This Is the Best Grocery Store Sub Sandwich in America

When I was growing up in Florida, Publix wasn’t just a grocery store to me — it was a staple of everyday life, and a place I genuinely looked forward to visiting. From the birthday cakes in the bakery to the crispy fried chicken, there is so much I love about Publix’s offerings. But nothing tops the deli subs. 

I’ve been eating Publix’s subs (colloquially known as pub subs) for as long as I can remember, which means I’ve had plenty of time to narrow down the absolute best. Based on years of loyal taste-testing (and input from my equally Publix-obsessed family), here’s my list of the top four Publix subs you need to try.

It only makes sense to start with Publix’s crown jewel: crispy, juicy chicken tenders tucked into fresh bread and topped however you like. I go classic with American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise, and mustard, but you can also take it up a notch with Buffalo sauce and ranch. This is the sub that people can’t stop talking about and go out of their way to get for a reason. 

I grew up in South Florida and I’m part Cuban, so this sub just tastes like home to me. It’s packed with ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, then pressed to perfection. It’s toasted, so each bite has a satisfying crunch on the outside and warm, melty goodness on the inside. 

This one is a bit messy, but in all of the best ways. The deli takes big, juicy meatballs and smothers them in marinara sauce and melty mozzarella cheese. Each and every bite is rich and savory. It requires a stack of napkins to eat, but it’s totally worth it. It’s also one that you have to order and eat hot — no exceptions. 

An Italian sub is a deli classic — and, like many other things, Publix just does it right. It’s loaded high with meats (salami, turkey, and ham), cheese, and crisp veggies, and a drizzle of oil and vinegar ties everything together. It’s fresh, flavorful, balanced, and full of texture. It’s one of my (and my brother’s) go-tos. The only thing that makes it better? A few crushed chips pushed into the sandwich. 

What’s your Publix sub order? Tell us about it in the comments below.