6 Arizona Fast-Food Sandwiches That Fall Flat & 6 That Totally Hit
Arizona’s fast-food scene serves up a wide range of sandwich experiences: some that seriously hit the spot, and others that fall flat.
There are the flavor-packed favorites that earn repeat visits, and then there are the letdowns that make you wish you’d ordered something else.
Here’s a look at which sandwiches are worth your money and which ones you’re better off skipping on your next Arizona food run.
1. Potbelly’s Skimpy Meat Situation
Where’s the beef? That’s what Potbelly customers in Phoenix keep asking. Multiple Yelp reviewers have expressed frustration with the microscopic meat portions hiding between bread slices.
One disappointed diner lamented, “Ordered food and barely any meat!” For nearly $10 a sandwich, customers expect more than a bread-heavy experience with meat playing a cameo role.
2. Smashburger’s Unsmashing Performance
Smashburger in Phoenix has earned a reputation that’s hard to swallow. TripAdvisor users consistently flag cleanliness issues, with comments about dirty tables and floors becoming alarmingly common.
Add lackluster service and mediocre food quality to the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for disappointment. Their signature smashing technique can’t save sandwiches that arrive cold, greasy, and uninspired.
3. Burger King’s Raw Chicken Nightmare
Horror stories circulate about Burger King’s Original Chicken Sandwich in Globe. One Yelp reviewer’s shocking discovery of “completely RAW” chicken should send shivers down any diner’s spine.
My cousin once bit into one of these sandwiches only to find pink, undercooked meat inside. Paired with consistently “horrible service” reports, this sandwich earns its spot on our warning list for very good reasons.
4. Jack in the Box’s Rubbery Regret
Travelers passing through Page, Arizona, might be tempted by Jack in the Box’s convenience. Resist that urge, especially when it comes to their chicken offerings.
Visitors describe the chicken as “rubbery” with a texture more reminiscent of pencil erasers than actual poultry.
When hunger strikes on your Arizona road trip, keep driving past this particular disappointment.
5. Subway’s Shrinking Footlong Fiasco
Subway’s infamous “Footlong” controversy continues to haunt their Arizona locations. Years after settling lawsuits over sandwiches measuring less than advertised, 12 inches, customers still report coming up short.
Quality concerns persist beyond size issues. Wilted vegetables, skimpy toppings, and bread that sometimes resembles a chemistry experiment rather than a bakery product keep this chain firmly in our “skip it” category.
6. Church’s Texas Chicken’s Disappointing Switch
Loyal fans of Church’s Texas Chicken in Globe are mourning the loss of their beloved original chicken sandwich. The replacement version has customers begging, “I want my real chicken sandwich back!”
The new offering lacks the crispy exterior and juicy interior that made the original a hit. When a fast food joint messes with a winning formula, customers vote with their wallets—and they’re clearly voting “no” on this sandwich switcheroo.
7. Frank’s New York Style Deli’s Italian Masterpiece
Frank’s in Phoenix has earned its reputation as Arizona’s sandwich royalty. Their standout creation, “The Tony,” piles premium Italian meats and cheeses on fresh-baked bread with a perfect balance of vinegar and oil.
Yelp reviewers rave about authentic New York deli flavors rarely found in the Southwest. Each bite delivers that magical combination of textures and tastes that separates good sandwiches from truly great ones.
8. Eegee’s Tucson-Born Sandwich Sensation
Tucson natives speak of Eegee’s with reverence usually reserved for religious experiences. This Arizona institution pairs exceptional sub sandwiches with their namesake frozen fruit drinks for a combo that’s pure desert magic.
Their Italian sub features perfectly calibrated spices and toppings on pillowy bread. When temperatures soar past 110°F, nothing beats an Eegee’s sandwich alongside their frosty strawberry Eegee—a pairing that’s converted countless visitors into believers.
9. Cheba Hut’s Toasted Sub Revolution
Tempe’s Cheba Hut transformed the sandwich scene with their cannabis-themed menu (though the only thing actually toasted is the bread). Their creative combinations and generous portions have built a loyal following across Arizona campuses and beyond.
The “White Widow” with chicken, mushrooms, and ranch exemplifies their approach to sandwich artistry. Founded in Arizona and now expanding nationwide, Cheba Hut proves that sometimes the best ideas start with a simple toasted sub.
10. The Grilled Cheese Truck’s Gourmet Comfort
Childhood comfort food gets a sophisticated upgrade at The Grilled Cheese Truck. Roaming Phoenix and Southern Arizona, this mobile marvel transforms simple grilled cheese into culinary art.
Their Cheesy Mac and Rib sandwich, combining macaroni and cheese with slow-cooked short ribs between perfectly buttered, crispy bread, defies description.
The lines forming whenever this truck appears confirm that grilled cheese can indeed be elevated to gourmet status.
11. Knuckle Sandwiches’ Homemade Meat Magic
Mesa’s family-owned Knuckle Sandwiches stands out in a world of processed meats. Since 2019, they’ve been smoking, curing, and roasting all meats in-house, a labor of love that’s evident in every bite.
Their Reuben showcases house-cured corned beef that puts chain restaurants to shame. Last summer, I watched my New York-born father-in-law, a notorious sandwich snob, silently devour their Reuben with closed eyes and a smile that said everything.
12. Pita Jungle’s Mediterranean Marvel
Finding quality airport food seems impossible, yet Pita Jungle at Phoenix Sky Harbor breaks this curse. Their Mediterranean-style sandwiches provide a healthy, flavorful alternative to typical terminal fare.
The Chicken Shawarma wrap balances perfectly spiced meat with fresh vegetables and tangy tzatziki. While most airport dining leaves travelers with regret and indigestion, Pita Jungle sends you to your gate satisfied and ready for the journey ahead.