The Best Damn Sandwich: Milano Importing in Springfield

Oct. 31, 2018 | Jordan Houston
jordan@thereminder.com

The Club Milano sandwich offers deluxe ham, cracked pepper turkey, American cheese, bacon, lettuce and tomato.
Reminder Publishing photo by Payton North

SPRINGFIELD – This week’s Best Damn Sandwich review is going to be the first part of a four part-series featuring the famous Milano Importing sandwiches from downtown Springfield.

It was my turn on the editorial staff to review a sandwich, and I wanted to make sure it was EXTRA delicious – I had just recently quit the Ketogenic diet so I was in the mood to celebrate with all the carbs. My coworkers and I made a group decision to go out to lunch together at Milano Importing, per the recommendation of one of our loyal readers, and choose different sandwiches to review.

The sandwich shop, located at 988 Main St., is a family-owned business that has been serving Springfield residents with authentic Italian style foods since 1968. Milano can be described as a quaint, old school-style Italian deli with a modern twist. On the exterior of the building, an evergreen awning decorates the storefront, while small circular black tables sit below the neon-red “open” sign.

On the inside, a counter to the left includes the deli case with a plethora of different cheeses and meats that can be sold by the pound. The menu offers grinders, specialty sandwiches, wraps and salads.

I opted for the Club Milano sandwich on a “bulkie” roll. The menu stated the sandwich consisted of deluxe ham, cracked pepper turkey, American cheese, bacon, lettuce and tomato.

My sandwich came wrapped in thick, white parchment paper and was given to me in a brown lunch bag to go – it felt reminiscent of a school-lunch a mother would pack for her child (in an endearing way.)

When I unwrapped my sandwich, I was slightly disappointed – only because I noticed there was mayonnaise on the sandwich.

I am not a big fan of mayo; it actually repulses me. But, because it wasn’t drenched in the condiment, I figured I would give it a shot. To note, the menu did not list that the sandwich came with mayo – however, I do understand that this is a common coupling for a sandwich of this nature.

Despite my hesitation toward the mayo, I thought the sandwich was absolutely delicious.

The bacon provided just enough crunch, and the shredded lettuce wasn’t soggy. The quality of both of the meats were delicious, and the size of the bulkie roll was just enough to leave me satisfied but not stuffed. Milano’s was also generous in the amount of meat they slapped onto the sandwich, which is great for the hardcore carnivores.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my sandwich and will be making another trip to Milano Importing in the near future, except this time, I’ll make sure to ask for no mayo.

To check out their menu, head over to https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b2abf551aef1dd413374bf4/t/5ba924b47817f7a737a99271/1537811640481/Final+Menu+9-24-18.pdf.

Share this: