If you’re the type of person who is always on the hunt for the “perfect bite,” then a Missouri sandwich is the perfect choice. We’re not talking humble lunchbox fare. These sandwiches from across the state are in a league of their own. With locally sourced, fresh ingredients like smoked-to-perfection meats, spicy spreads, ooey gooey cheese and crisp vegetables, these flavorful combinations are sure to make your taste buds sing.
And they’re more than just delicious – they’re part of a deeper tradition in sandwich history. In 1928, the Chillicothe Baking Company pioneered the sale of pre-sliced loaves of bread – and sandwich making has never been the same! People now celebrate the northwestern Missouri town as the “Home of Sliced Bread.” So that, coupled with the state’s rich agricultural heritage, has inspired unique creations that prove the best stories are told between two slices of bread.
Top-Rated Sandwich Shops You Can’t Miss
Since Chillicothe was the first place to sell commercially sliced bread, it only makes sense to recommend this sandwich first! The Boji Stone Café crafts The Frisco Melt using local Bachman’s farm fresh red angus beef. It’s fried in a cast iron skillet with creamy cheese, caramelized onion and homemade Frisco sauce. Lastly, its layered on perfectly crispy Texas toast.
St. Louis Area
- Crown Candy Kitchen – A nostalgic spot, Crown Candy Kitchen is known for its towering Heart Stopping BLT, made with thick-sliced bacon and served on white toast. In addition to a variety of classic dishes on the menu, the old-fashioned soda fountain treats will take you on a journey through the past.
- Union Loafers – Located in the heart of Botanical Heights, Union Loafers bakes naturally leavened bread using old world techniques. The thoughtfully crafted, classic sandwiches are served in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Amighetti’s – The noteworthy Amighetti’s has been serving customers since 1916. Their world-famous Amighetti Special has captured the appetites of loyal locals and curious newcomers alike. It all starts with the bread, baked fresh daily just as it was in 1921. Then comes the hearty combination of ingredients – ham, beef, salami, brick cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and pepper. And finally, the finishing touch: a signature dressing made from a coveted, secret family recipe. For a sweet ending, round out your meal with a homemade Italian Cannoli.
- Blues City Deli – Blues City Deli’s origins go beyond the restaurant’s opening date in 2004. The owner Vince Valenza had a family tradition every Saturday. He recalls “ … we’d all meet at the table for lunch. The Volpi genoa salami would come out, bread from Valenti’s in Jennings, olives, cheeses and whatnot. It was just something we did … it was just part of me.” His family tradition continues as the deli boasts po’boys, muffulettas, and American classics like Feisty Tuna and Uncle Sam’s Club.
Sandwich Shops in the Southwest Region
- Trio – Veggie lovers, this restaurant is for you. Trio in Cape Girardeau is dedicated to creating delicious dishes that are 100% plant based. Their Buffalo Meet Chick’n sandwich features a fried “chicken” patty, buffalo sauce, house ranch dressing, coconut cheese, pickles and onions. A masterful mix of flavors and textures, it’s no wonder the sandwich has acquired a large fan base.
- The Southerner by Tractors – Located in Cape Girardeau, this restaurant uses flavors from the South, prepared from scratch daily with the freshest ingredients possible. Savor their Blackened Red Fish Poboy. It’s an elevated version of a southern classic served on a French baguette with cilantro lime slaw, sweet and spicy pickles, tomato, and “jalamango” sauce.
Central Region
- Beet Box – If you’re not afraid of big flavors, head to Beet Box in Columbia for the Black Garlic Biscuit Sandwich. This breakfast specialty is sure to start your day on a high note. The garlic-studded biscuit is stuffed with grilled sausage, a fried egg, Irish cheddar cheese, chili honey, fresh herbs and schug – a spicy Middle Eastern sauce that’ll wake you right up.
- Cave Bar and Grill – For a delicious sandwich and a true Missouri experience, head to the lake in Camdenton and check out the Cave Bar & Grill. Its pool extends along the waterfront and into one of Missouri’s 7,500-plus natural caves. Start out with their popular Calamari Fries (calamari steak that’s breaded, fried and served with lemon aioli), and then savor the flavors of the Honolulu Chicken Sandwich – grilled to perfection with chicken, drunken pineapple, Canadian bacon, Maui sauce and melted provolone on a toasted artisan bun.
