11 Sandwiches That Stand for Local Pride
Pride shows up in all kinds of ways, but for many places, it arrives between two slices of bread. These eleven sandwiches stand tall as symbols of local pride, telling the story of where they come from and the people who keep them alive.
Seattle Dog
Seattle claims this cream cheese–topped hot dog as its own. Add grilled onions and jalapeños, and you’ve got a messy, late-night staple locals defend like it’s a sports team.
Horseshoe Sandwich
Springfield, Illinois, takes pride in this one-of-a-kind plate. An open-faced sandwich covered in fries and drenched in cheese sauce, it’s pure Midwestern identity on display.
Pastrami Burger
Utah’s burger twist loads smoky pastrami onto a beef patty, doubling down on meat. Locals see it as their own claim to the burger hall of fame, and they’re not wrong.
Beef on Weck
Buffalo isn’t just wings. Roast beef on a kummelweck roll with horseradish makes a sandwich Buffalonians proudly put forward as their true classic.
Chicken Spiedie
Binghamton, New York, celebrates this sandwich at festivals and family cookouts. Marinated chicken cubes grilled on skewers and tucked in Italian bread, it’s pure regional pride.
Primanti Brothers Sandwich
Pittsburgh locals swear by this layered giant. Stacking meat, fries, and slaw right in the bread, it’s a sandwich that speaks louder than words when it comes to Steel City pride.
Shrimp Po Boy
In New Orleans, the po boy isn’t just food, it’s heritage. Crispy shrimp stuffed into French bread with lettuce and tomato tells the story of the city’s working-class roots.
Chicago Dog
Loaded with mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, pickles, sport peppers, and celery salt, the Chicago Dog proudly wears its city’s colors. Chicagoans will always call it their signature.
Pork Roll Egg and Cheese
In New Jersey, this breakfast sandwich fuels pride and arguments. Call it pork roll or Taylor ham, locals stand by their name choice, but they all agree it belongs on the state’s plate.
Burnt Ends Sandwich
Kansas City’s pride sits right here. Smoky, caramelized burnt ends tucked into bread show off the barbecue chops this city brags about to the rest of the country.
Liver Mush Sandwich
North Carolina locals hold this one close. Fried slices of liver mush between bread tell a story of thrift, tradition, and pride that has never left the Southern table.