America runs on sandwiches. From towering pastrami stacks to crispy hoagies stuffed with fresh ingredients, there is a sandwich shop for every craving and every corner of the country.
Whether you grew up near a legendary deli or discovered your favorite sub spot on a road trip, these places have earned their spots in sandwich history. Here are the best sandwich chains and beloved spots across America, ranked for your next lunch adventure.
Katz’s Delicatessen – New York, New York
Few places on Earth carry as much sandwich legend as Katz’s Delicatessen on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Open since 1888, this iconic deli has served hand-carved pastrami and corned beef to celebrities, presidents, and everyday New Yorkers alike.
The pastrami on rye is practically a religious experience – thick, smoky, and piled impossibly high. Grab a ticket at the door, pick your meat, and prepare for one of the most memorable meals of your life.
Zingerman’s Delicatessen – Ann Arbor, Michigan
Zingerman’s opened in 1982 with a simple mission: make the best sandwiches possible using the finest ingredients available. That commitment turned a small Ann Arbor deli into a nationally celebrated food destination.
The menu features creative sandwich combinations named after local legends and neighborhood characters, making every order feel like a story. Regulars swear by the Reuben, loaded with house-cured corned beef and tangy sauerkraut.
First-timers often leave planning their return trip before they even finish eating.
Sam LaGrassa’s – Boston, Massachusetts
Tucked into the heart of downtown Boston, Sam LaGrassa’s has been feeding the city’s lunch crowd since 1909. The sandwiches here are legendary for their sheer size and quality – no skimping on the meat, ever.
The roast beef sandwich is a Boston classic that regulars line up for daily, even in the freezing New England winters. Bold flavors, fresh-baked bread, and generous portions make every visit worth the wait.
It is the kind of sandwich that makes you forget everything else.
Stein’s Market and Deli – New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is already a food city unlike any other, and Stein’s Market and Deli fits right in with its bold, unapologetic flavors. Known for its incredible muffulettas and creative sandwich builds, Stein’s brings a Jewish deli spirit to the heart of the Big Easy.
The shelves are packed with imported cheeses, cured meats, and specialty items you won’t find anywhere else in town. Locals treat it like a neighborhood treasure, and visiting food lovers consistently call it a must-stop destination.
Gioia’s Deli on The Hill since 1918 – St. Louis, Missouri
Since 1918, Gioia’s Deli has been a cornerstone of St. Louis’s famous Hill neighborhood, an Italian-American community known for its incredible food culture. The hot salami sandwich here is the stuff of local legend – spicy, rich, and absolutely irresistible.
Over a century of operation means they have perfected every detail, from the bread to the meat slicing technique. Generations of families have grown up eating here, passing the tradition down like a cherished heirloom.
History literally tastes delicious at Gioia’s.
Lardo – Portland, Oregon
Portland has a well-earned reputation for creative, boundary-pushing food, and Lardo fits that spirit perfectly. Chef Rick Gencarelli built Lardo around the idea that pork-focused sandwiches could be both indulgent and brilliantly crafted.
The menu rotates with seasonal ingredients and unexpected flavor combinations that keep regulars coming back to try something new every visit. The Dirty Lardo sandwich – loaded with fried mortadella, salami, and pepperoncini – is a crowd favorite that earns its reputation.
Portland sandwich lovers consider this place a true gem.
Tat’s Deli – Seattle, Washington
Tat’s Deli brought East Coast sandwich energy to the Pacific Northwest and Seattle has never looked back. Opened in the early 2000s, Tat’s quickly earned a loyal following for its Philly cheesesteaks and classic hoagies made with quality ingredients.
The no-frills atmosphere and generous portions make it feel like a neighborhood spot that has been around forever. Sports fans especially love the vibe, which matches the energy of game days perfectly.
For a taste of Philadelphia in Seattle, Tat’s is the answer.
Mitchell Delicatessen – Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is famous for hot chicken, but Mitchell Delicatessen proves the city has serious sandwich chops too. This East Nashville staple has been crafting thoughtful, ingredient-driven sandwiches since 2008, earning a devoted local following.
