A Michigan deli has a sandwich named after Willie Nelson, but the ingredients might surprise you. It combines chicken salad with dried cherries, spiced walnuts, and white cheddar.
And that’s just one of the unusual creations on the menu.
At Two Beards Deli in downtown Grand Rapids, sandwiches are named after rock legends, movie characters, wrestlers, and historical figures. You can order a King Leonidas, an Obi-Wan Kenobi, or a Klingon, each with its own combination of ingredients.
The menu features more than 90 numbered sandwiches, including grilled favorites, cold deli classics, and a substantial lineup of vegan options. Half and whole portions make it easier to choose based on your appetite.
But the names are only part of what makes this place different. Some of the ingredient combinations are just as unexpected as the people they’re named after.
Two Beards and a Downtown Corner
The official name is Two Beards Deli, and you can find it at 38 Commerce Ave SW in Grand Rapids, Michigan. That address puts it right in the busy downtown area, close to shops, offices, and other places to eat.
A deli might sound like an ordinary lunch stop. This one stands out because of its huge, playful sandwich menu, where nearly every item carries a name that makes you smile or scratch your head.
The location matters for planning. Since it sits downtown, it works well as a lunch break during a day of exploring the city.
You can grab a sandwich, then head off to see more of Grand Rapids on foot.
Hours are fairly generous for a sandwich shop. It typically opens in the morning on weekdays and Saturdays and stays open into the evening, while Sundays run shorter.
Checking current hours before you go is always a smart move.
I find it interesting that a place with such a big personality fits into a simple storefront. The real fun starts once you look up at the menu and realize how many choices are waiting.
A Menu That Reads Like a Playlist
Freddie Mercury, ZZ Top, Andrew WK, and Willie Nelson all show up on one menu. Music fans will feel right at home reading the sandwich list at Two Beards Deli.
Each sandwich gets a number along with its name. That helps a lot, because the list is long.
Ordering a #53 is quicker than trying to remember every ingredient.
The naming does more than look cute. It gives each sandwich a personality, and it makes the menu fun to read even before you get hungry.
Families with kids might turn it into a game, guessing which famous person matches which filling.
Wrestling fans get a nod too, with a sandwich named after Randy Savage. TV history pops up with the Fred Sanford.
Those names hint at the owners’ sense of humor and their love of pop culture.
My advice is simple. Give yourself a few extra minutes to read through everything, because the list is big and the names can distract you.
Of course, music is only one theme here, and the menu also reaches into a galaxy far, far away.
Jedi, Klingons, and Other Sci-Fi Sandwiches
Star Wars fans can order an Obi-Wan Kenobi or a Chewbacca without leaving Michigan. Star Trek fans have an option too, because the menu lists a Klingon sandwich.
Science fiction fits naturally into this deli’s playful style. These names turn a regular lunch order into a small bit of fun, and they make great conversation starters at the table.
Some of these sci-fi sandwiches are served hot. The Klingon has been listed among the hot choices, which means it comes off the grill toasted and warm.
Here’s a tip for groups. Since the menu is so large, try ordering different themed sandwiches and swapping halves.
That way, you get to test more than one creation in a single visit.
Half sandwiches are also offered, which helps if you want to sample a few items or keep lunch lighter. Some guests have pointed out that the half size is still pretty filling.
I like that the names never feel forced. They show real fan energy.
Next up, though, comes a sandwich named after a famous warrior king, and it may be one of the most talked-about items on the board.
Sparta Shows Up as Sandwich #36
King Leonidas led the Spartans in ancient Greece. In Grand Rapids, his name belongs to sandwich #36, a hot creation built with deli meats and cheese.
This one comes toasted, which makes the bread warm and crisp on the outside. Pairing several deli meats with cheese and other toppings gives it a full, hearty build.
Why name a sandwich after a warrior king? It probably signals that this is a big, bold order.
That fits the deli’s style of using famous names to hint at what you’re getting.
If you like stacked meat sandwiches, this is a natural place to start. It shows off the hot side of the menu, where the grill does a lot of the work.
Pair it with a cup of soup for a complete meal. The deli offers soups, including a white chicken chili that pops up often in conversations about this spot.
I would put the King Leonidas near the top of my first-visit list. Still, meat lovers aren’t the only ones covered here, because the vegan section is surprisingly large.
Plant-Based Eaters Get a Real Lineup
Vegan diners often get stuck with one sad veggie wrap. At Two Beards Deli, the vegan choices take up a real chunk of the menu instead.
One standout is the Andrew WK, a saucy vegan sandwich named after the rock musician. The deli also runs a vegan special, so there may be something new to try from time to time.
Vegetarian options appear on the menu as well. That means a mixed group, with meat eaters and plant-based eaters, can all order happily from the same counter.
