18 Incredible Sandwiches That Define American Cuisine

From coast to coast, American cuisine tells its story through sandwiches. Each one is packed with regional flavors, history, and a sense of place you can taste. Some of these sandwiches have been around for generations, while others are modern favorites that quickly became local legends. What ties them together is simple: they’re unforgettable, filling, and impossible to put down. Here are eighteen sandwiches that prove America’s love affair with bread and fillings is here to stay.

Roast Pork Sandwich

Philadelphia’s roast pork sandwich is all about tender pork, sharp provolone, and garlicky broccoli rabe on a crusty roll. Juicy, garlicky, and pure Philly. GET THE RECIPE

Detroit Coney Dog

Detroit’s answer to the chili dog starts with a snappy frank, gets smothered in spiced meat sauce, and is topped with raw onions and yellow mustard. It’s got a cult following for good reason. GET THE RECIPE

Fried Chicken Biscuit

A Southern classic—crispy fried chicken sandwiched inside a soft, buttery biscuit. Sometimes it’s drizzled with honey or hot sauce for a perfect salty-sweet kick. GET THE RECIPE

Patty Melt

Griddled rye, a juicy beef patty, melted cheese, and sweet caramelized onions. The patty melt is diner food at its absolute best, with every bite melting together for pure comfort. GET THE RECIPE

Shrimp Po Boy

New Orleans’ legendary po boy stuffs crisp fried shrimp, lettuce, tomato, and creamy remoulade into French bread. Crunchy, fresh, and pure Gulf Coast flavor. GET THE RECIPE

Pastrami Burger

Utah’s iconic twist on the classic burger, with juicy beef and stacks of smoky pastrami, tangy pickles, and mustard. Big, bold, and satisfying. GET THE RECIPE

North Shore Beef

This Massachusetts favorite is rare roast beef piled high on a soft roll with barbecue sauce, cheese, and mayo. The beef is always pink and juicy. GET THE RECIPE

Sonoran Hot Dog

From Tucson, Arizona, the Sonoran hot dog is a bacon-wrapped frank topped with beans, grilled onions, jalapeños, tomatoes, and a squiggle of creamy sauces. It’s a Southwestern street food masterpiece. GET THE RECIPE

Crab Cake Sandwich

Maryland blue crab, barely held together with a little mayo and spice, fried crisp and sandwiched in a bun with lettuce and tartar. Chesapeake tradition in every bite. GET THE RECIPE

Cuban Sandwich

Miami’s Cuban sandwich stacks roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on pressed Cuban bread until golden and crunchy. It’s everything you want in a pressed sandwich. GET THE RECIPE

Pork Roll Egg and Cheese

New Jersey’s go-to breakfast. Pork roll is sizzled and topped with a fried egg and cheese, then layered in a soft roll. It’s salty, rich, and wakes you right up. GET THE RECIPE

Grinder Sandwich

This Connecticut classic piles up cold cuts, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and oil and vinegar in a chewy Italian roll. It’s the ultimate deli lunch. GET THE RECIPE

Polish Boy

Cleveland’s Polish Boy is a beef sausage tucked into a bun, topped with fries, slaw, and a dousing of barbecue sauce. Every bite is a messy explosion of flavor. GET THE RECIPE

Onion Burger

Oklahoma’s claim to burger fame: a juicy beef patty smashed on a griddle with piles of onions until everything caramelizes. It’s simple, sweet, and addictive. GET THE RECIPE

Loose Meat Sandwich

This Iowa staple features seasoned, crumbled beef loaded onto a soft bun with pickles and onions. It’s unpretentious, old-school goodness. GET THE RECIPE

Fish Fry Sandwich

Wisconsin’s favorite Friday meal. A crispy fried fish fillet, often on a soft roll with tartar sauce and lettuce, makes for a Midwest classic. GET THE RECIPE

Pepperoni Rolls

West Virginia miners’ portable lunch, pepperoni rolls are soft bread wrapped around sticks of spicy pepperoni. The oil melts into the bread for a deliciously simple snack. GET THE RECIPE