13 Sandwiches Worth the Travel Time

Some sandwiches are so unforgettable, you’ll plot your entire road trip around tasting just one bite. If you’re ready for a delicious detour, these thirteen picks are absolutely worth every mile.

Pit Beef

A person holds a sandwich cut in half, revealing layers of pastrami, sliced onions, and creamy sauce between two slices of golden bread—a hearty creation inspired by a classic Pit Beef Recipe—resting above a wooden cutting board.
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Baltimore’s pit beef is all about fire-kissed beef, sliced thin and piled high on a kaiser roll. Horseradish, raw onions, and tiger sauce make every bite zippy, smoky, and downright memorable. Get the Pit Beef recipe

Chicago Dog

A hand sprinkles seasoning onto two Chicago-Style Hot Dogs topped with sliced tomatoes, pickles, and peppers on a white plate. A cutting board with tomatoes is visible in the background.
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

The Chicago Dog is a rainbow of toppings: neon relish, sport peppers, tomato slices, and celery salt, all nestled on an all-beef dog. One bite, and you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with ketchup. Get the Chicago Dog recipe

Crab Cake Sandwich

A close-up of a crab cake sandwich with a golden brown bun, leafy lettuce, sliced green pepper, and a thick, seasoned patty on a wooden surface.
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Maryland’s crab cake sandwich is pure seafood royalty, loaded with jumbo lump crab and the lightest touch of seasoning. Add a squeeze of lemon and a swipe of tartar sauce for true Chesapeake magic. Get the Crab Cake Sandwich recipe

Steak Bomb

A steak bomb sandwich that is open face where you can see all of the ingredients.
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

This New England favorite explodes with shaved steak, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and gooey cheese on a sub roll. It’s a flavor explosion that deserves its own billboard on I-95. Get the Steak Bomb recipe

Pork Chop Sandwich

A close-up of a crispy fried chicken sandwich and a Pork Chop Sandwich on a wooden board, topped with lettuce, tomato slices, and mustard in soft, shiny buns. The background shows an out-of-focus kitchen setting.
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Butte, Montana’s claim to fame is a golden-fried pork chop tucked into a bun, often with pickles and mustard. It’s rustic, crunchy, and the ideal sandwich for hungry travelers on the go. Get the Pork Chop Sandwich recipe

Spicy Lamb Grinder

spicy lamb grinder
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

This Idaho specialty brings juicy spiced lamb, melty cheese, and zippy pickled veggies to a crusty roll. It’s a bold sandwich that turns heads and delivers serious flavor in every bite. Get the Spicy Lamb Grinder recipe

Jucy Lucy

A person holds a Juicy Lucy Burger cut in half, revealing melted cheese, lettuce, pickles, tomato, and ground beef between two golden buns. The filling is juicy and layered with fresh vegetables.
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Minneapolis invented this burger stuffed with molten cheese, creating an oozy surprise with every bite. Locals will debate the best spot, but one thing’s certain: the Jucy Lucy is worth the hype and the napkins. Get the Jucy Lucy recipe

Fish Fry Sandwich

beer battered fried fish
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Wisconsin’s legendary Friday night fish fry lands perfectly in sandwich form, with crispy fillets on a soft bun and tangy slaw. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect with a cold beer and good company. Get the Fish Fry Sandwich recipe

Pastrami Burger

pastrami burger
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Utah’s pastrami burger is a double threat: a classic beef burger loaded up with smoky pastrami and gooey cheese. It’s indulgent, over-the-top, and a true road food legend. Get the Pastrami Burger recipe

French Dip Sandwich

Two lobster rolls filled with creamy lobster salad sit on a wooden cutting board next to a pile of potato chips, making this classic lobster roll meal perfect for seafood lovers.
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Los Angeles gave us the French Dip: thin roast beef on a crusty baguette, served with hot, rich au jus for dunking. It’s warm, savory, and impossible to eat quietly. Get the French Dip Sandwich recipe

Primanti Brothers Sandwich

Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Pittsburgh’s Primanti Brothers sandwich stuffs fries, slaw, and grilled meat between thick-cut bread for the ultimate blue-collar meal. It’s messy, filling, and always worth the detour. Get the Primanti Brothers Sandwich recipe

Bobbie Sandwich

Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Delaware’s Bobbie Sandwich is Thanksgiving on a roll: turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mayo. It’s nostalgic, festive, and so popular it should really be a national holiday. Get the Bobbie Sandwich recipe

Lobster Roll

Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Maine’s lobster roll is sweet lobster, a hint of mayo, and a buttered bun—simple and luxurious at the same time. One taste, and you’ll be daydreaming about the Maine coast. Get the Lobster Roll recipe

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