Looking to sample the best sandwiches around town?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable sandwich outlets in Detroit, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture when cravings strike.
1. Avalon International Breads
Topping the list is the flagship location of Avalon International Breads. Found at 422 W. Willis St. in Midtown (they have three satellite shops in town), the bakery and cafe is the highest rated inexpensive sandwich spot in Detroit, boasting 4.5 stars out of 284 reviews on Yelp.
Alongside the fresh loaves, croissants and cookies, visitors will find made-to-order sandwiches like roast turkey with pimento cheese, arugula and pickled red onion on farm bread, or the roasted cauliflower, spinach, feta, basil and tomato vinaigrette on olive bread. All are made, of course, with Avalon's own breads baked right on-site.
2. Mike's Famous Ham Place
Next up is Southwest Detroit's Mike's Famous Ham Place, situated at 3700 Michigan Ave. For 45 years, the folks at Mike's Famous Ham have been putting house-cured ham onto a poppy seed bun with pickles, Swiss cheese and mustard and serving it alongside split pea soup (with ham). With 4.5 stars out of 49 reviews on Yelp, the simple approach has proven to be a local favorite.
3. Socra Tea Detroit
Midtown's Socra Tea Detroit, located at 71 Garfield St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the budget-friendly tea room and sandwich shop 4.5 stars out of 43 reviews. You'll find egg salad and pesto chicken sandwiches on the menu, plus vegan options like barbecue jackfruit, avocado chickpea with red peppers and spinach, and tofu with vegan mayonnaise, turmeric, sweet pickles, green onion and dill. Look for the tea, sandwich and chips special.
4. Lunchtime Global
Downtown in the First National Building (660 Woodward Ave.), check out Lunchtime Global, which has earned four stars out of 49 reviews on Yelp. The long line for lunch moves quickly, as the staff whips up soups, salads and sandwiches for a professional crowd. To give a taste: the Tony Sacco is shaved ham, salami and provolone with romaine, red onion, tomato and Caesar dressing. Vegetarian options include falafel, roasted sweet potato or mozzarella sandwiches.
5. Sweet Lorraine's Fabulous Mac n' Cheez
And then there's Sweet Lorraine's Fabulous Mac n' Cheez, a downtown favorite with four stars out of 20 reviews. The mac and cheese twists are numerous, from Philly cheesesteak to pepperoni pizza versions, but regulars know that Sweet Lorraine's also has a long list of wraps — pesto shrimp, roasted chicken and bacon — plus a cheese sandwich on griddled brioche. Stop by the GM Renaissance Center Food Court next time you're looking to satisfy your cravings on a budget.
