20 Places To Find The Most Iconic Sandwiches In America
Hungry for a cross country bite you will never forget? This lineup takes you to the counters, delis, and steam filled kitchens where American sandwich legends were born.
You will taste sizzling meats, tangy dressings, crusty breads, and secret touches that locals swear by. Ready to plot your next delicious detour and find the one you will crave forever?
1. Katz’s Delicatessen — Pastrami on Rye (New York, NY)
Step through the door and the steam hits first, fragrant with peppery pastrami. Order it hand cut, piled high on seeded rye, then swipe on mustard the color of sunshine.
The first bite is smoky, juicy, and a little peppery, with the bread catching every drip.
You crunch a pickle on the side, sharp and bracing. The chatter around you makes the sandwich taste even better.
Suddenly, you understand why people wait in long lines here, grinning as they plan their next visit.
2. John’s Roast Pork — Roast Pork with Sharp Provolone and Broccoli Rabe (Philadelphia, PA)
Philadelphia loves a good roast pork, and this one might be king. Thin sliced pork bathes in its own jus, then meets sharp provolone that bites back.
Bitter broccoli rabe balances everything, while the seeded roll keeps its structure and crunch.
Each bite is juicy and bright, layered with garlic and pepper. You feel the sandwich drip down your wrist, exactly as it should.
It is messy, proud, and totally Philadelphia, a savory lesson you will remember long after lunch.
3. Joe’s Kansas City — Z Man Sandwich (Kansas City, KS)
This barbecue classic stacks smoky brisket with melted provolone, then crowns it with crisp onion rings. The sauce is sweet with a peppery kick, sticking to your fingers and your memory.
The bun is toasted just enough to hold the juicy weight.
Take a breath and you get oak, spice, and promise. You bite and everything crunches, melts, and smolders at once.
It is barbecue comfort in sandwich form, a slow smoked hug that travels well but tastes best right here.
4. Franklin Barbecue — Chopped Brisket Sandwich (Austin, TX)
Sometimes the simplest builds are perfect. White bread, chopped brisket, onions, and pickles let the meat do the talking.
The fat renders into the crumb, turning each bite into a buttery, smoky whisper.
You add a splash of sauce if you must, but restraint wins here. The bark brings pepper and smoke, while the pickles cut through with crisp brightness.
Sit outside, elbows on butcher paper, and let the sandwich slow time while the pit hums nearby.
5. Primanti Bros. — Pastrami Sandwich with Fries and Slaw (Pittsburgh, PA)
This Pittsburgh original stacks the whole meal between bread. Pastrami, a handful of crispy fries, and tangy slaw meet on thick Italian slices.
It is chaotic, crunchy, and perfectly engineered for one handed eating.
The vinegar slaw keeps things bright, while the tomatoes add a cool, juicy snap. Every bite hits salty, sweet, and sour notes.
You feel like a local as you lean in, elbows out, catching runaway fries before they tumble onto the plate.
6. Parkway Bakery and Tavern — Roast Beef Po’boy (New Orleans, LA)
Order it fully dressed and be ready for napkins. The roast beef falls apart into rich gravy, soaking the French bread just enough.
Lettuce, pickles, and tomatoes bring cool crunch to the warm, savory flood.
It tastes like Sunday family tables and corner bars. Take a bite and watch the debris drip, a badge of honor.
The bread’s crackle gives way to pillowy softness, making every mouthful taste like New Orleans comfort and pride.
7. Domilise’s — Fried Shrimp Po’boy (New Orleans, LA)
Golden shrimp tumble out, fresh from the fryer, crisp and sweet. The bread shatters lightly, then cushions the bite with airy crumb.
A swipe of mayo and a few shakes of hot sauce make everything sing.
It is beachy, briny, and loud in the best way. You chase stray shrimp like treasure.
When the last crunch fades, you finally notice the photos on the wall, proof that this sandwich has been winning hearts for decades.
8. DiNic’s — Roast Pork with Sharp Provolone (Philadelphia, PA)
Inside the market, aromas swirl like a promise. Order the roast pork with sharp provolone, maybe long hots if you dare.
The cheese melts into the pork’s juices, creating a lush, peppery tide.
The roll is sturdy yet tender, a perfect ferry for all that flavor. Each bite moves from gentle to fiery if peppers are involved.
You finish fast, then immediately want another, because the line somehow feels shorter when satisfaction lingers.
9. Langer’s — #19 Pastrami on Double Baked Rye (Los Angeles, CA)
The rye is the secret, double baked for crunch and structure. Piled high pastrami gets a cool slaw crown and a swipe of Russian dressing.
Swiss adds mellow richness without stealing the show.
Take a bite and the bread crackles before yielding to smoky tenderness. The dressing ties sweet and tangy threads together.
You look around at framed photos and feel like part of the long running story this sandwich keeps telling.
10. Ike’s Love and Sandwiches — Menage A Trois (San Francisco, CA)
This playful build layers honey mustard, BBQ sauce, and creamy signature sauce over juicy chicken. Three cheeses melt into a gooey blanket, hugged by toasted Dutch crunch that crackles delightfully.
