13 Sandwiches That Beat Pasta On Every Metric
When it comes to taste, texture, and staying power, these thirteen sandwiches leave pasta in the dust. From smoky and saucy to crisp and comforting, they win every category that counts; and they don’t need a drive-thru to prove it.
Chopped Cheese
New York’s Chopped Cheese does everything a burger does, just better. Quick-seared beef, melted cheese, and a soft roll; it’s fast, fiery, and absolutely perfect in its chaos.
Brisket Sandwich
Texas brisket smoked low and slow can humble any burger. Tender, smoky, and stacked high on soft bread, it’s proof that patience wins every metric that matters.
Italian Beef Sandwich
Chicago’s Italian Beef outperforms burgers in flavor, mess factor, and loyalty. Thinly sliced beef dunked in jus with hot giardiniera is as messy as it is legendary.
Hot Brown Sandwich
Louisville’s Hot Brown makes a burger feel like an appetizer. Toast, turkey, bacon, and creamy sauce baked together; it’s a warm win in every category.
Roast Pork Sandwich
Philly’s Roast Pork Sandwich plays for the same crowd as cheesesteaks but quietly wins hearts. Sharp provolone, garlicky greens, and slow-roasted pork; that’s championship material.
Fried Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Indiana’s Pork Tenderloin Sandwich is bigger, crispier, and flat-out more fun than a burger. It doesn’t just win on size; it wins on pure Midwest satisfaction.
Detroit Coney Dog
The Coney Dog is proof that Detroit plays to win. Chili, onions, and mustard over a snappy frank; it’s faster, spicier, and somehow more balanced than a burger will ever be.
Patty Melt
The Patty Melt keeps the burger’s soul but gives it rhythm. Toasted rye, melted Swiss, caramelized onions; it’s a grilled masterclass that wins on nostalgia alone.
Horseshoe Sandwich
From Springfield, Illinois, this mountain of meat, fries, and cheese sauce dominates the table. It’s not polite, but neither is greatness.
Fried Chicken Biscuit
Perfectly fried chicken inside a flaky biscuit can stop time. Crunch, butter, and balance; burgers can’t compete with that kind of harmony.
Runza
Nebraska’s Runza makes efficiency delicious. A soft bread pocket filled with beef and cabbage is the kind of genius burgers wish they’d thought of first.
Pastrami Burger
Utah’s Pastrami Burger walks the line between indulgence and art. The smoky meat layered over beef turns ordinary into exceptional; it’s the upgrade the burger never saw coming.
North Shore Beef
Massachusetts’ North Shore Beef doesn’t bother competing; it just wins. Rare beef, sauce, and mayo on a soft roll; simple perfection that sets its own rules.