10 Sandwiches That Keep the Midwest on the Food Map
The Midwest is known for its comfort food, and sandwiches are right at the heart of it. These ten picks show how small towns, diners, and kitchens across the region keep traditions alive and keep the Midwest firmly on the food map.
Horseshoe Sandwich
Springfield, Illinois, is home to the Horseshoe, an open-faced sandwich with bread, meat, fries, and a cheese sauce poured on top. It’s bold, filling, and pure Midwest invention.
Loose Meat Sandwich
Iowa’s loose meat sandwich skips the patty in favor of seasoned crumbles of beef. It’s the kind of simple, hearty dish you’ll still find in small town diners across the state.
Olive Burger
From Michigan, the olive burger mixes briny green olives with mayonnaise as a topping for beef. It’s quirky, regional, and a must-try for anyone visiting small town grills.
Runza
In Nebraska, the Runza is more than food, it’s part of local identity. Ground beef, cabbage, and onions baked inside bread make it portable and perfect for family meals.
Jucy Lucy
Minneapolis gave us the Jucy Lucy, a burger with cheese melted inside the patty. It’s a local claim to fame that Midwesterners keep close to their hearts.
Hot Beef Sandwich
In Minnesota and South Dakota, the hot beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy is a true comfort meal. It’s the kind of plate that’s tied to small town cafes.
Bison Burger
Wyoming brings the bison burger to the table. It’s lean, hearty, and reflects the ranching culture that still defines many Midwestern and Great Plains communities.
Cudighi Sandwich
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan serves up the cudighi, an Italian sausage sandwich that migrated with immigrant families and stayed rooted in small town menus.
Polish Boy
Cleveland’s Polish Boy is messy and proud. A kielbasa topped with fries, slaw, and sauce, it embodies Midwest grit and small town food truck energy.
Fried Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Indiana’s breaded pork tenderloin sandwich is oversized and unforgettable. A massive piece of fried pork spilling over the bun is a proud small town tradition that hasn’t faded.