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Photo courtesy of Morelia's Italian Fried Chicken
When it comes to comfort food, few things compare to the satisfaction of a hot sandwich. Perfectly toasted bread, melty cheese, and savory fillings come together to create meals that are just as indulgent as they are satisfying. In Metro Detroit, several spots are serving sandwiches that go far beyond ordinary, each putting its own spin on this classic lunch staple.
Morelia’s Italian Fried Chicken
23420 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale
At Morelia’s Italian Fried Chicken, co-owners Morelia and Andrew Minhinnick bring their fine dining experience to their family-owned spot, making everything in-house—even the mozzarella. As Morelia shares, they opened in 2025 with the goal of offering “hot and fresh sangwiches,” including a chicken parm with San Marzano tomato sauce (my personal favorite) and their signature MIFC Sangwich with their Italian fried chicken, crispy bacon, provolone, arugula, and Calabrian ranch. Other options like porchetta with Italian salsa verde or sausage and peppers paired with marinara keep the menu rooted in Italian comfort.
Detroit 75 Kitchen
4800 West Fort Street, Detroit
32275 Stephenson Highway, Madison Heights
What began as a family truck stop has grown into a highly celebrated sandwich destination. Detroit 75 Kitchen has received well-deserved national recognition for the Nassar brothers’ creations. Here, you’ll find a variety of hot sandwiches, ranging from their 3rd Street Detroit Cheesesteak loaded with roasted veggies, caramelized onions, and sweet pickled jalapeños, the Orleans Shrimp Po’Boy topped with a housemade remoulade, and a Corktown BBQ Beef showcase the bold flavors that earned them accolades, while the shawarma choices and Friday Fisher Fwy. Fish specials add a special flair to the menu. Not forgetting our plant-focused friends, the Russell Street Vegetarian takes a freshly baked sesame roll to new heights with smoked onions and peppers, their signature garlic cilantro fries, smoked tomatillo salsa, and roasted jalapeño ketchup for a deliciously comforting choice.
Pine Coast Cafe
13939 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn
Pine Coast Cafe balances comfort with creativity, offering both playful and gourmet options. The Chicken and Waffle sandwich layers crispy breaded chicken with honey sriracha and turkey bacon between golden waffles, while the Kimchi Cheesesteak adds a Korean twist to the classic shaved steak sandwich. Other choices include Reubens, topped with housemade Russian and mustard, the Chicken Pesto Paninis with artichokes, baby arugula, and sun-dried tomatoes, and the Ultimate Veggie, stacked with freshly grilled vegetables, ranging from mushrooms and zucchini to arugula and eggplant, reflecting the café’s knack for flavor combinations that feel both satisfying and unexpected. Pair any of these with a side of fries or a soup for the ultimate cozy lunch.
Novel
307 South Main Street, Rochester
Novel combines a love of books with the craft of pressed-to-order sandwiches, creating the ultimate one-stop cozy shop. Owner Elliott May shares, “Novel was really inspired by my dream of opening a sandwich shop and Rachel, my wife’s, love of books. As we were coming up with the idea, we realized we really wanted to create a third space in Rochester, somewhere to connect.” As for the sandwich collection, weekly specials join favorites like the Turkey Caprese with fresh pesto, the Mortadella with truffle cream (often called the hidden gem), and the Big Ham & Cheese, which became a permanent menu item thanks to customer demand. With every sandwich grilled in a panini press, Novel pairs comfort with creativity.
From scratch-made Italian specialties to creative fusion combinations, Metro Detroit’s sandwich scene proves that sometimes something as simple as a hot sandwich can be elevated and have you returning for more. Whether you’re craving the rich sauces of a chicken parm, the spice of kimchi, or a perfectly grilled panini, these spots show that hot sandwiches are much more than a quick bite; they’re comfort food worth celebrating.