Sweet meets spicy meets smoky in every bite.
You will drip, smile, and keep going. The textures snap and melt in a quick rhythm.
It is fast casual fun with real personality, a sandwich that tastes like a good mood looks.
11. Attman’s Delicatessen — Corned Beef on Rye (Baltimore, MD)
Thin sliced corned beef stacks high, rosy and tender. Mustard brings bite, the rye carries spice and crunch.
You add a pickle for snap and a sip of something cold.
This is straightforward deli excellence that needs no tricks. The sandwich is balanced, warm, and satisfying, the kind of lunch that resets your day.
When you finish, you instinctively glance back at the slicer, already planning your encore.
12. Prince Street Pizza — Chicken Parm Sandwich (New York, NY)
Some heroes deserve capes, but this one wears mozzarella. A crackling chicken cutlet bathes in bright marinara, then gets blanketed under gooey cheese.
The hero roll is sturdy, seeded, and toasted just enough to resist collapse.
Each bite balances crunch, acidity, and creamy pull. You taste basil and a hint of garlic warmth.
It is comfort and New York spirit in one handheld feast, perfect for sidewalk eating with a napkin in your back pocket.
13. Bay Cities Italian Deli — Godmother (Santa Monica, CA)
This Westside legend layers prosciutto, capicola, mortadella, and more. Provolone adds creamy balance while spicy peppers cut through the richness.
The roll is famously crisp and chewy, splashed with oil and vinegar for sparkle.
Every bite tastes like an Italian market. You get herbal notes, brine from the olives, and sharp peppery heat.
It is a satisfying mouthful that keeps structure from first bite to last, making you wish traffic would pause so you could savor slowly.
14. Al’s Italian Beef — Italian Beef with Hot Giardiniera (Chicago, IL)
Order it dipped and do not wear white. Thin shaved beef swims in savory jus, then lands in a resilient roll.
Hot giardiniera brings vinegary fire with crunchy bits of pepper and celery.
The sandwich is a steamy, peppery avalanche. Drips run down your sleeve and you will not care.
It is pure Chicago energy in sandwich form, fast, loud, and impossibly addictive, the kind of flavor you chase for days afterward.
15. The Original Pantry Cafe — French Dip (Los Angeles, CA)
A perfect French dip is about restraint and great broth. Thin sliced beef tucks into a crusty roll, then meets a cup of deep, savory jus.
Dip generously and watch the bread drink it in without falling apart.
Salt, umami, and comfort meet in each dunk. It is the kind of sandwich that quiets a busy day.
You will linger over the last sip, wishing there were a second cup waiting.
16. Luke’s Lobster — Lobster Roll (Portland, ME)
Sweet lobster piled into a warm, butter kissed split top roll is New England at its best. The dressing is light, just enough mayo and lemon to get out of the way.
Herbs add a clean, ocean bright finish.
You taste buttery toast, cool seafood, and salty air. It is simple and luxurious, perfect with chips and a dockside view.
One roll might not be enough, but that is a happy problem to solve.
17. Arnaud’s French 75 Bar — Muffuletta (New Orleans, LA)
A proper muffuletta is about balance between rich meats and briny olive salad. Sesame bread soaks up olive oil as salami, ham, and mortadella stack tall.
Provolone smooths the edges with mellow creaminess.
Each wedge is a picnic waiting to happen. The olive salad bursts with garlic and herbs, making every bite bright.
Sit back with a cocktail and let the sandwich transport you, slice by slice, to a leisurely afternoon.
18. Schwartz’s Deli — Smoked Meat Sandwich (Montreal inspired in the US)
Montreal style smoked meat delivers peppery crust and rosy, tender slices. Order medium fat for the ideal balance of richness and chew.
Rye and mustard keep things honest and focused.
It is indulgent without being heavy, a sandwich that asks for slow appreciation. You savor the spice and smoke, then plan another bite before you finish chewing.
Find it at specialty delis stateside that honor the tradition beautifully.
19. Pat’s King of Steaks — Cheesesteak Wit’ (Philadelphia, PA)
Order it wit’ onions and watch the rhythm on the grill. Chopped ribeye mingles with melting cheese, then slides into a soft, grippy roll.
Each bite is savory, oozy, and fast moving.
You eat standing up, napkin ready. The onions bring sweetness, the whiz brings salty gloss.
It is pure Philly theater with a delicious finale you can finish in five minutes flat.
20. Jersey Mike’s — Original Italian (Point Pleasant, NJ)
There is comfort in a well made Italian sub. Thin sliced meats stack neatly with provolone, then get showered in shredded lettuce, onions, and tomatoes.
The vinegar and oil mix brings sparkle, while oregano adds that deli perfume.
Order it Mike’s Way and let the flavors balance themselves. Crunchy edges of the bread give way to soft crumb.
It is a road trip staple and a dependable craving crusher, wherever you find it.
