Magical Sandwich Makers
Who Is Mike?
“I’ve never been to MSM Deli,” said no Tacoman ever. It’s the first place people recommend when you move here. Ordering a Mike’s Deluxe is a rite of passage. Even before the votes were in, the team had a feeling MSM would be the people’s choice for best sandwich.
MSM is as unpretentious as Tacoma itself. No, it doesn’t have an instagram! In the landscape of good sammies, it stands relatively alone. Deli culture isn’t a huge thing out here (you know how diasporas work) but MSM fills the gap.
“An exceptional sandwich experience, it was. MSM is one of those rare spots that feels like it belongs to the whole community. ”
We waited to place our order in a short line, next to the kaleidoscope offering of chip bags (I must also mention that they have a great selection of beverages, too). I love a meatball sandwich, but, in an effort to appear more classy in front of my coworkers, I got the chicken caesar. I had to make sure it would come with tomatoes. The kind gent taking our order assured me that it would, and said he’d add extra so I’d get a whole slice in each half. I felt seen. My colleagues both got the Deli Club (avocado, turkey, bacon, cheddar), evidence of its cult-following.
We only had to wait 20 minutes for our order. It was a bit of a risk to try and fit this venture into a 60 minute window because at times the wait can be closer to 45 minutes. If you are calling in your order, which I’d recommend.
It was a beautiful day so we looped around the neighborhood and returned to receive our hefty, unmarked white paper bag of goods, hoisted over the counter with a kind smile.
“The mission of MSM Deli is focused on delivering exceptional sandwich experiences through fresh ingredients, generous portions, and attentive service.” - MSM’s website
An exceptional sandwich experience, it was. MSM is one of those rare spots that feels like it belongs to the whole community. It makes us feel proud. You will get down voted on reddit for questioning its greatness.
So here’s to the Magical Sandwich Makers: the bustling crew working the line with finesse, keeping Tacoma fed, and giving us a chance to pass on the ultimate lunch rec to anyone new in town.
Check them out!
Website: MSM
Visit their location:
MSM Deli is open daily from 10am-7pm
2220 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98403
(253) 272-4814
