The 10 Best Sandwiches in America
By Jesse Zanger - It’s almost impossible to compile a list of the 10 best sandwiches in America. That said, the editors of Gear Patrol put me out to do just that. Honestly, it’s like asking for a definitive list of the 10 most beautiful women ever with 50 of them standing there in front of you. For one thing, it’s probably going to keep changing, and the fact that you’re never going to reach agreement in the ranks. So, for your drool-laden consideration, I present you the 10 Best Sandwiches in America (including burgers).
First things first, lets settle on the definition of a sandwich. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary a sandwich is defined as:
Main Entry: (noun) Two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between.
Etymology: John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich died 1792 English diplomat.
With that out of the way, let’s proceed.
9. PMP at the Hot Truck
Hot Truck – Ithaca, New York - Ithaca is known for many things: Home of Cornell. College town. Natural gorges. Reisling. But food? Not so much. At least not while I was studying there. However, for a young, broke student (or not), there is, mercifully, the Poor Man’s Pizza, or PMP. Moored near the Cornell campus, the Hot Truck which serves it is the food equivalent of a life boat for Titanic survivors. All those who can, swim and clammor towards it - and no wonder: The PMP is a delicious (and cheap) concoction of crunchy French bread, a drizzling of garlic and oil, with pizza fixings slapped on top. The sandwich has variations, like the Full Sui (short for ‘Full Suicide’), which has mushrooms, sausage, and pepperoni. There’s also the MBC - essentially a meatball hero. All in all, the Hot Truck’s fare rates as a sentimental favorite.
8. Fried Oyster & Shrimp Po Boy at Acme
Acme – 724 Iberville Street, New Orleans, Louisiana - Once, during a drunken bachelor party in New Orleans, my friends and I made a point of reeling to the much-lauded Acme Oyster House. There I ordered a Fried Oyster and Shrimp Po Boy, although it may have been all oysters. Truth be told, I’m a bit fuzzy about the whole event. Whatever it was, I was in the midst of the onset of alcohol poisoning and turning an interesting shade of undead green when we sat down. When the Po Boy arrived, the fat, golden-battered, glistening oysters at first looked to me like deep fried testicles and I thought for certain I was going to hurl. It is testimony to the overwhelming delicious excellence of the sandwich that not only did I devour it with the intensity of a zombie attacking a brain, but it somehow set me right and settled my stomach. It is, just, terrific.
7. Jim’s Steaks Cheesesteak with Provolone
Jim’s Steaks - 400 South Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Between Acme Po Boys and Cheesesteak at Jim’s, purists out there are going to accuse me of picking tourist spots. But there is a reason these places endure: they are excellent, and capture the ousia of the sandwiches which made them famous. I am partial to provolone on a cheese steak, perhaps with onion, peppers, mayo and ketchup. What I just described may sound wrong to some, but you can’t really go wrong at Jim’s. Be prepared for a line and don’t be thrown if you see some celebs or (as was apparently the case on my most recent excursion there) a pimp treating his various top girls to a special lunch.
6. Shawarma at Bereket
Shawarma at Bereket – 187 Orchard Street, New York, New York – There are a million lousy places to eat shawarma. There are just as many overrated places to eat shawarma. But there is only one Midnight Shawarma, and that’s at Bereket. I call it the “midnight shawarma” because that is usually the time of night it is eaten – perhaps later – by stumbling inebriates after a night partying downtown. The loaded pita comes overstuffed with tender slivers of lamb, some sauce, lettuce and tomato. It does an excellent job of turning one from intoxicated and incoherent to functioning and fed, sometimes all four. Many kinds of food can do that, as we saw in New Orleans, but few are as savory and delicious. The glaring, packed confines of Bereket’s resemble a typical fast-food joint, but it is nonetheless an excellent capstone to a booze-fueled evening. Highly recommended.
So the summer intern gets the Top Sandwich assignment….Re-title to “The 10 Best Sandwiches in America you can get to using your Metro Card” and you might be getting close…
This is brilliant. Can GP sponsor me on a tour de gluttony encompassing this smorgasbord?
