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Presenting Maine's Most Iconic Sandwiches

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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.

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Po'Boys & Pickles

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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.

Duckfat

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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.

Edna & Lucy's

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The sign on this rural gem proclaims "Wicked Good Sandwiches" and they mean it. The reuben has achieved iconic status.

Market Street Eats

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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.

Hoss & Mary's Tasty Grub

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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.

Kim's Vietnamese Sandwich Shop

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BBQ Beef Bahn Mi - noteworthy banh mi in ME? Yes, at Kim's, and at astonishingly low prices, about $3/sandwich.

Saco Island Deli

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Turkey Roo-Ben - "I will wear my undying devotion to this sandwich like a badge of honor." - Joe Ricchio.

Clayton's Cafe

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The classic chicken salad sandwich is elevated at Clayton's with blue cheese and red grapes. Photo courtesy of Malcolm Bedell, From Away blog.

Amato's Sandwich Shops

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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.

Eventide Oyster Co.

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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.

The Cheese Iron

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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.

Bob's Clam Hut

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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.

Bet's Fish Fry

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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.

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Po'Boys & Pickles

Blackened Fish Po'Boy - fans say the secret to this and other po'boys on the menu is the authentic bread.

Duckfat

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.

Edna & Lucy's

The sign on this rural gem proclaims "Wicked Good Sandwiches" and they mean it. The reuben has achieved iconic status.

Market Street Eats

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.

Hoss & Mary's Tasty Grub

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.

Kim's Vietnamese Sandwich Shop

BBQ Beef Bahn Mi - noteworthy banh mi in ME? Yes, at Kim's, and at astonishingly low prices, about $3/sandwich.

Saco Island Deli

Turkey Roo-Ben - "I will wear my undying devotion to this sandwich like a badge of honor." - Joe Ricchio.

Clayton's Cafe

The classic chicken salad sandwich is elevated at Clayton's with blue cheese and red grapes. Photo courtesy of Malcolm Bedell, From Away blog.

Amato's Sandwich Shops

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.

Eventide Oyster Co.

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.

The Cheese Iron

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.

Bob's Clam Hut

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.

Bet's Fish Fry

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.