Call your friends, pack up your car, take a month off of work, and go eat some lifechanging sandwiches.
Kansas
Although it is not the barbecue capital of America, Kansas has some truly unforgettable smoked meats. If you’re passing through and spot smoke from the highway, take the nearest exit and track down that barbecue stand. Grab yourself a burnt end sandwich, you will not be disappointed.
Maine
Home of rough water, beautiful cliffs overlooking the sea, and some of the coolest hiking trails in America, Main has given us a special sandwich that nowhere else has done quite as well. Visit a marina, make sure you find a fresh seafood shack, and order a lobster roll. Huge lumps of fresh, buttery lobster will make you never want to leave.
Mississippi
This sandwich is not for the faint of heart, but those who feel adventurous enough to try eating pig ears should absolutely stop in the ol’ Miss. Restaurants tend to cook the ears in their own fat, making sure they have tons of porky flavor. Add some coleslaw and hot sauce and you’ve got a sandwich that you’ll want to shout about.
New York
The big apple has too many restaurants to count. Fortunately, the true institutions of the city have been around for generations, serving up hot pastrami sandwiches with mustard on rye. Stumble on over to Katz’s deli, wait in line patiently, and order yourself one of the most special sandwiches that anyone could find.
Tennessee
This entry is not necessarily a sandwich, but it does get served on a slice of bread so we’re counting it in. Nashville hot chicken is both heavenly, and the stuff of nightmares. Invented by a wife who intended to hurt her husband by making his fried chicken unbelievably spicy, you too can give yourself a dose of evil. Just make sure you wash your hands afterward.
Florida
Anybody who’s seen the movie “Chef” should have seen this one coming. Florida has a huge population of Cuban people, thus making Florida the official state of the Cubano. Sweet and tender roast pork, salty and smoky ham, all pressed with mustard, swiss cheese, and two dill pickles, if you haven’t tried a Cubano, you should try to find one right now.
Alaska
Similar to the NYC favorite, Alaska is home to the most fantastic smoked salmon sandwiches that money could buy. Why? Alaska is the number one distributor of wild-caught salmon in the world. Some restaurants even catch their own salmon to feed their long lines of guests. If you ever make it out to Alaska, try every salmon dish that you can find.
Colorado
Not many people know about this sandwich, but legend has it that Elvis Presley flew his private jet to Colorado to buy 30 fool’s gold sandwiches all at once. The fool’s gold sandwich is constructed of one giant french loaf, hollowed out and baked with butter, enough bacon to kill an elephant, topped with peanut butter and jelly. This sounds like a really strange combo, but Colorado is a really strange state.
Deleware
Deleware is famous for its incredible breweries, beautiful beaches, thriving nightlife, and one of the most absurdly filling sandwiches that money could buy. Next time you’re in Del, grab yourself a thanksgiving sub. Locals call it a “gobbler,” and its comprised of stuffing, cranberry sauce, mayo, and baked turkey. This is a sleeper hit.
Georgia
We bet you were thinking that Georgia would be barbecue right? WRONG! Georgians love their pimento cheese just as much as they love their peaches and lemon pepper wet wings. The classic pimento cheese sandwich comes as grilled cheese and is partnered with pickles, pepper jelly, and a lot of napkins.
Massachusets
No baked beans here, the most incredible sandwich to find in Massachusets is called a spuckie. Loosely named after the bread that the sandwich is served on (much like the fabled muffuletta sando) the typical Spuckie is an Italian style sandwich served with mozzarella instead of provolone, topped with a spicy and fresh Italian style slaw. The sandwich is usually pressed like a panini.
New Jersey
New Jersey is one of the most unique and diversified sandwich states. NJ is one of the only places in America where you can find an Italian deli, next to a Jewish deli, next to a Vietnamese grocery, next to a Puerto Rican restaurant. However, there is one sandwich that reigns king over the rest. The pork roll (NOT Taylor Ham), egg, and cheese on a sesame bagel describes NJ better than anything else could. Just please make sure not to eat these too often.
Louisiana
Louisiana is largely famous for its Caribbean/French fusion style of cooking called Creole. That being said, the state sandwich of Louisiana is largely French, only with a little Creole influence. The oyster/shrimp po’boy is an unparalleled tale of history, classically made with a french loaf and a ton of fried seafood in Creole seasoning. Give this sandwich a try, then wander over to Cafe Du Monde and have some beignets for dessert.
