The US has more than its fair share of fantastic sandwich shops, but sometimes only the comforting taste of a sub from a classic chain can satisfy your cravings. While everybody has their favorite brand, whether they're Subway superfans or go wild for Wawa, which one is actually the best? Here's our ultimate ranking of the tastiest sandwich chains in the country.
Click or scroll through our gallery to discover America's best sandwich chains of all time – counting down to the tastiest.
We’ve based our ranking on genuine diner reviews, awards and accolades, and on the opinions of our well-traveled (and well-fed) team. The list is unavoidably subjective.
Erbert & Gerbert's Sandwiches & Soups matches its quirky name with unusually titled sandwiches. So instead of ordering a roast beef sub, customers ask for a Halley's Comet, and if guests want a tuna salad, they order a Bornk. These names are essential to the chain's history and charm, consistently engaging fans since its opening in Wisconsin in 1988. The chain has remained relatively small, with 50 locations scattered across the country. Fans praise the eatery's dedication to freshly baked bread, hand-sliced ingredients, and made-to-order sammies.
Au Bon Pain was born in 1978, after founder Louis Kane opened a new bakery to show off a range of French breads and pastries. Its name literally means 'from good bread' – and the chain has been making the good stuff ever since. Signature sandwiches include the Extra Bacon BLT (six slices of bacon on a rustic baguette) and the turkey club, with New York Cheddar, smoked bacon, and mayo. The classic tuna salad and chicken salad sandwiches served on croissants are worth waiting for, too.
In 2007, Quiznos operated a staggering 4,700 locations in the US. But after a perfect storm of behind-the-scenes problems, Quiznos rapidly shrunk and now only 148 outlets remain. It's a cautionary tale for other restaurants in this sector (although nobody ever blamed the chain's downfall on its sandwiches). Customers can still choose from a range of classic, chicken, and steak subs, and they'll rarely leave unsatisfied.
Ike Shehadeh opened the first Ike's Love & Sandwiches in San Francisco in 2007, and the joint's success in the City of Fog saw it rapidly expand over the next 18 years. Every sandwich here is served hot and slathered in the chain's signature dirty sauce (a garlic aioli with a secret blend of seasonings and spices), so the only thing you need to worry about is what to choose from the extensive menu. Fan favorites include the Matt Cain (roast beef, salami, turkey, and provolone) and the Meatless Mike (vegan meatballs, marinara sauce, and pepper Jack) – but you can't go far wrong with anything.
Comfort food is the order of the day at Melt Shop, and it should come as no surprise that the grilled cheese sandwiches are the stars of the show. The Classic comes with melting Cheddar and American cheese, while the Biggie Classic takes things a step further by using thick-cut French bread. Burgers, buns, and baskets fill out the rest of the tasty menu, but it's the sandwiches that'll have you coming back for more. Melt Shop has six locations, mostly in New York, and already has a cult following.
Yes, we know Sheetz is technically a convenience store chain, but its incredible made-to-order sandwiches are a huge part of its business. These magnificent mouthfuls laugh in the face of the conventional wisdom that you can't get good food from a gas station. The chain claims customers can make as many as one million different food orders, customizing sandwiches by switching up the bread, the fillings, the toppers, and the sauces. At Sheetz, the world is your oyster. It’s currently found in several states, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Ohio.
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Lion's Choice opened in 1967 with a simple roast beef sandwich on the menu. The recipe involved top-quality beef that was slow roasted for three hours, thinly shaved, and served medium-rare on a toasted and buttered bun with a sprinkle of secret seasoning. Lion's Choice began expanding two years later and hasn't looked back since. The roast beef sandwich is still served the same way, although there are one or two new additions to the menu that are just as delicious.
Sandwiches are the ultimate to-go food, so it makes sense that gas stations and convenience stores are perfect places to pick up a superior sub. Wawa has been around in one form or another since 1902, but it didn't start selling pre-made hoagies until 1970. The chain has been on the sandwich bandwagon ever since, with its range of hot and cold handhelds earning them a legion of loyal fans across over 1,000 locations. Wawa's sandwich range also includes clubs, ciabatta sandwiches, and panini.
Not many sandwich shops can rival the sheer size of the Arby's franchise. Founded in 1964, Arby's now has over 3,600 restaurants around the globe (although the vast majority are in the US). The sandwich that started it all – and is still advertised on Arby's signs – is the classic roast beef. Its three ingredients include thinly sliced roast beef, a sesame bun, and your choice of sauce. Sometimes simple is best, and that's definitely the case at Arby's.
