Where to Get the Best Sandwich In Every State
From sea to shining sea—and ham to melted cheese.
This story was written by our friends at Spoon University.
There is nothing more freeing than being able to hold an entire meal in the palm of your hand and know that a superb variety of flavors and textures await you with every bite. Okay, maybe not everybody feels that way when eating a sandwich, but one thing is for sure: we sure love sandwiches in the United States.
Naturally, the culture, history, and resources in every region have formed traditional and iconic cuisines. These trends have translated into some of the most famous and quintessential sandwiches in the nation.
After consulting with fellow Spoon contributors, prowling some of our favorite food websites, and stalking social media, I have compiled a list of the best sandwich from every state based on popularity, local reviews, and the cuisine of the area. Check out how each state serves up their best sandwich and start planning a road trip to celebrate these specialties and local businesses yourself.
Alabama: Medium Rare Roast Beef from Panini Pete's
The beef is house-roasted and paired on a ciabatta with gorgonzola, onion confit, tomato, greens, and spread with Dijon. The roast beef is only one of several solid panini being served up.
Alaska: Turkey from Krazy Moose Subs
Krazy Moose treats their subs well with freshly baked bread on the daily. It's also necessary to pick up one of their assorted Kit Kat, Snickers, M&M's, or Reese Peanut Butter Cup cookies, which sound absolutely ridiculous.
Arizona: No. 20 from Zookz
The toasted sandwiches are inspired by the owner's childhood memories in North Africa where her grandmother would create crispy sandwiches for her family. What makes sandwiches at Zookz even more unique are the house-made condiments, like the Spicy Mustard featured in the No. 20.
Arkansas: Fried Bologna Sandwich from Southfork Restaurant
Fried bologna can be found throughout small town diners all across Arkansas. To get the real deal, you have to travel to Southfork Family Restaurant and Truck Stop that serves up the perfect diner food for truckers and hungry travelers alike. This sandwich may not be highly considered among gourmands, but you can't beat the Southern comfort staple.
California: BLTA from Ike's Place
It seems that if you slap avocado on anything it becomes classified as "Californian." What better way to consume creamy avocado goodness than with crispy strips of baconand chewy sourdough?
Colorado: The Denver Sandwich from the Denver Diner
We all know the Denver omelette: diced ham, green peppers, and onion. Now imagine it sandwiched between two slices of bread, ready to eat with no fork required and you get the ultimate breakfast for commuters.
Connecticut: Burger from Louis' Lunch
This place is literally the home of the hamburger. Established in 1895, owner Louis Lassen slapped some ground steak in between two slices of toast for a hungry customer in a rush. Seemingly small on the outside, this place is mighty in the burger game.
Delaware: The Bobbie from Capriotti's
The "favorite sandwich shop of Vice President Biden" is just one of several accolades this Delaware-based restaurant has received. And nothing can get more patriotic than signature homemade turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
Florida: Cubano from Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop
Ham, pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles are smashed between two slices of yellow mustard-stained bread. This dreamy sandwich was named Tampa's Signature Sandwich in 2012. When you bite into one, it's obvious why. Enriqueta's is an acclaimed favorite and you know it's the real deal when Food Baby NY has been there.
Georgia: Yo Mama's Sweet Meat Heartburn Remix from Bone Lick BBQ
Smoked pork, slaw, fried pickles, pork rinds, and cheese sauce on Texas toast. Not sure whose mama created this triple-decker, but I can definitely understand the foreshadowing of heartburn. Bone Lick BBQ serves up this mouthful in Atlanta for any daring foodie willing to take it on.
Hawaii: Kalua Pork Sandwich from Uncle Bobo's
When most people think of Hawaii, they picture an endless luau with leis and tiki torches. That's why kalua pork is an appropriate pick from the many dishes of this tropical state. Kalua signifies a Hawaiian cooking method that literally translates to "cook in an underground oven," and is the main event and dish for any luau extravaganza.
Idaho: Whiz Cheese Steak from the Best Sandwich Shack
Though they don't have the most humble name, the Best Sandwich Shack is proudly serving up an East coast favorite to residents of Idaho. Many different variations are available, but the crowd-pleaser is the classic Philly with Cheez Whiz sprayed on top.
Illinois: Italian Beef from Johnnie's Beef
Simple, but the definition of a classic. Seasoned beef on a hearty, long Italian roll that has been dunked in the glorious juices the meat was cooking in, topped with Italian-style giardinieria or sautéed green peppers. If you ever find yourself in Chicago, ask a local and they'll probably send you to Johnnie's.
Indiana: Breaded Pork Tenderloin from Ray's Drive-In
The Hoosiers prefer a crispy pork loin sticking out of a basic hamburger bun. Not all sandwiches are as extreme as the mammoth pictured above from Ray's Drive-In in Kokomo.
Iowa: The Undead Elvis from Zombie Burger
Zombie Burger's menu is stacked with apocalypse-loving burgers, each quirkier than the last. Peanut butter, fried bananas, bacon, American cheese, egg, and mayo are all fixings I wouldn't mind getting cozy with in a bunker, though.
Kansas: Z Man Sandwich from Joe's BBQ
Joe's may be the most deceiving looking place on this list, mainly because it shares a building with a gas station. But locals and tourists alike know not to be fooled by the fuel stations outside and pour in to taste what has been claimed to be some of the bestbarbecue sauce in the nation. In addition to the renowned sauce, the Z Man contains slow-smoked beef brisket, smoked provolone, and two crispy onion rings.
Kentucky: The Hot Brown from the Brown Hotel
Referred to as "Louisville's culinary legend," this is the open face sandwich you have been searching for all your life. The bread is layered with turkey, Mornay sauce (essentially a fancy cheese sauce made with Gruyere), and bacon that marks the spot for deliciousness.
Louisiana: Muffuletta from the Napoleon House
We can thank the French Quarter for this beast. A round Italian muffuletta sesame bread is filled with marinated olives, mortadella, salami, mozzarella, ham, and provolone. All kinds of yes. The Napoleon House can be a trusted source since it has been running since 1914.
Maine: Lobster Roll from Fisherman's Grill
No surprise that Maine is filled with shacks and restaurants featuring "the best lobster roll ever," but the Fisherman's Grill claims to have the biggest. So follow your stomach and get any lobster fix steadied at this shack with the meatiest roll around.
Maryland: Crabcake Sandwich from Crabcake Factory USA
They were featured as one of USA Today's 10 Best Crabcakes in Maryland because of their big lumps of crab in every cake. Can't make it to Maryland anytime soon? No worries, you can order the famous crabcakes online.
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