"The Mountain" at Delicatus. Photo source.
Seattleites stack a mean sandwich. The Emerald City is a dream for any curious palate, but carnivores are sure to find no shortage of meat-driven fantasies. These outside-the-box options are at the top of the list.
Cure | 1641 Nagle Pl | 206-568-5475
You’ve had bologna out of plastic packaging, but have you tried high-quality traditional mortadella? And you’re familiar with basic salami, but how about Tuscan-style, fennel-specked Finocchiona salame? Cure is all about taking guests on a unique meat and cheese journey far beyond the confines of generic deli aisle imitations. Tickle your fancies with any of its signature charcuterie boards, or dive head-first into either of the inspired sandwich creations: “The Sandwich” (the aforementioned mortadella plus pistachio, cheese, mustard, and mayo) or “The Other Sandwich” (Finocchiona salame, smoked Irish cheddar, and piparras pepper relish served hot and melty).
Delicatus | Multiple locations
Holy specialty sandwiches galore! Behold the menu at either Delicatus location in Pioneer Square or Benaroya Hall and you’ll be met with tantalizing combos chock-full of all the savory meats you can eat. Offerings vary slightly between locations, but you’ll find most of the same delicious classics and signature sandwiches no matter where you stop. A few favorites: anything that features the Wooden Table Brisket Pastrami (The Mountain, a ditty on rye paired with corned beef, Russian dressing, and slaw; or The Rebel, served hot with white cheddar, jalapeno-lime aioli, pickled red onions, and more on a toasted roll) or Porchetta (Pioneer Square’s “Royal Bro-Ham” includes red pesto and baby arugula on ciabatta, while Benaroya does a smokey chipotle aioli, white cheddar, lime-marinated slaw, poblano and red peppers on ciabatta). Whew.
Harried & Hungry | 1415 3rd Ave | 206-264-7900
How’s this for a flavor dream team: pepper-crusted and brined pork loin, double cream brie, apple butter, and arugula, all on a freshly baked ciabatta baguette? Harried & Hungry has a way with all things enjoyed between bread, and The Frenchie is no exception. Chef and owner Harry Dziedzic keeps the signature sandwiches coming, and is regularly dreaming up seasonal lunch specials to boot. Most feature house-cured meats and all things scratch-made and exceptionally fresh. Order yours in the downtown cafe location, or opt for a catering platter and serve up to 15 people at your location of choice.
Paseo | Multiple locations
Paseo is Seattle’s original master of Caribbean cuisine, iconic purveyor of pork. With three locations to choose from in Fremont, Capitol Hill, or Sodo, getting your hands on a Paseo masterpiece is more accessible than ever. The Caribbean Roast is quite literally a local legend. The kitchen cooks marinated pork shoulder low and slow until uncannily tender, then piles it onto a crusty, toasted baguette with house aioli, cilantro, romaine, pickled jalapeños for some heat, and Paseo’s prized caramelized onions.
Salumi | 309 3rd Ave S | 206-621-8772
If you’ve got some time to wait in line, Salumi is another cult favorite for carnivores in Seattle. What began as a neighborhood deli serving Pioneer Square has burgeoned into a coveted culinary experience. An impressive lineup of cured meats are all made by hand, and most can be ordered by the pound or layered into gourmet cold and hot sandwiches. Crowd pleasers include the Finocchiona Salami, Hot Sopressata Salami, and Porchetta, as well as several other artisanal specials.
