Unearth The Voyage
Publix subs have earned their legendary status in the sandwich world. These made-to-order masterpieces from the deli counter of this beloved Southern grocery chain inspire road trips and social media worship. Whether you’re a Florida local or just passing through, the question isn’t if you should grab a Pub Sub, but which one deserves your appetite’s attention.
12. Philly Cheese Sub
Attempting a Philly cheesesteak outside of Pennsylvania is always a gamble. Publix gives it an honest effort, loading up shaved beef with melty cheese and the option of grilled onions and peppers. The problem? Consistency varies wildly between stores.
Some locations nail the meat-to-cheese ratio while others serve up something that feels more like a sad steak sandwich than the authentic Philadelphia experience. The beef can sometimes be overcooked, resulting in a chewy texture that no amount of cheese can save.
Ask for it pressed and double up on those grilled veggies to enhance the flavor profile. A dash of hot sauce doesn’t hurt either!
11. Chicken Cordon Bleu Sub
Creative in concept but occasionally flawed in execution, this fancy-sounding option marries fried chicken tenders with ham and Swiss cheese. When done right, it’s a delicious fusion of savory flavors. When done wrong, it’s a dry, disjointed mess.
The main issue stems from layering already-dry chicken tenders with ham that doesn’t add much moisture. Without adequate sauce, you might find yourself reaching for your drink after every bite. The Swiss cheese helps somewhat, but often isn’t enough to save the day.
Request extra mayo or honey mustard to combat the dryness. Having it toasted also helps meld the flavors together into something more cohesive.
10. Veggie Sub
Fresh? Absolutely. Satisfying? Well, that depends on your expectations. The Veggie Sub loads up crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, colorful bell peppers, and onions onto your choice of bread with a slice of cheese.
For vegetarians or those seeking a lighter option, it’s a welcome menu item. However, the lack of protein leaves many feeling hungry an hour later. The veggies alone don’t create that substantial sandwich experience most sub-seekers crave.
Transform this healthy choice by requesting extra cheese, a hearty drizzle of oil and vinegar, and avocado if available. Some locations offer hummus as an add-on, which significantly boosts both flavor and satisfaction.
9. Tuna Salad Sub
Tuna salad is notoriously divisive, and Publix’s version doesn’t escape this fate. Made fresh in-store, their tuna mix blends chunk tuna with mayo, celery, and spices. Some locations nail the balance perfectly, while others go heavy-handed on the mayo.
When done right, it’s creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. When done wrong, it’s a soggy nightmare that turns your bread into mush before you’ve finished the first half. The inconsistency is what lands this otherwise solid option in the lower ranks.
Order it on wheat bread for better structural integrity, and ask for the tuna to be “pressed” or “drained” if you’re concerned about sogginess. Adding crunchy veggies like bell peppers helps counterbalance the creamy texture.
8. Ham Sub
Sometimes simple is exactly what you need. The Ham Sub delivers straightforward satisfaction with stacked slices of tender tavern ham and your choice of cheese. No surprises here – just reliable deli-style goodness.
What holds this sub back from greatness isn’t any particular flaw but rather its lack of distinction. It’s the sandwich equivalent of a reliable sedan – gets the job done but doesn’t exactly turn heads. The ham itself has a pleasant mild smokiness but can get lost among more assertive toppings.
Elevate this basic option by adding bold flavors like spicy mustard, banana peppers, or a sharp cheese like provolone. A quick toast adds welcome texture contrast to the soft ham slices.
7. Turkey Sub
The Turkey Sub represents the Switzerland of Publix sandwiches – neutral, reliable, and appealing to almost everyone. Featuring sliced oven-roasted turkey breast, it delivers lean protein without overwhelming your taste buds.
Its middle-of-the-road ranking reflects its versatility rather than any shortcomings. The turkey itself is moist and flavorful, though not particularly bold. It serves as an excellent canvas for customization, working well with nearly any combination of toppings and condiments.
For a flavor boost, add bacon (turning it into a club-style sub) or cranberry sauce for a Thanksgiving-inspired twist. Turkey pairs beautifully with avocado and sprouts for a California-style upgrade that elevates this staple to something special.
