The Top 10 Best Fast Food Subs Ranked (2024)

Discover the top 10 best fast food subs ranked! From Jersey Mike's fresh ingredients to Firehouse Subs' unique steaming process, find out which sub shops made the list and why.

1. Jersey Mike's

Jersey Mike’s has carved out a reputation as a haven for sub-aficionados who crave that perfect sandwich experience. With a steadfast commitment to fresh ingredients, including meats and cheeses sliced right before your eyes, Jersey Mike’s delivers a taste sensation that’s hard to beat.

Some of their delicious sandwiches include:

• Jersey Shore's Favorite with provolone cheese, ham, and cappacuolo
• Ham and Provolone
• The Super Sub with provolone, ham, prosciuttini and cappacuolo
• Tuna Salad, freshly made on premises
• Roast Beef and Provolone oven-roasted with fresh lettuce

Order Jersey Mike's Now

2. Firehouse Subs

Stepping into Firehouse Subs is like entering a world where the sub sandwich is revered and celebrated. Here, the art of sandwich-making takes a unique turn with a signature steaming process that ensures every bite is piled high with juicy, high-quality meats and melty cheeses.

This is not your average sandwich chain; it’s a place where hot subs are infused flavor that can only come from careful steaming, which tenderizes the meats and melds the flavors together beautifully.

Some of their delicious sandwiches include:

• BBQ Cuban Sub Sandwich
• Pepperoni Pizza Meatball Sub
• Hook & Ladder with smokey turkey, honey ham, and melted Monterey jack
• New York Steamer with corned beef brisket, pastrami, melted provolone, deli mustard, mayo and more
• Firehouse Steak & Cheese

Order Firehouse Subs Now

3. Potbelly Sandwich Shop

The magic of Potbelly Sandwich Shop lies in the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread that greets you the moment you walk through the door. With a budget-friendly menu that boasts 21 sandwiches and even soup and salad pairings, Potbelly is a mecca for sandwich lovers seeking that warm, toasty crunch with every bite.

Some of their delicious sandwiches include:

• The Mediterranean with grilled chicken, feta, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers and more
• A Wreck with turkey breast, hickory smoked ham, Angus roast beef, salami, and swiss cheese
• Italian with salami, old-world spicy capicola, pepperoni, mortadella, and provolone
• Avo Turkey with turkey breats, fresh-sliced avocado, and cucumbers
• Chicken Club with grilled chick, applewood smoked bacon and cheddar

Order Potbelly Now

4. Publix Deli

Down in the South, the Deli at Publix Super Markets reigns supreme as the undisputed king of customizable subs. With a legendary reputation for quality, Publix subs, also known as "Pub Subs," are a canvas for creativity, where customers can craft their very own sandwich while grocery shopping.

It’s not just the customizability that sets Publix apart, though; it’s the Boar’s Head meat that makes these some of the best subs.

Some of their delicious sandwiches include:

• Crispy Chicken Tender Sub
• Original Italian Sub
• Turkey and Cheese Sub
• Ultimate Sub
• Veggie Sub

Find a Publix Near You

5. Jimmy John's

Jimmy John’s takes the fast food game to another level with their “freaky fast” service, assembling cold sandwiches in record time without skimping on the fresh, high-quality ingredients that make their sandwiches a cut above the rest.

Whether you’re in a rush or just craving a good sandwich, Jimmy John’s has you covered with favorites like the Vito and the Jimmy Cubano. These sandwiches burst with the tastes of Genoa salami, capicola, and smoked ham, all nestled within freshly baked bread.

Some of their delicious sandwiches include:

• Vito with Genoa salami, capicola, provolone, onion, lettuce, tomato, and an Italian vinaigrette
• Jimmy Cubano with smoked ham, bacon, provolone, sliced pickle, and Dijon mustard
• Turkey Tom with turkey breast, lettuce, tomato, and mayo
• Big John with roast beef, lettuce, tomato, and mayo
• Beach Club with turkey breast, provolone, avocado spread, cucumber, lettuce, tomato, and mayo

Order Jimmy John's Now

6. McAlister's Deli

McAlister’s is the perfect spot for anyone looking to enjoy more than just a sub sandwich. It’s a place where you can indulge in the hearty flavors of The New Yorker or the spicy kick of the Jalapeño Turkey Crunch, knowing that each sandwich is crafted with the same attention to detail and good quality.

