Food & Drink
Your Guide to Sandwiches in Springfield
Hungry? We’ve got your ultimate guide to must-try sandwiches from around Springfield and the Ozarks.
By Tessa Cooper
Nov 2025
Photos by Brandon Alms
Purchase Photo
What qualifies as a sandwich? Is a hot dog a sandwich? Is a wrap a sandwich? Is a cheeseburger a sandwich? In the eyes of this feature, none of the above are sandwiches. You know a sandwich when you see one, and it’s best not to overthink it. We’re peeling back the layers of bread, meat, cheese, veggies and condiments to dissect some of the best of the best sandwiches all across southwest Missouri. We hope it sparks wildly specific cravings that drive you to support these locally owned businesses. And on that note, how many sandwiches did we consume while working on this feature? That’s classified information.
Select Your Sandwich
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Two qualities define a chicken salad sandwich: the presence of chicken and a creamy dressing. However, the add-ins are up to the sandwich artist’s discretion. Here are a few must-try ones.
Photo by Brandon AlmsChicken Salad from Spring Creek Tea Room.
Purchase Photo
Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich
Tea Bar & Bites, Springfield
The vehicle: A perfectly chewable multigrain bread
The accoutrements: Toasted pecans and celery
The surprise: Although it’s in the name, nothing can prepare you for the earthy, spice-forward kick from the curry. The flavor lingers just long enough to keep each bite interesting.
Order it with: Honey sea salt pie by Prairie Pie.
Chicken Salad Sub
The Submarina, Shell Knob and Republic
The vehicle: Freshly baked in-house and toasted sub bread
The accoutrements: Mayo, cranberries, chopped pecans, celery, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, banana peppers and homemade sub sauce
The surprise: The mix of sweet cranberries and tangy banana peppers takes center stage in the flavor department.
Order it with: The potato salad.
Chicken Salad Sandwich
The Keeter Center, Point Lookout
The vehicle: A flaky, toasted croissant
The accoutrements: Celery, onion, red grapes, pecans and field greens
The surprise: This sandwich will remind you of the chicken salad sandwiches your mom used to make, but with a little more flavor. That’s all thanks to the creamy onion dressing.
Order it with: Carrot cake
Chicken Salad
Spring Creek Tea Room, Ozark
The vehicle: Marble rye bread with earthy and nutty notes
The accoutrements: Lettuce, tomato, red onion, red pepper, cucumber and sliced white American cheese
The surprise: If Spring Creek has taught us anything, it’s that red peppers are a universally good topping. They come on every sandwich here.
Order it with: Any slice of cake. You can’t go wrong.
Vegetarian Sandwiches
Veggie sandwiches so good they even please meat eaters.
The Natural
MaMa’s Cafe and Deli, Springfield
The vehicle: Grilled sourdough that will tempt you to steal some of the starter
The protein: Seasoned and baked tofu
The veggies and other delights: Avocado, spinach, tomatoes, pickled red onion, Dijon mustard and vegenaise
Order it with: The soup of the day.
The Veggie
The Sub Shop, Springfield
The vehicle: A housemade sub roll
The protein: Provolone cheese and cashews
The veggies and other delights: Mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, mild peppers, lettuce, tomatoes and sub sauce.
Order it with: A housemade cookie.
Farmhouse
The Bruncheonette, Joplin
The vehicle: Toasted bread locally made by Redings Mill Bread
The protein: Swiss cheese
The veggies and other delights: Asparagus, mushrooms, roasted red pepper, sauteed onions
Order it with: House-cut carrot fries.
Seasonal Sandwiches
Be it the weather or the produce that’s in its prime, these sandwiches just hit different when you enjoy them in a specific season.
Photo by Brandon AlmsBLTA from Cherry Picker Package & Fare.
Purchase Photo
Winter: Crump Classic
Druff’s, Springfield
Why it’s in season: There’s nothing like walking into Druff’s bundled up in a winter scarf and coat on a blustery day and warming up with a grilled cheese, the ultimate comfort food. This one features not one, but three types of cheese on sourdough. The combination of colby, Gouda and cheddar really comes alive alongside a Lil’ Dipper of the house tomato soup.
Spring: Smoked salmon broodje
Van Gogh’s Eeterie, Springfield
Why it’s in season: Allow us to paint you a picture. It’s an early spring day, and you’re headed to the C-Street City Market to pick up some produce. But you can’t shop while hungry, so you swing into Van Gogh’s for the ultimate brunch sandwich featuring flavors just as refreshing as the weather. We’re talking arugula, pickled onions, herbed cream cheese, capers and smoked salmon. Life is good.
Summer: BLTA
Cherry Picker Package & Fare, Springfield
Why it’s in season: Tomatoes for summer may not be groundbreaking, but you can’t argue with the fact that this is when they taste best. The BLTA also contains bacon and lettuce, of course, but the avocado and lemon aioli give this sandwich an extra bright flavor that pairs well with a sunny but breezy day on the patio.
