No Subway Needed: 8 Colorado Fast-Food Sandwiches That Fall Flat And 8 That Locals Actually Love

Some chains consistently deliver a satisfying bite, while others feel like a waste of calories and cash. Across the state’s mountain towns and busy city streets, locals have strong opinions about which sandwiches hit the spot and which ones fall flat.

This guide breaks it down, highlighting the fast-food picks genuinely worth your money and the ones you’ll be glad you skipped.

1. Dairy Queen’s Crispy Chicken: Dairy Disappointment

Promising crunch but delivering mush, DQ’s chicken sandwich consistently ranks at the bottom of national taste tests. The breaded chicken breast looks appealing on menu photos, but reality tells a different story.

The meat often has a strange spongy quality that no amount of lettuce, tomato, or mayo can disguise. Colorado Springs residents stopping at the Fillmore Street location frequently leave wondering why they didn’t just order a Blizzard instead.

2. Burger King’s Original Chicken: The Long Letdown

BK’s iconic long chicken sandwich has survived menu changes for decades, but that doesn’t make it good. The oblong patty sits sadly in its equally elongated sesame seed bun like a thin, breadcrumb-coated apology.

The minimal toppings of lettuce and mayo can’t rescue the dry, flavorless meat. Colorado Mills shoppers stopping for a quick bite often discover this sandwich falls woefully short compared to the chain’s flame-grilled burgers.

3. Jack in the Box’s Cluck Sandwich: Nothing to Crow About

Jack’s attempt to join the chicken sandwich wars resulted in a forgettable contender. The breaded fillet promises crispy satisfaction but delivers middling mediocrity instead.

I grabbed one during a road trip through Colorado last summer, and the sad, lukewarm patty had me questioning my life choices.

The pickles and mayo try their best, but they’re fighting a losing battle against the sandwich’s fundamental blandness across Colorado locations.

4. Arby’s Crispy Chicken: Stick to Roast Beef

Arby’s built its reputation on roast beef, and their chicken sandwich makes it painfully clear why. The crispy filet sandwich comes with standard lettuce, tomato, and mayo, but lacks any distinguishing quality.

The chicken itself tends toward dry and bland, making the toppings do all the heavy lifting. When visiting any of the dozens of Colorado Arby’s locations, the smart move is skipping this forgettable option and ordering what they do best instead.

5. Sonic Drive-In’s Classic Crispy: Skid Marks on Your Taste Buds

Sonic’s chicken sandwich consistently ranks near the bottom in national taste tests, and Colorado’s 78 locations can’t seem to buck the trend. The brioche bun looks fancy, but it can’t compensate for what’s inside.

The chicken breast suffers from inconsistency issues – sometimes dry, sometimes undercooked. Bland seasoning makes the whole experience forgettable.

Colorado Springs residents often leave with the same question: why didn’t I just order a Cherry Limeade and tater tots instead?

6. KFC’s Chicken Little: Small Sandwich, Big Disappointment

KFC’s slider-sized sandwich feels like a practical joke played on hungry customers. The tiny breaded tender barely peeks out from its roll, making you wonder if there was a chicken shortage.

The pickles and mayo try valiantly to add flavor, but they’re fighting a losing battle. Last winter, my nephew summed it up perfectly after trying one at a Denver KFC: “Is this an appetizer for the real sandwich?”

Save yourself the letdown at Colorado KFC locations.

7. Carl’s Jr. Hand-Breaded Chicken: Middling Mediocrity

Carl’s Jr. talks a big game about their hand-breaded chicken sandwich, but the execution falls flat. The breading has decent seasoning, but that’s where the compliments end.

The chicken itself often lacks juiciness, and the overall experience is entirely forgettable. Front Range residents have plenty of better options than this middle-of-the-road offering.

Even the bacon Swiss variant can’t save this sandwich from its destiny of being perpetually overlooked.

8. McDonald’s McCrispy: Golden Arches, Bronze Medal Sandwich

Despite a rebrand of its Crispy Chicken Sandwich to the McCrispy, McDonald’s chicken sandwich remains stubbornly underwhelming. The thin filet lacks the substantial bite found in competitors’ offerings.

The toasted potato bun and pickles try to elevate the experience, but can’t overcome the fundamental flaws. Even the Deluxe version with lettuce and tomato feels like putting lipstick on a chicken.

Colorado’s ubiquitous McDonald’s locations serve these by the thousands, but quantity doesn’t equal quality.

