A sandwich shop in Wisconsin has a drive-through, and the menu star is hot pastrami. I love that.
Pastrami usually feels like a sit-down event, not something handed through a car window.
Then I kept digging. One deli bakes its own rye and challah.
Another serves cheesesteaks until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. A shop up north pairs Italian beef with a salad and poke bar.
The list runs from old-school Italian markets to a tiny deli on a peninsula highway. Some spots close early on Saturdays, so timing matters.
A little planning turns a lazy weekend into a sandwich road trip.
So which one gets the first bite? Mine is still a toss-up between pastrami and a shop famous for its soft bread.
Yours might change by the end of this list. Grab a napkin and see where you land.
Glorioso’s Italian Market
Brady Street has plenty of personality, and this historic Italian market adds a serious sandwich counter to the mix. You come for the deli, then accidentally leave with a bag of groceries.
Glorioso’s pairs specialty Italian groceries with hot prepared foods and a busy deli. The Milwaukee muffalatta gets plenty of love, and the veggie paesano gives meat-free eaters a real option.
Sunday brings one of the best deals around: hot ham and rolls. It’s a very Milwaukee way to plan a lazy weekend lunch at home.
The market also sells bakery goods, organic products, and fresh produce. That makes it easy to grab a sandwich now and pick up dinner ingredients for later.
Saturday afternoons tend to be the busiest time, so arrive earlier if crowds aren’t your thing. Hours run 8 AM to 6 PM Saturday and 8:30 AM to 5 PM Sunday.
Parking options include street spots and a paid lot. Curbside and in-store pickup help too, especially when your stomach is already growling.
Free Wi-Fi is available if you need to check a recipe while shopping. Just try not to eat half the sandwich before reaching the car.
Address: 1011 E Brady St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Stalzy’s Deli
Bread is the quiet hero at this Madison deli, and its house-made loaves are a big part of the appeal. That small detail can make a whole sandwich.
Stalzy’s Deli is known for its sandwiches and baked goods, including rye and challah. The Reuben is a popular choice, traditionally pairing corned beef, sauerkraut, dressing, and rye bread.
Care shows up in the details here, from the carefully assembled sandwiches to the fresh-baked bread.
Breakfast sandwiches are also part of the menu. Before visiting, check the latest hours and available offerings, as the business’s service model has changed.
Stalzy’s has operated with a focus on retail and pickup rather than a traditional dine-in experience. A loaf of challah to take home could make a tasty souvenir from Madison.
If you’re planning to stop by, confirm current parking, pickup options, and Wi-Fi availability in advance.
Address: 2701 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704
Scott’s Subs
Green Bay is known for more than football, and soft sub bread deserves a spot on that list. This family-run shop treats its bread like the main event.
Scott’s Subs is known for signature bread that’s fresh, soft, and a little crispy. Hot and cold sandwiches both share the spotlight, so you get options no matter the weather.
The Cuban and the Chicken BLT are standout picks. The Classic Italian and the California BLT also earn top billing on the menu.
Ordering happens at the counter, and service moves fast. There’s seating inside plus outdoor tables, and dogs are welcome outside.
Families will appreciate the kids’ menu and high chairs. The room stays casual and clean, which makes a solo lunch or group stop easy.
Timing matters here. The shop runs 10:30 AM to 7 PM Tuesday through Friday and 10:30 AM to 3 PM Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday.
Saturday late mornings and afternoons get busy, so an early arrival helps. Parking is usually plentiful, with a free lot and street spots.
Catering is available if your weekend plans involve a crowd. A tray of subs beats a bag of chips any day.
Address: 810 S Huron Rd, Green Bay, WI 54311
Jay Ray’s
Hot pastrami through a drive-through window sounds like a dream, and in Eau Claire it’s real. Few sandwich shops make comfort this convenient.
Jay Ray’s specializes in hearty Italian beef and deli-style subs. The hot pastrami is the menu highlight, often served huge with great bread and garlic aioli.
Portions lean generous, with plenty of meat and toppings. Prices stay fair, which matters when you’re feeding a hungry crew.
Meat-free eaters aren’t stuck with a sad side salad. The shop offers a full vegetarian menu, and coffee is available too.
