Forget Barbecue, These 13 Sandwiches Own the Spotlight
Barbecue has its place, but these sandwiches show they don’t need smoke and sauce to win the crowd. From city delis to coastal kitchens, these thirteen sandwiches prove they can hold the spotlight all on their own.
Muffuletta
New Orleans gave us the muffuletta, a towering loaf layered with Italian meats, cheese, and olive salad. It’s bold, shareable, and as famous as any barbecue plate in town.
Chopped Cheese
From the bodegas of New York City, the chopped cheese has become an icon. Ground beef, onions, and melted cheese on a hero roll pack just as much punch as any barbecue sandwich.
Italian Beef
Chicago’s Italian beef, dripping with jus and topped with peppers, is a local legend. It’s messy, flavorful, and gives barbecue sandwiches serious competition.
Primanti Bros. Sandwich
Pittsburgh stacks coleslaw and fries inside its Primanti Bros. sandwich. It’s hearty, built for workers on the go, and stands proudly next to any barbecue dish.
Shrimp Po Boy
New Orleans shines again with the shrimp po boy. Crispy seafood on French bread with lettuce and sauce proves that sandwiches can shine without a pitmaster.
Patty Melt
The patty melt is a diner staple with beef, onions, and melted cheese pressed between rye. It’s comfort food that has earned its own spotlight beyond barbecue’s shadow.
Seattle Dog
A hot dog with cream cheese and grilled onions sounds unusual until you try it. Seattle’s take has become a cult favorite that can stand toe-to-toe with smoked meats.
Steak Bomb
From New England, the steak bomb piles shaved beef, peppers, onions, and cheese into one giant bite. It’s a sandwich that doesn’t need a smoker to impress.
French Dip
Los Angeles’ French Dip invites diners to dunk tender beef in rich jus. It’s interactive, satisfying, and a rival to any saucy barbecue sandwich.
Cuban Sandwich
Miami’s Cuban layers roast pork, ham, cheese, pickles, and mustard, pressed until hot and melty. It’s a powerhouse that proves sandwiches can own the spotlight too.
Lobster Roll
From Maine’s coast, the lobster roll piles tender lobster on a buttered bun. It’s luxurious yet simple, and no barbecue sandwich can quite match its charm.
Roast Pork Sandwich
Philadelphia’s roast pork sandwich comes stacked with greens and provolone. It’s savory, filling, and built to stand in the spotlight all on its own.
Croque Monsieur
France meets American kitchens with the croque monsieur. Ham, cheese, and béchamel toasted to golden perfection prove sandwiches don’t need smoke to shine.