Whether you’re looking for lunch or just looking for a quick snack, there’s no denying that the sandwich is a fast food staple. With so many chains trying their hand at making sandwiches, it’s easy to get lost and find something that you’ll really like.
So we took the time and ranked the top 15 fast-food sandwich chains that you could go to.
Whether you’re into subs, sandwiches, or hoagies, we got something in here for you.
15. Quiznos
Let’s start off with something a little more comforting. Quiznos opened its doors in 1981 and since then, has been one of the leading sources of delicious submarine sandwiches. They’ve dedicated their time creating bold new flavors and is the best spot to go to if you want specialized, toasted sandwiches. Quiznos’ popularity may have waned in recent years and the COVID pandemic led to closure of several locations, but don’t let that stop you from trying one of the best sandwich chains you can have.
Must-try sandwiches: French Dip, Traditional, Chipotle Steak & Cheddar
14. Atlanta Bread
Atlanta Bread is a little underrated when it comes to their sandwiches. Most of their offerings are considered pretty basic. But to that we say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Their choices of sandwiches have been pretty solid with the Chicken Waldorf Sandwich standing out in particular. Founded during 1993 in Atlanta, Georgia, Atlanta Bread has expanded all across the United States and their focus on creating handcrafted sandwiches has been delighting customers nationwide.
Must-try sandwiches: Chicken Waldorf Sandwich, ABC, Hot Pastrami
13. Mendocino Farms
Mendocino Farms is a relatively new sandwich chain that’s only been around since 2005. While they may be new on the market, what sets them apart is their passion and commitment to culinary excellence. They use the freshest, locally sourced ingredients available for their gourmet sandwiches. Not only that, they also serve up creative seasonal sandwiches that bring out unique flavor combinations.This farm-to-table approach has been praised by lots of customers and they quickly gained a reputation for providing an upscale dining experience, with the speed and convenience of fast food. Look out for Mendocino Farms in the next few years cause they just might quickly shoot up our rankings.
Must-try sandwiches: The Hot Italian, Peruvian Steak Sandwich, Kurobuta Pork Belly Banh Mi
12. Corner Bakery Cafe
Breakfast and brunch. These two words have been pretty much what you’ll think of when we mention Corner Bakery Cafe. They have an extensive menu that offers everything you’ll want for breakfast or brunch. But their specialties go beyond just these two meals. Corner Bakery Cafe has tons of gourmet sandwiches to choose from which is why they find themselves on a list like this. The cozy ambiance plus their generous servings make this sandwich shop one of the best chains around.
Must-try sandwiches: BBLT Sandwich, Chicken Pomodori Panini, Chicken Pesto Sandwich
11. Schlotzsky’s
Schlotzsky’s may not have the most diverse menu compared to most sandwich shops, but the sandwiches they do have will blow your mind. They use legitimate sourdough bread freshly baked in-store daily that adds another layer of flavor to each of their sandwiches. The best menu item at their arsenal is without a doubt, the Original. Containing ham, salami, melted cheddar, mozzarella, black olives, red onion, lettuce, tomato, mustard, plus their signature dressing, this sandwich packs a punch. While this is their best sandwich, our go-to recommendation is the Deluxe Original, which takes everything great about the Original and makes it bigger.
Must-try sandwiches: Deluxe Original, Roast Beef & Cheese, Fiesta Chicken
10. Subway
Any list about the top fast food sandwich chains won’t be complete without mentioning Subway. The fast food juggernaut has been around since 1965 and has expanded globally to over 37,000 locations! With that kind of success, there’s no doubt that their sandwiches are pretty good. But the best part about Subway is their build-your-own-sandwich approach. This lets customers fully personalize their meals and come up with countless new sandwich combinations. This iconic brand fully cements itself as one of the top fast food sandwich chains, not just in the United States, but all over the world.
Must-try sandwiches: Subway Club, Italian BMT, Meatball Marinara Sub
9. Panera Bread
When it comes to baked goods, whether it’s pastries, cookies, or sandwiches, you can’t go wrong with Panera Bread. One of the highest earning sandwich chains in recent memory (only behind Subway), this bakery/cafe has a high emphasis on quality ingredients. Their commitment to serve only the best for their customers runs so deep that they actually have a “No No List” that illustrates their strict standards on what they will and won’t serve. Apart from serving some of the best sandwiches, they also have a dedication to animal welfare and encourage everyone to be environmentally friendly.
Must-try sandwiches: Smokehouse BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Green Goddess Caprese Melt, Toasted Steak & White Cheddar
8. McAlister’s Deli
Sometimes, that trademark Southern hospitality is all you need to succeed as a sandwich shop. That and of course, inventive flavor combinations. Luckily, McAlister’s Deli has both in spades. This Mississippi-based sandwich chain prides itself on making great sandwiches and giving a welcoming atmosphere; making customers feel like they’re family. The three things I like about McAlister’s Deli are their quality, variety, and hospitality. Also, their sandwiches.
