America’s Top 100 Sandwich Shops: New Jersey Favorites Make the Cut

August brings with it National Sandwich Month, the perfect excuse to celebrate one of America’s most beloved meals: the sandwich. From stacked Italian heroes and classic cheesesteaks to spicy fried chicken creations and international specialties like the Vietnamese banh mi, sandwiches have gone far beyond being a quick bite. They’ve become gourmet showpieces, social media darlings, and a symbol of regional food pride.

This year’s Top 100 Sandwich Shops list shines a spotlight on where hungry diners across the country are finding the best of the best. It’s not just about the flavor but also the atmosphere, the sense of community, and the creativity that keeps customers lining up. And here in New Jersey, a state with deep deli traditions, we’re proud to see local shops earn national recognition.

New Jersey’s Standout Sandwich Shops

Two New Jersey gems landed on the list, proving once again that the Garden State knows its way around a good sandwich:

  • Second Street Bakery, Jersey City (#28) – A neighborhood favorite known for hearty Italian subs that pack serious flavor. Second Street has been a staple for locals craving no-frills, overstuffed sandwiches served on fresh bread that’s as iconic as the fillings. It’s a go-to spot for those who want an authentic New Jersey hero.
  • Saigon Subs & Café, Morristown (#31) – Bringing global flair to the Garden State, Saigon Subs & Café is celebrated for its banh mi — a French-Vietnamese classic built with pickled carrots, pork, pâté, cilantro, jalapeños, and more, all tucked into a perfectly crusty roll. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to explore flavors beyond the traditional deli counter.

These New Jersey stops not only highlight the state’s food diversity but also showcase the innovation that’s keeping sandwiches at the center of America’s culinary conversation.

Sandwich Trends Across the Country

Looking at the bigger picture, the list uncovers several nationwide sandwich trends:

  • Regional flavors everywhere – Craving a Philly cheesesteak in Texas or an Italian beef in Florida? Regional specialties are spreading across the country, giving locals a chance to try sandwiches once tied to specific cities.
  • The rise of banh mi – The Vietnamese classic is one of the most popular sandwiches in America today, and New Jersey’s Saigon Subs & Café is part of that movement.
  • Plant-based and gluten-free options – Traditional delis are adapting, adding lighter and healthier options for modern eaters without sacrificing flavor.
  • Names that stick – Subs, hoagies, heroes, grinders, po’boys — no matter what you call them, these regional titles reflect how deeply sandwiches are tied to identity and tradition.

The Complete Top 100 Sandwich Shops List

Here’s the full list of sandwich shops across the country that made the cut, including the two proud New Jersey entries:

