50 States, 50 Sandwiches: Must-Try Shops for Travelers, According to Yelp
You know that feeling when you’ve been on the road for hours, and you’ll give anything for a nice, juicy sandwich?
And then, suddenly, you feel the delicious scent calling your name from the roadside diner… The best feeling ever!
The best part? Every state has its own culinary signature when it comes to sandwiches.
So, fuel up and you might want to loosen your belt for this one!
1. The Pickle Barrel – Bozeman, Montana
If you ask a Bozeman local where to grab a great sandwich, odds are they’ll point you straight to The Pickle Barrel.
This no-frills, old-school sandwich joint has been a Montana favorite since the 1970s, slinging massive subs that could double as free weights.
Their claim to fame? The gargantuan, flavor-packed Bobcat Special. They’re piled high with turkey, roast beef, and gooey melted cheese, all tucked into a fresh-baked roll. One bite, and you’ll understand why this place has legendary status.
2. Reuben’s Deli – Atlanta, Georgia
This downtown treasure has been stacking sky-high sandwiches for over 20 years, earning a cult following of office workers, tourists, and anyone who appreciates a proper deli experience.
Their signature Reuben is a masterpiece! It’s full of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and just the right amount of Russian dressing, all grilled to crispy, melty perfection on rye.
It’s the kind of sandwich that demands both hands and maybe a few extra napkins.
3. Coda Bakery – Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bánh mì in Albuquerque? You bet, and Coda Bakery does it right. This unassuming, family-owned Vietnamese bakery has quietly become a must-stop for anyone craving bold flavors and fresh ingredients.
Their bánh mì is a perfect balance of crispy baguette, savory meats, and bright, zesty toppings.
Every bite is an explosion of crunch, spice, and umami goodness.
4. Earl of Sandwich – Las Vegas, Nevada
Leave it to Las Vegas to put a royal spin on the humble sandwich.
The shop pays homage to the original sandwich inventor, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, but make no mistake; this place is all about modern comfort food.
Their best-seller? The Holiday Turkey, a Thanksgiving feast stuffed between warm, toasty bread. We’re talking roasted turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and a touch of mayo. Delicious!
5. Nick’s Kitchen – Huntington, Indiana
This small-town diner has been frying up golden, oversized slabs of pork since 1908, and they’re not about to stop now. The sandwich is a thing of beauty!
It’s crispy, perfectly seasoned, and so big it spills over the bun like it’s trying to escape. Add a little mustard, pickles, and onions, and you’ve got yourself an Indiana classic.
And if you still have some room left, don’t skip the homemade sugar cream pie, Indiana’s official state dessert.
6. DiNic’s – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Enter DiNic’s, a Reading Terminal Market institution famous for its roast pork sandwich.
Their sandwiches are low-roasted to juicy perfection, the pork is piled high, topped with sharp provolone, and crowned with garlicky broccoli rabe or sweet roasted peppers.
The result? A masterpiece that might just outshine Philly’s more famous sandwich.
7. The Sandpiper Cafe – Juneau, Alaska
You wouldn’t expect to find a killer sandwich in a cozy brunch spot in Juneau, but The Sandpiper Cafe proves otherwise.
This local favorite, known for its laid-back charm and hearty breakfasts, also serves up a halibut sandwich that’s worth writing home about.
Simple? Yes. Absolutely delicious? Also yes.
8. Sandwich Shoppe – Rutland, Vermont
A no-frills name for a no-frills kind of place, the Sandwich Shoppe in Rutland is proof that sometimes, simple is best.
This tiny, family-run deli is all about fresh ingredients, homemade bread, and sandwiches that taste like they were made with care.
Their absolute standout is the Vermonter! It’s a maple-glazed turkey sandwich with sharp cheddar and a hint of apple for the perfect balance of sweet and savory. After eating it, I’m sure you’ll get why Vermont takes maple syrup so seriously!
9. Mitchell Delicatessen – Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville may be known for hot chicken, but the city’s sandwich game is just as strong, especially at Mitchell Delicatessen.
Their smoked turkey and avocado sandwich is a local legend, stacked with thick-cut turkey, crispy bacon, melty Swiss, and a slather of aioli that ties it all together. It’s hearty, flavorful, and just messy enough to make things interesting.
This place is all about good food, good vibes, and a slice of Nashville life that’s refreshingly low-key.
10. The Breadboard – Laramie, Wyoming
If you find yourself cruising through Laramie, The Breadboard is the kind of place that makes you hit the brakes.
This beloved sandwich shop has been serving up fresh, made-to-order subs for decades, winning over college students, road trippers, and ranchers alike.
