Locals Travel From All Over New Jersey For Lunch At This Sub Shop
White House Sub Shop in Atlantic City, New Jersey, isn’t your typical lunch stop.
People from all corners of the state make the trek for sandwiches stacked high with fresh ingredients and flavor that hits just right.
Every bite tells a story of decades-old recipes and loyal fans who know it’s worth the drive. The buzz, the lines, and the unbeatable subs make this spot a true New Jersey lunchtime legend.
Family Roots Run Deep
The smell of fresh-baked bread hits you before you even walk through the door. Anthony “Tony” Basile planted these culinary roots back in October 1946, with his Aunt Basilia and Uncle “Fritz” Sacco by his side.
Their little sandwich spot at 2301 Arctic Avenue quickly became the talk of the town.
What started as a modest family business has maintained its charm for over 75 years, serving up the same recipes that made them famous from day one.
The Legendary White House Special
Nothing says “I’m from Jersey” like tackling the White House Special. This monster measures nearly two feet long when whole, stuffed with a mountain of Italian cold cuts, sharp provolone, and all the fixings.
Watching the sandwich makers build these behemoths is like witnessing culinary architecture.
Most first-timers order the half-size and still walk away stuffed. The ratio of meat to bread is almost criminal – these aren’t your skimpy corner deli sandwiches.
Those Famous Atlantic City Rolls
Ask any sandwich expert and they’ll tell you – it all starts with the bread. White House sources their iconic rolls from Formica Freitag Bakery just blocks away.
These aren’t your grocery store submarine rolls. They’re crusty on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and somehow manage to hold up against the mountain of ingredients without getting soggy.
The partnership between these two Atlantic City institutions creates sandwich magic that simply can’t be replicated elsewhere.
Boardwalk Empire Expansion
Success tastes sweet! After decades of lines wrapping around the original location, White House finally expanded.
Their second outpost inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino brings these legendary subs to hungry gamblers and boardwalk strollers.
While purists still swear by the original shop, the casino location serves up the exact same menu with the same attention to detail.
The expansion marks a rare compromise for a business that’s famously resistant to change – they didn’t even accept credit cards until recent years!
Celebrity Sandwich Pilgrimage
Frank Sinatra had his White House subs flown to him in Vegas. The Beatles took a break from screaming fans to chow down here during their American tour.
Even Oprah couldn’t resist the allure of these legendary sandwiches! Celebrities from every era have made the pilgrimage to this unassuming sandwich joint.
The walls tell the story – plastered with faded photos of famous faces enjoying the same subs you’re ordering. It’s a reminder that great food is the ultimate equalizer.
Surviving Sandy’s Wrath
When Hurricane Sandy slammed into the Jersey Shore in 2012, locals worried about more than just their homes. Would their beloved sub shop survive?
The storm forced White House to close temporarily – a rare interruption in their decades-long history of feeding hungry Atlantic City visitors.
Early 2013 brought sighs of relief as those orange booths welcomed customers once again.
The reopening symbolized something powerful for the community: even after the worst storms, some traditions stand strong.
A Living Museum of Atlantic City
Step inside and you’re immediately transported through time. Beyond serving stellar sandwiches, White House doubles as an unofficial museum of Atlantic City’s colorful past.
Every inch of wall space tells stories through yellowing photographs and newspaper clippings. Boxing matches, beauty pageants, prohibition-era escapades – it’s all there.
Between bites of your sub, you can trace the rise, fall, and rebirth of this iconic seaside town through the eyes of a business that witnessed it all.