Since the 4th Earl of Sandwich somehow improved life as we know it by inventing his namesake in 1762, the humble sandwich has gone on to create countless variations, and an almost endless number of spots that will insist they do the “best” one in town. For your convenience we’ve gone ahead and picked out each state’s signature sandwich, plus a solid place where you can actually try it.
Alabama – Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q
If you end up in Decatur, Alabama, make haste to Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, for their famous smoked chicken sandwich with that white sauce. The whole point is the white sauce; it sets it apart. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q even came up with that peppery mayo-based dressing in the late 1920s, and yeah, it’s seriously addictive.
Alaska – Spenard Roadhouse
You probably made quite a trip for this one, so don’t settle with anything but the absolute best salmon sandwich in Alaska, at Spenard Roadhouse in Anchorage. The fresh ground, local salmon patty stacks with mango chutney arugula and chipotle aioli. It’s kind of a modern spin on an Alaskan classic, you know.
Arizona – Emerson Fry Bread
Fry bread tacos, also called Navajo tacos, represent this Native American and Mexican mashup of the usual sandwich idea, with warm, kind of pillow-like bread wrapping around those hybrid taco fillings like pulled meat, beans and cheese, yeah. You should really stop by Emerson Fry Bread in Phoenix if you can, they operate as a food truck now, so just peek at their social media to see where they are headed next.
Arkansas – Eat My Catfish
People talk about Arkansas all over the U.S. for some really excellent catfish, and Eat My Catfish got a recent little nod for having the best in the state. If you feel like tasting it as a sandwich, you can grab their po’boy with catfish, served on toasted New Orleans-style French bread, with tartar sauce plus coleslaw on top.
California – Philippe’s
California’s most famous sandwich has to be the French dip sandwich, made with thinly sliced roast meat on a French roll accompanied by a side of pan sauce for dipping. While some debate exists as to where in Los Angeles the sandwich originated—either at Philippe’s or Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet—Philippe’s can still lay claim to having the best after more than 100 years. You can choose from a wide selection of meat and cheese options, as well as how dipped you want it: single-dipped, double-dipped or wet.
Colorado – George’s Café
You’ve likely heard of the Denver omelet—also known as the Western omelet—which cooks with bell peppers, onions, ham and cheese. But it’s also great in sandwich form: in fact, it started that way. The Denver sandwich first appeared in the early 1900s, and if you want to harken back to those simpler times, head over to George’s Café in Arvada for the authentic experience.
Connecticut – The Sandpiper Restaurant
New England has a reputation for its seafood-based sandwich options, and Connecticut is no different. The Sandpiper Restaurant in East Haven not only enjoys a perfect location across from the beach, but it also serves a great clam strip roll—fried clams are a Connecticut specialty—on toasted buttered bread.
Delaware – Capriotti’s
How does Thanksgiving on a bun sound? Award-winning sub shop chain Capriotti’s founded itself in Wilmington in 1976, and its signature “Bobbie” sandwich includes all the holiday fixings, including cranberry sauce and stuffing on a roll with pulled turkey and mayonnaise.
Florida – Columbia Restaurant
The Cuban sandwich stands out as Florida’s most iconic sandwich, thanks to its large Cuban population. You can get your fix of the pork, cheese, pickles, and mustard delight all over the Sunshine State, but your best bet is Columbia Restaurant in the Ybor City neighborhood of Tampa. It’s the oldest restaurant in the state, and five generations have made Cubanos there since 1905.
Georgia – 1910 Public House
The pimento cheese sandwich is a Southern staple in Georgia, and they serve it every spring at the Augusta Masters as the official sandwich of the famous golf tournament. Don’t worry about needing a green jacket to dine at the 1910 Public House in the Atlanta suburb of Lilburn; its brunch version includes applewood smoked bacon, chipotle aioli, and cornmeal-dusted green tomatoes.
Idaho – Homemade by Dorothy
This is a bit of a do-it-yourself suggestion, but it’s worth the effort. Idaho is known for its huckleberries, which take the simple PB&J sandwich to the next level, as huckleberry jam is simply sensational. Grab a jar of fresh homemade jam from Homemade by Dorothy in Boise, pick up your favorite brand of peanut butter and a loaf of bread, and go to town.
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