You guys are missing two Chicago classics:
Al’s #1 Italian Beef http://www.alscatering.com/ (Al’s Big Beef w/ Hot Gardinia, provolone and double dipped)
and
Potbelly’s http://www.potbellys.com (toasted-The Wreck)
I laughed my — off at your New Orleans story…and had a queasy flashback too. Not bad work overall, except for the weird color of the lower right hand corner of your Carnegie photo. Weird.
I find it hard to believe that half of the “best sandwiches in America” are from New York. Being from Memphis, I would at least argue that some form of BBQ sandwich should be on the list. Maybe you should have just made a list of the best sandwiches in New York.
Jesse
I have known you long enough to know that you know your sammies. Sure I might disagree with some of your picks but all in all there is enough stuff on this list that I will need to try before I start arguing.
Good job.
Having experienced 3 or4 of these sandwiches with the author (me being the groom to be at the aforementioned New Orleans bachelor party), I have to say that my fave is the Oyster Po’Boy, followed by the Carnegie Deli pastrami. All I was able to do after the pastrami sandwich was go to a nearby theatre that was hosting a Star Trek convention (GEEK!) and watch 3 hours of Next Generation. Love midnight shawarama at Bereket, but it does not go with Bourbon and body shots at the Coyote Ugly. Cheers, Jess.
Where is the Primanti Bros. Sandwitch? Italian bread, a dozen meat choices from bologna to kielbasa to pastrami to steak, fresh cut fries, and sweet and sour coleslaw. Once you have one it will be on the list.
Very strong list! I would like to add:
- Burger Shop on Water at Broad (cheap and tasty)
- Chicken Parm sandwiches at Tiny on LES
pulled pork sandwich - corky’s, memphis tn
muffuletta - central grocerys, new orleans la
Excellent list, however, I have to challenge the pastrami on rye at Carnegie Deli to the same sandwich at Second Avenue Deli. And its kosher!
OK - I have to give it up to those who correctly say the list is not geographically representative. There are some glaring omissions from the list: all of the South, for one, Chicago, and many other places too numerous to mention. In “Smokey and the Bandit,” Sheriff Buford T. Justice blows into the proverbial “choke ‘n puke” and swiftly orders a Diablo sandwich (it turns out that’s a hot link smothered in sauce on a bun). I desperately want to try that. There’s too much good BBQ in the world to have left it all out - I know that. The bottom line is I took it to be a favorites list, but editors will do what they will. Besides, they could’ve at least coughed up a check and let me travel a bit to sample some of the greats that didn’t get posted!
For those of you, however, who doubt the excellence represented here: doubt not. New York is a foodie’s paradise. You can get just about anything here, especially if you know what you’re doing. I defy anyone to say that you can’t get some of the best food in NYC.
Last: I stand definitively behind my #1, the Hot Lob. While the others may stir debate, I’ve simply never had a better sandwich anywhere, period.
Hit me with more suggestions. They are noticed and appreciated - and with any luck, they’ll be sampled, too.
Granted, there are a few key Southern staples in absence like the Famous Bologna Sandwich from Cozy Corner in Memphis, TN and pulled pork sandwich at Chandlers Deli in Knoxville, TN.
Perhaps the 10 Best Sandwich in
AmericaJesse’s Mind requires a sequel to encompass the remaining doubloons of delight.Jesse, next travel-for-food outing is on me… er, Gear Patrol
What a great list!
One update, in my opinion: The best lobster roll is at the North Beach Lobster Shack in California (two locations: Redwood City and SF). Order the “Naked.” Simply lobster on a perfectly toasted roll, with butter on the side. Perfection!
Great list! Hungry now. But you missed the Midnight Cuban Sandwich @ Paseo in Seattle. Marinated Cuban pork, garlic aioli, thick strips of sauteed onions, fresh cilantro, and jalapenos. Aiieeee… It’ll make you groan uncontrollably. http://is.gd/73bG
You ever leave New York? There’s a whole country out there, and believe it or not, most of the nation knows how to make a sandwich. And any list that includes fast food as one of its 10 best is immediately discredited.