9. Chick-fil-A’s Original Chicken: The Colorado Gold Standard

Coloradans brave long drive-thru lines for a reason – Chick-fil-A’s deceptively simple sandwich delivers consistent excellence. The hand-breaded chicken breast stays remarkably juicy inside its crispy coating.

The butter-toasted bun and two pickle chips create a perfect balance. Front Range residents from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs make this their go-to chicken sandwich.

The chain’s operational efficiency means even those infamous lines move quickly, making this worth the wait.

10. Popeyes Classic Chicken: The Reigning Challenger

When Popeyes launched their chicken sandwich in 2019, Colorado locations sold out for weeks. Years later, the hype has settled, but the quality remains stellar.

The massive buttermilk-battered breast maintains impressive crunch while staying juicy inside. The brioche bun stands up to the hefty filling, while pickles and mayo (or spicy sauce) complete the masterpiece.

Denver residents regularly debate whether this or Chick-fil-A deserves the crown, but everyone agrees it’s worth the occasional indulgence.

11. Raising Cane’s Sandwich Combo: Finger-Lickin’ Fantastic

Raising Cane’s takes a different approach by stacking three of their famous chicken tenders on a bun with lettuce and their legendary Cane’s Sauce. The result is tender, juicy chicken with maximum crunch factor.

I watched my daughter devour her first Cane’s sandwich at their Aurora location with the kind of joy usually reserved for birthday cake.

Colorado’s growing number of Raising Cane’s locations can barely keep up with demand as locals discover this top-tier option that consistently ranks in national top-three lists.

12. Jersey Mike’s Original Italian: Mile-High Flavor Stacked High

Jersey Mike’s #13 Original Italian, ordered “Mike’s Way,” stands tall among Colorado’s sub options. The impressive stack of provolone, ham, prosciuttini, capicola, and salami creates a perfect flavor foundation.

The addition of crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, onions, and that signature oil and vinegar blend takes it to another level. Colorado’s 55 locations maintain remarkable consistency.

The fresh-sliced meats and attention to proportions explain why locals regularly rank this as their favorite Italian sub in the state.

13. Firehouse Subs Italian: Steam-Powered Satisfaction

Firehouse Subs’ unique steam-then-toast method transforms their Italian sandwich into something special. The process melts the provolone slightly while warming the Genoa salami, pepperoni, and honey ham to aromatic perfection.

The Italian dressing and seasonings distribute evenly throughout the sandwich. My Denver firefighter friend swears by these sandwiches after long shifts, claiming they’re the closest thing to homemade he can find on the go.

Aurora, Arvada, and Denver locations consistently deliver this fan favorite.

14. Jimmy John’s Italian Night Club: Freaky Fast, Freaky Good

The #9 Italian Night Club combines salami, capocollo, ham, and provolone with fresh veggies and Jimmy John’s perfect oil and vinegar blend. The sandwich’s true star is the fresh-baked bread that strikes an ideal balance between crusty exterior and soft interior.

The speedy preparation doesn’t sacrifice quality. Colorado’s widespread JJ locations maintain remarkable consistency from Denver to smaller mountain towns.

College students and office workers alike appreciate the reliable quality and lightning-fast delivery that make this Italian sub a statewide favorite.

15. Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar: Roast Beef Redemption

While Arby’s chicken sandwich disappoints, their signature Beef ‘n Cheddar more than makes up for it. The warm, thinly-sliced roast beef gets smothered in creamy cheddar sauce that drips gloriously with each bite.

The red ranch sauce adds a tangy contrast, while the onion roll provides the perfect foundation. Fort Collins college students nursing hangovers and Colorado Springs families alike seek out this reliable comfort food.

Arby’s may have missed the mark with chicken, but they absolutely nailed their lane with this beef classic.

16. Potbelly’s A Wreck: Toasty Mountain of Meats

Potbelly’s signature sandwich lives up to its chaotic name by combining turkey, ham, roast beef, and salami with melty Swiss cheese. The magic happens when it’s run through their hot oven, transforming it into a warm, toasty delight.

Add their famous hot peppers for an extra kick that cuts through the richness. Downtown Denver office workers form lines out the door during lunch rush for this hearty option.

The sandwich has expanded to locations in DTC, Thornton, and Castle Rock, bringing meaty satisfaction to hungry Coloradans throughout the Front Range.