Founded in 1989 in Oxford, Mississippi, McAlister's Deli has since expanded to over 400 locations across the United States, making it a beloved staple in fast-casual dining.

Some of their delicious sandwiches include:

• The New Yorker with corned beef, pastrami, Swiss cheese, and spicy brown mustard on marbled rye
• The McAlister's Club with smoked turkey, Black Forest ham, bacon, sharp cheddar, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, mayo, and honey mustard on wheat bread
• The French Dip with Black Angus roast beef, melted Swiss cheese, and au jus for dipping
• The Jalapeño Turkey Crunch with smoked turkey, jalapeño chips, bacon, pepper jack cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on a jalapeño roll
• The Grilled Chicken Club with grilled chicken breast, bacon, sharp cheddar, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, mayo, and honey mustard on wheat bread

Order McAlister's Deli Now

7. Which Wich

Which Wich stands out in the world of sub sandwiches with its innovative ordering system that puts the power of customization directly in the hands of the customer. Here, a simple piece of paper becomes your ticket to a tailor-made sandwich, with a dizzying array of quality ingredients and fresh veggies at your disposal to construct your ideal hot sub.

Some of their delicious sandwiches include:

• The Wicked with five meats: turkey, ham, roast beef, pepperoni, and bacon, plus three cheeses
• Turkeywich with sliced turkey, coleslaw, and 1000 Island dressing
• The Grinder with Genoa salami, pepperoni, capicola, and provolone
• The Philly Cheesesteak with thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and melted provolone
• The Caprese with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinaigrette

Order Which Wich Now

8. Panera Bread

Panera Bread stands out in the fast food sub world with its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and a cozy, café-like atmosphere. Unlike many traditional sandwich chains, this well-known sandwich shop offers a wide variety of fresh baked bread, pastries, and an extensive menu that includes soups, salads, and sandwiches. This makes it a versatile spot for any meal of the day.

Some of their delicious sandwiches include:

• Bacon Turkey Bravo with smoked turkey breast, bacon, smoked Gouda, lettuce, tomato, and signature sauce on Tomato Basil Bread
• Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt with smoked, pulled chicken, smoked Gouda, avocado, cilantro, and chipotle mayo on Black Pepper Focaccia
• Steak & White Cheddar Panini with seared steak, white cheddar, pickled red onions, and horseradish sauce on Artisan Ciabatta
• Mediterranean Veggie with Zesty Sweet Peppadew™ peppers, feta, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro-jalapeño hummus on Tomato Basil Bread
• Napa Almond Chicken Salad with diced chicken, diced celery, seedless grapes, almonds, and special dressing on Country Rustic Sourdough

Order Panera Bread Now

9. Subway

Subway is a globally recognized sandwich chain known for its customizable subs and emphasis on fresh ingredients. What sets Subway apart from other sandwich chains is its "build-your-own" sandwich model, allowing customers to choose from a wide array of bread, meats, cheeses, fresh veggies, and condiments to create their perfect sub.

Not to mention, their BOGO deal gets you one free footlong sub when you order one!

Some of their delicious sandwiches include:

• Cold Cut Combo
• Meatball Marinara
• Rotisserie-Style Chicken
• The Philly
• Teriyaki Bitz

Order Subway Now

10. Schlotzsky's

Schlotzsky’s has earned its stripes in the sandwich world with a commitment to freshly baked bread that serves as the foundation of every sub they create. The bakery process at Schlotzsky’s is a daily ritual, with bread made each morning to ensure the highest quality and freshest taste possible.

This dedication to bread-making excellence sets the stage for their iconic Original sandwich, inspired by the New Orleans muffuletta, a fan favorite since 1971.

Some of their delicious sandwiches include:

• The Original
• Deluxe Original
• Turkey Original
• Smoked Turkey Avocado
• French Dip

Order Schlotsky's Now

Other Places To Visit for Good Quality Food

While these 10 sandwich shops are great places to score subs and hot sandwiches, sometimes you and your family are craving something else. Fortunately, we've done the digging on all the best restaurants to score a variety of meals at affordable prices.

From meal kit delivery services to free food apps and even marking your calendar for awesome deals during Aldi's German Week, there's no shortage of ways to eat what you want at a price you want to pay.

- Vanessa