Florida road trip, but make it delicious. I crisscrossed the state chasing the crunch of perfect bread, the snap of fresh pickles, and the unmistakable Publix deli buzz. You will find the winning combos that stretch your dollars without skimping on flavor, plus a few splurges that still feel smart. Grab a napkin and let your lunch plans take the wheel.
Publix Super Market at 3 Miami Central – Miami, Florida
The Miami Central Publix felt like a lunchtime rush with skyline energy, and the sub crew moved fast. I built a half Cuban sub on white, then added extra pickles, mayo, and a kiss of hot sauce for heat. The pressed finish gave crisp edges and a melty interior that felt like magic for the price.
Each bite delivered tangy mustard, smoky ham, and salty pork balanced by Swiss and briny pickles. The value stood out because a half still ate like a full meal. If you want max flavor without overspending, ask for a light press and extra pickles to lift the richness.
Publix Super Market at Sunrise Boulevard – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Sunrise Boulevard Publix has that breezy coastal feel, and the deli folks know their rhythm. I ordered a turkey and provolone on Italian five grain with lettuce, tomato, onion, and banana peppers. Oil, vinegar, and a modest shake of Parmesan turned it into a budget bistro sandwich.
The hearty grain bread added texture without feeling heavy, and the produce was snappy fresh. You could split this footlong for two perfectly thrifty lunches. Ask for extra vinegar to sharpen the turkey, and get the peppers for brightness. It is a simple build that punches above its price, especially during sub of the week deals.
Publix Super Market at Dale Mabry Shopping Center – Tampa, Florida
Tampa loves bold flavors, so I went classic Italian at Dale Mabry: capicola, pepperoni, ham, and provolone on white. Shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, black olives, and banana peppers got a generous oil and vinegar drizzle. A sprinkle of oregano and Parmesan sealed the deal.
For the cost, the meat to bread ratio felt generous, and the acidity kept every bite lively. You can stretch this by grabbing a footlong and saving half for later. Request thin tomato slices and extra oregano to heighten that deli-shop vibe. It is a crowd-pleaser that still respects your wallet, especially when you catch a limited-time promo.
Publix Super Market at Regency Village Shopping Center – Orlando, Florida
At Orlando’s Regency Village, I tested the legendary chicken tender sub. I chose buffalo sauce with a ranch drizzle on white, plus shredded lettuce and pickles for crunch. The tenders were hot and crisp, and the saucy combo made every bite indulgent without feeling overpriced.
Order a half if you are watching costs, because the tenders bring big satisfaction. The secret is asking for a light toast to lock in crunch. It is messy in the best way and totally theme-park day fuel. Value meter: strong, especially during Publix chicken tender sub sales that locals obsess over.
Publix Super Market at Shoppes at East San Marco – Jacksonville, Florida
In Jacksonville, I went roast beef with provolone on French bread, leaning into a peppery, savory profile. I asked for creamy horseradish, lettuce, tomato, and onion, plus a light oil. The thin-sliced beef tasted fresh and tender, giving steakhouse energy at deli prices.
To optimize value, keep toppings simple and let the roast beef shine. A half sub paired with a small fruit cup felt like a smart, balanced lunch. Ask for a little extra horseradish if you crave heat. It will not break your budget, and the flavor payoff is real, especially when roast beef rotates into a promo.
Publix Super Market at 700 Central – St. Petersburg, Florida
In St. Pete, I tried a veggie delight that proved value is not just about meat. Italian five grain with avocado spread, cucumbers, spinach, tomato, onion, and banana peppers gave crunch and creaminess. Oil, vinegar, and cracked pepper made it pop without extra cost.
This sub felt huge for the price and surprisingly filling. Add pickles and Parmesan for a salty kick that does not cost more. If you want a fresh, beach-day kind of lunch, this is a wallet friendly winner. You can split it and still feel satisfied, especially with a bag of chips.
Publix Super Market at Harbor Oaks Shopping Center – Clearwater, Florida
Clearwater called for a chilled classic: tuna salad on white with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. I added a dusting of Old Bay for that gentle coastal nod. The tuna was creamy without being heavy, and the pickles balanced it with bright crunch.
For value, tuna stretches well and stays satisfying, especially as a half portion. Ask for extra lettuce to add volume and keep the price steady. The subtle spice from Old Bay makes it memorable without add-on costs. If you like cool, refreshing subs at the beach, this one keeps your budget happy and your taste buds awake.
Publix Super Market at Broadway Promenade – Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota’s Broadway Promenade had a polished vibe, so I went classic ham and Swiss on French bread. I asked for yellow mustard, lettuce, tomato, and onion with a light oil mist. The bread had a delicate crackle that made each bite pop.
Budget wise, this combo sings when ham is on sale. Keep the condiments simple to highlight the cheese and bread. You can go half size, add a free shake of Parmesan, and still feel like you got a deli treat. It is comfort food that does not tax your wallet, ideal for a quick midday refuel.
Publix Super Market at Naples Plaza – Naples, Florida
In Naples, I tried chicken salad on white with lettuce and thin tomato slices, leaning toward a creamy, slightly sweet profile. A small sprinkle of black pepper helped balance the richness. The deli crew loaded a generous scoop that felt like luxury for less.
Value tip: choose a half and pair it with fountain tea for a satisfying, affordable lunch. Ask for extra lettuce to add crunch without extra cost. This sub is mellow and comforting, perfect if you want something smooth and filling. It felt like a treat that still respected the budget.
Publix Super Market at Shops at Village Walk – Fort Myers, Florida
Fort Myers got the hearty treatment with a meatball sub on white, provolone melted, and extra marinara. A light toast gave edges a pleasant crunch against tender meatballs. I added grated Parmesan and a shake of Italian seasoning for pizzeria vibes.
It is comforting, filling, and still friendly on the wallet, especially as a half. Ask for sauce on the side if you plan to save some, to keep the bread intact. When the meatball sub goes on promo, it jumps into best bang territory. Bring napkins, because this one is gloriously saucy.
Publix Super Market at Gainesville Shopping Center – Gainesville, Florida
College town energy means value matters, so I revisited chicken tenders Gainesville style. Buffalo sauce, ranch drizzle, shredded lettuce, and pickles on white kept it familiar and satisfying. The team nailed the tender to sauce ratio, keeping crunch alive.
Split a footlong with a friend and you have two solid meals for less than eating out elsewhere. Ask for a little extra vinegar if you want more tang. It is the kind of sub that fuels study sessions, road trips, and game days. When tenders are on special, this rockets into bargain legend territory.
Publix Super Market at Village Square – Tallahassee, Florida
In Tallahassee, I built a BBQ chicken sub with shredded rotisserie chicken, tangy sauce, and a quick toast. A scoop of coleslaw added crunch and creaminess without extra cost. Pickles cut through the sweetness, keeping the flavor balanced.
This is serious tailgate energy on a budget. Order a half and you will still feel full, but a footlong is perfect for sharing. Ask them to go easy on sauce if you plan to save a portion. It is a fun, wallet friendly twist that feels special without a premium price tag.
Publix Super Market on N 9th Ave – Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola wrapped the tour with a Mediterranean leaning Italian tuna build. Tuna salad, black olives, banana peppers, tomato, onion, and shredded lettuce on Italian five grain brought bright acidity and satisfying bite. A drizzle of oil and vinegar made it sing.
It is budget smart, especially as a half with chips. Ask for a Parmesan shake to lift the savoriness without extra charges. The crunch, salt, and tang dance together in a way that feels beachy and fresh. If you want maximum flavor per dollar, this one closes the trip strong.