Fall: The Day After
Mythical ‘Wich, Branson
Why it’s in season: Did you not make off after your family dinner with enough of the Thanksgiving goods to put together a leftover sandwich? Fear not. This sandwich from Mythical ‘Wich has a little piece of each part of the feast, including turkey, caramelized onion gravy, cranberry sauce, aioli and house-made andouille sausage stuffing. It’s all served on a sandwich roll pressed panini style.
Spicy Chicken Sandwiches: Ranked
Craveable chicken sandwiches, ranked from least spicy to hottest.
No Spice, No Problem
Country Fried Chicken Sandwich
The Social Birdy, Branson
What brings on the flavor: Just because your taste buds can’t handle spice doesn’t mean they can’t handle flavor. The garlic aioli and pickles do their job and pair perfectly with the hand-breaded chicken thigh.
Wash it down with: A peach shake made with vanilla custard.
Mildly Daring
Chicken Sandwich, Peri-Peri Style
The Rock Food & Friends, Springfield
What brings on the heat: Peri-peri glazed sauce is the true definition of a mild sauce that brings just the right amount of kick.
Wash it down with: Sweet tea.
Okay, Now That’s Hot
Fried Chicken Sandwich
Best of Luck Beer Hall, Springfield
What brings on the heat: Korean chili aioli teams up with kimchi slaw to set your mouth ablaze.
Wash it down with: Greene Ghost IPA by Springfield BrewCo.
Make it Nashville-Level
Fried Chicken Sandwich
The Ozark Mill Restaurant at Finley Farms, Ozark
What brings on the heat: Smoked chili oil with pickled pepper aioli makes this chicken sandwich a middle-ground option when it comes to heat. To take it to the next level, request the hot pepper rub.
Wash it down with: Wonders of Wildlife Izzy Lager.
Classic Hot Sandwiches
For when you’re craving something comforting, familiar and warm.
Photo by Brandon AlmsSmoked Meatball & Provolone Sub from Lolli’s Off the Square.
Purchase Photo
Smoked Meatball & Provolone Sub
Lolli’s Off the Square, Ozark
The vehicle: Hoagie bread hefty enough to contain it all
The main event: Smoked meatballs, with an emphasis on the smoked. This sandwich shop is owned by the same folks who bring us Pop’s Smoke Shack.
The best part: It’s only available on Mondays, which means we have a new reason not to hate Mondays.
Order it with: Coleslaw.
Reuben
Downing Street Pour House, Hollister
The vehicle: Marble rye bread with an earthiness that grounds it all
The main event: The pastrami, zippy sauerkraut and Swiss cheese
The best part: They didn’t have to add a fried egg onto this sandwich, but we love the fact that they went the extra mile and did.
Order it with: Any of the rotating beers on tap.
Steak Sandwich
JW’s Kitchen, Springfield
The vehicle: Grilled sourdough from Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Café
The main event: Steak married with melted aged cheddar cheese
The best part: The locally grown mushrooms by Willow Mountain Mushrooms, sautéed with onions
Order it with: Loaded tots.
Cheshire’s Monte Cristo
Ms. Gilmore’s, Springfield
The vehicle: Sourdough bread dipped in egg custard, fried and then dusted with sweet powdered sugar
The main event: Turkey, ham and Swiss cheese
The best part: Everyone knows the fruity flair is the highlight of a Monte Cristo, and it appears in the form of a raspberry dipping sauce in this version.
Order it with: An ooey gooey bar for dessert.
French Dip
Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Café, Springfield
The vehicle: Their signature crusty Asiago cheese and cracked black pepper bread
The main event: Tender roast beef that’s paired with pepperjack cheese
The best part: No bite is complete without a dip in the au jus.
Order it with: Any of the restaurant’s delicious pastry options.
What’s in a Name?
We don’t know who started the tradition of naming sandwiches after people, or what it takes to have one named in your honor. But we do know these sandwiches inspired by locals and their loved ones are delicious.
The Abbe
La Mère Bakery, Springfield
The namesake: Abbe Ehlers, a beloved and talented yoga teacher. Time spent with her is just as nourishing as this sandwich (speaking from experience here).
The ingredients: Roasted squash, provolone, pesto, greens, olive oil and lemon zest. Served on housemade focaccia.
Father Schlink
Druff’s, Springfield
The namesake: The late and greatly missed Danny Schlink, the original owner of Grad School and J.O.B. Public House.
The ingredients: Gouda, mac and cheese and sweet barbecue pulled pork. Served on sourdough.
