Northside Sandwich Week

Northside Sandwich Week is back on Pittsburgh's Northside, running from October 19 to 26 and ending with a showcase at The Priory Grand Hall on Monday, October 26, from 6 to 9 PM. It's an annual fundraiser put on by The Northside Chronicle, and it's become a neighborhood tradition: ten local restaurants compete for the title of Sandwich King or Queen.

Here's how it works. From October 19 to 25, each participating spot serves its entry at a discount, so you can try them one by one throughout the week. Then it all comes together at the showcase on the 26th, where you get bite-sized samples of the contenders and vote for your favorite. The top three vote-getters walk away with plaques, and the winner takes home a crown and a cape.

This year's lineup includes Breadbox, Bistro-to-Go, De Fer Coffee & Tea, Ida's Sandwich Shop, Modern Cafe, The Eastman, The Sandwich Shoppe, The Smash Shack, Wise County Biscuits & Cafe, SoHo Pittsburgh, and Taqueria Acosta. Two of last year's finalists are back in the mix, including Ida's Sandwich Shop, where co-owner Erica Sumpter describes the Sweet Heat Smashburger as "Sweet heat. Big flavour. Ida's style."

The showcase evening is emceed by the Ya-Jagoff! podcast, with Northside rockstar Johnny Angel on the judging panel. Penn Brewery is also on board, pouring two free beers for every ticket buyer. Tickets are $25 per person, and the whole thing wraps up at The Priory Grand Hall, 614 Pressley St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, from 6 to 9 PM on October 26.