  1. Franky’s Deli Warehouse, Hialeah, Florida
  2. Sierra Subs and Salads, Three Rivers, California
  3. Tony’s Beechhurst Deli, Whitestone, New York
  4. Tony’s Italian Delicatessen, Montgomery, Texas
  5. Woods Deli, Huntington Park, California
  6. Chicago Paulies, Tampa, Florida
  7. Hugs Cafe, McKinney, Texas
  8. Blues City Deli, St. Louis, Missouri
  9. Gino’s Deli Stop N Buy, San Antonio, Texas
  10. Super Subs, Banning, California
  11. Piknik by Chef Christophe, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
  12. Beyer Deli, San Diego, California
  13. Frank’s New York Style Deli, Phoenix, Arizona
  14. Express Deli, Brook Park, Ohio
  15. Come On Over Cafe, Oceanside, California
  16. SeaSide Subs, Deerfield Beach, Florida
  17. Midtown Deli, Post Falls, Idaho
  18. The Dutch Sandwich Shop, Temecula, California
  19. Mr. Bee’s Coffee & Teas, Santa Rosa, New Mexico
  20. Aina’s Vegan Banh Mi, San Jose, California
  21. Nick’s Grill, Pulaski, Tennessee
  22. Sandwich Shoppe, Rutland, Vermont
  23. What’Sub, Deerfield Beach, Florida
  24. The McBoodery, Isleton, California
  25. Leatherneck Club, Las Vegas, Nevada
  26. Nana’s Guilty Pleasures, Portland, Oregon
  27. Uncle Af’s, Agoura Hills, California
  28. Second Street Bakery, Jersey City, New Jersey
  29. Box of Cubans, Riverview, Florida
  30. Wild Carvery, Burbank, California
  31. Saigon Subs & Café, Morristown, New Jersey
  32. Happy Cafe, Virginia Beach, Virginia
  33. PB&J with Tay, San Antonio, Texas
  34. Newfangled Kitchen, Bexley, Ohio
  35. Ekiben, Baltimore, Maryland
  36. Omarcitos Latin Cafe, Chicago, Illinois
  37. Maes Sandwich Shop, Marshfield, Massachusetts
  38. The Elf in the Oak, Burdett, New York
  39. Le’s Banh Mi, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
  40. Christie’s Deli, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  41. Louie K Subs / Club Sandwich, Sunrise, Florida
  42. Oh Mamma’s on the Avenue, South Bend, Indiana
  43. Voilà French Café, Greer, South Carolina
  44. Full On Craft Eats & Drinks, Annapolis, Maryland
  45. The Dilly Duck Shop, Norwalk, Connecticut
  46. Sisters Meat and Smokehouse, Sisters, Oregon
  47. Gulf Coast Sourdough & Wild Yeast Breads, Tampa, Florida
  48. Q’s Deli, Sugar Land, Texas
  49. Eighty Chicken Sandwiches, Kahuku, Hawaii
  50. Bay Boy Specialty Sandwiches, Kansas City, Missouri
  51. Java Saga, Doraville, Georgia
  52. Bilia Eatery, Castle Hills, Texas
  53. Fitzgerald’s Lunch House, Indianapolis, Indiana
  54. Banh Mi Station, Denver, Colorado
  55. Las Tortas Perronas, Houston, Texas
  56. The Half, Wilmington, North Carolina
  57. Bronze Cafe, Las Vegas, Nevada
  58. Poppyseed Kitchen, Fort Mill, South Carolina
  59. Oliver’s Gourmet, Missouri City, Texas
  60. Vito’s, Bountiful, Utah
  61. No Name BBQ Sandwich, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
  62. 11 Degrees North, Chicago, Illinois
  63. Marsh Brothers Deli, Lebanon, New Hampshire
  64. Revival Eastside Eatery, Waco, Texas
  65. Jackie M’s & Son, Augusta, Georgia
  66. Bird Bird Biscuit, Austin, Texas
  67. Urban Chops, Auburn, Washington
  68. Vietwich, Stafford, Texas
  69. Lito’s Kitchen, Garland, Texas
  70. MELD Kitchen + Sandwich Bar, Bentonville, Arkansas
  71. Konvene Coffee, Seattle, Washington
  72. Mountain Goat Market, Monteagle, Tennessee
  73. Gertie’s, Vesuvius, Virginia
  74. Spunky Monkey Coffee Kitchen, Portland, Oregon
  75. Family Delicatessen, Maynard, Massachusetts
  76. Finuccio and Sons Italian Deli and Catering, Schaumburg, Illinois
  77. Un Bien, Seattle, Washington
  78. Tredici Italian Market, Wayne, Pennsylvania
  79. Cafe X-press, Salem, Virginia
  80. Twisted Sweets and Savory, Herndon, Virginia
  81. European Market & Bistro, Lakewood, Colorado
  82. Waialua Bakery & Juice Bar, Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii
  83. Māla Market, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
  84. Urban Deli, Savannah, Georgia
  85. Grumpy’s Handcarved Sandwiches, Pottstown, Pennsylvania
  86. The Lunch Spot, Palm Desert, California
  87. Ake’Larry, Anaheim, California
  88. Don Daisy’s, Glendale, California
  89. Windsor Brown’s, Anaheim, California
  90. Curtis Park Delicatessen – Cherry Creek, Denver, Colorado
  91. Gateway Sandwich, Williams, Arizona
  92. Waveriders Coffee, Deli & Market, Nags Head, North Carolina
  93. The New York Deli, McAllen, Texas
  94. Antonio’s Deli, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  95. E Street Deli, Rupert, Idaho
  96. Sal, Kris, & Charlie’s Deli, Astoria, New York
  97. The Valley Health Bar, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
  98. Drop Cafe, Haverhill, Massachusetts
  99. Vivola Express, St. Louis, Missouri
  100. V’s Sandwich, Tilton, New Hampshire

New Jersey may have just two entries on the list, but their impact speaks volumes. Between the timeless Italian heroes of Jersey City’s Second Street Bakery and the globally inspired banh mi at Saigon Subs & Café in Morristown, our state proves it can hold its own against any sandwich scene in the country.

Hungry for more local flavors and food adventures? Dive deeper into New Jersey’s rich culinary culture at Explore New Jersey Music & Food.

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