Who makes the best sandwich in Arizona? Vote now in the Sandwich Showdown
Dining and nightlife reporter Bahar Anooshahr loves the lineup at First and Last and Huarachis. Food, Dining and Nightlife editor Felicia Campbell loves Los Reyes de la Torta. Arizona Life reporter Reia Li loves Sacks, and I'm a fan of Zooks in uptown Phoenix.
Huarachis Taqueria serves tortas mamalonas con papas for lunch in Phoenix on May 16, 2025. This carnitas one includes jamon, queso menonita, aguacate, tomato, baja blast, cebolla and shredded lettuce.
But we want to know what your top sandwich is.
Voting is now open for the Sandwich Showdown and closes Sunday, Sept. 14, at 11:59 p.m.
Before you weigh in, let's meet the contenders.
Vote in the Sandwich Showdown
Meet the sandwich makers
First & Last
Chef Robb Hammond and his wife Ashley started serving sandwiches at First and Last in 2024. All of the sandwich names come from references to "Seinfeld," like the Little Jerry with a chicken cutlet, spicy vodka sauce, mozzarella, basil and parmesan; or the Rochelle, Rochelle with steak, jus, caramelized and crispy onions and smoked gouda cheese wiz.
Frank's New York Style Deli
Family-owned Frank's New York Style Deli has been serving Phoenix since 1982. The neighborhood Italian deli serves huge corned beef, roast beef, pastrami, salami and steak sandwiches.
Gateway Sandwich
This family-owned sandwich shop in Williams serves sandwiches named after Grand Canyon overlooks, like the Bright Angel turkey and avocado, Hermits Rest ham and cheese and the Grandview roast beef.
Huarachis
Huarachis may be most famous for its tacos, but super fans know one of the best offerings is actually part of the secret menu. The "Tortas Mamalonas", which translates to “badass effing tortas", come in carnitas and carne asada and are served on bread made by James Beard Award-winning baker Don Guerra of Barrio Bread.
Italian Lady of Pinetop Cannoli Shack & Kitchen
Hours away from Phoenix, tucked between Show Low and Greer, this unassuming shack on the side of 260 makes seriously good, classic Italian sandwiches, from meatball subs to sausage and parm grinders to their staple offering, The Real Italian Hoagie made "Philly style" with half-pound of capicola, Genoa salami, ham, cotto
Los Reyes de la Torta
This longtime, family-owned Mexican restaurant serves tortas such as the signature Del Rey, piled high with ham, melted mozzarella, pork sirloin, breaded beef, a sausage-chorizo omelet, fresh tomatoes, caramelized onions and avocado with chipotle sauce and served on teleras bread.
Sacks Art of Sandwicherie
Sacks Art of Sandwicherie has three locations in metro Phoenix. The sandwiches are named with references to art, such as the Van Gogh made with roast beef, fresh dill, Havarti cheese, sprouts and deli mustard on pumpernickel bread; or the hot Picasso made with savory meatballs, provolone cheese and Mama Cosenza’s original Italian sauce on an 8-inch baguette.
Details: 4247 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 602-840-4649. Also, 231 W.Thomas Road, Phoenix. 602-604-9661. Also, 839 W. University Drive, Tempe. 480-967-2980, sackssandwiches.com.
Zooks
Zooks has two locations in uptown Phoenix, serving toasted breakfast and lunch sandwiches such as my favorite, No. 25 on gluten-free bread, topped with thinly sliced ham, fresh tomatoes and avocados, seasoned black beans, shredded cheddar cheese and Zookz chipotle sauce.
Wild Card
Don't see your favorite on this list? There is a write-in ballot option to shout out your top pick of sandwich maker.
