15 Sandwiches That Should Absolutely Be National Icons
America’s sandwich scene is unmatched, and these picks highlight the absolute best of the best. Each one is packed with personality, regional pride, and the kind of flavor that defines local dining from coast to coast. If you want to experience the essence of American sandwiches, you need to start with these.
Chicken Spiedie
Marinated chicken grilled and stuffed into Italian bread. This Binghamton, NY specialty is famous for its tangy, herby zip. Once you’ve had a spiedie, you’ll understand why it has its own festival. Try the recipe
North Shore Beef
Rare roast beef, piled high on a soft onion roll and slathered with sauce, cheese, and mayo. This Massachusetts icon is messy, beefy, and downright addictive. Make your own
Onion Burger
Thin patties smashed onto a grill with a pile of sweet onions, served up juicy and full of character. Oklahoma’s signature burger delivers a deeply satisfying bite with every mouthful. See how it’s made
Crab Cake Sandwich
Jumbo lump crab cakes, lightly fried and loaded into a bun with lettuce, tomato, and a swipe of tartar sauce. A Maryland classic that’ll turn anyone into a seafood fanatic. Find out more
Polish Boy
Smoked kielbasa, coleslaw, fries, and barbecue sauce, all tucked into a bun. Cleveland’s contribution to sandwich lore is hearty and impossible to forget. Get the recipe
Runza
This Nebraska specialty is a savory pocket filled with seasoned beef, onions, and cabbage. It’s comfort food wrapped up to go. Try it out
Pork Roll, Egg & Cheese
New Jersey’s favorite breakfast: salty pork roll, fried egg, and gooey cheese on a roll. It’s the ultimate fuel for your morning. Make it now
Pueblo Slopper
A cheeseburger smothered with green chile sauce and onions. Grab a fork and plenty of napkins for this Colorado legend. Get messy
Patty Melt
A griddled burger, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese between slices of toasted rye. A diner favorite that never gets old. See why it rules
Crab Melt
Heaps of Maryland crab salad, layered with melty cheese on toasty bread. Each bite is seafood bliss. Try the melt
Liver Mush Sandwich
Fried slices of liver mush on soft white bread, usually with a swipe of yellow mustard. North Carolina’s unsung hero. Give it a shot
Fish Fry Sandwich
Golden, crispy fried fish fillet served up on a roll. Wisconsin’s Friday tradition, and a year-round hit. See the tradition
Jucy Lucy
A burger with molten cheese sealed inside the patty. Bite in and watch the cheese ooze out;Minneapolis ingenuity at its finest. Try this classic
Muffuletta Sandwich
New Orleans-style: layers of cold cuts, cheese, and briny olive salad on a round sesame loaf. It’s a monster, and it’s delicious. Build one today
Vermonter Sandwich
Turkey, sharp cheddar, green apples, and maple mustard on hearty bread. This is Vermont’s autumn in sandwich form. Get the recipe
