Publix is revered for its “pub-subs.” Even the Thrillist recently proclaimed Publix to have the best custom-made subs in the land. But the Florida-based grocer is getting a run for its money from plenty of other sandwich artists around the state. We have scoured online reviews to see what other Florida sub shops have subs worthy of universal acclaim. It’s a controversial topic for food fans for sure, but here you have the other sub shops that Floridians love.
Lawless Subs, Altamonte Springs
445 FL-436 #1033, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 LawlessSubs
In the submarine world, meat is king. Oddly enough though, Lawless regulars say the chicken salad sub here is a must first order.
Kappy’s Subs, Maitland
501 N Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751 Kappy’s Subs Facebook
Just outside the Orlando suburb of Winter Park is Maitland, home of Kappy’s Subs – an old-school lunch counter where the iconic Philly cheesesteak should be washed down with a sweet tea.
Hogan’s Heroes, Gainesville
2327 NW 13th St, Gainesville, FL 32609 hogans83.com
Founded back when people still watched reruns of Hogan’s Heroes through broadcast TV, Hogan’s originally named its super-stuffed subs after characters on the show. Alas, you no longer can order a “Colonel Klink,” but any of Hogan’s combination subs will do the trick. Regulars rave about the #1 combo featuring ham, capicola, salami, proscuittini and provolone. That’s quite a hero, Hogan.
Brocato’s Sandwich Shop, Tampa
5021 E Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33619 brocatossandwich.com
Cuban food and deviled crab are the specialties here, but regulars love the shop’s roast pork sub just as much. The wait can be long at lunchtime, so be prepared.
V&S Italian Deli, Boca Raton
2621 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL 33431 Facebook page
Reading the online reviews, we’re left to believe there are no bad choices to be made here. So we’ll just go with the V&S Special (sopressata, mortadella and provolone).
Laspada’s Original Hoagies, South Florida
Multiple locations around South Florida laspadashoagies.com
All the “hoagies” here are done in “Chester, PA” style, which means tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, sweet peppers, hot peppers, oil and vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Of course, there’s still room for meat. Fans here love the Mama Laspada (turkey and Genoa salami).
D’Best Sandwich Shop, Boca Raton
5201 N Dixie Hwy, Boca Raton, FL 33487 dbestsandwichshop.com
There are a slew of signature subs here, but D’Pilgrim leads the list. Served hot or cold, it’s stacked with turkey, stuffing, cranberry, and mayo.
Mazzaro’s Italian Market, St. Petersburg
2909 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713 mazzarosmarket.com
Mazzaro’s is a must-do pilgrimage for Tampa Bay food fans. After the aromas knock you off your feet, please remember to order a No. 20 – the Hot Italian, with ham, salami, pepperoni, romaine, tomato, provolone, banana peppers and Italian dressing.
Slicers Hoagies, Naples
13020 Livingston Rd #15, Naples, FL 34105 slicershoagies.com
Fans here rave about the fresh bread used for the hoagies. When it comes to filling the bread, they recommend the super-stuffed “The Slicer” (ham, turkey, roast beef).
Wally’s Deli, Fort Myers
8024 Alico Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33912 wallysdelifortmyers.com
Fort Myers got on the sports map when Florida Gulf Coast University‘s basketball team became a March Madness Cinderella team in 2013, thus earning the nickname Dunk City. So it seems fitting to order the “Dunk City Delight” from Wally’s, featuring chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese and ranch dressing.
Philly’s Cheesesteaks & Hoagies, Pensacola
3900 Creighton Rd #4, Pensacola, FL 32504 phillysonline.com
Okay, so chances are you came to one of the several Pensacola locations of this sub shop for a cheesesteak. But there are six varieties to choose from! Call us crazy, but we like this look of this one, loaded with steak, salami, mushrooms, peppers, and onions.
Blue Boy Sandwiches, Jacksonville
6514 Norwood Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32208 blueboysandwiches.com
Try to decide between the Big Daddy Sub (two 4 oz. hamburger patties, mushrooms, eggs, onions, and cheese) or the Super Club Sub (bacon, ham, smoked turkey, turkey, Swiss and American cheeses). Or just order both. You’ll have enough food for a week.
Is your favorite sub shop missing from our list? Email your recommendations to [email protected].
