In search of ... beef on bread

Burgers are still a big deal, with Farm Burger in Decatur the now dining destination and chef Shaun Doty’s Yeah Burger opening soon in the White Provision complex on the west side.

But there are lots of other ways to get a bite of beef on bread, whether it’s slurping a sloppy Joe or munching a meatloaf sandwich.

Alon's Bakery & Market (not rated)

4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road N.E., Dunwoody. 678-397-1781, www.alons.com

The secret to the luscious sandwiches from Alon’s Bakery is the just-baked bread. The juicy-good roast beef is medium-rare top round roasted in house, thinly sliced and piled on country French bread, with a savory melange of fresh rosemary, balsamic mayo, tomato and romaine lettuce.

Noon Midtown

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1080 Peachtree St., Suite 6 (entrance on Crescent Avenue), Atlanta. 404-496-4891, www.noonmidtown.com

At Noon, chef/owner Katie Birmingham has created an oasis of good food for busy Midtown professionals and lucky high-rise residents. A warm meatloaf sandwich, topped with Benton’s bacon, Tillamook cheddar and tomato jam on ciabatta bread, is Birmingham’s hefty comfort version of a burger.

Muss and Turner's (not rated)

1675 Cumberland Parkway S.E., Smyrna. 770-434-1114, www.mussandturners.com

M&T’s is notable for bringing farmers to the deli table, and the kamado-grilled Riverview Farms grass-fed burger has become a menu staple. The Riverview Farms Sloppy Joe, sauteed with M&T’s “Manwich” sauce and served with melted provolone on a soft challah bun, is the current feel-good-about-chowing-down sandwich sensation.

Papi's Cuban and Caribbean Grill (not rated)

745 Chastain Road, Kennesaw. 678-797-0502, www.papisgrill.com

Now with four metro Atlanta locations, Papi’s offers the pan con bistec, a hearty sandwich surprise combining steak and potatoes dressed with mayo, Swiss cheese and onions on Cuban bread. The distinctive Cuban sandwich, made with shredded smoked pork that imparts a delightful blend of deli and barbecue flavors, shouldn’t be missed, either.

Sawicki's Meat, Seafood & More (not rated)

250 W. Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-377-0992, www.sawickisfoods.com

Chef and fancy food purveyor Lynne Sawicki makes some creative but unfussy sandwiches at her meat and seafood market. Among the substantial choices, look for beef tri-tip with French fries, and roast beef with horseradish cream. The meatball sub, with homemade marinara and fresh mozzarella on a warm, crusty baguette, is a real crowd-pleaser.