A runza is not a sandwich in the traditional sense, but the beef-filled pocket has captured the imagination of folks in the Midwest since 1949. With 90 locations in Nebraska, Iowa, Colorado, Kansas, and South Dakota, Runza (the restaurant) has earned a name for itself by slinging its locally famous runza sandwiches. The classic runza is a hearty mix of seasoned ground beef, cabbage, and onions stuffed inside a freshly baked dough pocket. It's unusual, but it's great.
Portillo's started in 1963 as a hot dog stand and is perhaps still best known for its dogs today. But don't sleep on the joint's Italian beef sandwich – a masterful combination of perfectly roasted beef and freshly baked French bread. The traditional way to enjoy it is with a splash of Portillo's house-made gravy, although you can also have it 'dipped' (literally plunged into the gravy) or 'dry' (gravy-less). For the perfect finish, add a layer of oven-roasted sweet or hot peppers.
Oxford, Mississippi welcomed the first Newk's Eatery in 2004, and since then the joint has spread to 100 locations and 13 states – thanks in part to its sublime sandwiches. Fan-favorite choices include the Chicken Bacon Club (chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, Swiss cheese, olive oil, mayo, and honey mustard) and the Portabella Veggie (mushrooms, Swiss, red and yellow bell peppers, and basil pesto). All the sandwiches are served on Parisian bread with a side of either fruit, pasta salad, potato salad, or chips.
The fourth Earl of Sandwich, John Montagu, reportedly invented (or at least popularized) the sandwich in 1762. Then, 242 years later, his descendant John Montagu, 11th Earl of Sandwich, helped open a new chain of restaurants dedicated to the lunchtime favorite called... Earl of Sandwich. The first store opened in 2004 at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and has grown to 53 locations around the world. Its most famous sandwich is 1762 The Original, a roast beef, Cheddar, and horseradish combo that hits all the right notes.
The sheer size of Subway is staggering. This mammoth franchise has more than 20,000 outlets in the US alone and over 17,000 in the rest of the world – with more on the way. It's crazy to think that it all started with a small sandwich shop in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1965. However, companies simply don't get this big without giving customers what they want, and Subway delivers that in spades. The go-to for many fans is the Italian BMT, with salami, pepperoni, and ham.
Founded in Memphis, Tennessee, Lennys Grill & Subs has been slinging sandwiches since 1998 and knows what it takes to stand out from the crowd. The chain – which has around 100 locations in the US – prizes fresh, quality ingredients, generous portion sizes, and customer service over speed and convenience. Lennys is particularly known for its Philly cheesesteak, which features grilled-to-order steak, onions, and melted Swiss and American cheeses. Fans say it's hard to find a better version at any other chain.
Jimmy John Liautaud opened the first Jimmy John's in 1983 in Charleston, Illinois when he was just 19 years old. He opened the second store three years later, and in 1994 started selling franchises. Jimmy John's bloomed to more than 2,700 locations across the United States, all while keeping an eye on quality. The menu is stacked with classic subs, including a 'favorites' section featuring sandwiches with two proteins, provolone cheese, salad, and sauces in regular or giant sizes.
The McAlister's Club supposedly contains an epic 13 layers, consisting of roasted turkey, ham, bacon, Cheddar and Swiss cheeses, salad leaves, tomato, mayo, and honey mustard on wheat. Oh, and you also get a side and pickle spear as well. The menu is littered with a dizzying array of sandwiches, including classics such as a Reuben and twists such as a chicken salad on a croissant. But the joint has been doing it since 1989 and has over 500 stores, so you know you're in good hands.
When Blimpie's arrived on the scene in 1964, the three founders wanted the perfect name for their impressive sandwiches. They settled on 'blimpie' after spotting a picture of a blimp and thinking it looked a little like their subs! Whether you agree with their logic or not, you can't argue with Blimpie's sandwiches. Start with the Blimpie Best – a towering sub filled with ham, salami, capicola, prosciuttini, provolone, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, vinegar, oil, and oregano – and go from there.
In 1987, Panera Bread started with a sourdough starter from San Francisco and a dream of bringing the brilliance of fresh bread to every table. The major chain has been delighting hungry customers ever since, expanding to more than 2,200 locations in 48 states. That kind of success doesn't happen if the restaurant doesn't get the basics right, and Panera Bread delivers the goods every time. The hot or cold sandwich selections are comforting, customizable, and certain to put a smile on your face.
