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Best Italian Subs in the United States That You Have to Try

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Best Italian Subs in the United States

You can call it a hoagie, a hero, a grinder, or a sub, but the makings of an Italian sandwich remain the same. With the best salami a restaurant has to offer, topped with ham, capicola, mortadella, lettuce, onion, tomato, cheese, and Italian dressing, an Italian sub is usually what you get when you order any of the above.

The ingredients differ based on regions and the restaurant’s personal additions. That’s where the taste changes, and you get more than one best Italian sub in the United States.

Let’s take a closer look at the Italian subs we have in America and see which one has the best filling!

Best Italian Subs in the United States

The Godmother – Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery

The Godmother of Bay Cities is undoubtedly the ‘godfather’ of Santa Monica (if you know the possible mafia link of this deli, you get it). It’s an iconic sandwich that’s been a part of the Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery menu since the 1950s.

This Italian sub is piled high with five varieties of cold cuts—salami, mortadella, capicola, ham, and prosciutto. The choice of cheese is provolone, and the tomato, onion, lettuce, mayo, mustard, and pepperoncini make it the delicious Italian sandwich loved by Angelenos.

 

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Hot Salami Sandwich – Gioia’s Deli

Gioia’s Deli has been serving flavorful sandwiches since 1918, and their Hot Salami Sandwich is the one you should definitely visit St. Louis for. They don’t make do with the thinly-sliced salami. Gioia’s has thick meat slices that almost look like sausage pieces.

The Garlic Cheese Bread is what patrons love about this sandwich. The taste of the sandwich has been accredited by Food & Wine and James Beard Foundation. You can personalize the sandwich with add-ons, including melted cheese, onions, and mustard.

Italian Sub – Bari

Bari is ‘The Place’ in Chicago for Italian subs. People have visited this location since 1973 as it reminds many of the taste of Italy. The hoagies (subs) and provisions are all authentic at Bari. Some would say that the Italian Roast Beef is the best Bari has to offer, but we know for a fact that it’s their Italian Sub.

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The Italian Sub at Bari includes capicola, prosciutto, mortadella, and salami meats. It’s topped off with briny giardiniera and provolone. You can order a 9in, 12in, or a 3-foot loaf for your sandwich. The fillings will be plentiful, and the meat delicious.

 

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Italian Combo – Sal, Kris, & Charlie’s Deli

Sal, Kris, & Charlie’s Deli is the sandwich king of Astoria, or at least that’s what they claim. We only know that their Italian Combo is the best sandwich this deli has on the menu. You may disagree with us if you’ve tasted “The Bomb,” but even if you have, give the Italian Combo a try because it will blow your mind.

With soppressata, salami, mortadella, prosciutto, and pepperoni meats, this Italian Combo sub is topped with provolone cheese, mustard, and mayo. One bite, and you’ll agree that this sub has the most authentic combo of Italian flavors!

Molinari Special – Molinari Delicatessen

You can count the most authentic Italian delis on the one hand now. It feels like they belong to a different era, but thankfully, Molinari Delicatessen is still here. Well, at least it’s in San Francisco that you can visit to enjoy their Molinari Special.

The Italian sub is a classic sandwich with hand-sliced cold cuts, pickled toppings, and cheese. It’s all packed together in a bread loaf that’s a classic white footlong. There’s no guarantee that one sandwich will satisfy your craving for Molinari’s staples, so feel free to grab some entrees and staples for home.

Monica’s Original Italian Sub – Monica’s Mercato

The residents of Boston are familiar with Monica’s Mercato & Salumeria. It’s a one-stop shop for cured meats and Monica’s Original Italian Sub. According to Boston.com, this Italian sub is the best among 200+ restaurants.

Stacked with cold cuts, cheese, and “the works,” Monica’s Original Italian Sub has a zesty taste, and the best part is that it’s easy on your wallet. The freshly-baked bread with the hand-crafted meats is the best sandwich money can buy.

Bub’s Italian Hoagie – Bub & Pops

Bub & Pops is a DC Italian sandwich shop with incredible sandwiches. Given its Philly roots, this establishment has been satiating customers’ craving for Italian subs since 2013. Made with extremely-thin meats, including capicola and pepperoni, Bub’s Italian Hoagie is one of the best in the Washington area.

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The meat is not the only reason to try this sandwich. It has provolone cheese with deli fixings, and Vinaigrette and Pecorino Romano cheese, something only Bub’s adds to enhance the flavor. You may want to finish the entire sub in one go, but it may be impossible, so get a split when you order Bub’s Italian Hoagie.

 

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The Milano – The Italian Store

If you live in Arlington, Virginia, you must be aware of The Italian Store. It’s a long-standing favorite of people who love cold-cut sandwiches. The best thing about this establishment is that all sandwiches are made by hand, with assortments arriving from Brooklyn.

The Milano is one of the best sellers at The Italian Store. It has two types of Italian ham with a pile of Genoa salami. The hams fold the provolone cheese, shredded lettuce, and other condiments inside a soft Italian roll.

White House Special – White House Sub Shop

White House Sub Shop has been serving the best Italian subs in the United States since 1946. The place has created delicious subs over the past eight decades. One of their best creations is the White House Special. It’s a sub with classic Italian meats, including capicola, ham, and salami.

A fresh layer of tomato and lettuce is part of the sandwich, but you can get onions and sweet peppers on the side. The White House Special comes in half and whole sizes. You must know that a whole sandwich is enough to feed more than two people.

Johnnie’s Iconic Italian Beef Is a Delicious Mess of Beef and Gravy | Legendary Eats

Given how ubiquitous Italian beef sandwiches are in Chicago, it’s hard to pick just one. But the queue outside Johnnie’s Beef and its #1 ranking on several best lists is a good indication that this spot is one of the favorites in the Windy City. According to Eater, Johnnie’s Italian beef sandwich is considered by many to be the “shining standard that others strive to achieve.”

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Summary

Now you know about the best Italian subs in the United States. It’s time to find the one nearest to you and grab a sandwich that will take you on a trip to flavortown! Don’t forget to try The Godmother at Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery and the Hot Salami Sandwich at Gioia’s Deli.

Best Italian Subs in the United States – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is the Most Famous Italian Sandwich?

Porchetta di Ariccia is the most popular Italian sandwich with heavily seasoned pork roast. The best Porchetta di Ariccia is available in Italy in the Rome area.

What Is the Difference between an American Hoagie and an Italian Hoagie?

American hoagie is a submarine sandwich that focuses on deli meats and American cheeses. Italian hoagie is similar to an American one, but it’s focused on cured ham and cheese.

What Sandwich Is Texas Famous For?

Texas is famous for its brisket sandwich. Barbecue brisket is a famous dish of Texas, and when it’s paired with homemade bread with or without condiments, it tastes delicious.

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