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The search for a good sandwich has united Detroit's lunchtime workforce ranging from TV personalities to auto mechanics and brought them to Mudgie's. Located on Porter Street in historic Corktown, since opening in early February of this year, Mudgie's has been a hit, serving sandwiches, soups and deserts made fresh and in-house using quality ingredients served by a friendly staff. 

These are real sandwiches. That means you can eat one, barely. And they taste good, too. Metromix tried the Madill, which consists of roast turkey, Nueske's apple wood smoked bacon, sliced avocado, tomato, lettuce, garlic mayo and melted pepper-jack cheese served warm open faced on a sub bun. It was fantastic; the combination of the smoky bacon with avocado and pepper Jack created a nice contrast that totally worked.

We also tried the Balsamic Blue, a take on the classic Michigan salad that consists of a bed of fresh baby spinach topped with crumbled blue cheese, walnuts, tomato, dried cranberries and balsamic vinaigrette. 

For the young at heart, check out the peanut butter sandwiches that are made with fresh peanut butter from Eastern Market's Rocky Peanut. 

Each day a different soup hits the menu: Monday is bean, Tuesday is cabbage, Wednesday is broccoli, Thursday is tomato and Friday is clam chowder.

While there is not a huge selection of desserts, the ones on the menu are made to perfection.  Pure and simple, like the Fudgie Mudgie, a Ghirardelli chocolate brownie waffle made to order and served warm, topped with a scoop of Calder's vanilla ice cream and Sander's hot fudge. 

Mudge explained why his signature dessert is unique: "We take the Ghirardelli brownie batter and pour it into a waffle iron so it's hot when it comes."

The mission at Mudgie's is to serve the best food possible which usually means buying locally.  Where products are not made here they are at least bought locally to support Michigan's economy.

Owner Greg Mudge is behind the initiative to serve quality food with local ingredients. "We serve good quality product using as many local vendors as possible," Mudge says.

Produce is bought at Eastern Market; quality corned beef, top cut roast beef and turkey breast used on the sandwiches comes from United Meat and Deli in Hubbard, Mich. Calder's Dairy in Lincoln Park supplies all of the dairy products served, from the yogurt smoothies in the cooler to ice-cream for dessert.

The counter doubles as a cooler where customers can pick-up and place orders. It's filled with glass bottled sodas like I.B.C. root beer and Orange Crush and even Vernors, which used to be made in Detroit. As well as some interesting mustards, some of which are made locally.

  Lisa N.

Flint, MI

This was our plan:  Hit Corktown for a sandwich at Eph McNally's, mosey next door to the cute children's bookstore called Ladel's, then read the plaques next to the paintings at the DIA  to see if they were really dumbed down.  At our first stop, we found out that Eph McNally's is no longer in Corktown, and ownership has changed to a great diner called Mudgie's!

Mudgie's offers nicely sized sandwiches that range between $6-$8, nice salads, and options for kids.  You can also design your own sandwich if their offerings aren't to your liking.  I tried an open-faced sandwich called the Madill and it wasn't messing around.  Thirsty?  Skip the coffee because they have a cooler filled with Faygo heaven.  Sweet tooth?  One menu option that makes this place brilliant is a dessert option called a Fudgie Mudgie, which is a brownie waffle and ice cream.  They put coffee in some brownie mix and make a waffle out of it.  Pure genius.  They also have Calder's ice cream, which you know is on point.

The servie was amazing.  Our waitress was wearing a Kwame T-shirt designed by one of her friends.  "Pre-text messages!" she assured us.  We had about three different people from the kitchen come to our table to check on us, and probably to check out the freaks who ordered half the kitchen.  We ate like kings for reasonable prices.

Even their bathroom was pretty cute, with framed pictures and scented candles.

I don't really have a complaint.  I just wish the table cloths were different.  I feel like that's a lame thing to say but maybe when you go there to try that waffle brownie thing I was talking about, you might catch my drift.  Beautiful tin ceiling though, and with an orange ceiling fan at that!

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Thanks, Lisa N.

Local sandwich love runs wide and deep, judging by the impassioned responses we received when we asked Free Press readers to help us find metro Detroit’s best-tasting meals between sliced bread.

Our hunt began after Esquire went in search of the best sandwiches in America and found two in our own backyard: a boisterous barbecued brisket at Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor and a wonderful grilled-three-cheese at Café Muse in Royal Oak.

They were indeed delicious, but what about all the others?

We knew scores had been overlooked. And besides, the real experts -- metro Detroit sandwich lovers -- hadn’t been heard.

So we put out the call for nominations, and readers answered by the dozens.

We followed your leads and our own experiences and ate and ate ... and ATE until we couldn’t eat another bite. Enough, already!

Here are our picks for the 21 best in metro Detroit -- with a few on the side. It’s proudly unscientific, unranked and incomplete.

It’s not the last word, but it’s a delicious start!

Contact SYLVIA RECTOR at 313-222-5026 or rector@freepress.com.

