Top Michigan Sandwich Counters Locals Hope Stay Secret

Michigan has some of the best sandwich spots in the country, and the people who live there would really prefer you didn’t know about them. These aren’t fancy restaurants with celebrity chefs or trendy Instagram walls.

They’re humble counters and corner delis where generations of families have perfected the art of stacking meat, cheese, and fresh bread into something magical.

Ernie’s Market

This place has been making locals salivate since Truman was president. Ernie’s Market doesn’t mess around with its signature creation: seven meats and two cheeses piled so high you’ll need both hands and possibly a prayer.

The corner store looks modest from outside, but inside is where the magic happens. Lines snake out the door during lunch, filled with people who know better than to post about it online.

Grab extra napkins because this beast drips with flavor and possibility. Your diet can wait until tomorrow.

Original Gonella’s

Where else can you buy imported olive oil and the best Italian sub of your life in one stop? Original Gonella’s has been slinging sandwiches for over 75 years, and the formula hasn’t changed because it doesn’t need to.

Fresh-baked bread cradles layers of deli meats so expertly sliced you could read a newspaper through them. The grocery store vibe makes it feel like you’ve stumbled into someone’s family secret.

Don’t expect fancy seating or mood lighting. Expect perfection between two slices of bread and zero regrets.

Ventimiglia Italian Foods

Though weekends bring crowds that could rival a rock concert, nobody’s complaining. Ventimiglia Italian Foods knows how to build a sub that makes you question every sandwich you’ve ever eaten before.

This family-owned jewel specializes in traditional Italian subs that taste like someone’s nonna whispered the recipe in their ear. Their party subs have become legendary at gatherings across Sterling Heights.

Arrive early on Saturday or prepare to wait, but trust me, standing around smelling fresh bread and cured meats is hardly torture.

Star Deli

Are you ready for corned beef stacked so high it defies the laws of physics? Star Deli doesn’t believe in portion control, and frankly, neither should you.

The service moves faster than you can decide between a Reuben or two Reubens, which is exactly the problem most customers face. Locals have been known to order multiples because one simply isn’t enough to satisfy the craving.

Skip the diet talk and embrace the meat mountain. Your taste buds will send thank-you notes for weeks.

Village Cheese Shanty

When your sandwich comes with a side of stunning lake views, you know you’ve found something special. Village Cheese Shanty sits in the picturesque Fishtown area, serving up their famous North Shore sandwich to anyone lucky enough to discover it.

Fresh ingredients meet lakeside breezes in a combination that feels almost unfair to other delis. The setting alone would be worth the trip, but the sandwich seals the deal.

Bring your appetite and your camera, though maybe eat first and photograph later before you devour the evidence.

Donckers

However unexpected, a candy counter that transforms into a sandwich haven is exactly what Marquette needed. Donckers serves up grilled cheeses and turkey clubs in a setting that feels like stepping into your grandparents’ favorite lunch spot.

The nostalgic atmosphere wraps around you like a warm blanket while you bite into comfort food that actually lives up to its name. Classic doesn’t mean boring here; it means perfected over decades.

Save room for dessert because you’re literally surrounded by candy. Your inner child will absolutely lose it.

Maize & Blue Deli

Did someone say pastrami and egg on rye at midnight? Maize & Blue Deli understands that college students and sandwich cravings operate on their own schedules.

The portions here could feed a small army or one really hungry student after finals week. This bustling spot has become an Ann Arbor institution, serving sandwiches so generous you’ll have leftovers for breakfast.

The cozy atmosphere makes it easy to camp out with friends and debate which sandwich reigns supreme. Spoiler alert: they all do.

Iggy’s Eggies

This tiny window serves up brioche egg sandwiches that have people wrapping around the block every weekend. Iggy’s Eggies proves that size doesn’t matter when you’ve got flavor and crispy hash-brown halos that crunch like edible joy.

The breakfast game here is so strong it makes other morning spots look like they’re not even trying. Each sandwich arrives warm, messy, and absolutely worth the wait.

Set your alarm early and join the pilgrimage. Your weekend brunch just found its new headquarters.

Mid Eight Sandwich Shop

Hence the devoted following and stellar ratings, Mid Eight Sandwich Shop has cracked the code on what makes a neighborhood spot legendary. This Livonia gem operates on a quirky schedule, closed Thursdays and Sundays like they’ve got better things to do.

The sandwiches here range from classic to creative, all priced reasonably, between ten and twenty bucks. Locals guard this place like a state secret, hoping tourists stick to the chain restaurants.

Call ahead or risk finding it closed, but when it’s open, every bite justifies the planning required.