It’s hard to beat a great sandwich, and according to a recent report published by esteemed dining guide and tire company Michelin, one of the best of the best sandwiches in North America can be found right here in Colorado.

Michelin might be best known for its ‘stars’ program which tends to focus on fine dining spots, but their ‘Bib Gourmand’ picks are also noteworthy, aiming to highlight restaurants that offer food that also comes at a great value – seeming to aim for a meal price that’s under $40. The inspectors pursuing spots for that list are the ones who tracked down features for the ‘best sandwiches around the continent’ list, and one of their five picks is available for Mile High City diners to enjoy.

The local pick featured among Michelin’s ‘best sandwiches in North America’ is on the menu at La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal – a Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded spot on Denver’s Larimer Street that comes highly reviewed elsewhere, too (4.4 stars on Google). And the sandwich… it’s the Pambazo de Carnitas.

The Michelin inspector described this dish as follows: “This sandwich is excellent, the exterior lightly crispy, with the distinct toasty flavor of the chile, and the carnitas inside are tender, juicy and flavorful, enhanced by savory brown bits. It’s flavorful, displays good technique and uses quality ingredients.”

Now, it’s important to note that the ‘Pambazo de Carnitas’ is one of many ‘pambazo’ options on the menu. For $17, any taco option can be turned into a pambazo, with popular varieties including marinated pork leg, beef birria, and red snapper – among the many menu options is also chapulin, which is a protein consisting of toasted grasshoppers.

A pambazo is a type of Mexican sandwich that’s similar to a torta, with bread dipped and fried in a red pepper sauce. The carnitas version that was highlighted by Michelin comes with pico de gallo, avocado salsa, and chicharron, with jalapeños and potatoes on the side.

Plan a visit to La Diabla here and see the full list from Michelin here.

STAY INFORMED: Get free Colorado news with our daily newsletter (Click here)