- D. Rowe’s – When you’re hungry enough to eat like a football player, D. Rowe’s is the place to fuel up. Founded by former Mizzou lineman David Rowe in Columbia, the restaurant serves generous portions in the family-friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The pulled pork sandwich is a standout – tender, smoky meat piled high on a Kaiser bun with tangy barbecue sauce.
- Old Brick House Deli – This charming deli occupies a building that has been a Jefferson City landmark since 1915. In addition to the cozy atmosphere and quick service, guests praise their top-quality meats and cheeses. Get the Italian Salami, choose your favorite bread and cheese, and add muffuletta mix for a savory, olive oil-rich flavor.
Sandwich Shops in the Southwest Region
- The 7th on Walnut – Tucked into a narrow 7-foot-wide former breezeway in downtown Springfield, The 7th on Walnut is a hidden gem that delivers big on taste. This quirky restaurant serves burgers, cheesesteaks and inventive sandwiches with unique names. Try The 417 – a nod to the city’s famous cashew chicken. Steak lovers will enjoy the Highwood. It’s one of the more popular items with freshly grilled steak, double American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and mayonnaise. Each bite is the perfect balance of tender meat, crispy bread and flavorful seasonings.
- Druff’s – You might think grilled cheese sandwiches are for kids, but you’ll change your tune when you try the Uncle Tatey at Druff’s in Springfield. Forget the individually-wrapped cheese slices – this sandwich combines goat cheese, slightly spicy pork, strawberries and a balsamic strawberry reduction spread.
- The Sandwich Shop – Relish the Sandwich Shop’s “get it before it sells out” sandwich, the Reuben, in Kimberling City. Their elevated take includes Boar’s Head (a high-end brand of deli meat) with mouthwatering melty cheese on toasted bread. Review after review praises the item, as well as the other fresh sandwiches with over-the-top flavor.
- Skully’s – Looking for something different? Skully’s is a pan-Asian, vegan-friendly restaurant in Springfield serving up a variety of ramen dishes. Their Banh Mi are popular Vietnamese-style sandwiches with jalapeno, cucumber, cilantro and pickled carrot on French bread. Top it off with your choice of a creamy aioli or mayonnaise.
Kansas City Area Sandwich Shops
- Bay Boy Specialty Sandwiches – West Coast flavor meets Kansas City charm at Bay Boy Specialty Sandwiches. Founded by two Bay Area natives, the spot delivers California-inspired fare you often won’t find in the Midwest. Each sandwich is served on Dutch crunch bread, a San Francisco staple. The restaurant is also committed to serving fresh, local ingredients. Using Kansas City’s own Boyles Wagyu corned beef, the Wagyu Nebraskan sandwich is a delectable creation topped with Swiss cheese and sweet Bavarian-style kraut.
- Carollo’s Italian Grocery and Deli – Located in Kansas City’s historic River Market, Carollo’s Italian Grocery and Deli has been a beloved, family-run establishment since 1989. Founded by Sicilian-born Mike Carolla, the deli offers ample-sized sandwiches made with the finest authentic Italian ingredients. Order the Napolitano – featuring capocolla, salami, prosciutto and provolone. Or try the Grilled Chicken Spiedini, topped with roasted pepper and olive spread.
- Pigwich – Kansas City’s historic City Market is home to Pigwich, a renowned eatery that started out as a one-room butcher shop. While visitors can still get locally sourced meat from one side of the business (The Local Pig), the other side serves all types of sandwiches, with a focus on beef and pork. Their signature Big Pig sandwich features a chicken patty topped with pulled pork. It’s placed on a bun bed with jalapeño pickle slices, creamy ranch and to finish, an onion bun top slathered with ‘Nduja, a spreadable, pleasantly spicy salami. The restaurant gained national attention when Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and celebrity chef Guy Fieri visited – both praising the Pigwich’s lip-smacking offerings.