THESE 21 TOP THE LIST

We hit hole-in-the-wall joints, mom-and-pop shops, markets, bars, bistros and white-tablecloth restaurants scattered all over Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to try the best-sounding sandwiches recommended by readers.

We couldn’t list every one we tried, so we narrowed down the list to our top 21, arranged in no particular order other than to whet your appetite for a world of flavors and styles. So grab a map, a few dollars and a friend to share with. There’s plenty to go around.

The Yardbird, Slows Bar BQ, Detroit

It feels like blasphemy to choose chicken over pig at Slows Bar BQ. But this glorious creation -- applewood-smoked pulled chicken topped with cheddar, mushrooms, bacon and Slows house made mustard sauce -- is too good not to recommend. (You can always get the pulled pork next time.) $6.95.

2138 Michigan, 313-962-9828. www.slowsbarbq.com

The Grubwich, Dunleavy’s Pub & Grub, Farmington

"Simple but excellent … a sandwich to return for, time and again," Pat Shelton of Farmington wrote. Indeed, it’s a true tavern treat, made with multiple slices of hot, grilled ham, melting Swiss cheese and a layer of slightly sweet coleslaw on a long
sesame-seeded roll.$5.75.

34505 Grand River, 248-478-8866

Our Italian Sub, Ventimiglia Italian Foods, Sterling Heights

You’ll love the mouthwatering aromas that fill this classic Italian market. And wait until you taste this signature sub. Reader Candie Lolli called it fabulous, and we agree. Filled with Italian cold cuts, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, special Italian dressing and tangy chopped vegetable giardiniera on a choice of great breads, it’s a piece of Italy in your hand. On 8-inch roll, $6; whole loaf, $14.

35197 Dodge Park, 586-979-0828

Hot Corned Beef, Noah’s Deli, Dearborn

We love the half pound of lean, moist corned beef fluffed and stacked high on grilled slices of fresh, house-baked rye. The bread is crisp outside but tender, and the meat fills your mouth with flavor. $6.75 plain, $7.25 with Swiss. Coleslaw and pickle come on the side. Open since 1977, Noah’s is one to remember.

14500 Michigan, 313-582-8361. www.noahsdeli.net

Ham Sandwich, Mike’s Famous Ham Place, Detroit

CORRECTION: Previous versions of this story contained the wrong address. The address is correct in this report.

"You cannot beat Mike’s Famous Ham Place… 10 minutes from the heart of downtown Detroit," said Martin Derouin of Roseville. What a find! Owner Junior Muftari roasts hams daily and carves the tender meat off the bone when you order. It’s sliced thick and piled high on rye or a seeded roll, with or without Swiss cheese, for $6. We like it with mustard and lots of pickles.

3700 Michigan Ave, 313-894-6922

Jumbo Lump Crab Melt, Beverly Hills Grill, Beverly Hills

Oh, the crabbinity! A mound of jumbo lump crab meat formed into a cake, slices of ripe tomato, Swiss cheese and sourdough bread, toasted on the grill, make this an indulgence crab lovers shouldn’t miss. On the lunch and brunch menus only. $12.

31471 Southfield Road, 248 642-2355

Grilled Vegetable, Russell Street Café, Detroit

One nominator, Keith Kolodsick of Livonia, said he first tried it 10 years ago and hasn’t changed his order since. With layers of roasted sweet red pepper slices, grilled portabella mushrooms, caramelized onions and zucchini, tangy chevre and rich sun-dried tomato pesto on grilled rye, it just may be the best vegetarian sandwich we’ve ever tasted. $8.25.

2465 Russell, 313-567-2900

Lobster Reuben, Northern Lakes Seafood Co., Bloomfield Hills

On Northern Lakes’ menu since day one, the Lobster Reuben has become a signature item. With big chunks of lobster, house-made coleslaw and Muenster cheese on thick slices of buttery, toasted, house-made rye, it’s large enough for two. It’s only on the off-hours tavern menu, but the kitchen will make it on request anytime. $16.

39495 N. Woodward, 248-646-7900. www.mattprenticerg.com

Corned Beef Special, Star Delicatessen, Southfield

People argue endlessly about which of our great delis is best. The debate will never end -- and who would want it to? Reader Pat McNally nominated the Star’s Corned Beef Special, on rye, as his pick for the best in metro Detroit. With the "great-tasting coleslaw, the combination is fantastic," he says. And it’s enough for two meals. You like a different place? You should have said so. $7.69.

24555 W. Twelve Mile, 248-352-7377

The Madill, Mudgie’s, Detroit

Reader Michael Madill of Royal Oak confesses that his favorite sandwich, the Madill, was named for him after he helped owner Greg Mudge open this new spot in Corktown. But we agree that it’s a great flavor combo: natural sliced turkey breast,
applewood smoked bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato and garlic mayo with pepper-jack cheese on a sub bun. $8.25.

