Tuna sandwiches, a classic staple at sub shops nationwide, can be surprisingly hit-or-miss.
I embarked on a fishy adventure to sample tuna offerings from 15 popular sandwich chains across the country.
While many left me wondering if they’d confused ‘tuna’ with ‘disappointment’, a few gems emerged that would make any seafood lover’s taste buds do a happy dance.
1. Subway’s Lackluster Lump
Yikes! Subway’s tuna has faced more scrutiny than a politician’s tax returns. Their sandwich arrived drowning in mayo with barely a whisper of actual tuna flavor.
The bread quickly turned soggy, creating a mushy mess that couldn’t be salvaged even with extra veggies. Skip this fishy disaster and opt for literally any other protein on their menu.
2. Jimmy John’s Surprising Standout
Holy mackerel! Jimmy John’s tuna blend strikes the perfect balance between creamy and chunky with just enough mayo to bind it together without overwhelming the star ingredient.
Fresh veggies add delightful crunch, while their lightning-fast delivery ensures peak freshness. This sandwich swims against the disappointing current, making it one I’d happily order on repeat visits.
3. Jersey Mike’s Ocean Disappointment
What if I told you Jersey Mike’s, known for quality ingredients, fumbles their tuna game spectacularly? Their blend tastes oddly sweet with a peculiar aftertaste that lingers uncomfortably.
Though the bread and veggies meet their usual standards, the tuna itself misses the mark entirely. Rather shocking from a chain that usually nails their sandwich offerings! Consider their excellent cold cuts instead.
4. Potbelly’s Purrfect Catch
Ever wondered what tuna sandwich heaven tastes like? Potbelly’s version might be the answer! Their lightly seasoned tuna gets a flavor boost from secret spices that elevate it beyond basic lunch fare.
Served warm on their signature toasted bread, this sammie creates a melty, comforting experience that’s downright addictive. If you’re a tuna aficionado seeking satisfaction, Potbelly won’t let you down!
5. Quiznos’ Questionable Concoction
Though Quiznos prides itself on toasted subs, their tuna transforms into a hot, fishy mess under heat. The once-creamy mixture separates unpleasantly, creating an oil slick that soaks through the bread faster than gossip spreads in a small town.
Bizarre seasoning choices further complicate matters, leaving your taste buds thoroughly confused. Save yourself the disappointment and explore their more successful menu options instead.
6. Firehouse Subs’ Flavorful Flop
If only Firehouse put as much effort into their tuna as they do their hot subs! While their steamed bread provides an interesting textural element, the tuna itself lacks personality, coming across as bland and forgettable.
The portion size impresses, but quantity can’t compensate for quality. When visiting this chain, stick to what they do best – their signature hot specialty sandwiches that actually bring the flavor.
7. Which Wich’s Winning Formula
Hallelujah for customization! Which Wich earns top marks for letting you control exactly how much mayo goes into your tuna mix – a revolutionary concept other chains should adopt immediately.
Their tuna tastes remarkably fresh with visible chunks that confirm you’re eating actual fish, not mystery spread. Paired with their crisp vegetables and soft bread, this sandwich swims to victory lane as one of the best in the bunch.
8. Blimpie’s Boring Bomb
Hence the disappointment when biting into Blimpie’s utterly forgettable tuna offering. The mixture appears straight from a mass-produced tub with zero personality or distinguishing characteristics.
Their vegetables lack crispness, further dragging down the experience. When a sandwich’s most memorable quality is how unmemorable it is, you know you’ve hit rock bottom! Share your own Blimpie experiences in the comments.
9. Penn Station’s Peculiar Twist
Where has this sandwich been all my life? Penn Station throws convention overboard by adding hard-boiled eggs to their tuna mix – a divisive choice that somehow works brilliantly!
The extra protein and texture create a satisfying experience reminiscent of a deli-style tuna salad. Although not traditional, this quirky interpretation earns high marks for creativity and execution. Definitely worth trying for adventurous tuna enthusiasts!
10. Charley’s Philly Steaks’ Fish Fiasco
How did a chain famous for cheesesteaks go so wrong with tuna? Charley’s version tastes suspiciously like it was made days ago and left to marinate in refrigerator odors.
The overwhelming onion powder dominates every bite, while the texture resembles paste rather than fish. Absolutely baffling! When visiting Charley’s, do yourself a favor and stick to their signature beef offerings instead of this aquatic catastrophe.
11. Jason’s Deli’s Delightful Surprise
However unexpectedly, Jason’s Deli delivers tuna excellence with their minimalist approach! Their simple mixture lets the tuna shine without drowning in mayo or excessive seasonings.
Served on multigrain bread with crisp romaine and ripe tomatoes, this sandwich tastes remarkably homemade. The premium albacore tuna makes a noticeable difference compared to competitors’ mystery fish. This gem deserves recognition among tuna sandwich royalty!
12. Cousins Subs’ Fishy Failure
Though promising on paper, Cousins Subs delivers a tuna experience that’s fishier than a politician’s campaign promises. Their heavy-handed approach to mayo creates a soupy consistency that slides out with each bite.
The bread quality can’t compensate for the overwhelmingly pungent filling that tastes like it’s spent too long in the prep table. Even their fresh vegetables couldn’t rescue this underwater disaster! Try their hot subs instead.
13. McAlister’s Deli’s Magnificent Creation
What if all tuna sandwiches tasted this good? McAlister’s elevates their tuna with subtle lemon zest and a hint of dill that brightens the entire experience.
The generous portion comes on hearty wheat bread that stands up to the filling without getting soggy. Every bite delivers consistent flavor and texture – a rare achievement in the tuna sandwich universe! This standout deserves all the praise it can get.
14. Schlotzsky’s Sad Seafood Attempt
If disappointment had a flavor, it would taste exactly like Schlotzsky’s tuna sandwich. Despite their famous sourdough bread, the tuna itself lacks seasoning, personality, or any discernible flavor beyond generic fishiness.
The sparse vegetable toppings add little to improve the experience. When a chain known for distinctive bread can’t make a decent tuna sandwich, something has gone terribly wrong! Save your appetite for their more successful menu items.
15. Togo’s Triumphant Tuna
Eureka! Togo’s has cracked the tuna sandwich code with their perfectly balanced mixture that contains visible celery for crunch and just enough mayo to bind it together.
Their generous portion comes on freshly baked bread with a full complement of crisp vegetables. The attention to detail makes this sandwich stand head and fins above most competitors. For tuna lovers seeking satisfaction, Togo’s delivers a genuinely craveable experience worth returning for!