BANANA NUTELLA SURPRISE at AJ’S PRESS
There’s a chance you’ll accidentally drive past this young sandwich-driven food spot near Raymond James Stadium (it does look like someone’s house, after all). But you shouldn’t miss the Banana Nutella Surprise. Salty slices of bacon play so nicely with bourbon-caramelized banana and Nutella, all on warm house-made bread, that you’ll want to stop by to start your day off right. 4406 N. Cortez Ave., Tampa, 813-870-0530, ajspresstampa.com. —Alexandria Jones
MAMA LING LING’S THANKSGIVING at POM POM’S TEAHOUSE & SANDWICHERIA
The key to a perfect sandwich made with Thanksgiving leftovers is restraint — don’t pile it on, but make sure there’s a bit of each flavor in every bite. Pom Pom’s nails it, fitting turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, Gouda, cranberry chutney and cream cheese on your choice of pressed bread (the password’s sourdough). Add gravy for dipping and you’re home. 2950 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-873-9662, pompomsstpete.com. —Scott Harrell
MONTREAL BEEF SANDWICH at THE DUNEDIN SMOKEHOUSE
The unapologetically flavorful house sandwich — two cuts of corned beef topped with apple slaw and stone-ground mustard — is the perfect blend of sweet and salty. Even for someone pessimistic about the salt-cured protein, the Montreal Beef’s slow-smoked taste and loose texture will make you drool between bites. 471 Main St., Dunedin, 727-736-2227, thedunedinsmokehouse.com. —LJ Hilberath
SUNNY BIRD at LONNI’S
There’s something special going on in this uniquely flavored amalgam of turkey, sprouts, cream cheese and sunflower seeds, topped with a touch of mayo and Lonni’s own sweet honey French dressing and served on your choice of bread. I tried the wild rice bread option, which seemed overly soft at first but held together well and was lighter than air. A great downtown ‘Burg option when you’re looking for a new taste. 425 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-894-1944, lonnisdowntownstpete.com. —Scott Harrell
TURKEY STRAWBERRY SANDWICH at OLD NORTHEAST TAVERN
Don’t try to replicate this at home. Believe me, I’ve tried. There’s some kind of magic that happens inside the tavern, and I don’t know what deal they’ve made with the devil to consistently make it so damn good. Any way you slice it, though (see what I did there?), it’s a sandwich that tastes decadent, with mounds of shaved turkey breast layered with sliced strawberries, covered in Brie and served on an oversize croissant. 201 Seventh Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-821-8070, oldnetavern.com. —Cathy Salustri
For more of our 50 Best Sandwiches, follow the sounds of growling bellies.
This article appears in Jun 15-22, 2017.




