In different parts of the country you may go out for lunch and get a hoagie, or a sub or even just a deli sandwich. Having lived in a number of spots I tend to call a sandwich a sub (short for submarine sandwich) and people do look at me a little odd.
There are so many choices to get a hoagie, sub or whatever else you want to call it. I paused for 60 seconds and wrote down all the places I could think of. Here is what I came up with in no particular order:
- Jersey Mike’s
- Subway
- Quiznos
- Jason’s Deli
- Atlanta Bread Company
- Corner Bakery
- Panera Bread
- Blimpie
- Schlotzsky’s
I must admit putting together the list was harder than I thought. For some reason I drew a blank and I am sure I am missing some really obvious ones.
For me I really like Jersey Mike’s (love the Philly cheesesteak) and Schlotsky’s (I find the bread amazing).
- Who did I leave off the list?
- What is your favorite spot for a hoagie or sub?
- What do you call a deli sandwich in your part of the country?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Christing Cook says:
Jason’s in Denver if I have to.
In Philly…John’s off 202 on 30 in Frazier. A John’s Special or Cheesesteak. It’s the best! Seriously, when I go home for a week I gain 5 lbs. I hit John’s at least 3-4 times. They prep me a big bad of about 10 steaks on my last day and I bring them back for the staff : ).
When you’re from Philly places like Subway are a joke. Sorry : ).
Michael Halberstam says:
Mills Deli in Brooklyn
Bob Graham says:
My favorite chain for “subs” is Jimmy John’s (which is not on your list). (of course, since I grew up in Western MA, I still refer to them as “grinders”).
I also really like the “Great Outdoors” shops in the Dallas area.
I have never tried Jersey Mike’s, but it is now definitely on my list.
Let me now pay tribute to two favorites that no longer exist: The Hungry U (Amherst, MA) and Galligaskins (Dallas). Both served a unique “Boston” style of subs: the roll was split, not sliced into a top and a bottom, the meat was stuffed in the roll and topped with diced (not sliced) tomatoes, onions and pickles.
And Jason’s Deli IS NOT A DELI!!! They have a limited menu, have no idea what a bagel with a schmear is and don’t stock Dr Brown’s CelRay soda. If you’ve ever been to a real NY Deli, you know that Jason’s is not even a pale imitation-it’s just another sandwich shop.
Louis Ygartua says:
Jason’s used to stock Dr. Brown’s CelRay. That made them seem real so I used to go there frequently, maybe almost 20 years ago. Little touches can mean so much. I always wonder why businesses change traditions I love. Off subject, a great burger place here, Fuddrucker’s, had this honey mustard, an in-house blend. They dropped it and went with all Heinz condiments. Probably to save money but it was a “signature” item to me.
Melanie Courtright says:
I love Which Wich and PotBelly’s. They both have similar bread, and the bread is what makes it or breaks it for me. Which Wish has great ice – that small crushed ice like you get at Sonic.
Speaking of Sonic… it might be time for a Happy Hour run with my team!
Ed Sugar says:
Whenever I go to Philadelphia I make a bee line to Tony Luke’s on
39 East Oregon Avenue, right under the I95 overpass. Hands down the best. In fact, writing this reminded me I have a date with destiny there on August 20th. I am counting down the hours. Oooh baby!
Rick Johnson says:
I would go to Primanti Brothers in Pittsburgh PA!
Ed Sugar says:
Rick -
Do you prefer the original in the Strip over the newer branch locations across the city? Have you been to the ones down in Florida?
For those of you not familar with Primanti Brothers, they have the classic trucker’s sandwich that has everything (and I mean everything) on it. Make sure to take a double dose of Lipitor with you.
Shannon Goyda says:
I’m amazed someone actually mentioned Primanti’s! I used to stop in the Oakland location when I was back in the Burgh! I’m a vegetarian now, but used to love the cheesesteak, aka, the “No. 2 Seller.”
Their sandwiches definitely aren’t for the faint of heart! I love how they pile on the fresh-cut fries and vinegar slaw right on the sandwich.
