15 Chain Restaurants With The Highest-Rated Meatball Subs
Craving a saucy, cheesy meatball sub that actually lives up to the hype? You are in the right place.
I rounded up the chain spots fans consistently rate the highest, so you can skip the duds and go straight to the good stuff. Get ready for toasted bread, melty mozzarella, and rich marinara that will make your next lunch a guaranteed win.
1. Jersey Mike’s Subs
When you want comfort, Jersey Mike’s delivers a meatball sub that hits the spot. The roll holds up to sauce without shredding, and the meatballs taste tender, not rubbery.
You get a balanced marinara that leans savory with a hint of sweetness.
Ask for extra provolone if you love a gooey melt. The team typically toasts the bread just enough for a light crunch.
It is a reliable, no-nonsense version that feels bigger than it looks, and fans praise the consistency.
2. Firehouse Subs
Firehouse Subs brings a meatball sub that is hearty and saucy in the best way. The bread is sturdy and slightly sweet, which plays nicely with the rich marinara.
Meatballs are generously sized, and the melty provolone blankets everything.
Order it fully involved for extra flavor, or add banana peppers for a zippy bite. Portions feel generous, making it a great value.
Fans highlight how the sandwich stays warm and cohesive, perfect for takeout or delivery.
3. Penn Station East Coast Subs
Penn Station’s meatball sub gets praise for its toasted baguette and slightly smoky edges. The sauce leans garlicky and savory, complementing the juicy meatballs.
Cheese is melted to a satisfying stretch, a detail fans love.
Grab a side of fresh-cut fries and lemonade for the full experience. The sandwich feels balanced, not weighed down, which makes finishing it easy.
Reviewers call it a sleeper pick that outperforms bigger names on consistency and texture.
4. Potbelly Sandwich Works
Potbelly’s meatball sandwich is cozy and nostalgic. The roll is toasted inside and out, creating a crust that holds the saucy interior.
The marinara leans herb-forward, and the cheese browns just enough for that broiled finish.
Add hot peppers for a little kick, or keep it classic with oregano and Parmesan. It is not the biggest sub, but the flavors are dialed in.
Fans love how it eats clean, with minimal mess despite the generous sauce.
5. Quiznos
Quiznos still shines when it comes to toasting, and the meatball sub benefits most. Expect browned cheese, crisp edges, and a soft center.
The marinara has a subtle tang that keeps bites bright.
Add extra mozzarella if you want that classic cheese blanket. The bread manages the sauce well, avoiding sogginess even after a short ride home.
Fans appreciate the nostalgic flavor and dependable texture, especially when you need a quick, satisfying lunch.
6. Marco’s Pizza
Though known for pizza, Marco’s makes a surprisingly strong meatball sub. The roll is soft but resilient, and the oven bake adds a toasty accent.
Meatballs are juicy with a beefy bite, while the marinara leans savory and slightly peppery.
Cheese coverage is generous, creating a cohesive, melty bite. Order extra sauce on the side if you like dipping.
Fans say it tastes like a comforting fusion of pizza and sub, especially with that oven-fresh aroma.
7. Blimpie
Blimpie’s meatball sub is straightforward and satisfying, the kind of sandwich that reminds you why classics stick around. The sauce is mild and crowd-pleasing, and the meatballs carry a gentle Italian seasoning.
Cheese melts evenly without overwhelming the flavors.
Ask for toasted bread to add crunch and structure. The portion size feels fair for the price, and it holds together well for commuters.
Fans call it dependable comfort food you can count on during a busy day.
8. Earl of Sandwich
Earl of Sandwich serves a refined take with a crusty artisan roll. The toasted exterior crunch gives way to a soft interior, capturing sauce without leaking.
Meatballs taste herby and moist, while the mozzarella melts into every bite.
The balance of sauce and cheese stands out here, and the basil garnish adds freshness. Portions are smaller than some chains, but flavor concentration wins.
Fans praise the elevated feel and consistent toasting technique, especially in travel hubs.
9. Subway
Subway’s Meatball Marinara gets love for pure nostalgia and customization. Pick your bread, toast level, and cheese for a personal twist.
The sauce is sweet-leaning, which many fans crave.
Add Parmesan and oregano for extra zing, or stack spinach and jalapenos to balance richness. Quality can vary by location, but high-rated spots deliver a hot, gooey, saucy sub that scratches the comfort itch.
It is a budget-friendly classic that remains wildly popular.
10. Wawa
Wawa’s meatball hoagie earns praise for convenience without sacrificing flavor. The roll is soft yet sturdy, great for commuters.
Marinara is plentiful and comforting, and the cheese melts evenly across the top.
Order extra toasted if you like crunch. The touchscreen ordering makes custom tweaks easy, from extra sauce to hot peppers.
Fans say it is a sleeper hit among gas station offerings, delivering fast comfort that tastes like a real deli sandwich.
11. Sheetz
Sheetz surprises with a customizable, hot meatball sub that feels indulgent after a long drive. The roll soaks sauce without disintegrating, and the cheese melts nicely under the toaster.
Marinara carries a noticeable garlic note that fans enjoy.
Load it with onions, banana peppers, or extra Parmesan for depth. It is affordable, filling, and available late, making it an easy go-to on road trips.
Reviewers highlight consistency and speed for a grab-and-go classic.
12. Checkers and Rally’s
Checkers and Rally’s offer a bold, saucy meatball sub that matches their fast-food vibe. Expect a slightly sweet sauce and plenty of cheese, with a soft roll that is easy to eat on the go.
It is messy but worth it when cravings hit.
Pair with seasoned fries for a salty counterpoint. Fans appreciate the budget price and late hours.
It is a comfort-first sandwich that delivers exactly what it promises: big flavor and zero pretension.
13. Hungry Howie’s
Hungry Howie’s brings pizza-shop energy to a meatball sub, and the flavored roll sets it apart. Garlic butter notes complement the marinara and meatballs beautifully.
Cheese coverage is generous, delivering a satisfying pull.
Ask for extra seasoning if you love bold flavors. The sandwich travels well, staying warm and intact.
Fans praise the value and the way it tastes like a cross between a calzone and a sub, ideal for game nights.
14. Fazoli’s
Fazoli’s leans into Italian comfort, and the meatball sub fits right in. The marinara is herby and plentiful, and the mozzarella melts into a bubbly blanket.
The toasted roll holds firm under all that sauce.
Grab a side of breadsticks and extra Parmesan to level it up. Fans like the sit-down vibe with fast-casual speed.
It feels like a simple, satisfying lunch that leaves you full without breaking the bank.
15. Ike’s Love and Sandwiches
Ike’s delivers a creative spin with bold sauces and Dutch crunch texture. The roll shatters slightly with each bite, then gives way to tender meatballs and gooey cheese.
Marinara gets backup from house spreads that add umami.
Customize with peppers or extra cheese for a layered flavor experience. Portions are big, and the sandwich holds up surprisingly well.
Fans rate it high for originality and that irresistible roll crunch.