You must try their California sandwich! It’s packed with turkey, cream cheese, sunflower seeds, and fresh veggies on house-baked wheat bread. Light, crunchy, and just the right amount of quirky!
11. Guajiros Miami Eatery – Miami, Florida
Miami’s sandwich scene is a force to be reckoned with, and Guajiros Miami Eatery brings a little taste of Nicaraguan flair to the mix.
One that I particularly adored was Pepito. It’s indulgent, a little messy, and absolutely worth every bite.
And if you’re not a steak fan? The fried cheese and plantain sandwich is a game-changer.
12. Grand Central Hotel – Cottonwood Falls, Kansas
The Grand Central Hotel serves up a steak sandwich that might just ruin you for all others.
Want to know their secret? It’s Kansas beef, grilled to juicy perfection and served on a soft bun with a side of house-made horseradish sauce.
It’s simple, classic, and exactly what you’d expect from a state that takes its cattle seriously.
13. Ernie’s Market – Oak Park, Michigan
At Ernie’s Market, the sandwiches are big, but the personality is even bigger.
This Detroit-area institution has been slinging legendary subs for decades, and the heart of it all is Ernie himself! He’s a one-man hype machine who makes sure every customer leaves with a full belly and a smile.
His signature move? The “Ernie Special,” a towering stack of deli meats, cheese, and fresh veggies, all drizzled with his famous “Love Sauce.”
14. Pine State Biscuits – Portland, Oregon
Forget everything you thought you knew about sandwiches! Pine State Biscuits is here to redefine the game. This Portland staple is famous for its biscuit sandwiches, and the king of them all is The Reggie.
It’s a stack of fried chicken, bacon, cheese, and sausage gravy, all crammed between two impossibly flaky biscuits.
Need an extra kick? Upgrade to The Reggie Deluxe by adding an egg on top.
15. Da Hawaiian Poke Company – Honolulu, Hawaii
When you think of a Hawaiian sandwich, your mind might go straight to a loco moco or maybe even a spam musubi, but Da Hawaiian Poke Company shakes things up with their stunning poke sandwich.
It’s not your average deli creation. No! The fresh ahi tuna, marinated in a house-made shoyu blend, gets tucked between soft Hawaiian sweet bread with a slather of wasabi aioli and a handful of crunchy cabbage.
I swear, you can feel island vibes with every bite!
16. Casetta Kitchen and Counter – Madison, Wisconsin
Cheese lovers, rejoice! Wisconsin’s sandwich scene does not disappoint.
At Casetta Kitchen and Counter in Madison, the Italian beef sandwich takes center stage, featuring slow-braised beef soaked in its own rich juices, piled onto a fresh ciabatta roll, and topped with a zesty mix of pickled vegetables.
It’s juicy, tangy, and packed with layers of slow-cooked flavor that would make any Midwesterner proud.
17. Worth Takeaway – Mesa, Arizona
Out in the Arizona desert, Worth Takeaway is proving that simple ingredients, done right, can create sandwich magic.
The absolute favorite is their crispy chicken sandwich. It’s stacked with juicy, brined chicken, perfectly fried and topped with house-made pickles, garlic aioli, and a little heat from a spicy honey drizzle.
The spot itself is small but stylish, with a modern vibe that feels more LA than Mesa.
18. Wheel Inn Cafe – Murdo, South Dakota
If you’re road-tripping through South Dakota, Wheel Inn Café is one of those places that feels like a welcome oasis.
This old-school diner is famous for its hot beef sandwich, a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs classic that comes smothered in rich brown gravy and served with a side of mashed potatoes.
It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it was made by someone’s grandma. Warm, comforting, and deeply satisfying!
19. The Tomato Place – Vicksburg, Mississippi
A roadside café, a fresh produce market, and a Southern comfort food paradise all rolled into one. Its name – The Tomato Place in Vicksburg! It is as quirky as it is delicious.
Their fried green tomato BLT is the stuff of legend, layering crispy, tangy green tomatoes with thick-cut bacon, fresh lettuce, and a swipe of house-made remoulade, all on toasted bread that soaks up every last bit of flavor.
It’s crunchy, smoky, and loaded with true Southern charm.
20. The Dilly Duck Shop – Norwalk, Connecticut
Don’t let the name fool you! The Dilly Duck Shop is serious about sandwiches.
This small but mighty spot is hidden in Norwalk, best known for their duck confit sandwich, featuring slow-cooked, fall-apart-tender duck, a tangy cherry compote, and a handful of crispy onions for texture.
The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with a menu that feels more like a chef’s passion project than a standard sandwich joint.