The menu mixes classic deli staples with Southern-inspired creations that feel both familiar and exciting. Fresh-baked bread, house-made spreads, and locally sourced ingredients set Mitchell apart from ordinary delis.
Weekend brunch lines stretch out the door, which tells you everything you need to know about how much Nashville loves this place.
Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop – Wilmington, Delaware
Capriotti’s started in Wilmington, Delaware in 1976 with a family recipe and a whole lot of ambition. The shop became famous for roasting whole turkeys in-house overnight, then hand-pulling the meat for their legendary Bobby sandwich.
Stuffed with turkey, homemade stuffing, and cranberry sauce, the Bobby tastes like Thanksgiving packed into a hoagie roll – and people absolutely love it. Capriotti’s has since expanded across the country, but the original Wilmington location still holds a special place in sandwich history.
One bite explains everything.
Jersey Mike’s Subs – Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
Jersey Mike’s started as a small sub shop on the Jersey Shore in 1956 and grew into one of the biggest sandwich chains in America – without losing its soul. The brand built its reputation on fresh-sliced meats and the signature “Mike’s Way” dressing of oil, vinegar, and spices.
What separates Jersey Mike’s from the competition is the commitment to slicing every sub to order, never pre-packaging anything. The original Point Pleasant Beach location still operates today, a proud reminder of where it all began.
Mendocino Farms – Los Angeles, California
California has always had a love affair with fresh, health-conscious eating, and Mendocino Farms captures that spirit beautifully. Founded in Los Angeles in 2005, Mendo Farms built its menu around premium ingredients, seasonal produce, and bold flavor combinations that feel sophisticated without being fussy.
The sandwiches here are creative and filling – think slow-braised meats, house-made spreads, and artisan breads that elevate every bite. It is the kind of lunch spot that makes you feel good about what you are eating.
LA regulars consider it an essential part of their weekly routine.
The Italian Store at Westover – Arlington, Virginia
The Italian Store at Westover is the kind of neighborhood gem that locals fiercely protect and proudly share with out-of-towners. Nestled in Arlington’s Westover neighborhood, this authentic Italian deli has been crafting exceptional subs and selling imported Italian goods since 1980.
The Italian sub here – loaded with prosciutto, capicola, and fresh mozzarella – is widely considered one of the best in the DC metro area. Everything is made with care and a deep respect for Italian culinary tradition.
Walking in feels like stepping into a corner shop in Rome.
Grove Market and Deli – Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City’s food scene has grown dramatically in recent years, and Grove Market and Deli represents some of the best of what the city has to offer. This neighborhood market and deli combo serves hearty, well-crafted sandwiches that keep a loyal local crowd coming back daily.
The menu balances classic deli favorites with fresh, locally sourced ingredients that reflect Utah’s growing farm-to-table culture. It is a casual, welcoming spot where the food speaks for itself.
Regulars often say it feels more like a friend’s kitchen than a restaurant.
Kountry Kart Deli – Burlington, Vermont
Vermont is known for its local farms, maple syrup, and tight-knit communities – and Kountry Kart Deli in Burlington captures that charm in every sandwich. This beloved local spot keeps things simple and honest, letting fresh, quality ingredients do all the talking.
The sandwiches are hearty and satisfying, perfect for fueling up before a hike or a day exploring downtown Burlington. Regulars appreciate the friendly service and the feeling that everyone behind the counter actually cares about your meal.
Small-town warmth with seriously good food.
Chaps Pit Beef Baltimore – Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore pit beef is a regional treasure that most of the country has never heard of – and Chaps Pit Beef is the gold standard. Beef is charcoal-grilled over an open pit, sliced thin, and piled onto a kaiser roll with raw onions and tiger sauce (a creamy horseradish blend).
Chaps operates out of a roadside stand near a former strip club, which somehow adds to its legendary status. Food writers and celebrities have made pilgrimages here just to experience the magic.
One bite of that smoky, charred beef and you completely understand why.