College students and visitors both find their way here. The vibe is casual, the service is fast, and outdoor seating gives you a sunny option.
Weekend timing takes a little planning. Saturday hours run 11 AM to 3 PM, and the shop is closed Sunday.
Weekdays are more flexible, from 11 AM to 6 PM. That makes a Friday evening pickup a solid start to the weekend.
Delivery and catering are also offered for bigger plans. Parking is usually easy, with a free lot and street spaces.
Kids are welcome, so the whole family can tag along. Maybe order an extra sandwich, since sharing pastrami gets competitive.
Address: 1907 Brackett Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54703
Pickerman’s Soup & Sandwich Shop
Checkered tablecloths set the tone at this longtime La Crosse cafe, and soup gets equal billing with sandwiches. That’s a combo worth a weekend detour.
Pickerman’s Soup & Sandwich Shop serves hearty sandwiches on fresh bread, piled with quality meats, crisp veggies, and house-made spreads. Homemade soups round out the menu.
The pastrami Cuban-style sandwich is a popular pick. Pair it with French onion soup for a lunch that feels like a hug in a bowl.
The soup and sandwich combo comes out quick, which helps when you’re exploring downtown. Vegetarians get a full menu of their own.
Coffee and dessert are on hand for a slower finish. The space is casual and quiet, with high chairs for little ones.
Weekend hours are shorter, so plan ahead. Saturday runs 10:30 AM to 3 PM, and the cafe is closed Sunday.
Weekday afternoons get busy, while evenings are calmer. A Friday dinner stop could be your sneaky way to skip a line.
Delivery and catering are both options. Free parking in a lot and on the street makes the trip easy.
College students and tourists both stop in, so the crowd is a fun mix. Groups fit in fine here too.
Address: 327 Jay St, La Crosse, WI 54601
Tenuta’s Deli
Kenosha’s Italian food scene gets a big boost from a grocery that doubles as a sandwich stop. You may arrive for lunch and leave with imported pantry treasures.
Tenuta’s Deli stocks imported ingredients alongside a deli counter known for specialty sandwiches. The hot, freshly made options are the move, and prices stay friendly.
Bakery goods and prepared foods add even more temptation. Organic products are part of the lineup too.
Plan on a quick visit rather than a long sit-down meal. Grab your sandwich, wander the aisles, and plan a picnic.
Kenosha sits along Lake Michigan, so a sandwich by the water is an easy add-on. Just don’t let the gulls see your lunch.
Hours run 10 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday. Sunday hours are shorter, from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Saturday afternoon is the busiest stretch of the week. Weekday mornings tend to be calmer if your schedule allows.
Parking is simple, with a free lot and free street spots. Delivery isn’t offered, so this one requires an in-person trip.
Wisconsin has plenty of Italian delis, but a combo grocery like this turns lunch into a mini shopping trip. Bring a cooler if you’re driving far.
Address: 3203 52nd St, Kenosha, WI 53144
Backroads Deli
Door County trips usually mean cherries and shoreline views, but a great sandwich belongs on the itinerary too. This little deli in Fish Creek handles that job nicely.
Backroads Deli serves fresh, hearty sandwiches and salads. The sandwiches are prepared with real care, and the quality shows.
Choices are plentiful, so even picky eaters have a shot. The build-your-own option lets you call the shots from bread to toppings.
Dine in if you want a break from driving Highway 42. Takeout works great if a park bench or beach is calling.
The hours are unusual, so check them twice. It’s closed Tuesday and Wednesday, and open 11 AM to 3 PM Monday, Thursday, and Sunday.
Fridays and Saturdays stretch until 6 PM. That gives weekend visitors a little more wiggle room for a late lunch.
A free parking lot makes stopping easy, even with a car full of beach gear. Free Wi-Fi helps if you need to map the next stop.
The deli welcomes LGBTQ+ guests and is a transgender safe space. That inclusive spirit fits right in with a relaxed vacation day.
Address: 3903 WI-42, Fish Creek, WI 54212
CT’s Deli LLC
Northwoods appetites run big, and this Rhinelander deli answers with smoked meats and huge homemade cookies. That’s a strong opening argument.
CT’s Deli LLC serves chef-inspired hot sandwiches and gourmet paninis. Pulled pork and brisket sandwiches get plenty of attention, and the Italian Beef and Reuben are menu highlights.
