For the 10th straight year, October is Dining Month on OnMilwaukee, presented by the restaurants of Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. All month, we're stuffed with restaurant reviews, dining guides, delectable features, chef profiles and unique articles on everything food, as well as voting for your "Best of Dining 2016."
Jake's Deli
The race for the title of Milwaukee's best sandwich was yet another tight battle this year. In 2015, Glorioso's managed to squeak out a spectacular sandwich victory over a crowded field of crave-worthy competitors. This year, however, Jake's Deli managed to snatch the win – by a slim 19-vote margin over its Brady Street rival.
Jake's sandwiches could satisfy anyone's taste buds with a variety of corned beef, classic turkey or even a veggie-style sandwiches. Jake's has several locations around Milwaukee – and delivers, too – so no matter where you are, you can find a way to try one of these award-winning sandwiches.
Runners up:
2. Glorioso's
3. Cafe Lulu
4. Bavette La Boucherie
5. Benji's
Lori Fredrich's pick: Bavette La Boucherie
When it comes to creative combinations, the sandwiches at Bavette La Boucherie are still among my favorite jams. Steak with truffled mushroom duxelle and roasted grapes? Pork cheek with roasted squash? They’re both good, and so are all of the others. Trust me. When in doubt, opt for the tongue Reuben. It’s a new classic.
This year we also asked a variety of prominent Milwaukeeans to weigh in on their pick for specific categories. For this category, we consulted Carole Caine, contributor to OnMilwaukee, who also served as half of the popular "Dave and Carole" morning show and currently working with Channel 18/24.
Caine's pick: Marco Polo
The best sandwich I have had in a long time actually comes from a food truck – the Marco Pollo food truck. I decided to try it while visiting the Thiensville Village Market.
I love the Gau Bao. It comes three to an order, and it's delicious. The pork is so flavorful and tender after being braised in Chinese spices over night. The bun is like little soft clouds, and the sandwich is really an explosion of flavors and textures between the softness of the bun and the silkiness of the pork to the crunch of the pickles and peanuts. It's the perfect dish for those who like to share and try smaller bits.
