15 Epic Sandwiches Worth Driving Across America For

ByJD Alewine Published On Updated on

Some sandwiches are worth a cross-country quest. Whether you’re after smoky beef, spicy sausage, or cheese-stuffed classics, these are the epic sandwiches every serious eater needs to try.

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.
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Charred, smoky beef sliced to order and loaded up on a roll. You’ll dream about the punchy horseradish for weeks after your first bite. Get the Pit Beef recipe

Horseshoe Sandwich

Crinkle-cut French fries and a burger patty on a plate, topped with a generous drizzle of creamy yellow cheese sauce being poured from above—just like in a classic Horseshoe Sandwich Recipe.
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

A tower of Texas toast, burger patties, fries, and rivers of cheese sauce. Springfield’s horseshoe is both an experience and a challenge. Get the Horseshoe Sandwich recipe

Detroit Coney Dog

A person holds a chili dog topped with chopped onions and mustard—an Easy Detroit Coney Dog Recipe—while another chili dog and scattered onions rest on a wooden surface.
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This isn’t your average hot dog. Chili, onions, and mustard turn the Detroit Coney into a true Midwest masterpiece. Get the Detroit Coney Dog 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.
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A hot dog with the works: tomato, onions, peppers, relish, and a pickle spear. Chicago’s classic is a drive-worthy dog. Get the Chicago Dog recipe

Seattle Dog

A person holds a Seattle-Style Hot Dog in a bun topped with chopped grilled onions and green peppers. Another hot dog with similar toppings sits on a plate in the background.
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This West Coast hot dog pairs grilled onions and cream cheese for an unexpected twist. Late nights in Seattle wouldn’t be the same without it. Get the Seattle Dog recipe

Chicken Spiedie

A close-up of a Chicken Spiedie sandwich on a wooden surface, filled with grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato slices, onions, and banana peppers in a soft hoagie roll.
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Tangy, marinated chicken grilled and tucked into Italian bread. Binghamton’s best, hands down. Get the Chicken Spiedie recipe

North Shore Beef

Two North Shore Beef sandwiches with thick slices of meat, melted cheese, onions, and barbecue sauce overflowing from sesame seed buns are served on a baking sheet.
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Rare roast beef, tangy sauce, and cheese, all on an onion roll. One taste and you’ll want to take a detour to Massachusetts. Get the North Shore Beef recipe

Loose Meat Sandwich

A Loose Meat Sandwich with toasted bread, ground beef, chopped onions, mustard, mayonnaise, and pickles sits on a wooden board beside a pile of diced raw onions.
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Iowa’s loose meat sandwich is humble, juicy, and full of beefy goodness. A Midwest staple that’s worth the miles. Get the Loose Meat Sandwich recipe

Vermonter Sandwich

A stacked Vermonter Sandwich breakfast with scrambled eggs and sliced turkey or ham between two pieces of toasted rustic bread, sitting on a wooden cutting board.
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This turkey, cheddar, apple, and maple mustard masterpiece is Vermont on bread. Every bite is a road trip highlight. Get the Vermonter Sandwich recipe

Roast Pork Sandwich

An Olive Burger featuring a juicy beef patty and grapes covered in white sauce is served on a wooden cutting board. A hand rests behind the burger, with extra grapes scattered nearby for a unique twist.
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Packed with garlicky pork, sharp provolone, and sautéed greens, this Philly legend deserves a spot on your bucket list. Get the Roast Pork Sandwich recipe

Sonoran Hot Dog

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Tucson’s bacon-wrapped hot dog is loaded with beans, salsa, and more. It’s messy, over-the-top, and totally worth seeking out. Get the Sonoran Hot Dog recipe

Grinder Sandwich

Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Heaps of Italian deli meat and cheese, stacked inside a sub roll. Connecticut’s grinder is an East Coast icon that’s worth a drive. Get the Grinder Sandwich recipe

Tuna Melt

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This isn’t your average lunchbox special. The American diner classic melts cheese and tuna salad into crispy, golden perfection. Get the Tuna Melt recipe

Turkey Reuben

Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Turkey, Swiss, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, grilled on rye. A lighter, but just as craveable, twist on the classic. Get the Turkey Reuben recipe

Olive Burger

Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

A Michigan favorite, this burger is topped with a zesty olive mayo that delivers a salty punch. One bite and you’ll see why locals rave. Get the Olive Burger recipe

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