America's Best Sandwich Shops From Chicago to Seattle

America is a treasure trove of incredible sandwich shops, each with its own regional flair and iconic creations. This journey from Chicago to Seattle highlights the must-try spots that have earned legendary status.

Here is a guide to some of America’s best sandwich shops, from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest.

Table of Contents

The Midwest & Great Lakes

1. Chicago, Illinois: Al’s #1 Italian Beef

The Iconic Order: Italian Beef Sandwich, dipped, with sweet peppers or hot giardiniera.
Why It’s Famous: This is Chicago on a bun. Thinly sliced, incredibly juicy roast beef is piled onto a fresh Gonnella roll and, crucially, dipped entirely into its own delicious jus. It’s a messy, glorious, and uniquely Chicago experience that rivals the city’s famous hot dog and deep-dish pizza.

2. Detroit, Michigan: Mudgie’s Deli

The Iconic Order: The Godfather (roast beef, mozzarella, sautéed onions, garlic spread, au jus) or any of their incredible grilled cheeses.
Why It’s Famous: A cornerstone of Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, Mudgie’s is known for its massive, high-quality sandwiches with creative names, an incredible beer list, and a cozy, brick-walled atmosphere. They focus on local ingredients and classic deli fare done to perfection.

3. Cleveland, Ohio: Slyman’s Restaurant

The Iconic Order: Corned Beef Sandwich.

Why It’s Famous: A Cleveland institution since 1964, Slyman’s is the king of corned beef. They serve monstrous piles of incredibly tender, hand-sliced corned beef that literally spills over the edges of the rye bread. It’s a landmark for anyone craving a classic, no-frills, world-class deli experience.

The East Coast & South (A necessary detour on any cross-country sandwich tour)

4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: John’s Roast Pork

The Iconic Order: The Roast Pork Italian (sharp provolone, broccoli rabe) and a Cheesesteak (whiz wit).
Why It’s Famous: While tourists flock to Pat’s and Geno’s, locals and connoisseurs know that John’s serves arguably the best cheesesteak and the best roast pork sandwich in Philadelphia. The juicy, succulent roast pork is the true sleeper hit, making this unassuming spot a mandatory pilgrimage.

5. New Orleans, Louisiana: Parkway Bakery & Tavern

The Iconic Order: The Shrimp Po’boy, dressed (lettuce, tomato, pickle, mayo).
Why It’s Famous: The po’boy is the soul of New Orleans sandwich culture, and Parkway is one of its masters. Their fried shrimp are perfectly crispy and abundant, stuffed into a light, crackly French bread loaf from a local bakery. It’s a historic, vibrant spot that captures the spirit of NOLA.

6. New York, New York: Katz’s Delicatessen

The Iconic Order: Pastrami on Rye.

Why It’s Famous: No sandwich list is complete without Katz’s. This Lower East Side icon (since 1888) is the definition of a New York Jewish deli. Their pastrami is hand-sliced, perfectly spiced, incredibly fatty, and piled high. It’s a expensive, chaotic, and unforgettable culinary experience.

The West & Southwest

7. Los Angeles, California: Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant

The Iconic Order: #19 Pastrami Sandwich (hot pastrami, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, Russian dressing on double-baked rye).
Why It’s Famous: Langer’s is frequently cited as serving the best pastrami sandwich in America, often beating out NYC’s finest. The quality of the meat—smoky, tender, and leaner than its NY counterpart—combined with the perfect tangy slaw and dressing, creates a sandwich that is greater than the sum of its parts.

8. Tucson, Arizona: El Güero Canelo

The Iconic Order: Sonoran Hot Dog and a Caramelo (a grilled, buttered tortilla stuffed with meat).
Why It’s Famous: Awarded a James Beard Foundation America’s Classic award, this spot introduces many to the magic of Sonoran-style Mexican food. The hot dog, wrapped in bacon and loaded with beans, onions, tomatoes, and sauces, is a must-try, but their meat-filled caramelos are sandwich perfection.

The Pacific Northwest

9. Portland, Oregon: Lardo

The Iconic Order: The Dirty Fries (topped with Parmesan, fried rosemary, and fried pork scraps) and a sandwich like the Pork Meatball Banh Mi.

Why It’s Famous: Lardo represents the modern, chef-driven sandwich movement. They take global flavors and high-quality, often nose-to-tail ingredients, and pack them between two pieces of bread. It’s creative, indulgent, and perfectly captures Portland’s innovative food scene.

10. Seattle, Washington: Salumi Artisan Cured Meats

The Iconic Order: The Moletta (prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers) or any daily special.
Why It’s Famous: Founded by the parents of celebrity chef Mario Batali, Salumi is a tiny, legendary Pioneer Square spot dedicated to old-world Italian curing techniques. The lines are long, but the sandwiches—built on incredible house-made salumi, cured meats, and crusty bread—are worth the wait. It’s a masterclass in simplicity and quality.

Honorable Mentions & Regional Gems:

San Francisco, CA: Ike’s Place for wildly creative sandwiches and famous Dutch Crunch bread.
Austin, TX: Otherside Deli for East Coast-style deli sandwiches that cure homesickness.
Charleston, SC: Dave’s Carry-Out for a legendary fried seafood sandwich.

This list is just the beginning. The beauty of the American sandwich is its endless regional variety, from the slow-cooked meats of the South to the innovative creations of the West Coast. Happy eating

America’s Best Sandwich Shops From Chicago to Seattle