Everyone has a favorite sandwich, and coming up with a list that visitors must try means wandering into dangerous territory. But a mob of hungry football fans is heading our way, so it had to be done. With Hoosier hospitality in mind, Indianapolis Monthly and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development chose 46 of the state’s standouts in time for the Super Bowl. The final list is now available in the Indiana 2012 Travel Guide, online.
Here’s how we did it: We relied on input from IM‘s dining editors and their network of sources. We found Hoosier sandwiches featured by national media, including Gourmet magazine and Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. We asked around. When we had a list of more than 100 potentials, we ate. And eventually we hit upon the right mix of 46 burgers, tenderloins, vegetarian sandwiches, and a few ethnic eats. It included tried-and-true favorites, like the Reuben at Shapiro’s, and, a favorite of many IM staffers, the double-cheeseburger at Working Man’s Friend. We also wanted to introduce sandwich connoisseurs to a few new tastes. Trust us on the beef tongue cheesesteak.
In order to be helpful, we also considered geography. Most of the 46 sandwiches are available within the Indy metro area, and a handful come from around the state, giving visitors who will drive to Indy for the game a tasty destination on their way. All of the restaurants featured are owned and operated in Indiana.
But we’re not finished. We want your help to determine the absolute best sandwich from the field of 46. The Office of Tourism Development is running a contest to pick the winner—click here to vote for your favorites, and here for a WIBC report on how the contest will unfold until the Super Bowl.
Did your go-to Super Sandwich make the list? And what did we miss?
Happy eating!
Photos by Tony Valainis
Pictured, left to right: Seitan Tanderloin at Upland Brewing Co. (Bloomington); Reuben at Shapiro’s Delicatessen (Indy); Broken Yolk Sandwich at Café Patachou (Indy); Southern Style BBQ Sandwich at Creation Café (Indy); and Boogie Monster at Boogie Burger (Indy)
