This Independent Michigan Sandwich Shop Named Best in State
Sandwiches hold a special place in the hearts of many, offering a reliable and satisfying meal option for those occasional cravings. According to the USDA, 47% of U.S. adults enjoy a sandwich on any given day, showcasing the popularity of this culinary classic. To highlight the variety of nationwide sandwich options, 24/7 Wall St., a financial and data analysis company, explored each state’s best independent sandwich shops.
They conducted a thorough review to find the best independent sandwich shops in each state. They consulted culinary and general interest websites like Thrillist, The Daily Meal, Eater, Delish, Far & Wide, and Yelp, along with local and regional sources. While some chosen places may have multiple locations, none are part of national or regional chains. Also, they followed Merriam-Webster’s definition of a sandwich: “two or more slices of bread or a split roll with a filling in between.”
The Best Independent Sandwich Shop in Michigan
Zingerman’s Delicatessen in Ann Arbor, Michigan, earned recognition as the top independent sandwich shop in the state. The website spotlighted two standout sandwiches, the Rodger’s Big Picnic and the Bob & Roz’s Fiesta. Rodger’s Big Picnic features oven-roasted asparagus, seared Michigan mushrooms, and cheddar. The Bob & Roz’s Fiesta includes grilled Amish chicken breast, Wisconsin muenster cheese, fire-roasted New Mexico chiles, and a house-made roasted red pepper spread.
As Zingerman’s Delicatessen’s website mentioned, the deli opened its doors in March 1982 in a historic building near the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. Its founders, Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig, envisioned creating a traditional Jewish deli that would offer unique and special foods to Ann Arbor in their own way.
Sandwich shop reviews
The title it received is well-supported by numerous reviews. With over 5,000 Google reviews, the deli maintains a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. A reviewer expressed, “Such a funky spot with a great atmosphere and the food….unbelievably delicious.” Another review mentioned, “This is a must-go for Michigan. I grew up going here and getting their fantastic sandwiches.”
Check out the full list of the best independent sandwich shops across the U.S. here.
Get Your Cider Fix: 16 Metro Detroit's Cider Mills to Visit this Fall
Long Family Orchards, Commerce
Now open at 1540 East Commerce Rd in Commerce, you’ve got the Long Family Orchard ready to welcome you. They have a cider mill, a corn maze, and a play area for visitors. Alongside their cider and donuts, you can also pick up apples, pumpkins, and other fresh produce from their offerings.
Kayla Morgan/ BBGI Detroit
Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill, Plymouth
Experience fall to the fullest at Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill. Treat yourself to a cinnamon donut and fresh cider, and don’t miss the wagon ride to the pumpkin patch or the hay bale maze. Located at 10685 Warren Rd. in Plymouth, they’re opening up for Labor Day weekend.
GummyBone/ Getty Images
Yate's Cider Mill, Rochester Hills
Right at 1990 E. Avon in Rochester Hills, this place is open for business. They have cider, pastries, and fudge. They also have a petting farm with sheep, horses, and Lucy the Llama. And if you’re up for a walk, there are riverside trails to explore. They’re open every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Find more information about Yates Cider Mill here.
Kayla Morgan/ BBGI Detroit
Paint Creek Cider Mill, Rochester
This family-operated cider mill and restaurant serves up scratch-made meals year-round. You can enjoy lunch and dinner here, and when fall rolls around, they have cider and donuts too. They also offer a variety of baked goods and ice cream, including a fun treat called the Apple Cider Milk Shake. Located at 4480 Orion Rd. in Rochester.
Kenishirotie/ Getty Images
Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill, Armada
Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill is open and waiting for you at 17985 Armada Center Rd. in Armada. They’ve got not one, but two spots to explore: Blake’s Orchard Funland and Blake’s Big Apple Funland. They have a petting farm, water duck races, an animated scarecrow band, and wagon rides at each spot. Plus, they’ve got tasty treats sourced locally. Blake’s has got more to offer with an open-air apple press, a tasting room, and even a restaurant.
olga_d/ Getty Images
Blake's Lyon Township, South Lyon
This 104-acre apple orchard and mill used to be called Erwin Orchards and Cider Mill. It opened a few weeks ago and has everything from doughnuts, cider, and U-pick apples to a petting zoo. And they offer Blake’s Hard Cider, wine, yummy cider mill treats, and baked goods. This is located at 51475 Silver Lake Rd. in South Lyon.
