These Sandwich Chains Make the Best Subs in the Country
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All types of sandwiches are delicious, but subs are special. Maybe it's the length or the fact they work hot or cold. Whatever it is, we love them.
We've rounded up the 25 best sub sandwich chains and ranked them from good to we'd-have-lunch-here-every-day.
25. Goodcents
Year founded: 1989
Headquarters: De Soto, Kansas
States with a location: 8
Bottom Line: Goodcents
Midwesterners all have an opinion about Goodcents, one of the region's most recognized sub chains. And as the company expands to other states like Pennsylvania, it seems like soon we'll all have to choose to be fans or not.
Thankfully, the chain's terrible taste in logos isn't reflected in its sandwiches, which include tasty choices like the chipotle cheesesteak and the buffalo chicken always served on soft bread.
24. Charleys Cheesesteaks
Year founded: 1986
Headquarters: Columbus, Ohio
States with a location: 46
Bottom Line: Charleys Cheesesteaks
While Charleys claim to have the No.1 Philly cheesesteak in the country is overly confident, we'll concede that it has the best mall-court cheesesteaks. On the rare occasion when we have to eat at a mall, this chain is usually one of our top choices.
You can't go wrong with the traditional steak sandwich, but if you want some variety, you can also get the chicken teriyaki or the bacon 3 cheesesteak.
23. Snarf's Sandwiches
Year founded: 1996
Headquarters: Denver, Colorado
States with a location: 3
Bottom Line: Snarf's Sandwiches
You can tell Snarf's wants to appeal to college kids by looking at its logo, whose three purposefully, badly drawn figures seem to belong on Adult Swim.
But we'll forgive its bad marketing and the fact that it's only in three states because the subs taste pretty good. Plus, this is a family-owned business that uses fresh ingredients, and we gotta love that.
22. Quiznos
Year founded: 1981
Headquarters: Denver, Colorado
States with a location: 37
Bottom Line: Quiznos
Quiznos claims to have been "pushing boundaries since 1981." They've certainly done this with their commercials, especially in the cultural chaos of the early 2000s, when two rodent-like beings sang an ode to the subs in raspy voices.
But the chain hasn't been as bold in its menu, which is fairly classic with a splash of guacamole here and there. It's not bad for when you want a fast and inexpensive sub, though.
21. Blimpie
Year founded: 1964
Headquarters: Scottsdale, Arizona
States with a location: 25
Bottom Line: Blimpie
Started by three friends from New Jersey, Blimpie claims to be "America's sub shop." Maybe it could claim this title back in the day when it still had more locations than Subway, but its slogan seems inaccurate in the 21st century.
Still, Blimpie is a sandwich shop and a decent one at that. Now present in half of the states and serving classic fast-food subs, we wouldn't deter anyone from making a stop here while on a road trip.
20. Subway
Year founded: 1965
Headquarters: Milford, Connecticut
States with a location: 49
Bottom Line: Subway
Subway is the most successful sub sandwich chain not just in the U.S., but in the world. For fast food, the chain is decent. We're skeptical about its claims of using "fresh" ingredients, but we'd take it over other fast-food chains any time.
Don't agree with us? Head to Delaware, the only state that is free from $5 footlongs that end up costing $12.
19. Penn Station East Coast Subs
Year founded: 1985
Headquarters: Cincinnati, Ohio
States with a location: 14
Bottom Line: Penn Station East Coast Subs
Specializing in sandwiches like Phillys, Reubens, Italians and clubs, Penn Station East Coast Subs focuses on regional favorites.
While it's laid-back and informal, it does have freshly squeezed lemonade and delicious French fries. Both differentiate this place from the competition.
18. Lenny's Grill & Subs
Year founded: 1998
Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee
States with a location: 14
Bottom Line: Lenny's Grill & Subs
In true Southern fashion, Lenny's serves up generous proportions, with mile-high subs you'll have trouble biting into — in the best possible sense. The menu is made up of the usual suspect, but we appreciate the various cheesesteak options.
Lenny's also offers healthier options, particularly a variety of salads that are pretty good and filling. This makes it very convenient for when your group can't decide between a decadent sandwich or a nutritious meal.
