Sandwiches are versatile but let’s try to define them. Is a taco a sandwich? Some people would say no. So, is a hot dog a sandwich? There is too much discourse. Let’s forget about semantics.
I love sandwiches and my third decade on this earth is coming to a close and I will treat myself to the pleasure of listing my favourite sandwich spots in KW.
BAHN MI GIVRAL DELI
210 King St. E., Kitchener, ON
What more do you need to say about Givral Deli other than BBQ Pork Bahn Mi for $6.05. I’ll take two please. Givral gets extra points for having a vegan option that isn’t a total compromise and just being a staple in DTK. Never change!
Our pick: Most people get the BBQ Pork Bahn Mi, but Zack likes the Spicy Chicken Satay.
JIMMY’S FEED CO.
401 Weber St. N., Waterloo, ON
I went to Jimmy’s Feed Co. the first week that I lived in Waterloo and then for some reason not again for like three years. I started going pretty regularly again about a year ago. A satisfying sandwich for eight dollars and change. You can’t really beat that.
Our pick: Kurtis gets the Boondocks, extra sauce.
PRINCESS CAFE
46 King St. N., Waterloo, ON
Full disclosure, my heart belongs to (the manager of) Princess Cafe. For my birthday this year, I was given the opportunity to choose the feature sandwich for the month of July. It’s a cold cut combo—STEVEDAVE’s Way—with pepper relish and mayo. Typically, Princess Cafe is the spot to get a grilled panini and a cold craft beer. For this month though, you can get yourself a cold sandwich and a cold craft beer.
Our pick: Harleen gets the Chicken on white with no onion or tomato, sub Harvati for goat cheese, add chips if they have them
EBY STREET BODEGA
14 Eby St., Kitchener, ON
Let’s cut through all the mud and get straight to the point: Eby Street Bodega is serving up the best cross section on a hoagie in town. Pricewise, it’s a bit outside of my own personal lunch budget, but for a treat or a special occasion, this one will leave an impression.
Our pick: Jordan had the Diablo last time he came to visit from B.C.
CAFE PYRUS
305 King St. W., Kitchener, ON
DTK’s vegan/vegetarian staple happens to be one of the busiest pickup spots for the Community Edition. They also have arguably the best selection of plant-based food and beverage in the entire region.
Our pick: Paige gets the breakfast wrap with ketchup on the side (which doesn’t meet our criteria for sandwiches, but you can get it as a sandwich, too.)
VINCENZO’S
150 Caroline St., Waterloo, ON
Walking into Vincenzo’s is a sensory explosion. There are so many sights and smells and it’s just a lot to take in. Getting a sandwich at the deli counter at Vincenzo’s is a similar assault due solely to choice paralysis. Top quality everything, but building a sandwich in front of an audience can lead to performance anxiety for some. Try out the nduja.
Our pick: Shannon gets salami, goat cheese, bruschetta, extra red onions and balsamic glaze on a white bun.
THE YETI CAFE
14 Eby St., Kitchener, ON
Troll dolls and glitter logs—we miss them—and now a beautiful new mural to greet you as you walk through the front door. The Yeti Cafe is like a haven for weirdos that was also recently profiled by Mary Berg on CTV’s The Good Stuff. Come in the morning for a coffee and a delicious breakfast sandwich. See a punk show in the evening. Balance.
Our pick: Sam gets a Pregnant Cowgirl sub Jazcon on 7-grain.
PEPI’S PIZZA
87 Water St., Kitchener, ON
They say nothing hits like a late-night extra cheese pizza from Pepi’s. And then in the next breath, they remind you about the toasted Munchie sub and you suddenly realize what it’s all about. Some say, “it’s a bit of a salt bomb” to which others respond, “that’s why I’m here.”
Our pick: Ayden gets the Munchie with light sauce and then lets it sit in the bag for at least five minutes before eating.
NOSTRA CUCINA
31 Manitou Dr., Kitchener, ON
Getting a sandwich at Nostra Cucina is like being let in on a little secret. You send a text message with your order along with the make and colour of your car—it’s curbside pickup only—and they will text you back and let you know if you have been selected. I’m being facetious but if you don’t get your order in quick enough you can miss the boat as they often sell out of their staple sandwiches pretty quickly.
Our pick: Nenad gets the Veal Parm Panino a.k.a. “the Love” with roasted mushrooms added.
JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS
589 Fairway Rd. S., Kitchener, ON
We like to keep things local here, but Jersey Mike’s gets a special pass. As a franchise, it seems to be at a critical impasse where there are two paths forward: either they make a bunch of supply chain cuts and compromise the quality of their ingredients, or they adjust their prices to match. Their future I guess depends on whatever venture capitalists decide to do. Danny DeVito is a sick spokesperson, though!
Our pick: Try the original Italian with cherry pepper relish and mayo.
Kurtis Rideout is also STEVEDAVE. These sandwiches are not ranked in any particular order.
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