Sometimes, there is nothing better than a delicious sub sandwich for lunch. This is probably why sandwich chain restaurants are go-to spots for a quick lunch or a road trip break. But not all sandwich spots are created equal.
There are probably some sandwich spots that you should avoid because of how subpar the sandwiches are.
The Ultimate Best Option
While the best option for most people would be to create a sandwich at home, not everyone is going to have the ingredients at home to go all out on a sandwich. You have to have veggies, condiments, protein, and fresh bread.
Let’s be honest: it is easier to stop at your local sandwich shop and get some of the new pickle chips while you’re there. Let’s look at the popular sandwich shops, and see which ones you should go to and the others you should avoid.
Avoid: Subway
While this is probably one of the most well-known sandwich shops in the United States of America, Subway doesn’t always offer the best sandwiches to curb your cravings.
On top of offering subpar sandwiches, Subway has faced several scandals related to the quality of their food, including issues where their tuna and chicken did not contain the animals they were supposed to.
Enjoy: Jersey Mike’s
This chain sandwich shop might not seem that impressive, but the sandwiches are delicious. The meats and cheeses are sliced right in front of you when you order your sandwich, making sure that you are getting the freshest quality of ingredients as possible. And this feels good.
From their selection of hot to cold sandwiches and the condiments that dress them, thinking about Jersey Mike’s amazing sandwiches can’t help but make you hungry.
Avoid: Quiznos
Quiznos across the US are closing many of their locations not because these locations are struggling to survive after the pandemic. Many of their financial woes started long before the pandemic, with the company filing for bankruptcy in 2014. Unfortunately, this indicates that this might not be the best sandwich shop to stop at for lunch.
While Quiznos is much better than Subway, the high price does not justify the quality of the sandwich you are getting. There are much better sandwiches for less. Sorry, Q!
Enjoy: Publix Deli
This grocery retailer is not located in every state in the US, but it does stand out among most sandwich shop chains for a few reasons. These sandwiches, which you can personalize, have been named the best subs in the country by Thrillist.
If you crave a sandwich in the South, stop at Publix and enjoy one of the best sandwiches this country has to offer.
Avoid: Which Wich
There is a lot to love about Which Wich like how easy it is to order your sandwich, but the ease of ordering does not make the sandwich taste any better. Despite the wide variety of options, none of them taste all that great.
This isn’t a bad sandwich stop for a road trip or a quick lunch, but there are better options that are more widely available than Which Wich.
Enjoy: Jimmy John’s
From late-night snacking to speedy quick delivery, Jimmy John’s is “freaky fast” at making pretty dang good sandwiches. While the bread can fall on the staler side, it’s more about what is on the inside that counts.
With a massive menu that can give you a few ideas to personalize your sandwich, Jimmy John’s offers a great sandwich for a great price in a surprisingly short amount of time.
Avoid: Panera Bread
While the cheddar and broccoli soup in a bread bowl is to die for, Panera Bread suffers from a stale bread problem. The bread that makes up the many sandwiches on their menus looks fantastic but often tastes like plastic.
Beyond the bread, the ingredients just don’t make the cut. They are often dry and tasteless, making eating the sandwich feel more like a chore than anything else.
Enjoy: Au Bon Pain
Au Bon Pain isn’t your momma’s sandwich shop. This sit-down chain sandwich restaurant (this place is definitely not a shop) offers amazing sandwiches along with French-inspired dishes that will have you coming back for more.
From a spicy tuna melt to a grilled cheese, these sandwiches feature high-quality bread and ingredients that make you feel good after devouring one in a single sitting.
Avoid: Blimpie
Blimpie has been around for nearly 60 years, but that legacy doesn’t mean that it has sandwiches worth going out of your way for. From the bad menu that feels like an older version of Subway to the tasteless ingredients, Blimpie is not our top sandwich recommendation.
While Blimpie offers a more welcoming atmosphere than Subway, you are better off avoiding these shops if you want a tasty sandwich.
Enjoy: Firehouse Subs
This might be a controversial take, but Firehouse Subs stands proudly against the other sandwich shops on this list that you should avoid at all costs. While these are some of the more expensive subs on this list, your sandwich will feature some of the best quality products.
They steam the meats and cheeses before serving them in sandwiches, giving them a tenderness and flavor that can’t be found elsewhere. This makes Firehouse Subs a decent spot for lunch.