21. Troyer’s General Store – Berlin, Ohio
This place is a true sandwich lover’s dream! So, it’s not your regular grocery shop, as you thought.
The star of the show? The Troyer’s Trail Bologna and Swiss sandwich, featuring thick-cut, smoky bologna straight from local butchers, topped with creamy Swiss cheese, and served on fresh homemade bread.
It’s simple, but every bite is loaded with rich, savory flavor.
22. Country Club Bakery – Fairmont, West Virginia
If you haven’t had a pepperoni roll, have you even been to West Virginia?
At Country Club Bakery, the birthplace of this beloved Appalachian staple, they do it the old-school way; soft, slightly sweet bread enveloping sticks of spicy, greasy, pure pepperoni perfection.
It’s not just a sandwich; it’s a way of life in West Virginia. They were originally created as a portable lunch for coal miners, but these rolls have become a state icon. They’re eaten for breakfast, lunch, or whenever hunger strikes.
23. Cochon Butcher – New Orleans, Louisiana
Leave it to New Orleans to turn a simple muffuletta into a work of culinary genius.
At Cochon Butcher, this iconic sandwich gets a modern, meaty upgrade. Thinly sliced house-cured meats, nutty provolone, and a garlicky olive salad packed between a crisp, sesame-seeded bun.
It’s salty, briny, and bursting with NOLA-style boldness.
24. Saigon Subs & Café – Morristown, New Jersey
New Jersey might be known for its hoagies, but at Saigon Subs & Café, it’s all about the banh mi.
This Vietnamese classic is done just right! You get crispy baguette, juicy marinated pork, fresh cilantro, pickled veggies, and a fiery sriracha-mayo kick that brings all the flavors to life.
Want to spice things up? Order the spicy beef version. It’ll light up your taste buds in the best way possible.
25. Maverick’s Real Roast Beef – Roseville, Minnesota
Minnesota winters can be brutal, but Maverick’s Real Roast Beef has the ultimate cold-weather comfort food.
Their hot roast beef sandwich is an absolute masterpiece! With slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth beef, piled onto a soft bun, and slathered in a rich, beefy au jus. One bite, and you’ll understand why this place is legendary.
The atmosphere is classic and no-frills. Just seriously good sandwiches and a focus on quality.
26. Noble Sandwich Co. – Austin, Texas
They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and at Noble Sandwich Co., that definitely applies to the pork belly sandwich.
Picture this: crispy, slow-cooked pork belly, tangy mustard, pickled cucumbers, and a slather of homemade aioli, all tucked into a fresh, chewy roll. It’s rich, flavorful, and downright addictive.
Austin’s sandwich scene is already top-tier, but this spot takes things to another level.
27. Best Sandwich Shack – Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Best Sandwich Shack keeps things simple and seriously delicious.
Their Philly cheesesteak is the real deal! With thinly sliced ribeye, grilled to perfection, covered in melty cheese, and loaded onto a buttery, toasted hoagie. It’s messy, cheesy, and exactly what a cheesesteak should be.
Everything is made fresh to order, the portions are massive, and the friendly staff makes you feel like family.
28. Block 16 – Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha’s food scene has a secret weapon. And its name is Block 16.
Known for their Farm Burger, this sandwich is an absolute flavor bomb! Deliciously juicy, locally raised beef, gooey cheese, crispy bacon, a perfectly fried egg, and a house-made bun that soaks up all the goodness.
It’s a creative powerhouse, blending street food with farm-fresh ingredients.
29. Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese – Fayetteville, Arkansas
Grilled cheese isn’t just for kids, and Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese proves it with their gourmet, ooey-gooey creations.
The Pig Sooie is a fan favorite! Imagine Arkansas-smoked pulled pork, creamy gouda, and a tangy house-made barbecue sauce, all melted between buttery, toasted bread. It’s Southern comfort in sandwich form.
With over a dozen cheese options and crazy add-ons like apples, pesto, and even jalapeño cornbread, the combinations are endless.
30. Kool Korner Sandwiches – Vestavia Hills, Alabama
When it comes to authentic Cuban sandwiches, Kool Korner doesn’t mess around.
The bread is perfectly pressed, the roasted pork is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the balance of Swiss cheese, ham, and pickles is pure sandwich harmony. Add a swipe of their house-made mustard, and you’ve got a Cuban masterpiece.
The menu stays true to tradition. No shortcuts, no gimmicks, just simple, well-made sandwiches that let the ingredients shine.
31. Magic City Hoagies – Minot, North Dakota
Minot might be off the beaten path, but if you’re craving a serious sandwich, Magic City Hoagies is worth the detour.
