Unearth The Voyage
Publix subs have become legendary in the Florida, inspiring road trips and social media worship. These deli counter creations, lovingly called ‘Pub Subs’ by fans, combine fresh ingredients with that signature soft-yet-sturdy bread. Everyone has their favorites, but some choices clearly outshine others when it comes to flavor, value, and overall satisfaction.
10. Veggie Sub: The Forgotten Foundation
Often overlooked in the Publix lineup, the veggie sub sits at the bottom of most rankings. A simple combination of provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, and your choice of additional vegetables lacks the protein punch that makes other options memorable.
Without heavy customization – perhaps avocado or extra dressings – it can taste uninspired. The bread-to-filling ratio feels off without a substantial protein layer.
However, vegetarians appreciate having an option, and health-conscious eaters might prefer its lower calorie count. Just be prepared to add plenty of toppings and dressings to avoid blandness.
9. Ham Sub: Basic But Reliable
The ham sub represents Publix sandwich simplicity at its most basic. Sliced tavern ham pairs with standard toppings on your bread of choice, creating a lunch that won’t disappoint but rarely excites.
What saves this sub from complete mediocrity is Publix’s quality ham – moist and flavorful compared to competitors. Kids particularly enjoy this milder option without complicated flavors.
For best results, add mustard and mayo with banana peppers or pickles to give it some zing. The ham sub makes a solid foundation but needs your creative touch to truly shine.
8. Tuna Salad Sub: The Divisive Classic
Tuna lovers defend it passionately while others wrinkle their noses. Publix’s tuna salad recipe splits opinions with its mayo-heavy mixture that can sometimes overwhelm the bread.
Consistency varies between stores and preparation days – sometimes chunky and flavorful, other times too wet or bland. The best versions balance creamy texture with just enough seasoning.
Pro tip: Order it on white bread with provolone cheese and have it toasted to prevent sogginess. Add crisp vegetables like cucumber and green pepper for textural contrast against the creamy tuna salad.
7. Roast Beef Sub: Rich Yet Understated
Publix’s roast beef delivers a savory experience that deserves more attention than it typically receives. The thin-sliced beef carries a subtle smokiness that pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar or provolone.
The main drawback? The meat can sometimes veer toward dryness without proper accompaniments. Smart customers request a splash of au jus or extra mayonnaise to combat this issue.
Horseradish sauce transforms this sub entirely, adding a welcome kick to each bite. For maximum enjoyment, add tomatoes and red onions with a sprinkle of oregano and oil for a more complex flavor profile.
6. Turkey Sub: The Reliable Middle-Grounder
The turkey sub sits comfortably in the middle of Publix’s hierarchy – never disappointing but rarely the first choice for sub enthusiasts. Oven-roasted turkey breast offers a clean, lean protein option that serves as an excellent canvas.
What elevates this sub is customization. A turkey sub with bacon transforms into something special, while cranberry sauce during holiday seasons creates a portable Thanksgiving experience.
Health-conscious customers appreciate its relatively low fat content compared to other meat options. The turkey’s subtle flavor allows premium condiments and fresh vegetables to shine through without competition.
5. Italian Sub: Mediterranean Masterpiece
The Italian sub brings old-world flavors to the Publix deli counter. Genoa salami, tavern ham, and capicola create a harmonious trio of cured meats that deliver satisfying saltiness and complexity.
This sub shines with oil and vinegar dressing, bringing authentic Italian sandwich shop vibes. The magic happens when provolone melts slightly into the meats, creating pockets of creamy richness between the savory layers.
Oregano sprinkled throughout ties everything together with its distinctive herbal notes. For maximum authenticity, request it on Italian five-grain bread and add banana peppers or roasted red peppers for a tangy counterpoint.
4. Ultimate Sub: The Protein Powerhouse
The Ultimate Sub lives up to its ambitious name with a protein trifecta of turkey breast, ham, and roast beef. This heavyweight contender satisfies serious hunger with its impressive stack of quality meats.
Each bite delivers different flavor notes as you encounter various meat combinations. The Ultimate particularly excels when toasted, allowing the provolone cheese to melt into the meat layers for maximum cohesion.
Be warned: this sub carries a higher price tag than simpler options. Still, many fans consider it worth the splurge for special occasions or when seeking a meal substantial enough to split into two sittings.
3. Buffalo Chicken Tender Sub: Spicy Sensation
Buffalo sauce transforms ordinary chicken tenders into something extraordinary in this beloved Publix creation. The contrast between crispy breaded chicken and tangy, spicy buffalo coating creates an irresistible texture experience.
Blue cheese dressing cools the heat while adding creamy richness. Some locations go light on the buffalo sauce, so spice enthusiasts should request extra coating or a side of sauce for dipping.
The sandwich reaches peak deliciousness when the warm tenders slightly wilt the lettuce underneath. For buffalo perfection, add ranch or blue cheese dressing, skip the tomatoes, and consider pepper jack cheese instead of the standard provolone.
2. Chicken Parmesan Tender Sub: Italian-American Dream
Imagine the comfort of chicken parmesan transformed into portable sandwich form. Crispy chicken tenders nestled in marinara sauce create the foundation for this Italian-American fusion masterpiece.
The key to this sub’s excellence lies in the cheese combination – provolone melts perfectly while grated parmesan adds nutty depth. When pressed (a crucial request!), the bread absorbs some marinara while developing a crisp exterior.
A sprinkle of oregano elevates the flavor profile to restaurant quality. Unlike other subs, this one needs minimal customization – just ask for it pressed and consider adding extra marinara if you prefer a saucier experience.
1. Chicken Tender Sub: The Undisputed Champion
The crown jewel of Publix’s sandwich kingdom reigns supreme for good reason. Freshly fried chicken tenders – still warm from the fryer – create the perfect protein base with their juicy interior and crispy exterior.
Part of this sub’s genius lies in its simplicity. No fancy sauces needed, though mayo, mustard, and honey mustard all complement the chicken beautifully. The contrast between warm tenders and cold, crisp vegetables creates textural magic in every bite.
College students make pilgrimages for this sub, Florida expats dream about it, and first-timers instantly understand the hype. For the ultimate experience, add bacon and ranch with a slice of American cheese.
