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Of course, the iconic Maine sandwich is the lobster roll, but that regional culinary treasure is not today's focus. Instead, we've rounded up a baker's dozen of other notable sandwiches, who, for 364 days a year must live in the lobster roll's long shadow. Right here, right now, is their long-awaited day in the sun. It's also a chance to pay tribute to Maine's many standout sandwich shops, including Hoss & Mary's Tasty Grub in Old Orchard Beach; Market Street Eats in Portland; Saco Island Deli in Saco; and yes, even (cue the outraged screaming) Amato's. Now, Maine is a big state, and despite help from friend-of-Eater and sandwich expert Joe Ricchio, we're sure we've missed a few. Please share your favorites in the comments.
Thank you to bloggers From Away and Map & Menu for sharing their photos.
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.
Blackened Fish Po'Boy - fans say the secret to this and other po'boys on the menu is the authentic bread.
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (3) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (3)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kM7GZ71bvG9QNc5jcN6nQcHblj0=/0x0:533x400/1200x900/filters:focal(0x0:533x400):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100239/sand-poboys.0.0.jpg)
Duck Confit Panini - This Portland icon represented Maine in Food Network magazine's "50 Sandwiches, 50 States." Chef Rob Evans press the duck confit with Napa cabbage slaw, cilantro and spicy mayo.
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (4) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (4)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/K-zJLuW-5JU8grTDe6LrJTLrrME=/35x0:564x397/1200x900/filters:focal(35x0:564x397):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100241/sand-duckfat.0.0.jpg)
The sign on this rural gem proclaims "Wicked Good Sandwiches" and they mean it. The reuben has achieved iconic status.
(207) 688-3029
(207) 688-3029
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (5) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (5)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9EgSzb2Ic_OYSykGtTuP03miWcg=/31x0:556x394/1200x900/filters:focal(31x0:556x394):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100243/sand-ednas.0.0.jpg)
Red Rooster - a huge menu here makes it hard to choose, but the combo of grilled chicken, bacon, provolone, spicy Thai mayo, red onion and pickles, perfectly wrapped, is the standout. Photo courtesy of Malcolm Bedell, From Away blog.
(207) 773-3135
(207) 773-3135
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (6) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (6)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dGUBXtmgusNsQkNwKNIHrB1mnnA=/0x9:640x489/1200x900/filters:focal(0x9:640x489):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100245/sand-market.0.0.jpg)
Double Dragon Sub - Grilled pastrami, and steak with grilled onions, nacho cheese, russian dressing and cole slaw. Just one of the over-the-top creations at this OOB icon.
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (7) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (7)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6IdUZFKICtFKI5n6nG1itJyLrvg=/0x0:993x745/1200x900/filters:focal(0x0:993x745):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100247/sand-h_s.0.0.jpeg)
BBQ Beef Bahn Mi - noteworthy banh mi in ME? Yes, at Kim's, and at astonishingly low prices, about $3/sandwich.
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (8) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (8)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/q66FEdHT77O2uLh5i9wOwiqNKaQ=/0x0:999x749/1200x900/filters:focal(0x0:999x749):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100249/sand-kims.0.0.jpg)
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Turkey Roo-Ben - "I will wear my undying devotion to this sandwich like a badge of honor." - Joe Ricchio.
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (9) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (9)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4ys0L-byxleVMc90XU8yF94eudU=/0x2:714x538/1200x900/filters:focal(0x2:714x538):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100251/turkey_20rooben.0.0.png)
The classic chicken salad sandwich is elevated at Clayton's with blue cheese and red grapes. Photo courtesy of Malcolm Bedell, From Away blog.
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (10) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (10)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LTEwdoUs2lNno9X6sIO-hs1eCvI=/35x0:610x431/1200x900/filters:focal(35x0:610x431):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100253/chicken-salad.0.0.jpg)
The Original Italian - yes, it's a chain, but when it comes to icons, Amato's Italian is the one that set the standard for the state. Disagree? That's OK.
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (11) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (11)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ecRqBQjQJRaMysWCvtXh0Q-BULc=/5x0:594x442/1200x900/filters:focal(5x0:594x442):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100255/portland_me8.0.0.jpg)
Oyster Bun - the newest icon on the list, this small sandwich combines the pillowy-ness of a Chinese steamed bun with crispy fried oysters and pickled onions.
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (12) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (12)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pFFZLA1ZjLfFcXm2PC1mZwku-I4=/35x0:604x427/1200x900/filters:focal(35x0:604x427):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100257/eventide_oystersandwich.0.0.jpg)
Also featured in:
The Bella Mortadella - Joe Ricchio's pick is a Monday only special with the original Italian bologna, fig jam and cheese. Photo courtesy of Map & Menu blog.
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (15) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (15)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PTYvOuBP5PLgFjBJlhN2p06uuA4=/34x0:574x405/1200x900/filters:focal(34x0:574x405):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100259/sand-cheese.0.0.jpg)
Whole Clam Roll - some gripe about the $15.95 price tag, but this is the state's gold standard in clam rolls. Don't like the bellies? Get the clam strip roll - just $8.95.
(207) 439-4233
(207) 439-4233
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (16) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (16)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PvamzhLB1pgbQbDjiqEEkEUUzIA=/0x109:375x390/1200x900/filters:focal(0x109:375x390):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100261/3597006574_6576a63754.0.0.jpg)
Fried Haddock sandwich - this is the "whole;" normal humans order the "half," which is still a lot of super fresh fish. Bet's brother catches the fish and she makes her own tartar and dill sauce. Opens for the season in May.
