Nestled along the serene banks of the fledgling St. Joseph River on Hillsdale Street, Handmade has firmly established itself as a crown jewel of the Hillsdale, Michigan dining scene. Part gourmet sandwich shop, part cozy espresso bar, and part riverside retreat, this local favorite offers far more than standard deli fare. Guests stepping into Handmade are greeted by an inviting blend of rustic charm and modern urban style, complete with tall indoor foliage, warm lighting, and wide glass windows that frame peaceful views of the rushing stream right outside the building.
What truly sets Handmade apart from typical sandwich stops is an unwavering commitment to culinary craftsmanship. From old-school French baguettes baked with a golden crust and pillowy center to inventive, flavor-forward spreads like coffee mayo, herb mayo, and sweet bourbon glaze, every item is crafted with deliberate care. Whether you are a local resident searching for the finest subs in the county, a college student looking for a scenic lunch and study spot, or a visitor exploring downtown Hillsdale, Handmade delivers a memorable dining destination where fresh ingredients, fast and friendly service, and a captivating waterfront atmosphere come together.
College students, Families with kids, Groups, Solo diners, Tourists
Onsite Amenities
Clean customer restrooms, High chairs available for children
Parking Options
Free parking lot on premises, Free street parking available nearby
Accepted Payment Methods
Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments
Why Visit? Key Highlights
Picturesque Waterfront Seating: The restaurant sits directly adjacent to a scenic branch of the St. Joseph River. Guests can dine inside beside large window displays or sit outside on the patio to listen to the running creek while enjoying their meal.
Artisanal Freshly Baked Breads: Every sandwich is built on high-quality bread choices, including signature French baguettes available in multiple sub sizes (7-inch, 14-inch, and 21-inch), hearty sourdough, dark rye, and 9-grain wheat.
Innovative Scratch-Made Spreads: Flavor innovation is at the core of Handmade’s menu. Diners consistently rave about unique signature condiments, including house-made coffee mayo, savory herb mayo, sriracha mayo, bistro sauce, and bourbon glaze.
Famous Barrel-Fresh Dill Pickles: A staple of the Handmade experience, the deli serves crisp dill pickles taken straight from the barrel, providing a classic garlic-dill crunch alongside every sub order.
Gourmet Specialty Shareables: Beyond traditional sandwich options, the kitchen prepares an array of warm appetizer bites, including battered zucchini sticks, fried Wisconsin cheese curds, cowboy corn nuggies, and mac & cheese fryangles.
Draft Nitro Coffee & Craft Sodas: Coffee lovers can enjoy strong draft nitro cold brew and iced espresso drinks, while soda enthusiasts can choose from classic bottled craft brands like Boylan’s, Jones Soda, and IBC Root Beer.
Dietary-Conscious Customization: Guests with dietary restrictions can easily build personalized meals utilizing gluten-free wrap substitutes, light lettuce wraps, low-fat meats, and fresh vegetable selections.
Menu and Offerings
Handmade features an extensive menu spanning chef-designed signature specialty sandwiches, warm shareable appetizers, custom build-your-own sub selections, hand-dipped ice creams, and refreshing craft beverages.
Signature Sandies
Item Name
Ingredient Profile
The Roadie
Premium ham, roast beef, bacon lover’s turkey, melted mozzarella, and signature roadie sauce
Sourdough Special
Tender BBQ chicken, rich garlic cheddar cheese, and house bistro sauce served on toasted sourdough
Santa Fe Special
Santa Fe style turkey, Monterey Jack cheese, and zesty sriracha mayo
The Colombian
Roast beef topped with Colby Jack cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and house coffee mayo
The Fireflame
Spicy buffalo chicken, pepper Jack cheese, crisp peppers, and creamy ranch dressing
The Handie Sandie
Classic combination of ham, turkey, smoky bacon, sharp horseradish cheddar, and herb mayo
The Double B.A.
Bacon lover’s turkey, extra bacon, fresh avocado, provolone cheese, and herb mayo
The Shipwreck
Savory honey ham, smooth Muenster cheese, caramelized onions, and coarse ground mustard
Herb ‘N’ Bourbon
Tender pastrami, chicken, Swiss cheese, sweet bourbon glaze, and house herb mayo