Their Spicy Italian is a knockout! Layer after layer of capicola, salami, ham, and provolone, all topped with house-made giardiniera that brings just the right amount of heat.
This no-frills sandwich shop is a local favorite, serving up generous portions and fresh, crusty hoagie rolls that hold everything together without falling apart. I always wonder how it is possible?
32. Perly’s – Richmond, Virginia
A good Jewish deli is hard to find, right? But Richmond’s Perly’s is the real deal.
Their Jewish Sailor Sandwich is a mouthwatering mix of pastrami, knockwurst, and smoked turkey, slathered with spicy mustard and melted Swiss cheese, all packed between two thick slices of toasted rye.
One bite, and you’ll feel like you’re in New York, without leaving Virginia.
33. Paseo – Seattle, Washington
Seattle has its fair share of amazing food, but Paseo’s Caribbean Roast Sandwich is on another level.
This beauty is loaded with slow-roasted pork shoulder, caramelized onions, fresh cilantro, and a garlicky aioli, all stuffed inside a toasted baguette that soaks up every juicy bite. It’s bold, messy, and completely unforgettable.
This tiny sandwich shop has a near cult-like following, with lines stretching down the block during lunch. They don’t just make sandwiches here, they make experiences.
34. Jon’s Roast Beef & Deli – Laconia, New Hampshire
In New England, roast beef sandwiches are serious business, and Jon’s Roast Beef & Deli is where Laconia locals go for the best of the best.
Their signature roast beef sandwich is piled high with thinly sliced, juicy beef, drizzled with tangy barbecue sauce, and served on a perfectly toasted onion roll.
This family-run deli keeps things simple but nails every detail. From the tender, pink-centered beef to the fresh-cut fries that you won’t be able to stop eating. The portions? Huge. The flavors? Even bigger.
35. The Brown Hotel – Louisville, Kentucky
If you haven’t had a Hot Brown, you haven’t truly experienced Kentucky cuisine.
Born at The Brown Hotel, this open-faced masterpiece features thick-sliced turkey, creamy Mornay sauce, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of parmesan, all broiled to golden perfection.
It was created in the 1920s for late-night revelers, but since then, the Hot Brown has become a Louisville icon, drawing food lovers from all over the country.
36. Chaps Pit Beef – Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore’s pit beef is a sandwich all its own. With smoky, charred, thin-sliced beef, piled onto a Kaiser roll and topped with raw onions and horseradish.
At Chaps Pit Beef, they’ve been doing it the right way since 1987, grilling over open flames and slicing it fresh to order.
This no-frills, roadside joint has been featured on countless food shows, and for good reason. The beef is perfectly smoky, the portions are generous, and the flavors are bold enough to wake up your taste buds.
37. The Mule – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
If grilled cheese sandwiches had a luxury version, The Mule in OKC would be its headquarters.
Their Macaroni Pony is pure comfort food genius. Think tender barbecue pulled pork, gooey three-cheese mac & cheese, and a perfectly grilled jalapeño cornbread sandwich holding it all together.
This place is a dream for cheese lovers, with sandwiches that stretch the definition in the best way possible.
38. Banhwich Cafe – Lincoln, California
California’s banh mi game is strong, and at Banhwich Cafe, they take this Vietnamese staple to the next level.
Their Grilled Pork Banh Mi is a thing of beauty; marinated pork, fresh cilantro, crisp cucumbers, tangy pickled carrots, and spicy mayo, all packed into a crispy, golden baguette. It’s fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor.
What makes Banhwich special? They bake their own bread daily, ensuring that every sandwich has that perfect crunch-to-softness ratio.
39. Al’s Italian Beef – Chicago, Illinois
There are Italian beef sandwiches, and then there’s Al’s Italian Beef! The gold standard in Chicago.
This juicy, drippy, flavor-packed sandwich features thin-sliced roast beef, slow-cooked in garlicky, herby au jus, and stuffed into a crusty French roll.
The real question? How wet do you want it? Chicagoans know the drill. Dipped, dunked, or dry, with spicy giardiniera if you’re doing it right.
40. Local 149 – Boston, Massachusetts
Boston might be known for seafood, but Local 149’s Lobster Grilled Cheese is next-level decadence.
Imagine buttery lobster meat, blended with gooey Gruyère and cheddar, all melted between thick, golden sourdough. It’s comfort food with a coastal twist.
The vibe inside is laid-back and modern, with a menu that keeps things creative and delicious. Locals love it, travelers seek it out, and once you have that first melty, lobster-packed bite, you’ll be hooked.
