Top Sandwiches In South Florida

Whether you call them sammies like Rachel Ray or you just like to watch "The Sandwich King" on TV, sandwiches are a staple in the vast menu of life. But what makes a great sandwich? For many it's the bread. For others, it's finding that perfect combination, like Elvis did of bananas and peanut butter. You won't find any strange combos on this list, but more like all of the Miami standards, from grilled fish to grilled cheese. One thing they have in common? They're all top rated with locals in-the-know.

Hole In The Wall Pub

14421 S. Dixie Highway
Miami, FL 33157
(786) 227-6058
www.facebook.com/Hole-In-The-Wall-Pub

Besides being a favorite watering hole of locals, this tiny, hard-to-find pub has the best mahi-mahi sandwich you might ever have. It all starts with the brioche bun that is the perfect texture. Then the pub will lay on a generous fillet of fresh grilled and perfectly seasoned dolphin (mahi-mahi) that doesn't even begin to fit on the bun, it hangs over like a fish umbrella. Add sauteed onions, maybe a melted slice of Swiss or American cheese and a little favorite sauce and you've got juicy goodness dripping down your hand onto your fries. We know you've had other fish sandwiches, but do yourself a favor and try this one next time you're in the neighborhood.

Versailles

3555 S.W. 8th St.
Miami, FL 33135
(305) 444-0240
www.versaillesrestaurant.com

It's the quintessential sandwich that represents Miami – the Cuban sandwich. This is a tough one to award because there are so many great Cubans in the Magic City, but Versailles' version still stands out. Its Cuban sandwich is the perfect combination of roasted pork, Swiss cheese, Serrano ham, tart pickles and mustard. Smash that all together in a sandwich press that could get the wrinkles out of a Shar-Pei and you won't wonder why this sandwich is rated number one. It's crispy on the outside and full of flavor on the inside. But it's more than just the sandwich Cubano, it's the whole experience of dining at this restaurant. It's a winner.

Roasters' N Toasters

9465 S. Dixie Highway
Miami, FL 33156
(305) 251-4848
www.roastersntoasters.com

It's not only the biggest corned beef sandwich you've ever seen (outside of New York anyway), but it's so tasty and so tender that you'll moan with delight at least once. And that all makes sense considering this local favorite was voted Best NY-Style Deli In Miami. For a real treat, try the Corned Beef and Pastrami Combo Reuben. It's enough to feed a small country so be prepared to take half home, if you can resist this combination of hot corned beef, pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing served on grilled rye bread. This one is worth every calorie.

Related: Top Italian Delis In The Miami Area

Shiver's BBQ

28001 S. Dixie Highway
Homestead, FL 33033
(305) 248-2272
www.shiversbbq.com

Shiver's has been serving up hickory smoked barbecue since 1950 so these family folks really know what they're doing. The brisket sandwich (order a jumbo size) earned Shiver's a place on this coveted list. First, the brisket is slow smoked onsite. You can even see the smoke rings if you look before you cover up the thick slices with the homemade sauce. That's all that's on the white flour bun – slow smoked brisket. It's simple, but good. Give it a good dousing of sauce and let the dripping begin. Some put a heaping of cole slaw on there too. You'll also get two sides, so choose wisely.

ROK:Brgr

5800 S.W. 73rd St.
Miami, FL 33143
(305) 663-6099
www.rokbrgr.com

It's a grilled cheese like no other and it is served at a restaurant known for its burgers. Even vegetarians will brave this burger palace for its mac and cheese bar and grilled cheese sandwich (vegetarians just order it minus the tender rib meat). But if you're a carnivore, order it as it comes right off the menu – a short rib grilled cheese with fontina, perfectly caramelized sweet onions and a red wine reduction for dipping. With locations in South Miami and Fort Lauderdale, whether you're north or south, you can get a taste of oohey gooey heaven.

Related: Top Spots For Cheese In South Florida

Jill Martin is a family travel expert, appearing on numerous television and radio shows. She spent five years as the VISIT FLORIDA Family Insider, has penned children's books, and is the creator of Sunshine Brain Games – trivia cards about Florida. A Miami native, Jill resides in Redland. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.