The No. 27: When La Bodega owner Mike Weigand put the No. 27 ($9.50) on the menu more than 17 years ago, he didn’t expect it to do well. The tangy sandwich boasts shaved turkey, balsamic mayo, caramelized onions, Brussel sprouts and smoked Gouda. One bite and you’ll understand why Weigand was wrong all those years ago. “It’s just very different,” he says. “It really just took off.” 869 Jefferson Ave. Cleveland, 216-621-7075; 3859 Superior Ave., Cleveland, 216-331-3001, labodega-tremont.com
The Duke: Named after John Wayne, this Mr. Zub’s sandwich ($8.99) is packed with 6 ounces of all-natural grilled roast beef and piled high with bacon, thick cheddar cheese slices, onion rings, jalapenos and barbecue sauce. “You can customize it,” says owner Mario Nemr. “You could get a Duke with turkey or you could get a Duke with Tater Tots instead of onion rings.” 795 W. Market St., Akron, 330-252-0272, mrzubs.com
Green Goddess: It may look like a work of art, but Byte Cafe’s Green Goddess ($8) is all about execution. Owner Michael Katz carefully composes pan-roasted walnuts on a layer of pesto sauce, followed by crumbles of Mackenzie Creamery goat cheese, and drizzles of olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette. He tops it all with avocado and baby arugula. “Balance is super important in terms of how much ingredients we’re putting in there and how we arrange it,” he says. “Balance and precision equal flavor.” 3615 Superior Ave., Cleveland, 216-835-7073, bytecle.com
Pork Steak Sandwich: Gourmand’s Deli knows a thing or two about making a good sandwich. The Polish Steak sandwich ($7.50) features an all-beef Polish sausage deep fried until it’s nice and crisp and topped with oven-roasted onions and melted cheese on toasted sourdough bread. “We’ve seen generations grow up and have their own kids and come in,” says co-owner Andrea Thomson. “There’s nothing more gratifying than that.”5345 Canal Road, Valley View, 216-328-0942, gourmandsdeli.com
Porkopolis: Loaded with pork loin, provolone, spiced vegetables and a house-made pork jus sauce, Bogtrotters Doorstep’s Porkopolis ($9) is great for those late nights hanging out in Ohio City. “I like the way the flavors come together,” says manager Alex Gleason. “Personally, it’s my favorite.” 1848 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-861-5515