Jersey Mike's Subs claims it was one of the first places in the US to make sub sandwiches after it opened in 1956. The restaurant's spot on the Jersey Shore was enough to entice vacationing customers, and the joint went from strength to strength after Peter Cancro bought the place in 1975. Now there are 2,800 shops and the bestselling sandwich is the Jersey Shore's Favorite, filled with provolone, ham, and cappacuolo.
Potbelly might not have the reach to rival the big boys, but that could all change in the next few years. The chain, which opened in 1977, currently has 425 outlets throughout the country – but plans to open another 2,000 stores in the coming decade. Loyal fans will hope that Potbelly continues to keep the quality high, as many believe it serves some of the best toasted sandwiches around. The menu includes classics such as roast beef, avocado turkey, and tuna salad.
Capriotti's is always keen to remind you that in 2009 its The Bobbie sub was voted 'The Greatest Sandwich in America' by AOL.com. But, while the award may be a little out of date, there's nothing stale about this Thanksgiving-inspired sandwich. Pulled turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mayonnaise make up the hearty filling of this exceptional handheld, which can be served in sizes from small to gigantic. The rest of the menu isn't bad, either, and can be found in any one of Capriotti's 150-plus stores throughout America.
Jason's Deli has a couple of slogans it likes to throw around. ‘All good things start with wholesome ingredients,’ is one. ‘If we wouldn’t serve it to our families, we’re not going to serve it to yours,’ is another. But Jason's Deli backs up its words with actions, including eliminating artificial colorings and flavors from its menu and remaining family-owned despite having 239 delis in 27 states. The food speaks for itself, though, with hefty deli-style treats such as the Reuben taking a starring role.
Firehouse Subs opened its doors in 1994 and got its name because founders Chris and Robin Sorensen come from a family of firefighters. Many of the subs are firehouse-themed, too, including the Hook and Ladder (smoked turkey breast, honey ham, and Monterey Jack) and the Firehouse Hero (roast beef, smoked turkey breast, honey ham, and provolone). Firehouse Subs now has 1,250 restaurants all over the United States and even has a foundation to support the firefighting community.
When Penn Station East Coast Subs opened in 1985 in Cincinnati, it only had four sandwiches on the menu. But its (then) innovative idea to prepare the sandwiches fresh in front of customers propelled it to success and expansion, with the chain now reaching more than 300 locations. The menu has expanded, too, with the joint offering cold deli classics as well as a bunch of sandwiches off the grill. A highlight is the club, featuring smoked ham, turkey, thick bacon, and Swiss cheese.
When Schlotzsky's proudly declares, ‘It's a mouthful,’ it's talking about more than just its name. The sandwiches here are epic in size and flavor. The restaurant has been in the game since 1971 and now has 310 outlets, with more on the way. If it's your first time at Schlotzsky's, you won't regret going for the famous Original. That's ham, two types of salami, three cheeses, olives, lettuce, red onions, tomatoes, mustard, and secret sauce on the joint's signature sourdough bun. Delicious.
From its name to its focus on quality ingredients, Mendocino Farms has cleverly positioned itself as a better choice for serious sandwiches. The first store invited diners to 'eat happy' in 2005, and there are now 75 locations in three states, though predominantly in California. A favorite for meat-eaters is the Chimichurri Steak and Bacon, stuffed with sliced steak and smoked bacon and topped with red peppers, onion jam, and chimichurri on a toasted sesame roll. Herbivores should opt for the Vegan Banh Mi.
The thing that sets Which Wich apart is its charmingly retro ordering system. Diners grab a brown sandwich bag and a Sharpie then mark up their preferred sandwich (or wich, as they're called here) and sign their name. When the wich is ready, servers return the bag, complete with seriously satisfying sammy inside. It's a system that helped the chain win a Best Customer Service award from Newsweek magazine in 2024 and has seen it expand to 168 US locations since 2003. The Wicked Wich, with five meats and three cheeses, is a favorite.
PrimoHoagies landed the coveted top spot on USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice 2024 award for best sandwich or sub shop – and for good reason. The joint has been slinging hoagies since 1992, specializing in Italian sandwiches made using the finest ingredients. Highlights of the extensive menu include the Italian (prosciutto, provolone, hot capicola, salami) and Nonna's Veggies (eggplant, sharp provolone, broccoli rabe, and roasted red peppers). The chain currently has over 115 locations in 10 states, with more on the way.
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