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (17) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (17)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G9Uu9zhJNQIXuXISFMFlIM5HuUE=/0x0:1000x750/1200x900/filters:focal(0x0:1000x750):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100263/sand-bets.0.0.jpg)
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Blackened Fish Po'Boy - fans say the secret to this and other po'boys on the menu is the authentic bread.
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (18) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (18)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kM7GZ71bvG9QNc5jcN6nQcHblj0=/0x0:533x400/1200x900/filters:focal(0x0:533x400):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100239/sand-poboys.0.0.jpg)
Duck Confit Panini - This Portland icon represented Maine in Food Network magazine's "50 Sandwiches, 50 States." Chef Rob Evans press the duck confit with Napa cabbage slaw, cilantro and spicy mayo.
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (19) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (19)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/K-zJLuW-5JU8grTDe6LrJTLrrME=/35x0:564x397/1200x900/filters:focal(35x0:564x397):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100241/sand-duckfat.0.0.jpg)
The sign on this rural gem proclaims "Wicked Good Sandwiches" and they mean it. The reuben has achieved iconic status.
(207) 688-3029
(207) 688-3029
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (20) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (20)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9EgSzb2Ic_OYSykGtTuP03miWcg=/31x0:556x394/1200x900/filters:focal(31x0:556x394):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100243/sand-ednas.0.0.jpg)
Red Rooster - a huge menu here makes it hard to choose, but the combo of grilled chicken, bacon, provolone, spicy Thai mayo, red onion and pickles, perfectly wrapped, is the standout. Photo courtesy of Malcolm Bedell, From Away blog.
(207) 773-3135
(207) 773-3135
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (21) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (21)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dGUBXtmgusNsQkNwKNIHrB1mnnA=/0x9:640x489/1200x900/filters:focal(0x9:640x489):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100245/sand-market.0.0.jpg)
Double Dragon Sub - Grilled pastrami, and steak with grilled onions, nacho cheese, russian dressing and cole slaw. Just one of the over-the-top creations at this OOB icon.
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (22) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (22)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6IdUZFKICtFKI5n6nG1itJyLrvg=/0x0:993x745/1200x900/filters:focal(0x0:993x745):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100247/sand-h_s.0.0.jpeg)
BBQ Beef Bahn Mi - noteworthy banh mi in ME? Yes, at Kim's, and at astonishingly low prices, about $3/sandwich.
(207) 774-7165
(207) 774-7165
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (23) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (23)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/q66FEdHT77O2uLh5i9wOwiqNKaQ=/0x0:999x749/1200x900/filters:focal(0x0:999x749):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100249/sand-kims.0.0.jpg)
Turkey Roo-Ben - "I will wear my undying devotion to this sandwich like a badge of honor." - Joe Ricchio.
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (24) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (24)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4ys0L-byxleVMc90XU8yF94eudU=/0x2:714x538/1200x900/filters:focal(0x2:714x538):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100251/turkey_20rooben.0.0.png)
The classic chicken salad sandwich is elevated at Clayton's with blue cheese and red grapes. Photo courtesy of Malcolm Bedell, From Away blog.
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (25) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (25)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LTEwdoUs2lNno9X6sIO-hs1eCvI=/35x0:610x431/1200x900/filters:focal(35x0:610x431):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100253/chicken-salad.0.0.jpg)
The Original Italian - yes, it's a chain, but when it comes to icons, Amato's Italian is the one that set the standard for the state. Disagree? That's OK.
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (26) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (26)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ecRqBQjQJRaMysWCvtXh0Q-BULc=/5x0:594x442/1200x900/filters:focal(5x0:594x442):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100255/portland_me8.0.0.jpg)
Oyster Bun - the newest icon on the list, this small sandwich combines the pillowy-ness of a Chinese steamed bun with crispy fried oysters and pickled onions.
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (27) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (27)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pFFZLA1ZjLfFcXm2PC1mZwku-I4=/35x0:604x427/1200x900/filters:focal(35x0:604x427):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100257/eventide_oystersandwich.0.0.jpg)
The Bella Mortadella - Joe Ricchio's pick is a Monday only special with the original Italian bologna, fig jam and cheese. Photo courtesy of Map & Menu blog.
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (28) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (28)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PTYvOuBP5PLgFjBJlhN2p06uuA4=/34x0:574x405/1200x900/filters:focal(34x0:574x405):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100259/sand-cheese.0.0.jpg)
Whole Clam Roll - some gripe about the $15.95 price tag, but this is the state's gold standard in clam rolls. Don't like the bellies? Get the clam strip roll - just $8.95.
(207) 439-4233
(207) 439-4233
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (29) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (29)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PvamzhLB1pgbQbDjiqEEkEUUzIA=/0x109:375x390/1200x900/filters:focal(0x109:375x390):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100261/3597006574_6576a63754.0.0.jpg)
Fried Haddock sandwich - this is the "whole;" normal humans order the "half," which is still a lot of super fresh fish. Bet's brother catches the fish and she makes her own tartar and dill sauce. Opens for the season in May.
![Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (30) Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches (30)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G9Uu9zhJNQIXuXISFMFlIM5HuUE=/0x0:1000x750/1200x900/filters:focal(0x0:1000x750):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62100263/sand-bets.0.0.jpg)