17. Ike's Love and Sandwiches
Year founded: 2007
Headquarters: San Francisco, California
States with a location: 6
Bottom Line: Ike's Love and Sandwiches
Opening any successful food joint in San Francisco is impressive. But doing so well that you can expand to six states means you're doing something right.
Despite its cheesy logo and name, Ike's Love and Sandwiches serve good subs on Dutch crunch bread topped with its secret in-house sauce.
The chain offers vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal options.
16. The Sandwich Spot
Year founded: 2007
Headquarters: Sacramento, California
States with a location: 5
Bottom Line: The Sandwich Spot
This family-owned chain can be found in California, Nevada, Arizona and Texas. Its geographic reach isn't as wide as others, but it's rare to see a chain that hasn't gone corporate.
The Sandwich Shop claims to use fresh meat, and their bread is baked every day on site, making for perfectly crunchy subs.
15. Togo's
Year founded: 1971
Headquarters: San Jose, California
States with a location: 5
Bottom Line: Togo's
Togo's history is part of its charm. Its original location was a shack (yes, literally) that only fit four people. But the sandwiches were so good people didn't mind the lack of space.
Over 50 years later, the chain has expanded from California to Oregon, Washington, Nevada and Arizona. The company claims fresh ingredients are part of its success and customers seem to agree.
The only downside is the menu is somewhat uninspired, lacking original or signature subs.
14. Lee's Sandwiches
Year founded: 1983
Headquarters: San Jose, California
States with a location: 8
Bottom Line: Lee's Sandwiches
Lee's is the place to go when you don't feel like eating a typical American sub. Categorized as a Vietnamese-American fast-food company, the chain focuses on what it calls "Asian sandwiches" and "Euro sandwiches."
Let's focus on the first group since the latter is made with croissants. The best ones in our humble opinion are the pork-centric subs like the pork meatball and the cured pork. Many come with the house pickle, made with daikon and carrot, and house mayo. Find locations in Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Virginia.
13. Newk's Eatery
Year founded: 2004
Headquarters: Oxford, Mississippi
States with a location: 13
Bottom Line: Newk's Eatery
Newk's Eatery was founded by the people behind the successful McAlister's Deli (which isn't on this list because subs are not its focus). After selling their first chain, the trio went on to open one that will likely prove just as profitable.
The chain also serves pizzas, soups, salads and mac and cheese. But subs are the highlight. Try the shrimp po'boy or the turkey avocado.
12. Primo Hoagies
Year founded: 1992
Headquarters: Westville, New Jersey
States with a location: 10
Bottom Line: Primo Hoagies
Primo Hoagies is proud of its Italian heritage, displaying green, white and red on its logo and throughout its website. Yes, this makes us trust it more because no one does food better than Italians.
But let's be serious. What makes Primo Hoagies so great is that they recognize people want variety. You won't find a menu with a chicken sandwich, a philly cheesteak and a meatball sub. Rather, the chain gives you an entire sublist of each of these categories. So the question is not whether you want a cheesteak, but which cheesesteak you want.
We find that beautiful.
11. Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Year founded: 1977
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
States with a location: 30
Bottom Line: Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Like Subway, Potbelly is a convenient place to eat when you need something fast. But the quality of its food is much better. It even makes for a decent meal at airports.
Meats are hand-sliced, and ingredients are fresher than at other chains. Yes, the price is a bit higher, but a good sandwich is worth it.
We also appreciate that locations are decorated to create a rustic and homey feel, which is so often lacking in fast-food joints.
10. Which Wich
Year founded: 2003
Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
States with a location: 33
Bottom Line: Which Wich
People are divided on whether Which Wich deserves to be a big deal. But everyone agrees that the variety it provides and the ease of its order system are awesome. Rather than stand in line telling people what you want on your sub and repeating when they don't understand you, you write it out.
The result is a faster process and endless possible sub combinations. If you don't want to decide, you can get some of the signature subs.
9. DiBella’s
Year founded: 1918
Headquarters: Rochester, New York
States with a location: 5
Bottom Line: DiBella’s
There's nothing worse than your favorite chain closing. Thankfully, you likely don't have to worry about that with DiBella's, which has stood strong since 1918. What's their secret? Probably their fresh bread, baked at least twice a day. That and their homemade dressing and salads.
