The Classics

to be served piping hot and are enjoyed best that way.

No matter what is or isn’t a sandwich, per se, there are certainly plenty of impressive options of all types throughout central Ohio. Whether you’re looking for a classic gooey cheesesteak or a fig jam sandwich, Columbus has you covered.

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Cheesesteak

Of all the sandwiches mentioned, cheesesteaks were by far the most popular. With its iconic shaved steak, piping hot cheese and crisp fresh bun, what’s not to love?

One of the most popular cheesesteak locales in Columbus is a small shop across the street from Nationwide Arena on the corner of West Nationwide Boulevard and North Ludlow Street.

Chef and owner Stephan Madias opened Wario’s Beef and Pork in October 2020. Despite its neophyte status, Wario’s has already secured its spot as a Columbus staple.

The Steak, Wario’s take on the cheesesteak, has 8 ounces of shaved ribeye meat, served on a specially made semolina seeded roll with grilled onions and a sig nature house cheese sauce. If you’re feeling extra cheesy, ask for the Steak to be made “Wario’s Way,” and you’ll get some provolone and white American cheese added to the mix.

Chicken Sandwich

Looking for a good chicken sandwich that re-noallyletsthechickenbethestaroftheshow?Look LocatedfurtherthanJustChicken. on the corner of Oak Street and Kel-vatory,tonAvenue,rightbehindFranklinParkConserJustChickenbillsitselfas“allabouthav-ingfuninthekitchen.”

Its seven-item menu may be short on op-tions,butit’slongontheimportantpart:juicy, crispy chicken that keeps people coming back for more. The Just Chicken Sandwich features chicken tenders on a toasted focaccia bun, topped with housesignatureJustSauceandpickles. The company is expanding, with plans to add a new locaNewtionoffCentralCollegeRoadin Albany.

Gyro

For a traditional gyro with shaved lamb meat served on pita bread that is packed full of veggies, be sure to check out this family-run restaurant in Whitehall.

Just north of John Bishop Park, King Gyros has been serving up authentic Greek dishes – such as spanakopita, dol mades (stuffed grape leaves) and home made baklava – since it opened in 1991.

Owner Yianni Chalkias took over the restaurant in 1992 when his parents re tired and led the business through many changes, including a complete renovation in 2011-2012.

While the King offers many options, its traditional gyros are a highlight, with a range of meat and topping options. Every traditional gyro is served with shredded lettuce, diced onion, diced tomato and King’s famous gyro sauce.

Cuban (El Cubano)

Another kind of authentic cultural cui sine can be found on Sawmill Road (not Sawmill Parkway!) in Powell, as well as at North Market Bridge Park.

Pablo’s Havana Cafe serves a variety of appetizers, sandwiches and other Cuban dishes such as chicharrones, empanadas, palomilla and ropa vieja. Every item is made from recipes that have been passed down for five generations.

With its tried-and-true traditional creations, it’s not hard to see why its El Cubano is highly regarded.

The sandwich starts with authentic white Cuban bread that is topped

Italian Sub

Sometimes, you just have a craving for agoodItaliansub.Thekindwithfreshdelimeats andtoppedwithcrispveggiesanddousedinvinegar Theoil.India

Oak Bar and Grill, according to Columbus Foodies, is the perfect place to satisfythiscraving.

On Indianola Avenue in Clintonville, India Oak has burgers, pitas and even hot dogs, but its Italian subisasurprisingstandout. The sandwich features a fulfilling stack of hot ham and hard salami with provolone cheese. On top of that, India Oak adds a mound of veggies including lettuce, onion, tomato and banana peppers, with a hearty serving of Italian dressing totopitalloff.

Did you know?

Ever wonder where the word sandwich comes from? In the 1700s, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, John Montagu, asked for his roast beef to be put between two slices of bread so he would not get his hands dirty while playing cards.

with roasted pork and sweet honey ham. Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard are added to give that familiar tang and bite to the sandwich, which is finished off by being pressed into a panini.