Jennie says:
Around here (Dallas/Ft. Worth), Jersey Mike’s is definitely the best (#13, Mike’s way rocks)! If I’m lucky enough to actually be in New Jersey, it’s hands down gotta be Big Stash’s Sub House in Kearny. The locals can’t eat one without getting a Clinton’s Iced Tea to go along with it. I don’t do tea, but if you do and you end up there, grab one of those too!
John Sadler says:
When I am in Lawrence, Kansas, the best place for a sub is Yellow Sub. It was where I ate my first hot sub sandwich. Rock Chalk!
Mike MacLeod says:
DiBella’s Old Fashioned Subs in Rochester, NY. Hands down the best sandwiches anywhere. Order the Godfather.
Gwen says:
I love Jimmy John’s…in fact, I find it hard to want to eat a sub any place else (in the Dallas area). Their bread is amazing…soft and not too filling.
If in So Cal, Togos is very good.
Patricia says:
I am partial to Jersey Joe’s, similar to Jersey Mike’s I’m sure, but located in Addison. The #9 – Big D is my favorite, very close to the Invention from Great Outdoors. Accompany the Big D with a bag of salt and vinegar chips – it is just awesome. Jersey Joe’s also serves Henry’s Homemade Ice Cream from Plano. A great way to finish off lunch!
janet says:
Subway or Panera are my favorites, followed by Jersey Mikes.
steve says:
i am reading these posts and obviously no New Yorkers have chimed in. If you are talking REAL deli, you have to put on the list Carnegie Deli, Stage Deli, Barney Greengrass (the sturgeon king), 2nd Avenue Deli and my all time favorite – Katz’ Deli on Houston Street. I can remember my first trip to Katz’ Deli and feeling so intimidated by the guys at the counter – too afraid to order the corned beef lean. This place is an institution.
The other place I need to talk about is The Whitehouse in Atlantic City – really not a deli but amazing cheesesteaks and worth sitting at the counter and watching the guys on the grill make these amazing subs at a clip like you can’t imagine. Nothing better than that cheesesteaks with hot peppers and a butterscotch krimpet for dessert – my mouth is watering as I write this!
Steve Gentile says:
Steve has hit the nail on the head for NYC. (I’ve only heard about the Whitehouse in AC) And the intimidation factor is surely a key element to the first visit(s), the shouting/barking and impatience at rush time. “Know what you want before you come to me” And they LOVE LOVE LOVE it when you know EXACTLY what you want, and (with back to you) continue to make conversation “Lean? Lean?? Like you need lean??? You’ll get it with some fat because you need it!”
Steve speaks about cheesecake and when you talk cheesecake and New York – there was only one (back in the day) – Jack Dempsey’s! For location, for atmosphere, for celebrity sightings every time, and for me as a kid – the matre d’ always knew my father by first name and knew us too. “Always the best seat in the place for you!”
Awesome memory.
Joan Burns says:
Always, when I’m travelling through Connecticut to NY or Philly or anyplace west, I stop at Rein’s Deli in Vernon, CT. Not only are the sandwiches terrific, but I buy their refrigerated sweet-and-sour stuffed cabbage or one of their many luscious soups to take home. Amazed that so many people who travel this route continually are not aware of Rein’s.
Debby Schlesinger-Hellman says:
LA is not known for good subs, we are so health conscious ( so they say).
If you are in LA, though, the best and biggest deli sandwich is at ARTs in Studio City. The sandwiches are so big there is no way to get your mouth around the entire thing to take a bite.
Amy Shields says:
So funny… read Steve’s post because ALL I could think while reading through these was KATZ’S. Period. For me, nothing else is close to it.
Meg says:
My family and I were just talking about places for good cheesesteaks and hoagies this weekend. Being in the Philly area we are lucky to have a good pizza/steak/deli every few blocks. You don’t need to travel to the city for a good cheesesteak or hoagie. I can choose from about half a dozen deli’s within a mile or 2 from my home. They are all local shops and have great cheesesteaks, hoagies and pizzas.
Tom Rossett says:
I live in North Fort Worth and Jersey Mike’s is definitely the best authentic east coast sub shop in the area. It is not just the quality but also the quantity of meat and toppings they put on their subs. My favorite is the Italian (#13) but the Chipotle Cheesesteak (#43) is great as well. .