Must-try sandwiches: Horseradish Roast Beef and Cheddar, Spicy Turkey Melt, McAlister’s Club
7. Pret a Manger
Pret a Manger doesn’t just offer great sandwiches. They also have their own non-profit organization, The Pret Foundation, that donates food to local charities. That alone should be enough to have them ranked this high on a list like this. But of course, their sandwiches are pretty delicious too. Like most sandwich chains, Pret a Manger pride themselves on using the freshest ingredients available and serving up the highest quality meal they can provide. Don’t let their limited menu fool you, each of their sandwiches have a very distinct taste that has customers coming back for more. Truly a case of quality over quantity.
Must-try sandwiches: Posh Cheddar & Pickle on Artisan, Classic Super Club, Wiltshire-cured Ham & Greve Cheese Baguette
6. Publix
Publix may not be the first name that comes to mind when we talk about sandwiches but we’re here to change that. More known as a supermarket chain, Publix’ deli department is actually home to some of the best, affordable sandwiches you can order. Just like Subway, you can customize each sandwich you buy to your heart’s content. Ask anyone who’s had their subs and they’ll tell you that Publix is THE place to go to when you’ve got a craving for sandwiches. The only reason they’re not higher up on the list is the limited number of locations. Most Publix locations are located in the south so if you find yourself in the area, do yourself a favor and grab some of their sandwiches.
Must-try sandwiches: Chicken Tender Sub, Havana Bold Sub, Boar’s Head Italian Sub
5. Jimmy John’s
No other restaurant offers “free smells” quite like Jimmy John’s. And who could blame them? Their sandwiches both smell and taste delicious. That’s a pretty weird marketing campaign to be honest but they can back it all up with quality products that will never disappoint. Add to that their freaky fast service and delivery, and you got a sandwich that gives you both convenience and quality at the same time. Their sandwiches may not look all that special at first glance but take one bite and you’ll know why it made the top 5 on our list of top 15 fast food sandwich chains.
Must-try sandwiches: The Beach Club, J.J.B.L.T., Spicy East Coast Italian
4. Which Wich
Superior doesn’t even begin to describe Which Wich Superior Sandwiches. Their sandwiches are really good but what makes them stand out is their order selection system. Just like Subway, Which Wich is known for letting customers pick what goes into their sandwiches. The way they do this is they give you a paper bag which also serves as a checklist for what ingredients you want to add in your sandwich. It’s more efficient than having to wait for your turn just so you can tell the staff what to put in your meal. They also engage in charitable works; donating a sandwich to someone in need every time you make a purchase.
Must-try sandwiches: The Wicked, Turkey Club, Reuben
3. Au Bon Pain
Looking for something a little more upscale compared to the average sandwich shop? Au Bon Pain has got you covered. Au Bon Pain literally translates to “from good bread” and it just fits this restaurant really nicely. You won’t get fast sandwiches here, instead you’ll be treated to a sit-down dining experience where you can enjoy their wide range of gourmet sandwiches made with artisanal bread. They also serve a variety of dishes inspired by french cuisine that are guaranteed to cater to your lunchtime cravings.
Must-try sandwiches: Half-Tuna Salad Sandwich, Half-Herb Chicken Salad Sandwich, Ham & Two Cheese
2. Jersey Mike’s
When it comes to hoagies and submarine sandwiches, there’s absolutely zero doubt that Jersey Mike’s is the top dog among all sandwich shops. They even have the metrics to back it up when Market Force, a customer experience organization, conducted a survey that shows Jersey Mike’s as the best sandwich chain in all of America. Most chefs and dietitians can testify to this fact as well. Their selection of hot or cold subs is matched by no other shops in the sandwich scene right now. The best part? It’s definitely their dressing. It’s a special dressing made of olive oil and vinegar that will elevate any sandwich you have to the next level.
Must-try sandwiches: Club Sub, Original Italian, The Number Four
1. Potbelly
When it first began in 1977, Potbelly was originally an antique store owned by Peter Hastings. He had this antique potbelly stove that he used to sell toasted sandwiches to his customers. Pretty soon, his sandwiches were the talk of the town and he decided to sell them as his primary business moving forward. Needless to say, it’s been a massive success. From familiar options like tuna salad all the way to original offerings like their Steakhouse Beef, Potbelly has a wide variety of toasted sandwiches that you can choose from. It has a whopping 21 kinds of sandwiches! And that’s not even factoring the mixing and matching you can do when you choose to customize your sandwiches to your taste. All these come together to make Potbelly the best fast food sandwich chain in the market right now.
Must-try sandwiches: Steakhouse Beef, Chicken Club, Pizza Melt