Merriam Webster defines a sandwich as ‘two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between’. Beyond this basic definition, the variety of USA sandwiches runs the gamut from simple snacks to ginormous ‘loaded’ dagwoods. When it comes to sandwiches, the possibilities are practically endless.
Epicuriously curious, we wondered what was the best sandwich in America. Was it the cheesesteak in our home city of Philadelphia or the po boy in New Orleans? Or maybe it was a sandwich we were yet to eat.
To answer this burning question, we dove deep into the American sandwich culture during a 10-week road trip that took us to to more than a dozen states plus the cities of Washington DC and Toronto. This journey solidified our appreciation for the classics and introduced us to some regional specialities.
We drove our zippy Nissan Sentra across the vast United States, stopping at road stands, drive-ins and diners in search of stand-out sandwiches representing the best of each city. We ate a variety including hamburgers, deli sandwiches and subs – all best eaten at the source.
Between this crazy road trip and our other food adventures over the years, we’ve accumulated a monstrous collection of sandwich experiences. These are our picks for the best sandwiches in America:
1. Fried Chicken Sandwich
Simultaneously crispy and juicy, the fried chicken sandwich may be the best sandwich in America based on its satisfyingly savory flavor and crunchy texture. The popular sandwich even has a spinoff – hot chicken sandwiches invented in Nashville almost a century ago.
We’ve eaten chicken sandwich classics at Chic-fil-A and newer favorites like the Chick’n Shack burger at Shake Shack. We’ve also savored regional gems at Bakesale Betty in Oakland, now closed Flock and Fowl in Las Vegas and Federal Donuts in Philly.
Born during a time when the mere mention of the word chicken implied a healthier alternative to artery-clogging beef, fried chicken sandwiches have become a staple of the American diet. They’re far from healthy, but they’re goooood.
Discover the best fried chicken in America and beyond.
2. Po Boy
The po boy reigns supreme in a city filled with great cheap eats. Typically prepared on a Leidenheimer baguette and topped with either crispy seafood or slow cooked roast beef, this New Orleans creation is a king among sandwiches.
Also called a poor boy, the po oy is a reflection of the multicultural food collage that is New Orleans. The city’s cuisine shines with contributions from Italy, Austria, Germany, France and, more recently, Vietnam.
Our all-time favorite po boy joint is Parkway Bakery and Tavern, though Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar, Liuzza’s by the Track and Killer PoBoys are worthy contenders. Beyond New Orleans, we’ve eaten excellent po boys at The Chimes in Baton Rouge and Khyber Pass Pub in Philadelphia.
But NOLA is THE place to eat po boys if you want to skip the rest and eat the best.
Read more about our favorite New Orleans Po Boys.
