MAGICAL SANDWICH MAKERS >>>
I know it's a bold move to visit Tacoma's Magical Sandwich Makers so early in this sandwich series, but I can't resist the MSM Deli. Yes, that's what the acronym means. Yes, it wins the Best Sandwich year after year in the Weekly Volcano's Best of Tacoma issue. Yes, its reader board that's been messed up for years. And make no mistake; it's a deli - full ham, roast and cheese bricks in the case, a few tables scattered throughout and a refrigerator case full of beer and soda.
In addition to a creating your own sandwich option, MSM creates 17 signature sandwiches. Although I've tried nearly every one of them - from the French dip to the Philly steak - more often than not I choose the Mike's Deluxe ($6.95). I'm not alone. "Mike's Deluxe" requests echo throughout the deli while you wait.
The Mike's Deluxe has roast beef, turkey and ham piled - and I do mean piled - high. It then approaches Everest altitude when the cheddar and Swiss, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles and sprouts climb in the 9-inch French roll. A deli sized dill spear waits as the base.
I confess. I leave the sprouts off. The lettuce and pickles meet my maximum sandwich green needs. I focus to what counts - the meat and cheese.
A word of warning - call ahead. The MSM Deli is not a "hidden" jewel.
MSM DELI, 8 A.M. TO 10 P.M., MONDAY-THURSDAY, 8 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT FRIDAY-SATURDAY, 2220 SIXTH AVE., TACOMA, 253.272.4814
LINK: Antique Sandwich Company's turkey sandwich
LINK: Meconi's Hot Italian Sub
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