You'll find the chain in New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan. We certainly hope it keeps expanding.
8. D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches
Year founded: 1967
Headquarters: Dedham, Massachusetts
States with a location: 5
Bottom Line: D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches
It might not be the most famous sandwich chain, but D'Angelo stands out with a variety of subs that you won't find elsewhere. The best is its Korean BBQ sandwich, but other fan favorites include the Southwestern and its signature Number 9, made with grilled steak.
For those who can't decide between a sub or a burger, there's the cheeseburger sandwich, which is as good as it sounds.
The chain is spread around New England and well-loved in the region.
7. Earl of Sandwich
Year founded: 2004
Headquarters: Orlando, Florida
States with a location: 13
Bottom Line: Earl of Sandwich
Orlando Montagu didn't name his business Earl of Sandwich for nothing. He is, in fact, a direct descendant of the Earl of Sandwich — the British noble credited with helping popularize the now beloved food in Europe.
Besides having locations in 13 states, this chain has a presence in four countries. Ironically, there are none in England, though true fans could hop over to France to get a sub.
6. Capriotti's Sandwich Shop
Year founded: 1976
Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware
States with a location: 26
Bottom Line: Capriotti's Sandwich Shop
First founded in Wilmington's Little Italy, this Delaware chain is beloved around the East Coast. Capriotti's claims to roast turkeys overnight. They also make their own meatballs.
Customers certainly appreciate the result. Even President Joe Biden is a fan, being the first person to visit when the chain opened a store in Washington, D.C.
5. Jimmy John's
Year founded: 1983
Headquarters: Champaign, Illinois
States with a location: 45
Bottom Line: Jimmy John's
When Jimmy John Liautaud graduated high school, his dad told him he had to start a business or join the military. He chose the former and built what is now the fourth-highest-earning sandwich chain in the United States.
What's interesting about Jimmy John's is that its model is mainly pick-up and catering. You won't get to sit and enjoy your sub, but people don't seem to mind. After all, sandwiches are perfect for being on the go.
The chain also hand-slices its cheese and meats and bakes its bread every morning.
4. Firehouse Subs
Year founded: 1994
Headquarters: Jacksonville, Florida
States with a location: 48
Bottom Line: Firehouse Subs
Founded by two ex-firefighters, Firehouse Subs focuses on hot sandwiches (though you can get them cold if that's your preference). They have a build-your-own model that complements their specialty subs.
Go for the Firehouse Steak and Cheese, the BBQ Cuban, or the ever-popular Hook and Ladder, made with honey ham, turkey breast and Monterey Jack cheese.
3. Cousins Maine Lobster
Year founded: 2012
Headquarters: Los Angeles, California
States with a location: 22
Bottom Line: Cousins Maine Lobster
Cousins Maine Lobster is unique because it's a food truck chain. It was founded by two cousins who met up in California and spent time reminiscing about lobster rolls in their native Maine.
Though it's been around for a little over a decade, the chain gained popularity so quickly that it appeared on "Shark Tank."
A bite into a lobster-stuffed split-top roll will transport you to a Maine coastal town with a pretty lighthouse that lights up the night.
2. Erbert and Gerbert's Sandwich Shop
Year founded: 1988
Headquarters: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
States with a location: 12
Bottom Line: Erbert and Gerbert's Sandwich Shop
Besides ridiculously delicious subs, Erbert and Gerbert's has what's likely the best origin story of any sandwich franchise: Founder Kevin Schippers and his wife, Beth, founded the company and named it after the characters of the elaborate tales his father would tell him and his siblings when they were young.
Our heart is melting like the cheese in the chain's mouthwatering Neuron sandwich, made with mac 'n' cheese and BBQ brisket. This place is not afraid to go bold with its flavors (after all, each sandwich is inspired by one of Erbert and Gerbert's fabulous adventures). Other noteworthy menu items include the Quatro, which has chicken and cranberry wasabi, or the simple but delicious Titan, with turkey and pesto mayo.
Of course, you can also get less adventurous sandwiches if that's what you're in the mood for.
1. Jersey Mike’s
Year founded: 1956
Headquarters: Manasquan, New Jersey
States with a location: 50