By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer
We’ve come a long way since peanut butter and jelly. However, slap something delicious between two pieces of bread and we’ll eat it with childlike joy. In fact, according to a study by the University of Washington in Seattle, Americans eat more than 300 million sandwiches every day, which is a lot considering there are just over 300 million Americans.
Turkey is the favorite, followed by ham. Peanut butter and jelly is in fifth place. Of course, in Colorado, it seems the Reuben is well-loved, and just about every sandwich shop boasts about theirs. But, whether it’s a club sandwich or a Cubano, Northern Colorado’s sandwich shops have got it covered. Without further ado, here are ten of the best.
Deli Works in south Fort Collins may be the oldest sandwich shop in Northern Colorado. Opened in 1979, they make their own bread, potato salad, desserts and more. Of course, sandwiches are their specialty, like Vicious Delicious, a hot roast beef and salami with swiss or the Sooner with turkey, ham and bacon.
The deli is incredibly affordable with sandwiches just $6.75, and a cup of homemade soup for $3.50. The Hungarian Mushroom Soup is so popular Deli Works has it every day. Family-run and operated since the beginning, sisters Debbie and Lauren Alman can still be found at the restaurant chatting with longtime customers.
Sandwiches are part of every American childhood and Elevated Sandwiches has cornered the market on that nostalgia. Matt and Holly Iafeliece have taken sandwiches we all know and love and given them an adult twist. Think roasted turkey with spicy Sambal ranch.
Hailing from Southern Florida, Matt brings authenticity to the table with their Cubano, and being from Wisconsin, Holly made sure fried cheese curds were on the menu. As it turns out, cheese curds are much-loved by their Fort Collins clientele.
Speaking of nostalgia, the B&B Pickle Barrel, on West Laurel Street across from the Colorado State University Campus, has played a big part in the lives of college students since 1988. “Longtime married couples will even tell me they met here,” says Brenda Smith, owner.
The Funky Punky and Toonces, both turkey sandwiches, are the best-sellers here, and can be paired with beer. Everything is kept simple and consistent, and that is why Smith says diners come back time and again.
Taste Local is a Loveland gem that serves up a lot more than just sandwiches, like breakfasts of blueberry flapjacks or churro French Toast. However, locals can’t get enough of the Devil’s Backbone, a turkey panini served with roasted jalapenos and chipotle dip. The dip is so good, Taste Local sells it in jars. The ozo pasta salad is a unique side and makes for a nice cool off between bites of this fiery sandwich.
Located in downtown Fort Collins since 2007, and in Steamboat Springs since 1999, Yampa Sandwich Shop has proven that they know a thing or two about sandwiches. Without a doubt, the most beloved menu item is a turkey with bacon and avocado, but it’s the garlic mayo that sets the Ridgeline apart.
With three stores in Denver, plans to open a second Fort Collins location this summer, and an eye on even bigger Northern Colorado growth, Yampa Sandwich Shop has proven it is here to stay.
With everything from homemade pasta to homemade cookies, Fiona’s Deli has been favored by the Fort Collins community for years. The crowd favorite is Dan’s Happy Camper, a sandwich with chicken, bacon, brie and raspberry chipotle jam.
Greeley’s answer to a great sandwich is The Mad Cow. On the corner of 9th Street and 8th Avenue, it is the perfect place to chow down on The Nae Nae, a roast beef and avocado sandwich, while people-watching.
Like fresh bread? Rise Artisan Bread & Bakery doesn’t just make scrumptious sandwiches. This Berthoud gem is where patrons can pick up a warm croissant or a loaf of bread fresh out of the oven. Try The Spartan, made with turkey, bacon and avocado with lettuce, tomato and mayo on their Green Chile Cheddar Bread.
Hidden in Laporte, Me Oh My Pie is not only the place to go for homemade pies, but their sandwiches on freshly baked focaccia bread are winning fans everywhere. The #3 will have vegetarians jumping for joy with garlicky mushrooms, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, goat cheese, provolone and a balsamic vinaigrette reduction.
And of course, no sandwich shop list is complete without mention of Choice City Butcher & Deli, Fort Collins. Since 2004, they’ve served breakfast, lunch and dinner, and they’ve set the bar with their highly touted Colorado Reuben, made with buffalo instead of beef. Their extensive craft beer list is a plus.
The best sandwiches have the best accoutrements. To take your sandwich game to the next level, try these out-of-left-field additions:
Pickled red onions, a good quality fruit chutney, a pepper relish or jam, fresh herbs (cilantro or basil are our faves), coleslaw, brie cheese, fresh mango, capers and arugula
Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer is a freelance writer from Loveland. She is the founder of HeidiTown.com and covers travel, festivals and The West. To comment on this article,emailletters@nocostyle.com.