Illinois
Chicago is famous for a ton of special edible products, like the garden dog, O’douls beer, Gus’s Famous Fried Chicken, not to mention the Bulls and White Sox. However, there is one particular sandwich that comes to mind and it’s the Italian beef. This smothered sandwich has hot pit beef in au jus (AH-JOO) and is topped with crisp and fresh giardiniera (JAR-DANERA) making it a well rounded classic that you need to taste.
California
Everyone thinks that the food in California mimics its inhabitants, light, fresh, and expensive. Au Contraire, there’s one California classic that defies all stereotypes, and its the classic French dip. This hot, sloppy beef sandwich was invented in northern California, and it’s the guilty pleasure of many California locals.
Kentucky
We don’t understand why anyone would go out of their way to eat something called a “Hot Brown,” until you hear the story about it. This open-faced turkey, bacon and cheese “sandwich” was born in the Brown hotel nearly 100 years ago. You should give this a try, even if you’re unsure if an open-faced sandwich is actually a sandwich.
Missouri
Simplicity is key when making an unforgettable sandwich, and The Gerber is as simple as it gets. This monstrosity is an oven-baked ham and cheese sando served on a French roll that’s thoroughly slathered with garlic butter. The key ingredient is Provel, a processed mixture of provolone, swiss, and cheddar cheeses.
Nebraska
Everyone thinks that NYC makes the best corned beef sandwich, but what those people don’t know, is that Nebraska does not mess around when it comes to boiled brisket. The fan-favorite sandwich is the classic corned beef Ruben. However, there is controversy regarding the origins of this sandwich in Nebraska. It’s more than likely that the Ruben was taken from an ages-old Nebraskan “sandwich” named the Runza. It’s a bread pocket stuffed full with whiskey marinated beef, cabbage, and onions.
North Dakota
Any place with crushingly cold winters like North Dakota should have a rib-sticking hot tasty sandwich. ND is the birthplace of the classic sloppy joe, which is much better than the cafeteria mystery meat joes that you had growing up. Any North Dakotan will tell you that the key is the homemade tangy, sweet sauce, none of that canned crap that you can find at supermarkets.
Oregon
Although the origin of the grilled cheese is still shrouded in multi-cultural mystery, Oregon has brought the dish to the next level with its famous Tillamook cheddar cheese. Typically served with tomato soup and a ton of black pepper, the Tillamook cheddar makes this sandwich sharp and melty, providing a show-stopping cheese pull.
Ohio
Not to be confused with a po’boy, this bastardization of a classic Creole dish is arguably just as important as the original, showcasing the local favorites from the birthplace of aviation. Ohio’s famous Polish Boy is a griddled kielbasa sandwich topped with coleslaw, barbecue (and hot if you’re doing it right) sauce, and a crispy layer of fries over top of the whole thing. Is a hot dog truly a sandwich? We may never find out.
Pennsylvania
The city of brotherly love is the home-base for the worldwide phenomenon, the cheesesteak. Philadelphia is the cheesesteak capital of the world, and Philly undoubtedly has the best cheesesteaks in the world, hands down, no question. There’s a lot of controversy surrounding the idea of the “best cheesesteak in Philly,” I may be wrong, but my personal favorite is from Tony Lukes, American wit (with onions).
Rhode Island
The tiniest state in America is kicking out HUGE sandwiches. The Italian grinder (not to be confused with a sub or a hero) is the state favorite and the favorite in all of our hearts. This Italian GRINDER defies a few conventions, replacing salami for prosciutto and broiling the top of it to melt the cheese. Say what you will, this sandwich is a must-have if you’re trying to eat authenticly.
New Mexico
Since burritos aren’t considered sandwiches, this two-parts American, one-part Mexican sandwich is not to be laughed at. This unconventional take on the broiled turkey and cheese sub includes locally grown green chiles, sometimes made into a sauce, sometimes roasted whole, and sometimes even converted to a fermented jam. Get yourself a little slice of heaven the next time you’re driving on rt. 66.
South Dakota
Has anyone here ever tried pheasant? This seasonal rarity goes perfectly with a classic chicken salad recipe, served on marbled rye with a pickle on the side. This southern/eastern idea melds seamlessly since pheasant is much more fatty and flavorful than chicken.
Texas
It only makes sense that the brisket capital of America would have a brisket sandwich. Lo, and behold, Texas is still not to be messed with. Shredded, smoked brisket make this sandwich as flavorful as they come, pair that with some housemade BBQ sauce and some pickles, and you’re going to be taking a siesta sooner than anticipated.
Utah
Why would a landlocked state be the home of a legendary fish sandwich? It’s all in the sauce baby! Utah claims to have invented “fry sauce,” which is essentially every condiment and spice in a restaurant whisked together. Although they may not have been the originators of the “special sauce” condiment, they absolutely do it best. Visit the “Arctic Circle” restaurant and get yourself one of these mouthwatering sandwiches ASAP.