6. Roast Beef Sub
Underappreciated yet deserving of recognition, the Roast Beef Sub delivers rich flavor that beef enthusiasts crave. The thinly sliced roast beef has a pinkish center and savory edge that outshines many competitors’ offerings. When dressed properly, it transforms from good to memorable.
What keeps this sub from climbing higher in the rankings is its tendency toward dryness if not ordered with enough condiments. The lean beef needs moisture companions to truly shine. The meat quality itself rarely disappoints, offering a clean beef flavor without excessive salt.
Pair it with horseradish sauce or a robust cheese like provolone. Request it lightly toasted to warm the meat without cooking it further, and don’t skimp on juicy tomatoes and onions for added dimension.
5. Italian Sub
The Italian Sub represents sandwich tradition at its finest. Loaded with Genoa salami, ham, and often pepperoni, this meat-lover’s dream delivers bold flavors in every bite. The combination of cured meats creates a complex flavor profile that needs little embellishment.
What makes this a Publix standby is its consistency across locations. The meat-to-bread ratio rarely disappoints, and the traditional oil and vinegar dressing cuts through the richness perfectly. The provolone cheese adds a creamy element that binds everything together.
Request it toasted to wake up the oils in the meat and melt the cheese slightly. Add banana peppers or roasted red peppers for a tangy counterpoint to the savory meats. This is one sub where the “Mike’s Way” approach (oil, vinegar, oregano) truly shines.
4. Ultimate Sub
Can’t decide on just one meat? The Ultimate Sub solves this dilemma by combining turkey, ham, and roast beef in a protein-packed powerhouse. This triple threat satisfies serious hunger with its generous portions and flavor variety.
Each bite offers a slightly different taste experience as the meats blend and complement each other. The turkey provides a clean backdrop, the ham adds smokiness, and the roast beef delivers rich umami notes. It’s like getting three sandwiches in one!
Request the meats evenly distributed rather than stacked for the best flavor in each bite. If taking it to go, ask for sauces on the side to prevent soggy bread. A light toasting helps the cheese melt and bind the different meats together for a more cohesive experience.
3. Buffalo Chicken Tender Sub
Bringing the heat in the best possible way, this fiery variation takes Publix’s famous chicken tenders and cranks up the flavor with tangy buffalo sauce. The contrast between crispy breading, juicy chicken, and spicy sauce creates an addictive combination that keeps fans coming back.
What makes this sub special is how the buffalo sauce penetrates the tender breading without making it soggy. The heat level is respectable without being overwhelming, allowing the chicken’s quality to still shine through. The cool crunch of lettuce and tomato provides welcome temperature contrast.
Ask for the tenders to be chopped and tossed in the sauce rather than just drizzled on top. This ensures even distribution of flavor. Blue cheese or ranch dressing makes a perfect addition to tame the heat while adding creamy richness.
2. Chicken Parmesan Tender Sub
Italian-American comfort food meets Southern fried chicken perfection in this indulgent creation. Crispy chicken tenders get smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melted provolone and parmesan cheese, creating a portable version of the classic dinner.
The genius lies in the contrast between the still-crispy tenders and the tangy sauce. Unlike many chicken parm sandwiches that turn soggy, Publix manages to maintain texture while delivering all the expected flavors. The marinara offers just enough acidity to cut through the richness of the fried chicken and cheese.
Request it pressed or toasted to melt the cheese completely and help the flavors meld. Ask for extra marinara on the side if you love sauce, or add banana peppers for a tangy kick that complements the Italian flavors beautifully.
1. Chicken Tender Sub
The undisputed champion of the Publix deli counter reigns supreme for good reason. This simple yet perfect combination features Publix’s famous fried chicken tenders on fresh bread with your choice of toppings. No fancy sauces or complicated ingredients needed – just quality execution of a brilliant concept.
What elevates this sub to legendary status is the chicken itself. Juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and seasoned just right, these tenders maintain their texture even when wrapped in paper. The contrast between warm chicken and cool toppings creates a sensory experience that’s hard to beat.
Customize it with bacon and ranch for a flavor explosion, or keep it classic with mayo, lettuce, and tomato. Either way, you’re experiencing a Southern sandwich icon that deserves every bit of its cult following.