SEASTOCK/ Getty Images
Franklin Cider Mill, Franklin
They’ve got an open-air market, the Apple Shack, and the Franklin Tent where you can grab homemade jams, maple syrup, honey, salsas, meats, and cheeses. And they’re bringing back Cider Dogs, which are hot dogs soaked in cider. You can even watch them making the cider inside the mill. Head to 7450 Franklin Rd. in Franklin when they open up on Saturday, September 2nd.
DepthofField/ Getty Images
Three Cedars Farm, Northville
Starting September 1st, head over to 7897 Six Mile Rd. in Northville. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a colorful entrance packed with fall flowers, mums, corn stalks, and, of course, the chance to pick your own pumpkins. Don’t miss the big red barn and cider mill – that’s where the hayrides start every 10 minutes. And if you’re up for a challenge, there’s a 7-acre corn maze for both kids and adults. Plus, Three Cedars offers 10 private bonfire sites for rent all season long.
Malinda Peron/ Getty Images
Parmenter's, Northville
Opening its doors on August 26, you can find this place at 714 Baseline in Northville. They have all the good stuff like cider, doughnuts, cider slush, and more tasty treats. And if you’re into fresh hard cider and beer, check out Parmenter’s Northville Winery and Brewing Co. This year marks their 150th anniversary.
Kenishirotie/ Getty Images
Spicer Orchards, Fenton
Spicer Orchards is open all year round and has been growing fruit for six generations. They got their Hartland farm in 1967 and set up another market there in 1980. They do apples and cider, and they also have a winery, a doughnut shop, and a bakery. You can check them out at 10411 Clyde Rd. in Fenton.
Kayla Morgan/ BBGI Detroit
Diehl’s Orchard & Cider Mill, Holly
Diehl’s Orchard and Cider Mill is open daily from mid-August to Halloween, 9 am to 6 pm. They serve apple cider, homemade donuts, apple butter, honey, jams, pies, candy, and more fall favorites. A visit to Diehl’s feels like a trip “up North” rather than a typical Metro Detroit cider mill.
Matveev_Aleksandr/ Getty Images
Stony Creek Orchard & Cider, Bruce Township
Eat fresh apple cider straight from their mill and enjoy hot, homemade donuts at the Donut House, all while your kids play on straw bales in the picnic area. No need for an admission fee at their farm. You can pick your own apples, pumpkins, and raspberries (red, yellow & black) or buy pre-picked ones. They also offer apples, homemade pies, caramel apples, pre-picked pumpkins, gourds, jams, jellies, honey, maple syrup, and more. You can even check out antique tractors on display for fun photo ops.
Wirestock/ Getty Images
Wiard's Orchards, Ypsilanti
Right now, you can head over to Wiard’s at 5565 Merritt Road in Ypsilanti. With a history of almost 170 years, they have a petting farm, corn maze, wagon rides, mini golf, fire engine rides, paintball, karaoke, and a super big inflatable slide. You can also pick your own apples and pumpkins. And if you’re up for a scare, check out Wiard’s Haunted Thrill Park on weekends in September and October. They’ve got a Haunted Barn, MindShaft, and Asylum waiting for you. Wiard’s is open Wednesday through Sunday, and there are even more cool things happening on weekends.
sparkia/ Getty Images
Westview Orchards, Washington
For an fall family outing, check out Westview Orchards in Washington Township. They offer u-pick apples, a farm market, and bakery, along with activities like The Black Hole, Giant Slide, Corn Maze, and more. Visit on Saturdays and Sundays in September and October from 10 am to 5 pm.
Valeriy_G/ Getty Images
Apple Charlies, New Boston
Located at 38035 S. Huron Rd. in New Boston, Apple Charlie’s is set to open next month. The star of the show at Apple Charlie’s is their wide array of apples and fresh-pressed cider. For the little ones, there are pony rides and a farm with animals to enjoy. You’ll also find food truck vendors on-site.
flySnow/ Getty Images
Miller's Big Red Orchard, Washington Township
Located at 4900 32 Mile Rd. in Washington Township, they’re gearing up to open in mid-September. It’s a fully operational farm with much more than apples and pumpkins. Alongside their cider, Millers has a Country Store stocked with pies, bread, jams, jellies, donuts, and more. They’ve also got a greenhouse filled with various plants. Throughout the seasons, you can enjoy U-Pick strawberries, cherries, pumpkins, raspberries, and three types of apples. Plus, they have their own ice cream parlor and craft their own mackinaw fudge.
aetb/ Getty Images