Laspada’s Original Hoagies – 17th Street – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Laspada’s has been a Fort Lauderdale institution since 1971, bringing authentic Philadelphia-style hoagies to South Florida for over five decades. The hoagies here are built the old-fashioned way – fresh bread, quality cold cuts, and the right ratio of toppings to make every bite balanced.
The 17th Street location is the original, and it still draws lines of loyal customers who have been eating here since childhood. Snowbirds from the Northeast especially love it because it tastes like home.
Laspada’s is proof that a great hoagie never goes out of style.
Baldinos Giant Jersey Subs – Doraville, Georgia
Georgia might not be the first place you think of for Jersey-style subs, but Baldinos in Doraville has been changing that perception for years. Founded by transplants with a serious passion for authentic East Coast subs, Baldinos quickly became a local cult favorite.
The subs are big – genuinely, impressively big – and packed with fresh ingredients that honor the Jersey tradition. The bread is soft yet sturdy, holding up to generous fillings without falling apart.
Atlanta-area sandwich lovers consider Baldinos a hidden treasure worth crossing town for.
Nardelli’s Grinder Shoppe – Waterbury, Connecticut
Connecticut takes its grinders seriously, and Nardelli’s in Waterbury has been the benchmark since 1922. A grinder – for the uninitiated – is the Connecticut term for a hot sub sandwich, and Nardelli’s version is widely considered the best in the state.
The Italian grinder, packed with ham, salami, capicola, and provolone on a toasted roll, is the undisputed star of the menu. Over a century of perfecting the craft shows in every single order.
Locals get almost territorial about their loyalty to Nardelli’s, and honestly, they have every right to be.
Potbelly – Chicago, Illinois
Potbelly started as a small antique shop in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood in 1977 – and then the owner started selling sandwiches to attract customers. The sandwiches were so good that the antiques became the sideshow.
Today, Potbelly operates hundreds of locations across the country, but the warm, toasty sandwiches still carry that original Chicago charm. The Wreck sandwich, loaded with multiple meats and topped with sport peppers, remains a fan favorite.
There is something undeniably comforting about a Potbelly sandwich on a cold Chicago afternoon.
Snarf’s Sandwiches – Boulder, Colorado
Snarf’s Sandwiches launched in Boulder in 1996 with a commitment to toasting every sandwich in a special oven that creates a perfectly crispy, melty result. That signature technique quickly set Snarf’s apart from every other sub shop in Colorado.
The menu is straightforward and focused, which means every item gets the attention it deserves. The Italian sub and the turkey bacon avocado are perennial customer favorites that keep Boulder residents fiercely loyal.
College students, outdoor adventurers, and downtown professionals all agree – Snarf’s hits differently when you are genuinely hungry.
Tagliarе Delicatessen – Missoula, Montana
Missoula has a surprisingly vibrant food culture for a mid-sized Montana city, and Tagliare Delicatessen is one of its brightest stars. The name means “to cut” in Italian, which tells you everything about their philosophy – precision, care, and quality in every slice.
Tagliare sources ingredients thoughtfully, blending Italian deli traditions with the rugged, local-first spirit that defines Montana living. The sandwiches are sophisticated without feeling pretentious, which is a balance that is harder to achieve than it sounds.
Missoula regulars treat it like their personal secret worth sharing.
Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe – Omaha, Nebraska
Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe started in the Midwest and built a loyal following by offering sandwiches that are a clear step above typical fast-casual fare. The Omaha location embodies everything the brand stands for – fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a commitment to quality that shows in every order.
Soup and sandwich combos are a particular crowd-pleaser, especially during Nebraska’s long, cold winters. The menu has enough variety to keep even the most indecisive lunch-goer happy.
Omaha sandwich fans appreciate that Pickleman’s takes the craft seriously without taking itself too seriously.
Moe’s Italian Sandwiches – Portsmouth, New Hampshire
New Hampshire has its own take on the Italian sandwich, and Moe’s in Portsmouth has been the standard-bearer for that tradition for decades. The New England Italian is a specific style – soft, pillowy bread loaded with meats, cheese, and fresh vegetables – and Moe’s does it better than almost anyone.
