The Best Sandwiches in Gig Harbor

After listing what I considered to be , I decided to give that old staple, the sandwich, a turn in the spotlight.  Until I sat down to make this list, I didn’t truly appreciate the options and variety that this category encompasses.  I had a little trouble narrowing it down and there were a deserving few that were left off, notably the sandwiches at , and .  Some of these almost came down to a coin toss but I did my best to justify why I decided that each of these below made my list.

Best All-Around Sandwich:

I have to confess; I’m a little obsessed with this sandwich.  The green tomatoes, lightly fried with a panko crust, are crunchy and tangy.   They mesh beautifully with the chewy thick-cut bacon.  In texture and flavor, this has got it all.

Runner up:

A very close second place finish here.  The manager recommended this, saying he has one almost every day.  I can see why!  Now I’m hooked.  It’s their take on a bahn mi, a Vietnamese-style sandwich.  Tender sliced pork loin, pickled red onions, carrots, and cucumber with a garlic chili mayo on a toasted roll.  Excellent combo of sweet, savory, and spice.

Best Slider (that’s not a burger):

At $1.50 each or 3 for $4, these are a bargain.  The meatballs are substantial and seasoned beautifully.  They come with a generous amount of shaved parmesan on top and a side of the sauce.

Runner up:

These would have taken the top spot but they were only offered as an appetizer special a few months back.  This marks the official launch of my campaign to have them added to the regular menu. I’m working on my picket signs now.  Where did those crayons go?

Best “Ethnic Food” Sandwich:

It’s a kaleidoscope of flavors inside this pita.  It comes with your choice of seasoned chicken, beef, or lamb souvlaki.  I recommend the beef or lamb because the zesty tazatziki sauce and the bold feta can overpower the chicken.  Includes sliced onion, diced cucumber, lettuce, and tomato.  These pitas are huge.  Bonus points for the option of a whole-wheat pita.

Runner up:

Tender carne asada (although they have many other meat options) with onion, lettuce, tomato, mayo, salsa, and jalapenos.  I request extra meat and it’s the perfect proportion for me.  It’s still a good value even with an upcharge.  Oh, I also pull off my jalapenos before eating because their residual juice is enough kick for me.  I freely admit I’m a big wimp when it comes to spicy foods so leave them on if you can take a little heat.

Worth Paying the Toll For:

Italian Cold Sub - Meconi’s Italian Subs

It’s all the way to Olympia but it’s worth both the toll AND the drive.  This has been my favorite Italian sub since the 1980’s.  I’ve yet to find one anywhere that can knock it off my top spot…but I’m willing to take on any challengers!

Runner up:

Marlene’s Natural Foods Market & Deli

This Tacoma health food store has a great build-your-own sandwich in the deli.  Fill out a slip at the deli counter and create your own masterpiece.  Their whole grain bread is delicious and I love the option of hummus as a condiment.  It’s a flavorful low-fat, high-fiber substitute for mayo.  There are plenty of interesting options so bring on your creativity when designing a sandwich here.

Did I miss any sandwiches that you think deserve to make the “Best in Gig Harbor” list?  Let me know in the comments why it should have been included!