16 Iconic Sandwiches Worth Traveling For
If you’re hungry for adventure and something unforgettable, these iconic sandwiches are worth the miles. Each one offers a unique bite of American food history and hometown pride.
Kalua Pork Sandwich
Hawaiian-style slow-cooked pork, smoky and tender, piled high and dressed with tangy slaw. A taste of the islands with every bite.
Detroit Coney Dog
A snap-cased hot dog topped with chili, diced onions, and mustard on a steamed bun. It’s a Detroit staple that keeps fans coming back for more.
Hot Brown Sandwich
This open-faced Louisville classic piles turkey and bacon on toast, then smothers it in creamy Mornay sauce and broils until bubbly and golden. Rich, indulgent, and the best reason to visit Kentucky.
Runza
From Nebraska, this sandwich is filled with seasoned beef, cabbage, and onions, all baked in soft bread. Comforting and totally unique to the Midwest.
Patty Melt
A cross between a burger and grilled cheese, loaded with caramelized onions and gooey cheese on griddled rye bread. There’s a reason diners across the country keep it on the menu.
Chicken Spiedie
Juicy chunks of marinated chicken char-grilled and tucked into a roll. Upstate New York’s answer to picnic perfection.
Pork Chop Sandwich
A Butte, Montana specialty featuring breaded, fried pork chop on a bun, usually with mustard and pickles. Rustic, hearty, and made for road trips.
Muffuletta Sandwich
New Orleans in a bite: layers of Italian meats, cheese, and zesty olive salad packed into round sesame bread. A festival of textures and tastes.
Bison Burger
Wyoming’s signature burger is lean, beefy, and loaded with a touch of wild flavor. Each bite is juicy, hearty, and just different enough to be memorable.
Fried Bologna Sandwich
Southern comfort: thick-sliced bologna fried till crisp, then tucked into squishy bread with mustard. It’s simple, nostalgic, and unexpectedly satisfying.
Italian Beef Sandwich
Chicago’s pride: thin-sliced, juicy roast beef dunked in au jus, stuffed into a roll, and topped with giardiniera or sweet peppers. Soaked and drippy;just how it should be.
Steak Bomb
New England’s take on a cheesesteak, loaded with shaved steak, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and melty cheese. It’s bold, filling, and over the top.
Primanti Brothers Sandwich
Pittsburgh’s claim to fame: thick-cut bread, your choice of meat, coleslaw, tomatoes, and fries;all inside the sandwich. No need for sides here.
Hot Beef Sandwich
Minnesota’s stick-to-your-ribs classic;roast beef on white bread, drenched in brown gravy. It’s comforting and absolutely filling.
Shrimp Po Boy
New Orleans street food legend: crispy fried shrimp, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and creamy remoulade on crusty French bread. Crunchy, juicy, and totally addictive.
Sonoran Hot Dog
Tucson’s border-town favorite: bacon-wrapped hot dog in a soft bun, piled with beans, onions, jalapeños, tomatoes, and squiggles of mayo and mustard.
