20 Regional Sandwiches That Should Be National Treasures

America’s sandwich tradition is as varied as its people; each region has its own heroes, legends, and hidden gems. From hot, messy masterpieces in the Southwest to the crispy, creamy, cheese-topped legends of the Midwest, this collection spotlights the sandwiches that define where you’re from. Every bite tells the story of a place, its people, and the local pride that goes into each creation. Don’t miss out on these national treasures; make your way across the country, one sandwich at a time.

Kalua Pork Sandwich

This Hawaiian staple features tender, smoky pork cooked in an underground oven, then pulled and stuffed into a soft bun. The meat is juicy, rich, and kissed with just the right amount of sea salt. Where: Hawaii. GET THE RECIPE

Smoked Salmon Dip Sandwich

Alaska’s take: cold-smoked salmon whipped with cream cheese and herbs, then spread thick onto crackers or crusty bread. It’s smoky, creamy, and refreshing. Where: Alaska. GET THE RECIPE

Detroit Coney Dog

Detroit’s classic is a snappy beef hot dog, drenched in a savory, chili-like sauce, topped with yellow mustard and diced onions—all tucked in a steamed bun. It’s comfort food with an attitude. Where: Detroit, Michigan. GET THE RECIPE

French Dip Sandwich

Born in Los Angeles, this sandwich features thinly sliced roast beef piled on a toasted baguette, served with hot au jus for dipping. Each bite is juicy, beefy, and irresistibly dunkable. Where: Los Angeles, California. GET THE RECIPE

Steak Bomb

This New England legend is a hoagie packed with thinly shaved steak, sautéed peppers and onions, mushrooms, and plenty of cheese. Every bite is meaty, cheesy, and totally over the top. Where: New England. GET THE RECIPE

Shrimp Po Boy

Crispy fried shrimp, lettuce, tomato, and a tangy remoulade, all on soft French bread. This New Orleans sandwich is a celebration of the Gulf’s freshest catches. Where: New Orleans, Louisiana. GET THE RECIPE

Turkey Reuben

This lighter spin on the classic reuben features sliced turkey, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, grilled to perfection on rye. Where: United States. GET THE RECIPE

Hot Brown Sandwich

Open-faced sandwich loaded with turkey, bacon, and tomato, then smothered in creamy cheese sauce and broiled. Louisville’s signature comfort food. Where: Louisville, Kentucky. GET THE RECIPE

Patty Melt

This diner staple combines a juicy beef patty, Swiss cheese, and caramelized onions, pressed between slices of buttery grilled rye bread. Where: United States. GET THE RECIPE

Lobster Roll

Maine’s ultimate summer sandwich: fresh lobster, mayo, and lemon juice, packed into a buttered split-top roll. It’s fresh, rich, and perfect for a seaside picnic. Where: Maine. GET THE RECIPE

Bison Burger

Lean bison patty, grilled and topped with the works. Wyoming’s answer to the burger is both hearty and wholesome. Where: Wyoming. GET THE RECIPE

Jucy Lucy

Cheese-stuffed burger, griddled until the center turns into molten goo. Bite carefully—this Minneapolis creation is always hot and melty. Where: Minneapolis, Minnesota. GET THE RECIPE

Pueblo Slopper

A burger patty on bread, drowned in spicy green chile and smothered with cheese and onions. Grab a fork for this one—Colorado’s messiest masterpiece. Where: Pueblo, Colorado. GET THE RECIPE

Onion Burger

A thin patty of ground beef, smashed onto a hot griddle with heaps of onions, then tucked in a soft bun. This Oklahoma favorite is caramelized, sweet, and deeply satisfying. Where: El Reno, Oklahoma. GET THE RECIPE

Fried Chicken Biscuit

Golden fried chicken tucked into a buttery, flaky biscuit, with a drizzle of honey or a smear of hot sauce. Pure comfort, southern style. Where: Southern United States. GET THE RECIPE

Tomato Sandwich

Fresh summer tomatoes, sliced thick, layered with mayo and a sprinkle of salt, all between slices of soft white bread. Simple, juicy, and the taste of summer in the South. Where: Southern United States. GET THE RECIPE

Fried Bologna Sandwich

Thick-cut bologna sizzled in a skillet, then topped with melted cheese and wedged into soft white bread. It’s classic lunchroom nostalgia for grown-ups. Where: Southern United States. GET THE RECIPE

Crab Cake Sandwich

Big, golden Maryland crab cakes, tucked into a soft bun with lettuce, tomato, and a heap of tartar sauce. Every bite is packed with sweet, flaky crab. Where: Maryland. GET THE RECIPE