Lynnann W. / Yelp
Who doesn’t love a sandwich? From roast beef to banh mi, they’re inexpensive, portable, and filling — not to mention delicious.
There’s tons of sandwich chains out there, and unlike most of the big fast-food chains like Subway, these smaller shops have high quality, consistent food that’s usually loved by the locals.
Next time you’re traveling, stop at any of these regional sandwich chains if you see them and find out what you’re missing out on.
Region: Southeast
Yes, Publix is a grocery store, not an actual sandwich restaurant. But Pub subs, as they’re commonly known, are probably what the chain is most famous for. Head to the deli and order up a cold sub filled with freshly sliced meat and cheese, or get the messy and decadent buffalo chicken tender sub, a fan favorite. All the breads are fantastic, and if you agree, you can buy a loaf in the bakery.
Region: Ohio
This rock ‘n roll-themed chain is based around Cleveland, but has locations throughout Ohio. You’ll see psychedelic Grateful Dead bears, electric guitars, and 1970’s era concert posters and memorabilia on the walls as you chow down on top notch subs. The Italian portion of the menu is the best, with prosciutto and pepperoni piled high, and Dave’s Cosmic Sauce, a tangy vinaigrette. The cheese here is shredded, not sliced, and gets piled on high at the end, so get it toasted for less mess.
Region: Pennsylvania
Primanti’s has been a Pittsburgh institution since 1933, though you’ll find locations of the chain all over Pennsylvania — and a few outside it — now. Their famous sandwiches are made on thick-sliced Italian bread with your choice of griddled meat (try the kielbasa or bologna and cheese) topped with a large handful of hot french fries, tangy cabbage slaw, and tomato. It’s an entire meal all on one sandwich.
Region: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Virginia
You initially had to head to the Bay Area to try some of Lee’s delicious Vietnamese-inspired menu, where people have been gobbling up its affordable banh mi sandwiches since the early '80s. The chain has since expanded to Southern California, and more recently opened select locations in several other states. Get the #1 Lee’s Combination, which is the classic pork banh mi filled with pate, head cheese, and ham, plus the requisite pickled vegetables, cilantro, jalapeño, and mayo.
Region: Midwest
Though Portillo’s is a Chicago chain with tons of locations around the metro area, it's recently expanded to include other Midwestern states, plus a smattering in other places like Arizona and California. Order the messy, juicy Italian beef sandwich with hot peppers (a.k.a giardiniera, a pickled blend of peppers and veggies) and make sure you get extra napkins. And while we don’t want to start the “is a hot dog a sandwich?” debate, you can get a clutch Chicago-style dog here too.
Region: Wisconsin
If you live outside of Wisconsin (well, save for two lone locations in Indiana), you’re out of luck when it comes to Cousins, a popular sub chain. It’s a solid choice for both hot and cold, with really good, slightly crusty bread. The onions, which are shaved paper thin, are kind of a cult favorite — or you hate them. Try the classic club sub, along with a side of deep fried cheese curds, cause this is Wisconsin, after all.
Region: East Coast
A great sandwich from a gas station? You bet. Wawa is a beloved East Coast chain, especially around Philly (so that means it serves hoagies, not subs!). And while there are some pre-made options for grab-and-go, it’s the custom made hoagies that bring people back. Feel free to personalize your order to your heart’s content, whether it’s a meatball creation or the Gobbler, a super-popular Thanksgiving-themed hoagie only available in the fall.
Region: East Coast and Midwest
Some of the best sandwich shops are also Italian delis or grocery stores, which is how DiBella’s got its start in Rochester over a century ago. Nowadays, the chain has 38 locations across New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Ohio, and Michigan. The bread is amazing thanks to a 16-hour rise, and people love the everything-seasoned loaf. Try the Godfather with Genoa salami, spicy ham, and capicola, to stay true to the chain’s Italian roots.
Region: Massachusetts and Florida
Roast beef sandwiches are the sandwich of choice on Boston’s North Shore. Kelly’s, which got its start in 1951, is one of the local spots that’s turned into a small franchise, and it gives someplace like Arby’s a run for its money. The beef is shaved very thinly, and still has plenty of pink to it, and will come on a sesame seed bun. Order it “3-way” to get it with mayo, white American cheese, and the chain’s special barbecue sauce.
Region: California
Mendocino Farms is exactly what you’d expect from a California-based sandwich chain: lots of fresh vegetables, vegan and vegetarian options, and at least one sandwich that includes “hippie” in its name. Everything here is fresh, and the flavors are inspired from around the globe, like in the Peruvian steak sandwich or the vegan banh mi. Get the chicken parm dip with Calabrian chile aioli for a creative take on another California classic, the French dip.
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