Who doesn’t love a good meatball sub?
That perfect combination of savory meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and melty cheese all nestled in fresh bread is hard to beat. But not all meatball subs are created equal, and quality varies wildly between sandwich chains.
I’ve eaten my way through America’s sandwich shops to bring you the definitive ranking of meatball subs from worst to first.
10. Subway’s Soggy Disappointment
Subway’s meatball marinara sub consistently lands at the bottom of any serious sandwich list. The mushy meatballs dissolve into an overly sweet sauce that turns the bread into a soggy mess within minutes. The whole experience feels more like eating spaghetti with a fork made of bread.
Even their array of veggie toppings can’t save this submarine disaster from sinking to the depths of sandwich mediocrity.
9. Firehouses Subs’ Salty Letdown
Although their sandwich assembly method keeps the sandwich from collapsing completely, the flavor profile is disappointingly one-dimensional and overly salty. Firehouses Subs’ reputation is built on hearty sandwiches, but their meatball version falls short.
The bread initially looks promising—toasted and sturdy—but soon gives way under the weight of salt-bomb meatballs, and their sauce lacks the herb-forward flavor that makes Italian marinara shine.
8. Jimmy John’s Rare Meatball Misfire
Jimmy John’s rarely ventures into meatball territory, which might be a blessing in disguise. When they do offer limited-time meatball subs, the results are perplexingly dry despite being sauced. Their lightning-fast preparation works against them here—the meatballs need time to meld with the sauce.
The famous fresh-baked bread provides the only saving grace for this infrequent menu item that feels more like an afterthought than a signature offering.
7. Quiznos’ Nostalgic But Flawed Creation
Do you recall Quiznos? Although it holds the flame of nostalgia, its toasted meatball sandwich falters in its execution. Their bread has a lovely crunch from the distinctive toasting, but it soon gives way to the abundance of sauce.
From place to place, the meatballs themselves differ greatly; they might be rich and delicious or oddly tasteless. The meatball sub provides a nostalgic, but ultimately uneventful, journey down memory lane for those who have pleasant memories of Quiznos’ glory days.
6. Potbelly’s Middle-of-the-Road Offering
Potbelly’s approach to the meatball sandwich lands squarely in average territory. Their meatballs deliver respectable flavor with a hint of Italian seasoning, nestled in their signature oval rolls that hold up admirably. The sandwich suffers from greasiness that intensifies as you eat.
While not revolutionary, Potbelly’s meatball sandwich satisfies basic cravings without venturing into memorable territory—exactly what you’d expect from the middle of our ranking.
5. Penn Station’s Surprising Contender
Penn Station East Coast Subs quietly offers a meatball sandwich that surpasses expectations. The ideal base is their freshly made bread, which is both pleasantly chewy and robust enough to hold the contents in place.
Chain restaurants frequently lack the bright, zesty character that the marinara adds. A gratifying sandwich experience that surpasses mediocrity is produced by the overall mix of meat, sauce, and cheese, even though the meatballs themselves might need more herb complexity.
4. Erbert & Gerbert’s Hidden Gem
Few talk about Erbert & Gerbert’s meatball sandwich, making it the sleeper hit of this list. Their meatballs maintain structural integrity without turning to mush—a rare achievement in chain sandwich shops. The zesty sauce brings welcome acidity that cuts through the richness.
Limited availability keeps this sandwich from climbing higher in the rankings, but those lucky enough to live near an E&G location should make this underrated option their next lunch choice.
3. Jersey Mike’s Classic Comfort
The Jersey Mike’s takes a respectfully straightforward approach to their meatball sub, and it works. The ratio of meat to sauce is well balanced, with just enough marinara to enhance every bite without overpowering the roll.
Instead of tasting mass-produced, their meatballs have a pleasant weight and spice. Sandwich aficionados value the bread’s technical accomplishment of maintaining its structure from the first bite to the last. Comfort meal prepared with care and consistency.
2. Ike’s Love & Sandwiches’ Bold Interpretation
Ike’s Love & Sandwiches transforms the humble meatball sub into something extraordinary. Their “Meatball Mike” features perfectly seasoned meatballs that retain their texture while absorbing their proprietary “Dirty Sauce.”
The bread gets a light garlic buttering before toasting, adding another flavor dimension.
What sets Ike’s apart is their willingness to experiment with unconventional toppings and combinations while respecting the essential elements that make a meatball sub great.
1. Capriotti’s Crown-Worthy Creation
Capriotti’s asserts its dominance in the meatball sub market with a sandwich that is exceptional in every way. With a seasoning combination that harkens back to family traditions handed down through the centuries, their homemade meatballs have the ideal ratio of firmness to softness.
Fresh herbs and vibrant tomato taste are added by the marinara. This beauty is completed by the bread, which is pillowy inside and crusty on the exterior.