Virginia
Virginia knows how to do two things, smoke ham, and bake biscuits. No sauce is served with this sandwich, and none is needed. There’s just something special about the combination of salty ham and buttery biscuits that will keep you coming back for more, and more, and more.
Wyoming
This sandwich is very similar to other roast beef sandwiches, except for the deliciously stapled grass-fed diets that these cows eat. This sandwich will somehow taste healthier than its predecessors, the taste of fresh grass and earthiness actually shines through the fat and smoke from the beef. Grab a big scoop of horseradish sauce and get to work.
South Carolina
South and North Carolina are famous for their surprisingly different styles of barbecued pork. South Carolina, in particular, is famous for separating acidity from the pork itself and showcasing the delightful fattiness that comes from slow-smoked barbecue. Pop some pickles on top of your pulled pork sandwich and you’re golden Pony Boy.
Nevada
Have you ever wanted to try a grilled cheese/burger combo? Well, look no further. Get yourself over to Nevada and try the original patty melt, topped with swiss cheese and mysterious “special sauce,” plan your next gambling getaway around this greasy treat, pretty please.
Montana
Montana’s got the perfect pork chop sandwich. Don’t believe me? Ask the massive feral swine population that’s terrorizing the inhabitants of the big sky country. No, they use pig meat, not boar meat. Regardless, this was Evil Knevil’s favorite sandwich, and it was massively popularized because of the famous daredevil.
Minnesota
This great state serves up a legendary Americanized version of fish and chips. Walleye makes this sandwich so popular since it’s the official fish of Montana. This sandwich is served up on a brioche roll, topped with secret sauce and coleslaw. Pop some french fries into the bun and you’ve got a recipe to be remembered.
Michigan
The motor city is famous for quite a few things. Danny Brown, Motown records, a really great style of pizza, and cars of course. The real pride and joy, however, is the Detroit ham sandwich. This ham is smoked, bone-in, spiral cut, and served with mustard, lettuce, and tomato. Nothing like a thick slice of ham to wake you up in the morning.
Maryland
The pit beef sandwich has been done absolutely everywhere, but nobody has done it quite as well as Maryland. Many individuals focus on the au jus instead of the beef. In Maryland, its all beef, all the time.
Iowa
A “loose meat sandwich” couldn’t sound less appetizing, but Iowa might be the only state to truly pull this monstrosity off. Think of it as a chopped cheese on a bun. It’s essentially a burger, sloppy joe crossover.
Indiana
The Hoosier sandwich is a German, midwestern crossover that has collapsed the world around it. This sandwich is essentially a chicken-fried schnitzel served on a bun and dressed like a burger.
Idaho
If you’ve never tried pulled, roasted turkey that’s been slathered in one metric ton of barbecue sauce, you’re really missing out. The key is the Idaho sourced brie, and the huckleberries in the sauce. (The sandwich is called the huckleberry by the way).
Connecticut
The Connecticut lobster roll builds off of the framework of the Maine lobster roll but flips the idea on its head. Instead of serving the sandwich (taco?) cold and dressed with mayo and spices, those Connecticuters prefer to serve their roll warm, with butter only, on a toasted Italian grinder bun.
Arkansas
This one is particularly strange, in the grand scheme of things. Arkansas is famous for its fried catfish sandwich, but they’re even more famous for their FRIED BOLOGNA SANDWICH. Some locals even swear by mixing the two, adding a smoky element to the classic catfish fry.
Arizona
The great state of Arizona is famous for its stunning red rock views and its southwestern food. Americanized Mexican food is fun, and it’s just as much Mexican as it is American. If you’re passing through any city in Arizona, make sure you grab a southwestern panini. Every spot has its variation of the fusion classic, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.
Alabama
If there’s one thing that you should know about barbecue in Alabama, it’s the mayonnaise and black pepper-based barbecue sauce called “Alabama White.” The best way to enjoy this holy sauce is on a smoked chicken sandwich, just chicken and sauce, maybe some pickles on the side.
Hawaii
Kalua pork is a staple if you’re visiting Hawaii. Since there is very little land to mass-produce pigs for the public in Hawaii, the locals treat this dish as a “special occasion” meal. To make kalua pork the traditional way, the chef will cure a pork shoulder, then smoke it underground while it’s wrapped in banana leaves.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is one of the most prominent places to get super fresh fish from. Naturally, New Hampshire residents choose to highlight their strong suit in a marriage of oil, batter, and fish. Fried Haddock is the star of the show in New Hampshire. Pop that fish between two buns, you’ve got a match made in heaven.