The Jacquelin
Big Momma’s Coffee and Espresso Bar, Springfield
The namesake: Owner Lyle Foster’s mother. “I wanted to honor her as a single mom who worked incredibly hard to raise my brother and me,” he says. “The Jacquelin is a sandwich that has flavor and zest, which epitomizes her style and personality.”
The ingredients: Turkey, provolone, lettuce, tomatoes, sprouts, basil pesto, mayo and honey mustard. It’s served on housemade focaccia on weekdays and wheatberry on weekends. (Both are absolutely delicious.)
Classic Cold Sandwiches
This lot of sandwiches proves that you don’t need to fix what isn’t broken.
Photo by Brandon AlmsFamous Club from Nearly Famous Deli & Pasta House.
Purchase Photo
Famous Club
Nearly Famous Deli & Pasta House, Springfield
The vehicle: Whole wheat bread toasted to perfection
The main event: Every component of a classic club sandwich is there. The turkey breast, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo each play their part well.
The best part: The triple-decker construction is shockingly easy to eat. You can’t replicate it at home without a little skill.
Order it with: The restaurant’s Very Famous Salad.
American Super Stacker Sub
The Sandwich Shop, Kimberling City
The vehicle: Sub bread that is absolutely classic
The main event: This sandwich shows off the most iconic sandwich ingredients. Turkey, roast beef, ham, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion and mayonnaise.
The best part: True to its name, this sandwich is super-sized
Order it with: A cup of cheesy potato soup.
Egg Salad Sandwich
Farmers Gastropub, Springfield
The vehicle: Sourdough by Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Café
The main event: A classic egg salad complete with chives
The best part: Cucumber adds a fresh layer and some crunch
Order it with: Indulgent garlic-Parmesan fries.
Great Dane
Big Dog Deli, Springfield
The vehicle: Choose-your-own-adventure with sourdough, marble rye, Kaiser roll or whole grain bread.
The main event: Roast beef, cheddar, onion, tomato, lettuce
The best part: The horseradish mayonnaise
Order it with: Pasta salad.
The Big A
Big Al’s Subs, Nixa
The vehicle: Secret-recipe sub bread made in-house
The main event: Salami, pepperoni and ham, aka the perfect trio of meats
The best part: The pepperoncini plus the sub sauce gives this sandwich a nice zing.
Order it with: Giardiniera Italian peppers from Chicago
Regional American Sandwiches
These sandwiches are so good that they’ve practically made their hometowns famous.
Gator Po’ Boy
La Roux Bistro, Springfield
The region: New Orleans, Louisiana
The vehicle: A fresh baguette made in-house
The main event: Fried Louisiana alligator
The surprise: The tangy remoulade
Order it with: The Garden District Punch.
Philly Cheesesteak
Chicago Cheesesteak Company, Springfield
The region: The City of Brotherly Love
The vehicle: A toasted hoagie-style roll
The main event: Your choice of chicken or steak, but you know the right choice if you want to go the classic route.
The surprise: You definitely expect grilled onions on a Philly cheesesteak, but the grilled green peppers and mushrooms are a nice touch.
Order it with: Freshly fried mushrooms
Parrino’s Special
Queen City Deli, Springfield
The region: The Hill neighborhood in St. Louis
The vehicle: A sturdy foundation of garlic cheese bread
The main event: The combination of prosciutto, salami and roast beef makes it a meat lover’s dream.
The surprise: The house salad, housed inside the sammie. It’s a medley of vinegar and oil, mixed greens, red onions, chopped pimentos and Parmesan.
Order it with: The Italian Potato Salad.
New Yorker Panini
Bambinos, Springfield
The region: The Big Apple’s Little Italy
The vehicle: Focaccia bread
that’s so satisfying to sink your teeth into.
The main event: Italian deli meats that taste just like the kind from an NYC Jewish deli.
The surprise: The pastrami on this sammie isn’t beef. It’s actually turkey, and we’re here for it.
Order it with: Pasta salad.
Muffaletta
Seafood Express, Springfield
The region: New Orleans, Louisiana
The vehicle: Classic muffaletta bread sourced from Gambino’s Bakery in NOLA
The main event: Layers of cured and sliced Italian meats, including capicolla, salami and mortadella
The surprise: The nutty flavor of the pistachios in the mortadella
Order it with: The house fries that have a spicy kick
Memphis
Gettin’ Basted, Springfield
The region: The Tennessee city that’s famous for all things barbecue
The vehicle: A soft hamburger-style bun
The main event: It’s pulled pork like the kind on this sandwich that draws fanatics to Memphis.
The surprise: Slaw directly on a barbecue sandwich always excites the taste buds.
Order it with: Poblano cream corn brûlée
Save This List for Lent
Fried fish sandwiches are delicious any time of year, but they just hit different during Lent.
Catfish Po’ Boy
Georgia Mac’s, Springfield
The catch: The catfish is American, farm-raised and hand-battered, so you know it’s good.
