Schiller’s German Delicatessen. Tampa, FL.

There are few meals I love more than a sandwich. All the food groups in stratigraphic layers. No, I don’t just know the word stratigraphic, ok? I googled “what’s the word for rock layers”. I’m not a genius. I’m just a person who loves sandwiches. And one of my very favorite sandwiches in America can be found at Schiller’s in Tampa, FL. Schiller’s is a family-run German deli and market that’s been around since the 50s. It’s an institution! You order at the counter and then pay at the register when your food is up, which leaves you time to peruse the shelves of intriguing German imports. Candies and beers and sauces and every Haribo shape you can think of. But back to the sandwich. I’ve been ordering the same thing from Schiller’s for over a decade and it has never disappointed: a New Yorker on pumpernickel, grilled. But you don’t have to follow my heavily worn path. Forge ahead with a reuben or a bratwurst or a potato salad party. It will all be good! And like any great family-run spot, they make you feel like one of the family too.

Price: All the regular sized sandwiches are around $7, which leaves some room for a bag of chips or a drink. Luxury!

Health: All the sandwiches are well-proportioned and when grilled, they become perfectly toasty, but not greasy.

Speed: Takes a little longer if you’re getting something grilled or heated, but overall still a quick meal.