City Cast Madison logo

What Are Madison's Favorite Sandwiches?

Posted on January 22
Rob Thomas

Rob Thomas

A sandwich with turkey and cheese on a wooden table.

The Signature Sandwich at Fromagination was described by Isthmus as a “mouthful of Thanksgiving.” (Photo courtesy of Fromagination)

Whether it’s a hastily-made PB&J on the go or an elegantly-constructed hero, sometimes nothing hits like a great sandwich. In Madison, we’re blessed with many great spots that provide several slices of heaven between two pieces of bread.

On the City Cast Madison podcast today, Madison Magazine’s Emma Waldinger talks about some of the city’s signature sandwiches, from Fromagination’s Signature Sandwich to Casetta’s iconic Paradigm. She also gives her thoughts on what an Ultimate Madison Sandwich would look like.

We also put out the call to our Madison Minutes readers – what are your favorite sandwiches in town, whether something fancy you get in a restaurant or your own creation? Here are some of your answers. (And no, a hot dog is NOT a sandwich.)

Ted C. submitted a whole menu of great local sandwiches! “The ham and cheese picnic sandwich from Bloom (Bake Shop) is so simple and SO incredibly yummy.” Also, “the spicy fried cauliflower sandwich from Zippy Lube is amazing . . . dollop some of their amazing mac and cheese on top and it’s even better.”

Ted also shouted out the Reuben at Stalzy’s, although he says it’s diminished somewhat now that Stalzy’s is takeout only. Also, Ted and his partner love Casetta so much that they’ll bring to-go sandwiches with them when they travel rather than settling for mediocre airport food.

Raleigh J. shouted out the Drew at Madison Sourdough and has a suggestion for how to enjoy it. “Fresh Italian bread, Italian sausage, over-easy egg, slice of cheddar, and the divine spread that is maple and Calabrian chile aioli. Side salad comes with.

“You can eat in, but I recommend ordering ahead as takeout so you can skip the line and go three short blocks to a lakefront park to enjoy at a picnic table. Best way to start a slow Sunday.”

For John H., it’s the Ultimate Clubhouse at Monk’s Bar and Grill in Middleton and Sun Prairie. “I can't quite put my finger on what differentiates it from similar club sandwiches around town, but it hits the spot in a way others don't.”

Ann C. keeps it simple and affordable: “I love Cousins $10 meal deal and Milio’s! Sandwiches are the best.”

James G. went outside the 608 for his favorite: “Bratwurst, sauerkraut and German mustard and dill pickle relish on a hard roll from Johnston’s Bakery from Sheboygan.”

Bob H. can’t find his perfect sandwich elsewhere, so he makes it himself. “My Big Sandwich is smoked turkey, honey ham, Daiya smoked Gouda, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and mayo on dark pump. I have to unhinge my mouth to eat it, but it's excellent.”

And finally, Maria S. says you can’t beat a classic: “BLT with Miracle Whip.”

Share article

Hey Madison

Sign up for your free daily toolkit to get the most of the city you love.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Food & Drink

See All
Food & DrinkJune 25

The Best New Restaurants in Madison

This month’s list of new Madison restaurants includes a spot inside Brennan’s Market, 7 Brew coffee shop near East Towne Mall, and Asteri...

The front of Skip's After Market showing two planter boxes of yellow, orange and purple wildflowers and a table and chairs in front.
Food & DrinkJune 18

The Best Ice Cream in Madison

There are plenty of spots to indulge in a cold scoop (or several) of ice cream in Madison. Here are some of the best local spots in town.

A white building with a glass door with red trim.
Food & DrinkJune 11

Where to Watch the World Cup in Madison

The 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament kicks off today, and Madison soccer fans are ready. Here's where to watch the matches, including bars...

A man in purple cheers surrounded by fans in bleachers.
Food & DrinkMay 14

These Madison Butcher Shops Are a Cut Above

With summer coming up, you might want to stock up for the next cookout. Here are some of Madison's favorite butcher shops, from Meat Peop...

A man in glasses peers at a stack of hamburger patties.
Food & DrinkMay 7

Supper Clubs in Madison You Have To Try

You can savor the Wisconsin supper club tradition without traveling far from Madison, hitting historic spots like Tornado Steak House, Ka...

A photo of a plate of food and a nighttime photo of the exterior of a restaurant.
Food & DrinkApril 16

Madison’s Favorite Neighborhood Bars

Madison has its share of high-end cocktail bars, but there's nothing like a neighborhood bar where it feels like everybody knows your nam...

The exterior of a bar with brick and red wood.
Food & DrinkApril 9

Where To Find the Best Bagels in Madison

Madison has plenty of great bagel options, from Mermaid Kitchen to Gotham Bagels to Bagels Forever.

Metal racks of bagels on a counter.
Food & DrinkApril 2

Where to Go For Easter Brunch in Madison

Don't have plans for the family on Easter morning? Don't worry. Most spots in Madison have openings still for their brunch events, includ...

A place setting with pink plates and pink bunny statues.

The latest in Madison

Local CivicsJune 18

Democratic Candidates Sound Off in Assembly District 76 Forum

There are five Democratic candidates running to succeed Rep. Francesca Hong in the Wisconsin State Assembly.

Five candidates are seated in a row on stage, the moderator is to the left
Madison's BestJune 16

How To Celebrate Juneteenth 2026 in Madison

June 19 is Juneteenth, the day that America celebrates the end of slavery. But there are events all week in Madison to commemorate the ho...

A group of people walk down the street on a sunny day in a parade celebrating Juneteenth. People in the front hold a banner that reads "June 19, 1865."
Neighborhood GuidesJune 15

Take a Look Inside the Center for Black Excellence and Culture

The Center for Black Excellence and Culture opened its doors last month to much fanfare. The $32 million facility is envisioned as a hub...

The interior of a building with white walls and a polished floor.
Madison's BestJune 10

How to Celebrate Pride Month 2026 in Madison

The city’s biggest LGBTQ+ gathering, OutReach Magic Pride Festival, isn’t actually until August, but there are still plenty of ways to ce...

A group of 6 people sit on a bench smiling, looking on at the Middleton Pride Festival
Madison's BestJune 3

Your Guide to Frank Lloyd Wright's Madison

Legendary designer Frank Lloyd Wright called Madison home and he left his mark on the city. Here's some of his most famous buildings, fro...

A building with glass windows and a triangular roof.
Madison's BestJune 2

Your Guide to June 2026 in Madison

If you’re looking for a page-turner to take to the beach this summer, UW-Madison graduate Joseph Eckert is coming back to town to Lake Ci...

A group of people at tables in front of a marble building.
Madison's BestJune 1

How Madison’s Capital City Theatre is Reinventing ‘RENT’

Madison's Capital City Theatre is putting on a bold new version of the Tony-winning musical 'RENT' at the Orpheum Theater June 5-7. For i...

A woman gestures to several other people in a room.
Madison, ExplainedMay 18

How Smart Studios Put Madison on the Musical Map

Why did Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Death Cab for Cutie and other bands want to record songs in Madison? As a new documentary explains, S...

A two-story red brick building on a street.