Plant-based eaters have real choices here. The Grilled Italiano is vegan, and the Avocado Egg Salad Sandwich covers vegetarians.
Vegan fries and a wild rice salad round out the side options. Wild rice feels especially fitting this far north.
A salad and poke bar is another surprise. Hearty soups also show up, which helps on chilly days.
Seating is available inside and out. Delivery, takeout, and in-store shopping for deli meats are options too.
Saturday hours are short, from 10 AM to 2 PM, and Sundays are closed. Weekdays run 10 AM to 6 PM.
Saturday mornings get busy, so show up early. Free parking in a lot and on the street keeps the stop simple.
Grab a cookie for the road. Your future self, halfway through a lake day, will be grateful.
Address: 17 N Brown St, Rhinelander, WI 54501
Becca’s Cafe – Wausau
Two floors of seating near Rib Mountain? That’s a lot of room for lunch plans to grow.
Becca’s Cafe – Wausau is a bright counter-serve spot offering gourmet sandwiches and soups. Hot and cold sandwiches come with fresh ingredients, and smoothies add a cool sidekick.
Vegan and vegetarian diners get full menus. That’s rare enough to make this a go-to for mixed groups.
Coffee, tea, and desserts all get high marks here. A sandwich followed by a treat sounds like a solid recovery plan after a hike.
Families are welcome, with a kids’ menu and high chairs. Dogs can join you at the outdoor seating.
Weekend hours run 10:30 AM to 3 PM on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday is the busiest stretch, while Sunday mornings are calmer.
Weekdays stay open until 7 PM, which works for an easy dinner. Reservations aren’t taken, so just show up hungry.
Parking is usually plentiful, with a free lot and street spots. Free Wi-Fi makes it handy for remote workers too.
Brunch is on the menu as well, so late risers aren’t left out. Catering is available if you need sandwiches for a crowd.
Address: 226409 Rib Mountain Dr, Wausau, WI 54401
The Original Steaks and Hoagies – Oshkosh
Philly is a long drive from Oshkosh, so it’s handy that the cheesesteak came to town instead. This casual spot keeps things fast and filling.
The Original Steaks and Hoagies serves Philly-style sandwiches with plenty of seasoned steak. The bread holds up well, which any cheesesteak fan knows is half the battle.
Loaded tots are the side to watch. They’re the sidekick that sometimes steals the show.
Late hours make this one stand out. Friday and Saturday service runs until 10 PM, and Sunday wraps up at 8 PM.
Thursday evenings are the busiest time. Weekend mornings tend to be quieter, if an early cheesesteak sounds right to you.
Service is counter-style and fast. Seating is available, and dessert is on the menu.
Curbside pickup, delivery, and takeout are all options. That flexibility helps after a busy Saturday on the lake.
Kids are welcome, and catering covers bigger gatherings. Parking is usually easy, with a free lot plus street spots.
Wisconsin loves its comfort food, and a steak sandwich fits right in on a chilly evening. Doors open at 10:30 AM daily, with weeknight service until 9 PM.
Address: 520 S Koeller St, Oshkosh, WI 54902
GoldCoast Subs
Milwaukee-area sub fans know a signature seasoning can make a sandwich memorable. This Greenfield shop builds its reputation on exactly that.
GoldCoast Subs serves classic subs with unique seasonings and a special sauce. Fresh bread and ample meat round out the formula.
The style may feel familiar to longtime local sub lovers. Fans of old-school seasoned subs should feel right at home.
Sandwiches are made to order, quick and fresh. Service is friendly, and the building stays clean.
Dine in, take out, or grab a seat outside. Delivery is available, and kids get their own menu.
Plan carefully for the weekend. The shop opens 10:30 AM to 7 PM Tuesday through Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons get busy. Saturday evenings tend to be calmer, so a dinner run could pay off.
Catering works well for parties and game days. Parking is usually plentiful with a free lot and street spots.
Dessert is available too, in case you need a sweet finish. Groups fit comfortably, so bring the crew.
It makes a fitting final stop on a Wisconsin sandwich tour. Your only problem will be choosing which sub to order first.
Address: 4263 W Layton Ave, Greenfield, WI 53221