Obviously you haven’t been to Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor MI the pulled pork would make your list.
i don’t live in new york. I seriously doubt that a slab of meat on bread for 14 dollars is that great. these list are boring and dumb. LEAVE THE CITY ONCE IN YOUR LIFE.
Hmm, I need to try your lobster roll rec next time I’m in CT. However, the Lenny and Joes hot lobster roll, also in CT, is the best sandwich I’ve ever had. Everyone must try it.
Where’s the fat sandwich? No Fat Darrell? No Fat Cat? Come on now, people. Can’t beat the grease trucks at Rutgers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grease_Trucks
The lobster roll at Red’s in Wiscasset, Maine is the ne plus ultra of lobster rolls. Everything else pales in comparison.
The tourist who visit Philadelphia get their cheesesteaks at Jims, because it’s right on South Street. Philly residents know to go a little farther south to either Pat’s Steaks or Genos (just watch the movie Rocky and it will make sense). There is a big argument about which one of these powerhouses is better. I say the one with the shorter line is the one you should go to. They’re both great.
Agree with others, this list CANNOT be complete without a pulled pork sandwich from either South Carolina, Tennessee, or Kansas City.
Apparently Jesse has never been west of the Mississippi. That leaves the greater part of America’s sandwiches unmentioned. Jesse must have had a very sheltered life. Too bad. She/he has missed out on some of the best. Jesse is not qualified to judge.
in n’ out is a fall back option. Only when you’re on the road and starving or have the munchies late at night. That’s why it seems to taste so good. Doesn’t count.
Gear Patrol should fire you for failing so miserably with the most plum assignment ever. Was it their budget? The best sandwich is a very serious issue.
In and out is hands down the best burger I’ve ever had in my life. I am so blessed to live in So cal!
I couldn’t find a date on this post, so I don’t know if mine was first or not, but I did a similar list in April of 2007.
Top 10 Sandwiches
The biggest difference - most of mine are made at home.
Glad to see Jim’s up there, and spot on about the Carnegie Deli.
However, you really haven’t had a burger until you go to the Original Jackson House, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. You’ll know after you’ve tried it, here’s a quick piece on the place: http://blog.mandalatv.net/?p=456
and my own humble opinion: http://midstatemantra.wordpress.com/2008/03/28/the-best-burger-in-harrisburg-hands-down-the-jackson-house/
Who let you publish this? It’s really limited. I love New York as much as the next person, but you really gotta get out once in a while (and by “out,” I don’t mean New Orleans…or Vegas or any other traps in the US.) That being said, I don’t have a sandwich to add, but seriously, change the title. To “Jessie’s Favorite East Coast Drunken Sandwich Choices Plus One In New Orleans.”
In N Out is good…. but California’s true “best” is Tommy’s Original in Los Angeles (actually now all of so. cal.)
Check this out:
http://www.originaltommys.com/burger.php
Three words…
Fat. Sandwich. Company.
If you haven’t had a Big Fat Ugly, you haven’t lived.
haha, wow I did not see that number one coming. I live about 10 minutes from Abbots and have never tried their lobster roll, thought I’ve tried just about every one in town. I’ll have to get on that when they re-open for summer.
Dang it! I now have a craving for IN and OUT. Double, double, french fries and pink lemonade…my mouth is drooling.
What a chump story by a punk kid who had never been past a subway token for any length of time.
Seems that volume is the authors POV.
No mention of a grilled cheese, or a pork barbecue, gyro or sausage of any kind.
Maybe the top 100 Sandwiches as a real base of what to eat around the county?
There has never been anything better than an In-n-Out burger. I left CA in 1984 and have yet to find a burger as perfect anywhere else.
I had a feeling when I started, then I saw Jim’s. Tourists have fun. Surely Applebee’s or Jimmy John’s should be on here?
You should add Rutt’s Hutt deep fried Ripper with their fabulous mustard Relish. The best hotdog in NJ and maybe the world! Worth the trip to this Land Mark in Clifton….