Gluten-free diners have choices too. The deli offers gluten-free options, which matters for people who usually struggle to find a sandwich shop that works for them.
If you have specific diet needs, ask questions when you order. The staff can help explain what fits your plate, and that small step can make a big difference.
I find this part of the menu impressive. It shows real thought about who walks through the door.
Once you’ve picked your sandwich, though, the next choice is all about what goes next to it.
Sides and Soups Worth a Second Look
White chicken chili might be the quiet hero of this deli. Many people pair it with their sandwich, and it is sometimes served with tortilla chips for dipping.
Soups make the deli a solid choice in Michigan’s chilly months. A warm bowl next to a toasted sandwich sounds just right on a snowy afternoon downtown.
Side dishes include a loaded potato salad and a pasta salad. Crispy potato slices also show up as a crunchy option for those who want something salty.
The deli serves pickles too, which feel like a classic deli must. A good pickle can balance out a rich, saucy sandwich.
Keep in mind that sides and drinks add to your total cost. If you’re watching your budget, consider a half sandwich with a cup of soup instead of loading up on extras.
Speaking of drinks, the deli has been known for an interesting selection beyond plain soda. It’s worth glancing at the cooler before you pay.
All of this food comes out of a space with a very specific mood, and that atmosphere deserves its own spotlight.
Rock Music, Wall Photos, and Big Personality
Metal and rock music set the tone inside Two Beards Deli. The vibe matches the menu, which leans heavily on musicians and pop culture icons.
Photos and pictures decorate the walls, adding to the fun feel. It’s the kind of space where you might spend a few minutes looking around while your order is made.
The atmosphere feels relaxed and upbeat rather than fancy. You order at the counter, find a seat, and wait for your sandwich to be brought out.
Families should know the setting is casual and lively. Kids who like music or bold decor will probably enjoy looking at the walls.
The staff often gets mentioned for being friendly, which fits the playful setting. A welcoming crew makes a long menu feel a lot less scary.
I can understand why people describe the place as fun. Every part of it, from the music to the names, follows the same cheerful theme.
That popularity does come with one tradeoff. Busy hours can mean a wait and some competition for tables, so timing your visit really helps.
Timing Your Visit Around the Lunch Rush
Noon on a weekday can get hectic at this downtown deli. Office workers and visitors both show up hungry, and the kitchen can get slammed with orders all at once.
Each sandwich is made to order, so expect a little more of a wait than at a chain shop. That extra time comes from building and toasting each one with care.
Seating can be limited during peak times. A smart plan is to grab a table first if one opens up, then use that time to read the long menu.
Going a little earlier or later than the main lunch hour can help. Mid-afternoon or early evening on weekdays may feel calmer, since the deli usually stays open until evening.
Sundays have shorter hours, so plan ahead if that’s your only free day. Checking current times before you head out saves you from a disappointing trip.
The deli is also popular for packed lunches to go. If seating looks full, takeout works just fine.
Now, about cost, it helps to know what to expect before you reach the register.
Smart Ways to Order on a Budget
Sandwiches here sit on the pricier side compared with quick chain shops. Knowing that ahead of time helps you plan a meal that fits your wallet.
The half sandwich is your friend. It costs less than a full one, yet it still delivers a good amount of food, which makes it a handy choice for lighter appetites.
Adding chips, drinks, and desserts quickly raises your total. Choosing just one extra, like soup, keeps things simple without skipping the fun.
The deli has a points system tied to your phone number. Regular visitors can sign up and build rewards over time.
Sharing is another option. Two people could split a full sandwich and a soup, or order two halves and trade bites.
Customization is possible too. If you want a different bread or lighter sauce, say so clearly when you order and double-check your request before you leave the counter.
I’d rather spend a little more on a sandwich made with care than a lot on extras I don’t need. With your order sorted, it’s time to think about the rest of your downtown day.
Pairing Lunch With a Walk Downtown
Commerce Avenue sits in a lively part of downtown Grand Rapids. After lunch, you’re just steps away from shops, restaurants, and city sights.
Because sandwiches come wrapped, they travel well. You can pick one up and enjoy it during a walk, or carry it back to a hotel or office.
Sweet tooth calling? A cookie shop sits around the corner, which makes an easy dessert stop for anyone who still has room.
Visitors staying in Grand Rapids for a few days might want to plan more than one stop here. With so many numbered sandwiches, a single visit barely scratches the surface.
Some people even joke about working their way down the menu, one number at a time. That could be a fun goal for locals with a regular lunch break nearby.
The deli also opens its restrooms and offers kindness to people in need, which shows a caring side to the business beyond the menu.
I like how this spot fits into a downtown day so easily. One sandwich with a goofy name can turn an ordinary afternoon in Michigan into a small adventure.
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