When you need a quick bite that hits every craving, a great sandwich chain never lets you down. From melty classics to cold-cut favorites, these spots keep the fillings generous and the flavors bold.
Whether you’re on a lunch break or road trip, these sandwich chains have earned loyal fans for a reason.
Here are 20 favorites everyone agrees make a mean sandwich.
1. Jersey Mike’s Subs
Fresh-sliced deli meat, housemade seasoning, and that signature “Mike’s Way” give every sub a bold, craveable flavor.
The bread stays soft, the veggies snap with freshness, and the oil-vinegar blend ties it all together. It’s a chain with serious sandwich soul.
2. Firehouse Subs
Steamed meats and toasted rolls turn simple ingredients into rich, juicy creations. The Hook & Ladder is a longtime favorite.
Their hot sauce bar adds personality, while generous portions keep bellies full. A portion of every purchase helps first responders, too.
3. Potbelly Sandwich Works
Toasty, melty, and full of charm, Potbelly blends comfort and creativity in every order. The Wreck is packed with classic meats and flavor.
Add a hand-dipped shake or a warm cookie, and it becomes more than lunch—it’s a warm, sandwichy hug.
4. Jimmy John’s
Known for lightning-fast delivery and ultra-thin sliced meats, Jimmy John’s keeps it simple and speedy. Their bread is fresh and slightly chewy.
Custom builds come quick, crisp, and clean. No fuss, just solid sandwiches done right.
5. Which Wich
Here, every sandwich starts with a brown paper bag and a Sharpie. Mark your toppings, and they build it your way.
Creative options like black bean patties and spicy ranch make it stand out. It’s fast food with flair and personality.
6. Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
Real roasted turkey, hand-shredded daily, sets Capriotti’s apart. The Bobbie, stuffed with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, feels like Thanksgiving.
They don’t skimp on quality or flavor. One bite and you’ll see why it has a cult following.
7. Ike’s Love & Sandwiches
With quirky sandwich names and bold sauces like “Dirty Sauce,” Ike’s turns the ordinary into unforgettable. The bread is fresh and always toasted.
Meat lovers and vegans alike find something to rave about. The vibe is fun, and the flavor is big.
8. McAlister’s Deli
Famous for giant sandwiches and sweet tea, McAlister’s has a cozy deli feel with a Southern twist. Try the King Club or a loaded Spud.
Everything’s made to order, and the vibe feels more like a local café than a chain. It’s warm, hearty, and reliable.
9. Jason’s Deli
Organic greens, nitrate-free meats, and a free soft-serve machine make Jason’s stand out in the deli crowd.
The menu leans fresh and health-conscious without being boring. Soups, salads, and muffalettas round out the sandwich-centric lineup.
10. Penn Station East Coast Subs
These subs come hot off the grill, with thin-sliced steak and sizzling onions filling soft white rolls. Their fries are hand-cut and golden.
The Philly cheesesteak is the star, but the entire menu feels hearty and satisfying. Every bite drips with comfort.
11. Togo’s
West Coast favorite Togo’s loads sandwiches with fresh veggies and generous portions of meat and cheese. The bread is soft but sturdy.
They keep the classics classic—and they do them well. A solid stop for no-nonsense, big-stacked flavor.
12. Lenny’s Grill & Subs
This Southern chain piles its subs high and offers grilled options that go beyond the usual cold cuts. The bread is fluffy and fresh.
Their Philly-style subs and jalapeño chips make lunch feel indulgent. Service is friendly, and the vibe is local.
13. Schlotzsky’s
Round, crusty bread gives these sandwiches a signature texture. The Original is stacked with meats, cheese, and zesty sauce.
A blend of bakery, sandwich shop, and pizza place, Schlotzsky’s stands out with unique flavors and quirky charm.
14. Erbert & Gerbert’s
Known for digging out the bread’s center to pack in more filling, this Midwest chain has quirky names and even quirkier combos.
From the “Narmer” to the “Comet Morehouse,” the options are fun, flavorful, and always made with a generous hand.
15. Quiznos
Toasty, cheesy, and flavorful, Quiznos was once everywhere—and fans still swear by its unique oven-baked taste.
Though locations are fewer now, that warm, melty experience still delivers. The Peppercorn Steak remains a cult favorite.
16. Blimpie
Since the ’60s, Blimpie has been building classic subs with deli-style meat and fluffy white rolls. The name is nostalgic, the flavor dependable.
It’s a no-frills sandwich done with care. Order it cold or toasted—either way, it hits the spot.
17. East Bay Deli
With roots in South Carolina, East Bay Deli delivers massive sandwiches with Southern charm. The Reuben and the Charleston Philly are local hits.
They blend classic deli staples with coastal flavor. Each sandwich comes with a pickle spear and a side of Southern hospitality.
18. Publix Deli
This grocery store deli has earned legendary status in the South. Their subs, especially the Chicken Tender Sub, have a loyal following.
Everything is fresh, fully customizable, and stacked with care. Many say it rivals stand-alone sandwich shops.
19. Arby’s
Known for roast beef, curly fries, and cheddar sauce, Arby’s leans into hearty sandwiches with bold flavors. The French Dip is a sleeper hit.
They keep reinventing themselves with new creations like brisket and turkey ranch. It’s fast food with a carnivore’s heart.
20. Subway
With global reach and endless topping combos, Subway is the world’s most familiar sandwich stop. Their build-your-own model keeps it personal.
From Veggie Delite to Meatball Marinara, the options cover every craving. Affordable, accessible, and customizable—Subway keeps its place in the sandwich game.