Well i’m from south africa and Jim’s steak sandwich looks really yum…
Ditto on Primantis. #1 Sandwich in the country. Hands down. Game. Set. Match. This list is a joke without Primantis.
It always irritates me when people come to Philly for cheesesteaks and don’t actually order them the way they were made famous here.
Firstly, a real Philly steak tastes best with cheez whiz. Now I know many of you out there will disagree because its “not real cheese”. But hey, thats just how we do it here, do not judge… just try it. You will not be disappointed.
Lastly, Jims? Ok, Jims is excellent.. i will not argue that. But of the three main steak staples in the city I would have to argue that Pat’s is the better option. Next time you’re in Philadelphia come down to Pats steaks (its right across from Geno’s..and Genos cannot be missed on account of the whole place being covered in neon lights) and order a “whiz without” .. or whiz with, if you like onions on your steak.
Now I’m hungry for one……
Im simple:
Wendy’s! Wendy’s! Wendy’s!
*and Johnny Rockets in HOTlanta
What did you walk around the block from your Manhattan office to come up with this list? Come on, maybe one or two sandwiches from NY but you could have been more creative than this. Or, just call the list “Best Sandwiches in NY” because let’s face it–that’s what it is. I second the Fat sandwiches from New Brunswick/RU–you’re not going to find creativity like that at some posh NY deli. (And all it would have taken was a 45 minute drive–I know your probably working low-budget, but you could have gotten a little more creative)
Arby’s! Arby’s! Arby’s!
Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor should be on the list. The bread there is to die for and I always have to wait an hour in line to get anything. The wait is well worth it.
Couple of things from Gear Patrol Editor’s perspective:
1. We’ve quickly learned that this list is by no means comprehensive and are working on a follow-up (Part II) to this story. We’d love to take into account all the awesome suggestions commented thus far. Let us know if this something you’d be interested in seeing. Perhaps skewing it towards a “Reader’s 10 Best Sandwiches in America”.
2. Inspired by all our faithful readers we commissioned our very own creation… Introducing “The Gear Burger”. A culinary creation created by classically trained chef, Richard Parente of Sentrista Grill. Take a look and savor, we doubt many of you won’t be floored by it’s delectability (is that a word? who cares).
There are two that should be on your list. In the Carmichael area (Sacramento) try out Tony Bologna’s Pepper Steak. Been addicted for over 40 years. And at a place called Smokie Oakies they had the Oakie Dokie. Sirloin Burger with smoked Gouda, chipotle, sour cream, pico and applewood smoked bacon. Maybe include them on your next list. Thanks.
Guess what the NEW YORKER magazine called the “greatest pastrami sandwich in the UNIVERSE?”
The hand-cut pastrami sandwich on rye at LANGER’S DELI in LOS ANGELES. That’s right - the best deli pastrami is on the west coast, not in New York!
You obviously haven’t had it, or it would have made your list!
Seriously, the next time you are out west, it is worth planning a day around.
It wasn’t her G-spot in her throat, it was her cl*t! See the movie before you write the review. And come to Chi-town and have an Italian Beef. Better than ANY Noo Yawk sammich.
Really no crab cake sandwiches? Go to G&M in Baltimore and you will have a new entry.
If anyone is interested in helping Gear Patrol do a follow-up to this article, just wants to write a guest response (negative or positive), or wants to a Top 10 of their own then please send an email to sayhello@gearpatrol.com. We’d love to hear from our readers.
happy to see the peacemaker at acme oyster house in the top 10. It's the best sandwich I've ever had.
This post is a little New York heavy. Granted, that's probably where you live, but a little more regional flair would've been nice.
Oh well I'm probably just jealous I can't try any of these this weekend.
interesting article, misleading headline. Should have been "Top sandwiches of New York and the Northeast, plus In-N-Out. By the way, Animal Style does not mean "comes with sauce," since they all come with sauce. Animal Style means extra toppings with the addition of carmalized chopped grilled onions and pickles.