It’s 12 p.m. on a Saturday, and your stomach rumbles as you drive through town. You ponder what would be the best food to satiate your hunger. There is an obvious choice here: the humble sandwich. Like many teenagers’ perspectives, there’s no need to labor over your own lunch when there are so many local shops to support. Chain businesses like Subway or Jimmy John’s follow the text book definition of what a sandwich is: food between bread. However, these options are boring and often prove to be unsatisfactory. Two day old stale bread, a consequence of late stage capitalism trying to maximize profits, will not satisfy a teenager’s hunger. But, where can students find a good, high-quality sandwich?
For the yearners of a classic italian sub, Vienna has the perfect family owned deli. Italian Gourmet is right off of Maple Avenue and is the closest option to Madison. One can order any sandwich on the menu and then add toppings and even choose the type of bread. They have cold and hot sandwiches, Italian subs, paninis and vegetarian options. The price point is affordable: one heaping, generously-filled sandwich sitting at about 12 to 13 dollars. When ordering, it is primarily take out, so there is very limited space to sit and eat, and all of it is outside. This is not necessarily a downside, however, as while you wait for your sandwich to be made, the deli sits inside of an Italian grocery so there is plenty else to both look at and buy.
A more contemporary take on this classic cuisine is The Sandwich Shop. Surprisingly enough, they only serve sandwiches– not including the items they have as sides. Here, there is a wide variety of sandwiches, both hot and cold. Their menu ranges from classics like a steak and cheese, to more uncommon finds like a Korean BBQ sandwich. Out of all the shops on this list, The Sandwich Shop tends to have a larger range of prices, ranging from nine to 15 dollars. There are great seating options inside, and plenty outside, so waiting for your sandwich is no issue. Though sandwiches are the only dish they have on the menu, there is so much variety, as well as really good tater tots, so no matter what you’re in the mood for, everyone can find something they’ll enjoy.
Straying furthest from the model of the prior sandwich places is Taco Bamba. While yes, Taco Bamba is known for their… well, tacos…I am not here to argue whether a taco is a sandwich or not. They genuinely have sandwiches on their menu. Otherwise referred to as Super Tortas, their “oversized Mexican sandwiches are not for the faint of heart”. Completely unlike any of the other sandwiches you may find in Vienna, they add cultural variety, including unique spices, flavors and ingredients to what one might expect in a sandwich. Additionally, if you brought a friend, Taco Bamba has an extensive menu so there really is something for everyone, not just the taco or sandwich lovers. Taco Bamba definitely has the best options for seating, with plenty of tables both indoors and outdoors. The restaurant provides a lively atmosphere with a sleek black and red color scheme, adorned with taco and avocado illustrations. If you are looking for a modern twist on classic Mexican style, Taco Bamba could be the right place for you.
From their creation with the Earl of Sandwich in 1762 to the modern ‘is a hotdog a sandwich’ debate, sandwiches have held the hearts of people across the world. With so many sandwiches from various different cuisines, Vienna is bound to have the sandwich for you.
