Why 14 Sandwiches Distract Us From Division
When conversations get heated, it helps to turn to the table. These 14 sandwiches are living proof that food is better at pulling us together than anything that tries to divide us.
North Shore Beef
Massachusetts’ North Shore beef is piled high on a soft bun with mayo, cheese, and James River BBQ sauce. It’s drippy, bold, and impossible to eat without laughing together. Get the recipe here.
Hani
The Michigan-born Hani features chicken tenders, lettuce, tomato, and cheese in a pita wrap. It’s diner comfort food designed for sharing late at night with friends. Get the recipe here.
Pueblo Slopper
Colorado’s Pueblo Slopper is an open-faced burger smothered in green chile and onions. It’s messy and fiery, the kind of sandwich that distracts everyone from any argument. Get the recipe here.
Loose Meat Sandwich
The Midwest loose meat sandwich is seasoned beef crumbled on a bun. No frills, just hearty comfort, perfect for shifting the conversation away from whatever was stressing the table. Get the recipe here.
Polish Boy
Cleveland’s Polish Boy stacks kielbasa, fries, coleslaw, and BBQ sauce on a bun. It’s rowdy, overstuffed, and the kind of sandwich that makes complaints disappear in seconds. Get the recipe here.
Lobster Roll
Maine’s lobster roll is rich but simple, with buttered bread and chilled lobster. It’s so indulgent it pulls attention away from any tension at the table. Get the recipe here.
Hot Brown
Louisville’s hot brown, layered with turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce, is warm and decadent. A plate of this is enough to silence even the loudest arguments. Get the recipe here.
Chicago Dog
The Chicago Dog refuses ketchup, but welcomes mustard, relish, onion, tomato, sport peppers, and a pickle spear. It’s a bright distraction from any gloomy discussion. Get the recipe here.
Shrimp Po Boy
New Orleans’ shrimp po boy is crispy, saucy, and always served with joy. It has a way of making everyone forget the serious stuff and enjoy the moment. Get the recipe here.
Cudighi Sandwich
From Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the cudighi is a spicy Italian sausage patty with marinara and cheese. It’s unique, bold, and perfect for changing the subject to food. Get the recipe here.
Steamed Burger
Connecticut’s steamed cheeseburger is juicy and soft, a local tradition that feels more comforting than any news cycle. Get the recipe here.
Primanti Brothers Sandwich
Pittsburgh’s Primanti Brothers sandwich, with fries and slaw stuffed inside, is big enough to share. It keeps the mood light and the focus firmly on the food. Get the recipe here.
Pastrami Burger
Utah’s pastrami burger is a hearty double-punch of beef and pastrami. It’s fun, outrageous, and quickly turns the mood from tense to cheerful. Get the recipe here.
Roast Pork Sandwich
Philadelphia’s roast pork, with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone, is rich and packed with tradition. It’s the kind of sandwich that instantly redirects focus back to what matters: eating together. Get the recipe here.