1300 Porter, 313-961-2000. www.mudgiesdeli.com

Dublin Garden, Eph’s Downtown, Detroit

’Tis a thing of beauty, this No. 52 Dublin Garden vegetarian at Eph’s Downtown in Detroit. Spinach salad, lettuce, tomato, red onion, dilled Havarti cheese, avocado and tons of alfalfa sprouts are stacked so high on hearty whole-grain bread you
can hardly bite it. Dijon buttermilk dressing comes on the side. At $8, it’s a favorite of Compuware employee Crissy Bahorski, who works nearby.

608 Woodward, 313-964-4511

Chicken Salad, Modern Food & Spirits, Keego Harbor

Chicken salad is often ho-hum, but not at Modern Food & Spirits, where reader Judy Kroon of Waterford can’t stop ordering it. We loved its lightly dressed chunks of tender white-meat chicken, diced apples, plump dried cranberries and hint of tarragon, all stuffed into a pair of croissants and served with fresh fruit for just $8.

1535 Cass Lake Road, 248-681-4231. www.modernfoodspirits.com

Panini Insalata, Insalata, Troy

Bring on the flavor! Spicy Italian salami, capicola, sliced ham, Monterey Jack cheese, pesto mayo and tangy sliced pepper rings on crisp-buttender panini-grilled ciabatta bread make the hot Panini Insalata a hit with customers, including Marie Catanzaro of Royal Oak and Jenelle Travis, who works nearby in Madison Heights. $6.25.

1919 E. Big Beaver, 248-528-2250

California Cluck, Pronto!, Royal Oak

Pronto! sandwiches got numerous nominations, but this one with a fresh, distinctive
Mexican twist led the list. Made with smoked turkey breast, chipotle black bean paste, lettuce, sour cream, avocado and salsa on a sesame-seeded sub roll, it’s satisfying from the first bite. $7.75.

608 S. Washington, 248-544-7900

Grilled Three Cheese, Café Muse, Royal Oak

It was picked by Esquire for its "best American sandwiches" roundup, and we do adore this almost sensual cheese sandwich. Crisp bread, melting cheeses, ripe tomato, fresh basil, a touch of honey … is Meg Ryan in the house? $7.75.

317 S. Washington, 248-544-4749

Mediterranean Tofu, Sprout House, Grosse Pointe Park

Let’s just say we were dubious when Betsy Berg of Grosse Pointe wrote in to nominate a vegan tofu sandwich as one of the best in Detroit. But its big Mediterranean flavors are amazing. Made with Avalon organic Wheaty-Wheat bread, house-made kalamata and caper mayos, organic marinated and baked tofu -- which is firm, not mushy -- romaine hearts, basil puree, toasted pine nuts and roasted grape tomatoes. $4.99.

15233 Kercheval, 313-331-3200

California Club, Steve’s Deli, Bloomfield Township

With so many variations of this sandwich, it’s hard for one to stand out. But the No. 16 on Steve’s "lite" menu does, with its soft, thick, delicious challah bread; the surprisingly big, smoky flavor of the turkey bacon; loads of sliced smoked turkey breast; buttery avocado; lettuce; ripe tomato and flavorful red-pepper mayo. $9.25.

6646 Telegraph, 248-932-0800. www.stevesdeli.com

Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Wrap, Kruse and Muer on Main, Rochester

When Jenna Lynne of Grosse Pointe Park nominated this delicious wrap, she called it "irresistible." We agree. New on chef Tony Lemon’s lunch menu, it’s a celebration of complex flavors, contrasting textures and great colors. Check out the flavorful chicken, tangy Boursin cheese, roasted tomato vinaigrette and loads of fresh vegetables. $8.50.

327 S. Main, 248-652-9400. www.kruseandmuerrestaurants.com

Cheese Steak Hoagie, Gabriel’s Hoagies, Westland and Ypsilanti

An Ypsilanti fixture since 1959, Gabriel’s makes cheese steak hoagies that are "simply awesome," reader Christine Sullivan said, "but you MUST get the hot peppers." We did -- and loved the hot, juicy, beefy, oniony, cheesy, spicy result. It’s an original -- and worth a drive. $4.79.

In Ypsilanti, 2585 W. Michigan. 734-483-5846. In Westland, 1919 Wayne
Road. 734-722-4224. www.gabrielshoagies.com

Vinnies Italian 5/2, Vinnies Italian Submarines, Romulus

We took the dare when Kevin Kukan of Dearborn Heights declared that Vinnies
Italian Submarines in Romulus makes "the best sandwich out there." We got his
favorite, the Italian 5/2. That’s five layers of meat and two layers of cheese, loaded
(with lettuce, tomato, peppers and onions) and Vin’s spicy sauce. Pretty great
stuff. Go see Vinnie. $5.

7300 Middlebelt, Romulus. 734-722-2997

Chargrilled Chicken Portabella, Your Mother’s Food & Spirits, Mt. Clemens

As hearty as any burger, this juicy, filling sandwich has been on the menu for almost 10 years but keeps winning new fans -- like reader Heidi Bayer, who
recently moved to Mt. Clemens and discovered Your Mother’s and this sandwich.
Marinating the chicken and the sliced portabellas in house-made Zip sauce gives them a deep, zingy flavor. $6.75, fries included.

61 N. Walnut, 586-468-4444