Philadelphia created the Philly Cheese Steak. The South is known for their smoky barbecue chicken and pork sandwiches. Omaha claims ownership of the Reuben. But in Maple Grove? Subs piled high with meat, cheese and veggies seem to be the most popular sandwich candidate. With its newest addition in Firehouse Subs, there is no shortage of options for sub sandwich fanatics.
From freaky fast delivery at Jimmy John’s to brown paper bag ordering at Which Wich, several spots in Maple Grove offer their own unique spin on a lunchtime favorite. Order’s up.
Firehouse Hero
Firehouse Subs, Maple Grove’s newest sub shop was founded by and for beloved American heroes, firemen. In fact, the eatery also started the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, an organization that benefits firemen. And one of their hot sandwich choices is a testament to their founding fathers. The Firehouse Hero is a meat lover’s dream: premium roast beef, smoked turkey breast and Virginia honey ham are layered atop a toasted hoagie and topped with provolone cheese. Consider loading it with lettuce, tomato, onion, mayonnaise, mustard and a dill pickle. Medium, $6.29. Still hungry? Add a cup of Firehouse chili for an extra $3.89. 11649 Fountains Drive; 763.416.3727.
Sub Sandwich
Simple is oftentimes the best way to go. Mama G’s menu is chalk full of sandwich options, but this one is a classic. A hoagie bun is stuffed with rich slices of ham, roasted turkey, pepperoni and Swiss cheese. Fresh tomato and lettuce add a healthy crunch and chipotle mayonnaise adds a peppery kick. It is served with your choice of chips or pasta salad. $7. During the summer months, Mama G’s is known for its live entertainment, volleyball games and beanbag tournaments. Come for the food, stay for the fun. 9705 County Road 101; 763.420.2588.
Caprese Sandwich
Frankie’s Pizza is known for their cheesy pies, but the eatery also offers options for those who simply aren’t in the mood for pizza. Enter its sandwich menu. There are classic meat options, but we find its take on the classic Italian salad most intriguing. August is the perfect month for fresh basil after all. Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, tantalizing basil leaves and a drizzling of fresh virgin olive oil, sea salt and cracked black peppercorns are stacked onto a toasted French roll. Make it a boxed set with a cookie, choice of chips, pasta salad or potato salad, and fresh fruit. $9.60. 13724 83rd Way; 763.420.9220.
Steak Sandwich
Subs don’t have to be filled to the brim with cold cuts. They can also be toasty grilled sandwiches. The steak sandwich at JC’s fits the bill. Thinly sliced and grilled flat iron steak is topped with sautéed mushrooms and onions on a toasted hoagie. Horseradish chive cheddar and a healthy scoop of horseradish sauce make a zesty addition. It is served with JC’s famous fries or kettle chips. $10.99. Cough up $.99 more for onion rings, tater tots, coleslaw or waffle fries. 13540 Grove Drive; 763.420.2107.
Thank You Turkey
Which wich to choose? Although Which Wich offers endless sandwich making opportunities, the Thank you Turkey, a sub that allows sandwich fans to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner year round, particularly tickles us. The holiday’s traditional bird is paired with two customary sides, tart cranberry sauce and hearty stuffing. Which Wich is all about customization. White and wheat bread, as well as a lettuce wrap and a bowl, are available in three sizes. Add finishing touches to your masterpiece with a choice from more than 60 different toppings, including cheese, spreads and sauces. Medium wich, $8.25. A wich isn’t complete without a creamy milkshake. We suggest the Oreo; one straw or two, it’s a personal decision. Small, $5.50. 9416 Dunkirk Lane N.; 763.420.9424.
Mediterranean
Traditional subs have a slab of meat and cheese. But Potbelly’s sandwich artists opt to take a different flight, and channel delicious Greek specialties for their vegetarian friends. Zesty hummus, crumbly feta cheese, cool cucumbers and roasted red peppers offer a quintessentially summery delight for the taste buds. Try it on wheat or white, original sized or big. Original, $4.60. Those searching for a bit more protein, tack on an additional $1 for chicken. Whether you chow it down after your sub or save it for later, a trip to Potbelly isn’t complete without a bite into a deliciously sweet oatmeal chocolate chip cookie, almost as good as Grandma makes. $1.25. 12409 Elm Creek Blvd; 763.424.3193.
Quatro
Uno, dos, tres, stop at quatro. It takes an adventurous sort to sample a blob of wasabi; it takes a brave foodie to spread it on a sandwich. At “Flavornation” (Erbert & Gerbert’s), the co-mingling of surprising flavors is encouraged. The delicacy is piled high with sliced chicken breast, hearty cherrywood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, lettuce and cucumber. It is topped with a tantalizing fiery, yet sweet, spread of cranberry wasabi sauce. $6.39. 13670 Grove Drive.; 763.420.2996.
J.J. Gargantuan
The gargantuan, Jimmy John’s largest and subsequently most intimidating menu choice, is a challenge for both the sandwich maker and the eater. Originally invented by the real Jimmy John’s brother Huey, the sub stuffs just about every item on the menu in between two slices of French bread. First, the meat: Genoa salami, sliced smoked ham, capicola, roast beef and turkey are layered. The imposting stack is then topped with provolone cheese, onions, mayonnaise, tomato and homemade Italian dressing. It’s not for the faint of heart. Challenge accepted. $8.57. 13300 Bass Lake Road; 763.432.7291.
Ham & Swiss
Sure, the inside ingredients are important makings to the ideal sandwich. But at Great Harvest Bread Company, the bread is the shining star. Stick to the basics (it’s a pairing made in sandwich heaven) and let the bread do the talking. Great Harvest Bread’s ham and cheese layers thin slices of honey-smoked ham with Swiss cheese, red onion, leafy lettuce and tomato slices. It is finished off with a saucy combo of white wine Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Add your choice of sandwich bread. Of course, we recommend making it a sub. Whole, $6.50. The giant cookies are lovingly calling your name, tack one on for only $1.25 extra. 13714 Grove Drive; 763.416.1911.
The Philly
No need to book a plane ticket to Philly. Cheesesteaks have found a home in the Midwest, and the Maple Grove area is no exception. A bit of a jaunt west from Maple Grove lies The River Inn. Their tasty version includes slow cooked roast beef and Swiss cheese topped with aus jus sauce, all plunked on an open-faced hoagie, adding a further dimension to the traditional sub sandwich. Green peppers and onions provide a satisfying crunch. The sandwich is finished off with the Inn’s mix of tantalizing special spices and served with choice of French fries, onion rings or “river rounds” (hashed potato). $10.99. 11220 River Road, Hanover; 763.498.7335.