North Carolina
North Carolina barbecue prides itself on being more complex, and more hog centric, than South Carolina barbecue. Famous for its vinegar-based, mustardy barbecue sauce and sloppy, greasy hogs, North Carolina puts together a mean pulled pork sandwich. Add some fresh cabbage coleslaw that’s been tossed in their famous barbecue sauce, and that’s the rest of your afternoon gone.
Oklahoma
The chicken fried steak is a long-coveted breakfast item, which really was just an excuse to eat a breaded and deep-fried steak at eight-o-clock in the morning. Chances are, nothing productive is going to happen for the rest of the day if you eat one of these. BUT, if you put the fried steak between two pieces of bread, you can make the excuse for it being a lunch item.
Vermont
The staple sandwich of Vermont is called… The Vermonter! Much like the lifestyle in Vermont, this sandwich is simple, sweet, fresh, and filling. Topped with turkey, bacon, apple slices, and the quintessential Vermont cheddar cheese, this is a sandwich that you don’t want to miss.
Washington
Seattle is famous for two things; Nirvana, and salmon. Much like Alaska, eating salmon in Washington is the only thing you should be doing. Grab yourself a steaming bowl of salmon chowder, and pair it with a blackened salmon sandwich to get tour fish-fix for the day.
West Virginia
We are unsure what came first, the sausage or the egg. Arguments aside, West Virginia is the home of the sausage biscuit. Buttery hot biscuits, topped with a perfect egg, cheese, and a salty, peppery, slightly sweet sausage patty. This is the only thing I crave at four in the morning.
Wisconsin
The cheese state pulls no punches with its state sandwich, which is unofficially a cheddar cheese griller. Cozy up to the fire and watch the Packer’s game with some hot Wisconsin cheddar and a bowl of tomato soup and you’ll be fast asleep before halftime.
But Wait, There’s More…
Since we’ve covered the greatest sandwich in every state, here are some runner-ups that JUST BARELY missed the mark, but if you’re down to eat two sandwiches in one day, this part of the list is for you.
Beef on Weck
Hailing from northern New York, or “New York State” as the kids call it, the beef on weck is mock pastrami on rye, replacing pastrami with roast beef, and replacing rye with a bun that has caraway seeds on top of it. This sando was built to be eaten while drinking beer.
Chow Mein Sandwich
This carb-bomb has its origins in Fall River, Massachusets. Nobody knows why or how this sandwich is so popular, but it’s a local favorite and people come from all over to try the sloppy noodle dish served on a bun.
Denver (Western) Sandwich
This sando is from the cold, mountainous west (go figure). It’s really just a Denver (or western, depends on where you’re from) omelet served on bread. If that doesn’t interest you, maybe you should read a different article.
The Mother in Law
This sandwich is like a fever dream come to life. A spicy, sloppy tamale is served up on a hot dog bun, topped with chile, and run through the garden (pickles, relish, tomato, celery salt, hot peppers, c’ mon people). Believe it or not, this behemoth was created in Chicago.
Muffuletta
It is absolutely mindblowing that the Muffuletta, one of the most traditional Italian sandwiches on the market, was born and perfected in New Orleans. The Muffuletta is named after the bread that it’s served on. Topped with pickled Italian slaw, and the best ingredients that money could buy.
New Jersey Sloppy Joe
This is not your traditional midwestern sloppy joe. Born in North Jersey, the NJ sloppy joe is like a Cuban sandwich and a club sandwich stacked on top of each other. This is a super rare treat, but if you can find it, the world will be yours.
Spiedie
This is probably the most elusive sandwich on the list, hailing from Binghamton, New York. No, we don’t know where that is either. This charcoal-grilled meat cube-wich will completely change your outlook on sandwiches.
Roast Pork Sandwich
Philly is famous for cheesesteaks, but the lesser-known roast pork sandwich came first. Tender slices of marinated pork topped with sharp provolone and garlicky stewed broccoli rabe. Hits the spot every time.
NYC Chopped Cheese
They got pizza, they got ramen, they got dim sum, they got burgers, but the one thing that NYC has over anyone else is their chopped cheese. Usually costing less than five dollars, the chopped cheese is somewhere between a cheesesteak and a burger, served on a long roll with mayo, ketchup, lettuce, tomato, and onion. This dish is very special, and very much so uniquely part of non-gentrified NYC. Brooklyn hipster spots have tried to flip the idea, but there really is nothing quite like a deli chopped cheese.