Eat This Now: Cranberry turkey sandwich at Mildred’s

Cranberry turkey sandwich and broccoli cheddar soup // Photo by Kolby Brown

For Kansas City cafe Mildred’s, sandwiches have earned a spot in coffee and tea pairings over pastries, which are more common at coffee shops. Known mostly for its “Standard breakfast sandwich,” this spot boasts a variety of solid sammies. 

I’m not writing to add another gold star to the popular breakfast sandwich menu, but to give some hype to the lunch menu. 

The lunch menu has some typical combos such as a classic BLT, ham and Swiss, Monte Cristo, and a packed tuna salad sandwich. But the best menu item is the cranberry turkey sub ($8.49 half or $10.99 full): Two pieces of wheat bread with flavorful cranberry-dijon mayo spread paired with their field greens, Swiss cheese, and whole turkey breast. 

This basic combo has a surprisingly deep taste profile. The bread is untoasted, making each bite comfortably soft and complementing the star of the show: the savory, slightly sweet mayo spread.

I don’t love mayo, but this spread was a perfect fit. The turkey, cheese, and greens combine together nicely with the wheat bread adding a hint of sweet nuttiness—allowing this spread to shine. The dollop of spread wasn’t too large, though, keeping the sandwich at the ideal condiment-to-ingredient ratio.

The field greens mixed some more intense flavors for your taste buds than a typical lettuce would, and took out some harsh crunch that might overshadow the savory profile.

Served in a cute deli basket with a side of chips, this meal makes for a perfectly savory lunch. 

Mildred’s on 9th interior // Photo by Kolby Brown

The ‘soup of the day’ on my visit was a rich broccoli cheddar soup. Thick, rich, and creamy, this side dish makes a serious attempt to overshadow anything else on your plate. 

Broccoli, of course, was the main attraction, but this soup had other veggies mixed with flavorful seasoning and was spectacularly cheesy. 

While the sandwich and soup combo was filling, it was still an ideal amount of food to feel satisfyingly full without a post-lunch slump. 

Mildred’s on 9th exterior // Photo by Kolby Brown

Mildred’s has three locations, but the historic 9th Street location is the most aesthetically pleasing. The open kitchen floor plan allows for a feeling of connection between customer and employee and makes visitors feel welcome in the large space. 

With high ceilings, warm lighting, and multiple seating areas, this Mildred’s is a hub for lively conversation and community. 

Mildred’s also has Crossroads Art District and South Plaza locations. The hours are 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the weekends.