The shop has a no-frills, counter-service charm that feels authentically New England. Regulars know their order by heart and rarely deviate from it.
For anyone visiting Portsmouth’s charming downtown, a stop at Moe’s is practically mandatory.
Eastcut Sandwich Bar – Durham, North Carolina
Durham’s food scene has exploded in recent years, fueled by creative chefs who care deeply about ingredients and craft. Eastcut Sandwich Bar is a perfect example of that energy – a focused, thoughtful sandwich operation that elevates the humble sub into something worth talking about.
The menu rotates with seasonal ingredients sourced from North Carolina farms, keeping things fresh and exciting all year long. Sandwiches here feel personal, like someone thought carefully about every component before it hit the bread.
The Research Triangle’s lunch crowd has embraced Eastcut as one of its own.
Dave’s Cosmic Subs – University Heights, Ohio
Dave’s Cosmic Subs brings a fun, high-energy personality to the Cleveland-area sandwich scene. Founded in University Heights, Dave’s built its brand around big, bold sandwiches with creative names and even more creative flavor combinations.
The subs are generously sized and packed with fresh ingredients, making them a favorite among college students, families, and anyone who believes that lunch should be an event. The playful, cosmic-themed branding matches the adventurous spirit of the menu perfectly.
Ohio sandwich lovers have embraced Dave’s as a regional favorite worth celebrating.
Neptune Submarine Sandwiches – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Neptune Submarine Sandwiches has been a beloved Oklahoma City institution for decades, serving classic submarine sandwiches with a consistency that keeps customers coming back year after year. In a city better known for its barbecue, Neptune quietly built one of the most loyal sandwich followings in the state.
The subs are traditional and unpretentious – fresh bread, quality meats, and toppings done right every time. There is something reassuring about a place that knows exactly what it is and delivers on that promise without fail.
OKC regulars know Neptune is the real deal.
PrimoHoagies – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia invented the hoagie, and PrimoHoagies is one of the city’s proudest ambassadors of that tradition. Founded in South Philly in 1992, Primo built its reputation on using only premium imported Italian meats and authentic sharp provolone that you simply cannot find at chain competitors.
Every hoagie is made to order with the kind of care that Philadelphia sandwich culture demands. The Italiano – loaded with prosciutto, capicola, and hot ham – is the menu’s crown jewel.
Philly residents are notoriously picky about their hoagies, and Primo consistently earns their approval.
Groucho’s Deli – Columbia, South Carolina
Groucho’s Deli has been a Columbia institution since 1941, making it one of the oldest continuously operating sandwich shops in the South. The secret weapon here is the 45 Sauce – a tangy, creamy dipper that customers have been obsessing over for generations.
The sandwiches are stacked high and served with a side of genuine Southern hospitality that makes every visit feel warm and welcoming. University of South Carolina students and Columbia locals have made Groucho’s a rite of passage.
Eighty-plus years of loyal customers is the most honest review a restaurant can have.
Cobby’s – Boise, Idaho
Boise’s food scene tends to fly under the national radar, but locals know their city has some genuinely excellent eating – and Cobby’s is a perfect example. This Boise staple has built a devoted following by serving straightforward, well-made sandwiches that prioritize freshness above everything else.
The menu is approachable and satisfying, offering something for every taste without overcomplicating things. Regulars appreciate that Cobby’s has stayed true to its roots even as Boise has grown and changed around it.
Sometimes the best sandwich is the one that simply gets everything right.
Shapiro’s Delicatessen – Indianapolis, Indiana
Shapiro’s Delicatessen has been feeding Indianapolis since 1905, making it one of the most enduring Jewish delis in the entire Midwest. The cafeteria-style setup has barely changed over the decades, and that consistency is a huge part of its charm.
Corned beef, pastrami, and brisket are sliced fresh daily and piled onto rye bread with an old-school generosity that feels rare today. Generations of Indianapolis families have marked milestones here – first dates, post-game lunches, Sunday traditions.
Walking through Shapiro’s doors feels like stepping into a warm, delicious piece of American history.