressive enough but add in the combination of flavors from the spices, sweet Chili sauce, and a perfectly fried chicken breast, and you’ve got yourself an irresistibly good sandwich.
Banh Mi at Mike’s Cafe
Honestly, while not the best bahn mi sandwich in the world, Mike’s version is one of the only in existence inside Little Rock. Don’t get me wrong, this buttery sandwich is pretty darn good, and for someone like me who absolutely craves the tender pork, jalapeños, and cilantro, it definitely hits the spot. Doesn’t hurt that it costs like $3.
Grilled Shrimp Po-Boy at Maddie’s Place
Maddie’s grilled shrimp po-boy comes with plump, well-seasoned crustaceans, along with remoulade, shaved lettuce, and tomatoes, all on the iconic Leidenheimer bread. Make sure to add a side of truffle Parm fries.
Chicken & Hot Pepper Cheese Po-Boy at The Faded Rose
Speaking of po-boys, right next door to Maddie’s Place is The Faded Rose. I love both spots, and at TFR, it’s hard to beat the Chicken & Hot Pepper Cheese Po-Boy. This sandwich comes with a blackened chicken breast, hot pepper cheese, grilled onion, and green chile mayo. I love the thick-cut onions, which are not overcooked and have a little firmness to the bite.
Chicken Parm Sandwich at Raduno Brick Oven & Barroom
The fine folks over at Raduno finally came to their senses and put the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich on the regular menu. How does a panko crusted chicken breasted covered in mozzarella cheese and marinara sound? Oh, and it also comes on Boulevard focaccia with a heavy dose of pesto.
Philly Cheesesteak at Rocky’s
The first of two Philly cheesesteaks on this list, Rocky’s (the new rendition of the North Little Rock mainstay) is cranking out a great one with a heavy hand of chopped, cheese-soaked beef on a super soft roll. With a side of kettle chips, the sandwich easily lands on my list.
Legit Cheesesteak at Brood & Barley
Everything is correct with Brood & Barley’s Philly, and that includes the tender, shaved rib-eye laced with bits of pilsner onion. Excuse the cliché, but it practically melts in your mouth and even travels quite well if you’re considering a takeout order.
Patty Melt at Gadwall’s Grill
Is a patty melt a burger or sandwich? That’s an argument for another day, but Gadwall’s is so good that I wanted to spotlight this handheld for the sake of you, the reader. Two pieces of toasted rye bread with a slap of grilled beef, grilled onion, and Swiss cheese come together in simply harmony.
Torta al Pastor at La Poblanita
There are hundreds of great tortas around Little Rock, but La Poblanita’s pastor stands out from the pack. Who knows, maybe it’s the strips of marinated pork, or the thin layer of refried beans, or the flattop grilled bun.
Pulled Pork Sandwich at Rock Bottom BBQ
Does creamy slaw belong on a pulled pork sandwich? I say “yes.” Others say “no.” At Rock Bottom BBQ, the food truck stationed near Pinnacle Mountain, they give you the option of adding vegetation to the smokey pile of pork and barbecue sauce. Either way, this is an outstanding sandwich.
READ MORE: Top 10 Desserts in Little Rock
