By Cliff Lewis

After the traffic-laden transition from Fruitville Pike to North Prince Street, one may easily zip past the intersection of Prince and Liberty without taking notice of the quaint little shop that sits on its northeast corner. But for the shameless lover of classic metropolitan fare, the Sandwich Factory is not one to miss. This decade-old establishment not only serves up the traditional hoagies and burgers that one might expect from a deli or steak shop, but has also developed an assortment of clever variations on popular favorites.

Inside, the atmosphere is cool and casual, without the rugged griminess that many patrons have to come expect from any place that serves a good cheese steak. The shop feels fresh and organized, with green and yellow décor that evokes a mild beach-town aesthetic. At lunch, the service is efficient, but not frantic.

The menu includes customary staples (soup, salad, sandwiches, cheese steaks, char grilled chicken sandwiches, etc), but the true highlights are found among the shop’s “Factory Hoagies”—a delicious collection of unique Sandwich Factory originals.

The Cuban includes “homemade slow roasted pork & ham, topped with Swiss cheese”; the Sirloin Cheese Steak uses provolone and the obvious variation of meat. One simple-yet-appealing item is the Reuben Hoagie, working the usual contents into a friendly new format. The Factory Fish, with a hearty filet of beer battered Hokey Fish and a fresh Kaiser roll, puts most other fish sandwiches to shame—even though it is the only seafood on the menu.

The one dessert offered at the Sandwich Factory keeps with the shop’s theme of subtle variation. The Cheesecake Wrap deliciously rolls a rich cheesecake filling into a lightly sweetened, fried shell. It may not be the healthiest snack ever devised—but, then again, this probably is not the place for a calorie-counter.

The Sandwich Factory is located at 45 West Liberty Street, on the intersection with North Prince. For more information, including a complete menu, please click here.