Sometimes, you simply want to bite into a good ol’ sandwich. Fortunately, there is a wide range of specialty sandwich shops operating across America. But which sandwiches are actually worth the trip?
This list offers you some of America’s most mouthwatering sandwich shop chains. Not only have they found success between two slices of bread, but they’ve also cultivated true love among fans for consistently adding great ingredients, inventive flavors, and the kind of stuff that will have you coming back for more.
1. Jason’s Deli
Since opening its first shop in Texas in 1976, Jason’s Deli has been a healthy trendsetter in the sandwich shop space. In 2005, it was the first national chain to drop trans fats from its menus. It was the first to unload non-naturally occurring MSG soon after, and it’s since also removed high-fructose corn syrup and artificial colorings.
The shop does, however, have plenty of premium meats, cheeses, and veggies (including organic options) for you to choose from for your sandwiches.
2. Mendocino Farms
This Los Angeles–based chain feels very LA, with offerings like (vegan) “Philly Shroom Steak,” “The Happy Hippie” with loads of veggies and hummus, Chimichurri Steak & Bacon, and Pork Belly Banh Mi. On the other hand, Mendocino Farms continues to flourish thanks to its ongoing commitment to serving great sandwiches made with great ingredients and a whole lot of California love.
3. Potbelly Sandwich Shop
In its earliest days in Chicago in the 1970s, Potbelly was a vintage home goods store where founder Peter Hastings just happened to sell toasted sandwiches made on his vintage potbelly stove. Soon enough, locals raved about Hastings’ hot toasted sandwiches, and he switched focus to the food. Since then, Potbelly has built a solid reputation for serving up the tastiest toasted creations featuring high-quality meats, veggies, cheeses, and sauces.
4. Snarf’s Sandwiches
When you look beyond the cartoon logo, you’ll find that this Boulder, Colorado–based purveyor of “the world’s finest sandwich” really does put itself in the running. If you’re lucky enough to stumble across one of their shops in St. Louis, Austin, or Colorado’s Front Range, you’ll be rewarded with delicious creations made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
5. Lee’s Sandwiches
Since launching in San Jose in 1983, Lee’s Sandwiches has excelled in making incredible banh mi (Vietnamese-style sandwiches). If you’re not feeling too adventurous, they offer plenty of “Euro Sandwiches” (like ham and cheese and veggie avocado) made with croissants or baguettes. But if you are ready to bite into a different kind of American sandwich, hop over to their Asian menu and try one of their many fantastic pork offerings.
6. Which Wich
If you’re a fan of the Subway way of picking your own ingredients for a sub sandwich, then you may appreciate Which Wich taking the concept to the next level. To order, you check off the (great quality) ingredients you want on a paper sandwich bag they provide. Even better, Which Wich has their own charitable programs that make it easier for you to support those in need with a portion of your purchase.
7. Ike’s Love and Sandwiches
Since launching in the hyper-competitive foodie wonderland of San Francisco in 2007, Ike’s Love and Sandwiches has extended its presence across the Golden State and expanded into five more states. How did they achieve this? Simply put, their sandwiches, made with Dutch crunch bread, are really that good. Plus, they offer plenty of vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options.
8. The Sandwich Spot
The Sandwich Spot is a family-owned micro-chain that’s mostly found out west (mostly in Northern California, at that). But if you seek one out, you will discover their extensive menu of inventive sandwiches made with great ingredients. In addition, many of their locations offer online ordering and delivery.
9. Togo’s
If you’re not from California, you may wonder why so many sandwich lovers out west love Togo’s. But, as they say, if you know, you know. Togo’s serves all the classics, including Italian subs, tuna melts, BLTs, and Asian chicken sandwiches, with incredibly fresh ingredients. They might not have the most innovative culinary creations, but if you’re a sandwich purist, you might appreciate their commitment to staying in their lane and doing what they do so well.
10. Wawa
If you’re not from Eastern Pennsylvania or the Jersey Shore, you might be wondering, “What on earth is Wawa?” Locals, however, know that this convenience store chain doesn’t really do your typical “convenience store food.” Instead, Wawa has developed a cult following for their fantastic takes on hoagies made with high-quality ingredients, including bread that’s baked fresh daily.
11. Au Bon Pain
In French, au bon pain means “from good bread.” So, of course, the Boston-based sandwich shop chain bakes all their bread fresh daily for their various sandwich and pastry creations. In addition to offering hot or cold caprese, ham and cheese, turkey club, and chipotle turkey and avocado sandwiches, you can enjoy their wraps, soups, and an interesting array of breakfast bagels.
12. Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
Since opening in 1976, Capriotti’s has specialized in making terrific turkey sandwiches. So, it was no surprise when they debuted the Bobbie, a Thanksgiving-esque sandwich loaded with turkey, cranberry sauce, and mayo that you can enjoy year-round. But even if you’re not a turkey lover, you can still find plenty of good options at Capriotti’s. They now even offer vegan sandwiches.
13. Pret a Manger
Since launching “across the pond” in London in 1983, Pret a Manger has continually served the finest organic coffees and grab-and-go gourmet sandwiches that are always made fresh daily. While their stateside locations are currently very concentrated in New York City and the tri-state region, they are expanding their reach into Philadelphia, Chicago, and Los Angeles, so you may soon have a chance to taste what all this fuss is about.
14. Penn Station East Coast Subs
Despite the name, Penn Station East Coast Subs has no real connection to New York City other than its name. Regardless, this Ohio-based chain does serve cheesesteaks that earn such rave reviews that they continue to expand their presence across the Midwest.
15. Lenny’s Grill and Subs
Based in Tennessee, Lenny’s is another chain that specializes in bringing Philly-style cheesesteaks to customers well outside the region. Beyond the traditional cheesesteak, Lenny’s also offers chicken and bacon versions. In addition, they also have plenty of hot and cold Italian subs that are made with high-quality, freshly sliced meats and cheeses.