Here is my fourth and final dispatch from the land of sandwiches. I've been exploring new sandwich shops in Tacoma and Bonney Lake. And no, I'm not sick of sandwiches. I could eat them every day. In fact, if you've got a suggestion for a new sandwich shop I should check out, e-mail me at tntdiner@thenewstribune.com

The sched:
Sept. 25: Jimmy John's in Tacoma
Sept. 29: Jersey Mike's in Bonney Lake
Sept. 30: Puccini's Venetian Subs in Bonney Lake
Today: Midtown Deli & Espresso in Tacoma

Now for today's offering: Midtown Deli & Espresso

The scene: Is this a sports bar? I don't think I've ever seen a deli with a plasma television and a killer selection of bottled beers. I thought I stumbled into a dude sanctuary for a moment. But nope, it's a deli. But it is a deli with a television tuned to a football game, a beer cooler in the corner (with some great microwbrew choices) and comfortable seats and tables. Kick back and spend your Sunday here.

Bread choices: White, whole wheat, sourdough, marble rye, multi grain, Italian roll

We ate: A Meatball Sub ($7.25) was loaded with hand-rolled meatballs, slathered in marinara and covered with a nice pile of mozzarella cheese, all tucked into a grilled French roll. The sauce was a nice, rich, concentrated marinara, deeply flavored. The meatballs were meaty and not too dense, and a nice size for manly eating. Don't think you'll look ladylike eating this one. You'll need a couple extra napkins. Or a bib.

A near fight broke out over my leftover half of the Grilled Blue Baron ($6.95). Roast beef, cheddar, mayo, horseradish, blue cheese sprinkles grilled between sourdough. Can you say rich, hearty and hellooooooo decadence? This is good sandwich eating. I liked that the grilled bread was big and sturdy enough to support the layers of meat and cheese. I really enjoyed the bite of the horseradish with the stink of the blue cheese. Just a really nice flavor combination. I'd order this again, for sure.

A turkey cheese on white ($5.95) was a nice solid deli sandwich. The ratio of bread to cheese in this deli also is exactly right. The sandwiches, because they are meaty, are a really good value, too.

The verdict: Eat there. Often. Order a Grilled Blue Baron. A little out of the way, but worth a stop by if you're near Midland.

Menu highlights: Midtown Club ($6.75) comes with turkey, ham, roast beef, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo, provolone and cheddar on white. The Chicken Wrap ($6.50) comes with grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, avocado, roasted tomato garlic spread and mayo wrapped in a flour tortilla. Also, salads include Cobb ($6.75) and Greek ($6.75). Check the board for daily soup selection. If you're up early, check out the coffee and breakfast menu.

Next time: French Dip ($6.95) or the Grilled Blue Baron again, for sure.

Nice touch: I was running super late and on the hook for picking up the family dinner (yikes!). I rolled up at least 5 minutes after closing time (maybe even 10), just as the "Closed" sign was being flipped. I stopped dead in my tracks on my way to the front door, about to turn and return to my car. They could easily have said, "Sorry closed," but instead I got a, "Come on in! It's ok. What do you want?" That is great service.

Midtown Deli & Espresso
Where: 9621 Golden Given Road E., Tacoma; 253-535-0175
Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday