Summer Starts Where The Sandwiches Are

Maybe it’s the way you grew up carrying one in a cooler to the beach. Maybe it’s unwrapping the foil at the park, on the trail, or passing halves from the passenger seat on a road-trip detour. In Janesville, Wisconsin’s Great Outside, summer still starts that way.

Around here, lunch is just the beginning. Take it to the water for a morning paddle or casting a line, to the disc golf course for a friendly round, to the Ice Age Trail for a wooded hike and bike, or to one of our many parks for a picnic.

At GR’s Sandwich Shoppe, serving locals since 1999, the routine feels comfortably familiar. The menu board hasn’t tried to reinvent itself and neither has the warmth behind the counter. You can grab a stacked classic, knowing it’ll hold up perfectly until you find a sunny bench along the Rock River or spread out a blanket at Traxler Park.

If you’re craving something creative, Sandwich Bar keeps things fresh with a rotating menu that rewards repeat visits. It’s locally owned, full of personality, and if you time it right, you’ll catch their Ramen Thursdays. It’s proof a sandwich shop can surprise you—and give you a new favorite to sit down with before your next outdoor adventure.

For those who need gluten-free, The Looking Glass is one of many options making it easy to join in on the summer fun. With gluten-free buns and bread available, no one has to skip the picnic.

Early riser? Fuel up with a breakfast sandwich from Havana Coffee or The Bodacious Brew. Whether you’re heading out for a morning paddle, long bike ride, or a stroll through Riverside Park, early mornings call for something warm—and there’s no shortage of drink offerings either!

And don’t forget the Janesville Farmers Market—dog-friendly and full of fresh finds! Grab a bite, pick up local produce, maybe a sweet treat for later, and let your pup lead the way. The market spills into the surrounding streets, making it easy to turn a simple lunch into an afternoon outside.

Because here, sandwiches aren’t just lunch. They’re packed for the park, shared on the trail, and savored at patio tables. In Janesville, summer doesn’t wait for a reservation.

It starts where the sandwiches are.

JANESVILLE AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU | JANESVILLECVB.COM | (800) 487-2757 | VISIT@JANESVILLECVB.COM