The Brown Bag Bistro, Alton
Piled high with fresh ingredients, the sandwiches at this niche café in downtown Alton are creative dives into the world of food. Order up The Wadlow, a mile-high sandwich filled with house-made roasat beef, turkey, ham, fried bologna topped with a garlic herb cheese spread, provolone, avocado, banana peppers, red onion, tomatoes, lettuce, pickle slices and more on a white panini toasted with a house vinaigrette. And that’s just for starters!

Ed’s Delicatessen, Edwardsville
Sumptuous sandwiches await at Ed’s Delicatessen located in downtown Edwardsville. A veteran owned eatery, the sandwiches include Ruebens, Mortadella, classic fried bologna, falafel burgers, Japanese hot dogs, veggie sandwiches and more. Check out the retail section showcasing stocks, sauces, oils, vinegars and more for adventurous cooks. The goal of this restaurant – to make food that will make you smile.

Spiritos, Collinsville
With a nod to the city’s Italian heritage, Spiritos is famous for Italian baked goods, ready-to-bake foods and, of course, it’s sammies. Walking in to Spiritos, in Uptown Collinsville, is like traveling to Italy. The picturesque store has shelves of Italian goods but it’s main focus is the deli case. Order up a foot-long Italian deli sandwich full of cold cuts, peppers, cheese and more. One sandwich can easily feed two people. Add a home-made baby Cannoli for dessert – if there’s room!

Sammi’s Sandwiches, Alton
There’s a lot to love about Sammi’s Sandwiches. Their speciality is in their name, after all. Take a bit of the Pig on a Wing sandwich filled to overflowing with turkey, ham, bacon, lettuce, red onion, cheddar and swiss cheeses topped with Sammi’s Sauce. Or pick up The Veg – a cucumber, mixed green, onion, pepper and cheese concoction topped with roasted garlic mayo. Try Jill’s Hot Italian Beef – cooked slow and spices up and served on a baguette. Hot or cold, the sandwiches are flavorful and filling.

Josephine’s Tea Room and Gift Shops, Godfrey
Elegant and tasty, Josephine’s is a destination in and of itself. Take your pick of Josie’s Stacked Club sandwich – a tenderly made sandwich favorite of fresh baked ham, turkey breast, mayo, lettuce and tomato on toast. Or enjoy the popular Chicken Salad sandwich filled with almonds. All sandiwhces are served with either a side pasta salad, coleslaw and chips. Desserts are made fresh daily and are a must-have. After dining, shop the gorgeously decorated gift shops.

McDill’s Irish Pub, Collinsville
Pull up a chair and enjoy an in-house smoked pulled pork sandwich, classic reuben and more. Dine inside or savor your sandwich outside on the patio. Sandwiches are served up on fresh baked bread and buns from nearby Kruta Bakery.

Old Bakery Beer Company, Alton
Seasonal sandwiches and daily specials highlight the food menu at this certified organic craft beer brewery. Take your pick of a signature sandwich which includes the Cuban, Reuben, BLT and The Murray. Seasonal sammies are creative and fun and often include innovativel pairings of cheese, meat and fruit preserves. Weekly ½ pound burger specials are a menu highlight.