The briny addition: Remoulade that tastes similar to but more complex than a traditional tartar sauce
Order it with: Sweet potato fries.
Fish Sandwich
The Catfish Cafe, Buffalo
The catch: Five ounces of battered catfish that one Facebook reviewer described as “darn good.” That is high praise coming from a Midwesterner.
The briny addition: Pickles and tartar sauce give this fish sandwich a vinegary kick.
Order it with: Fried okra.
The Extras Make the Sandwich
Sure, the meat and cheese are important. But if you want to enhance your sammie-eating experience at home, it’s all about the details.
The Bread
For Foacccia Lovers
Focaccia topped with dried herbs from La Mère Bakery, Springfield
For Those Whose Quarantine Sourdough Starter Is No Longer (RIP)
French Onion Sourdough, Flourish Cottage Bakery and Garden, Springfield
For Classic Sandwich Bread
Seven Grain, Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Café, Springfield
The Condiments
Add a Vinegar Kick
Housemade pickles from Druff’s (Springfield), sold by the quart
Add Some Spice
Add a few drops of Springfield Trading Company’s spicy garlic hot sauce to your mayo or ketchup to level it up.
Add Some Seasoning
Sprinkle on some Italian seasoning blended by Tantara Farms (Springfield).
Sandwiches From Around the World
Take your taste buds on a little eat-venture with these sammies.
Parisian Ron Style
Derby Deli, Springfield
The country: France
The vehicle: An oh-so-fresh rustic baguette
The main event: Shaved rosemary ham with Gruyere cheese
The best part: The decadent Président Butter made in Normandy
Order it with: A truffle by Christopher Elbow Chocolates, based in Kansas City (the Paris of the Plains)
Pork Belly Bao Buns
The Gochu, Nixa
The country: China
The vehicle: A fluffy bao bun steamed to perfection
The main event: Pork belly with crisp and fresh carrot, cucumber and cilantro that cut through the fat nicely
The best part: One order comes with two bao buns
Order it with: Purple yuzu lemonade
Bánh Mì Gà
Pho Kim Vietnamese Restaurant, Springfield
The country: Vietnam
The vehicle: A toasted baguette
The main event: The savory chicken that contrasts with the fresh cilantro, pickled carrots, daikon and jalapeño
The best part: The chicken gets marinated in lemongrass and garlic, so it has a bright, herbaceous kick.
Order it with: A taro smoothie, add boba pearls
Chorizo Torta
I Love Tacos, Springfield
The country: Mexico
The vehicle: White Mexican bread that’s a whopping 8 inches in diameter
The main event: Mexican chorizo, aka Mexican sausage
The surprise: The layer of beans and avocado will further help you get in your protein goals for the day.
Order it with: Sidral Mundet (Mexican apple soda.)
Chicharrón Sandwich
Cafe Cusco, Springfield
The country: Peru
The vehicle: A ciabatta bun with a nice and crispy exterior
The main event: Charred seasoned thin-sliced pork loin, drizzled with Gulf sauce
The best part: The addition of sweet potato fries
Order it with: Torta de Askinosie.
Authentic Cuban
Cafe Cubano, Springfield
The country: Cuba (although immigrants popularized it in Miami)
The vehicle: Traditional Cuban bread that is similar to a baguette
The main event: The ham, roasted pork and Swiss cheese are, of course, important components, but the briny pickles and mustard actually take center stage in the flavor department.
The best part: If you’re just feeling snacky, you can order it as a mini for less than 6 bucks.
Order it with: Cuban coffee.
Wild Sandwiches
Don’t even try to make these sandwiches at home.
Photo by Brandon Alms417 Springfield from The 7th on Walnut
Purchase Photo
Yaya Papaya
The Almighty Sando Shop, Springfield
Why it’s wild: At its core, this is a smoked deli chicken sandwich. But it’s the sauces that take your taste buds on a ride. The house-made ginger tomato chutney and green papaya relish bring a tangy-sweet flavor. And to top it all off, even the mayo has some flair with a bit of added garlic and bacon.
Order it with: A side of sweet potato tots
City Smokestack
City Butcher & Barbecue, Springfield
Why it’s wild: It contains premium brisket, pulled pork, pork belly and your choice of sausage. Translation: You’re going to be very full after eating this. If you can finish this filling sandwich in one sitting, you deserve a prize.
Order it with: A smookie (smoked chocolate chip cookie)
417 Springfield
The 7th on Walnut, Springfield
Why it’s wild: This sandwich is inspired by our very own Springfield-style cashew chicken. Swapping the rice for bread and adding mozzarella cheese is honestly a genius move, and so is adding fresh grilled steak and chopped up chicken tenders. This cashew chicken cheesesteak has all the makings of Springfield-style cashew chicken, down to the sauce and the cashews and green onions.
Order it with: Hand-cut fries