41. Spitz – Salt Lake City, Utah
Middle Eastern street food meets hipster sandwich perfection at Spitz, and their Street Cart Doner is absolutely legendary.
This pita-wrapped beauty is packed with spiced lamb and beef, garlic aioli, crispy fries, feta, and a bright hit of tzatziki.
Basically a flavor explosion in every bite.
42. Blues City Deli – St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis does sandwiches right, and at Blues City Deli, they’re bringing the flavor with New Orleans flair.
Their “The St. Louis Blues” Po’ Boy is a knockout! I’m talking about Cajun-seasoned roast beef, spicy Creole mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, and a fresh Leidenheimer roll straight from New Orleans.
The vibe? Lively, music-filled, and always packed. Regulars swear by the sandwiches, and the lines move fast because everyone knows this place is the real deal.
43. Funkatorium – Asheville, North Carolina
Beer and sandwiches? Funkatorium nails both.
Their Beer-Braised Pork Belly Sandwich is a smoky, tangy, slightly funky masterpiece, pairing crispy pork belly with pickled onions, arugula, and a rich beer-infused sauce.
Asheville is known for its craft beer scene, and Funkatorium specializes in sours, making it the perfect spot for a laid-back meal with big flavors.
44. Maid-Rite – Greenville, Iowa
If you’ve never had a loose-meat sandwich, Maid-Rite is the place to fix that.
This Iowa classic is somewhere between a burger and a sloppy joe, featuring crumbled, perfectly seasoned ground beef, served simply on a soft bun with pickles and mustard.
It may look simple, but the flavor is anything but. Maid-Rite has been serving this iconic sandwich since 1926, and they haven’t changed a thing. Because why mess with perfection?
45. Alvin Ord’s – Port Royal, South Carolina
Alvin Ord’s has been serving up legendary “Salvation Sandwiches” for decades, and their Super Sub is a monster of a meal!
Piles and piles of smoked ham, turkey, roast beef, salami, Swiss cheese, lettuce, and their house-made sauce.
This tiny, unassuming shop is a local institution, with sandwiches that are massive, messy, and absolutely delicious. The bread? Fresh-baked and slightly crispy, making every bite a perfect mix of crunch and chewiness.
46. Gaudiello’s Italian Hoagies – Wilmington, Delaware
If you’re looking for the best hoagie in Delaware, Gaudiello’s Italian Hoagies is where you need to be.
Their Italian Special Hoagie is a true deli masterpiece. It’s layered with capicola, Genoa salami, pepper ham, and provolone, all nestled into a fresh, crusty hoagie roll and finished with shredded lettuce, juicy tomatoes, onions, and their signature oil and vinegar drizzle.
This family-owned, old-school deli doesn’t do gimmicks. Just top-tier ingredients, perfectly balanced flavors, and a commitment to making hoagies the right way.
47. The Travelin Lobster – Bar Harbor, Maine
Maine and lobster rolls go hand in hand, and at The Travelin’ Lobster, they serve one of the best in the state.
No frills, no fillers, just pure lobster perfection. Their Lobster Roll is packed with fresh, sweet lobster meat, lightly dressed in melted butter (never mayo, because this is true Maine style) and served on a grilled, split-top bun.
Want the ultimate experience? Order it “extra buttery” and pair it with a side of steamed clams.
48. Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House – Warwick, Rhode Island
Rhode Island may be small, but when it comes to classic coastal eats, Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House delivers big flavor.
Their Clam Strip Roll is a seaside must-try! Picture: golden-fried, crispy clam strips, piled into a soft, buttery toasted roll, and served with just the right amount of tartar sauce. It’s simple, fresh, and full of New England charm.
Iggy’s is a true Rhode Island institution.
49. Snarf’s Sandwiches – Denver, Colorado
Denver’s sandwich game is strong, but Snarf’s has built a cult following for a reason.
Their Italian Sandwich is a masterpiece. It’s piled high with premium meats like salami, pepperoni, and capicola, topped with melty provolone, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, pickles, and a zippy house-made dressing that ties everything together.
The vibe? Casual, funky, and always buzzing with locals who know where to get the best subs in town.
50. Katz’s Delicatessen – New York City, New York
You already know this one. Katz’s is the king of pastrami!
Their Pastrami on Rye is an iconic, big masterpiece, featuring hand-cut, peppery, smoky pastrami, served simply with mustard and two slices of fresh rye.
This place has been around since 1888, and nothing has changed. Because when you get it right the first time, why mess with it? The atmosphere is chaotic in the best way, the portions are insane, and the flavor? Pure deli perfection.