Forget Subway: 8 California Fast-Food Sandwiches To Skip And 8 That Are Surprisingly Good

California’s fast-food sandwich scene goes way beyond Subway.

As a lifelong sandwich enthusiast who’s eaten my way through the Golden State, I’ve had my share of disappointments and delightful surprises.

Some popular options leave your taste buds and wallet feeling equally empty, while others pack flavor that’ll make you question why you ever settled for mediocre subs.

Here’s my honest take on which California sandwich spots deserve your hard-earned cash and which ones should be left in the dust.

1. SKIP: Jack In The Box Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice with that sad excuse for a spicy chicken sandwich? Not happening! The Jack in the Box version promised heat but delivered nothing but regret and a weird aftertaste.

The chicken itself had the texture of compressed cardboard that had been briefly introduced to a fryer. Any actual spice seemed to have jumped ship long before assembly. The lettuce? Limp and practically translucent. The mayo-based sauce had all the personality of wet paper.

What really gets me is how they manage to make something breaded and fried so utterly dry. Save your money and dignity – this sandwich is the culinary equivalent of a bad first date that keeps texting you afterward.

2. SKIP: Carl’s Jr. Big Hamburger

Naming something “Big” sets expectations that Carl’s Jr. spectacularly fails to meet. Last summer, I grabbed one during a road trip and nearly turned the car around to demand a refund.

The patty somehow managed to be both thin and undercooked – a culinary magic trick I wasn’t prepared for. The bun had clearly been sitting around since morning, with edges that crumbled at the slightest touch. Condiments? A sad squirt of ketchup and mustard that pooled unappetizingly in the center.

For the price point, this burger commits the cardinal sin of fast food: it’s forgettable. You’re better off spending those dollars on literally anything else on their menu – or better yet, drive another mile to find a different restaurant altogether.

3. SKIP: Wienerschnitzel Pastrami Dog

My grandpa always said, “Never trust pastrami from a place that can’t spell ‘wiener’ right.” Wise words I should have heeded before trying Wienerschnitzel’s Pastrami Dog. The meat resembled gray confetti more than proper pastrami – thin, flavorless strips piled atop a mediocre hot dog.

The mustard couldn’t save this disaster, and believe me, they weren’t shy with it. Each bite delivered an unpleasant chewiness that had me questioning my life choices. The bread? A soggy mess that disintegrated faster than my hopes for a decent meal.

What boggles my mind is how they managed to take two perfectly good foods – hot dogs and pastrami – and create something that dishonors both traditions. Your taste buds deserve better treatment than this culinary crime.

4. SKIP: Del Taco Epic Cali Bacon Burrito

“Epic” is doing some heavy lifting in this menu item’s name. During my lunch break last month, I unwrapped this burrito with high hopes that quickly crumbled like the stale tortilla holding it together.

The bacon – the supposed star ingredient – appeared to have been cooked last Tuesday and reheated under someone’s armpit. Crispy? More like chewy leather strips. The fries inside (yes, fries IN a burrito) were somehow both mushy and hard, achieving a texture science shouldn’t allow. Avocado was promised but delivered as a pale green substance with the consistency of watery lotion.

I’m still trying to understand how something containing cheese, bacon, and potatoes could taste so aggressively bland. Even drowning it in hot sauce couldn’t resurrect this flavor corpse. Hard pass.

5. SKIP: El Pollo Loco Classic Chicken Burrito

El Pollo Loco usually gets my vote for decent fast food, but their Classic Chicken Burrito is the black sheep of their menu. I ordered it during a work lunch and immediately regretted not sticking with their bowls.

The chicken – normally their strong suit – was chopped into such tiny pieces that it disappeared into the sea of beans, becoming nothing more than a textural rumor. Rice dominated every bite, dry and underseasoned, like eating a bland pilaf wrapped in a flour blanket. Their signature avocado salsa was applied with such stinginess you’d think it was made of gold.

What really kills me is the tortilla-to-filling ratio – about 70% tortilla, 30% actual food. When a restaurant known for chicken can’t make a chicken burrito worth eating, something’s seriously wrong with the universe.

6. SKIP: Fatburger Basic Burger

Fatburger’s reputation had me excited until I bit into their Basic Burger. Talk about false advertising! There’s nothing “fat” about this sad, thin patty that looked like it had been through a meat presser twice.

The bun-to-meat ratio was so off-kilter that I found myself eating what amounted to a bread sandwich with meat garnish. Fresh toppings? The lettuce had all the crispness of week-old spinach left in the fridge, while the tomato slice was so pale it could have benefited from some sun exposure. Their signature “fat sauce” was applied with such restraint I needed a magnifying glass to locate it.

For a place with “burger” in its name, this basic offering misses every fundamental element that makes a burger satisfying. Your stomach and wallet will both feel empty afterward.

7. SKIP: Farmer Boys Cheeseburger

Farmer Boys markets themselves as farm-fresh, but their cheeseburger tastes like it took a detour through a processed food factory. My family stopped there on a weekend drive, and we’re still talking about it – and not in a good way.

The cheese hadn’t fully melted, sitting atop the patty like a plastic yellow square contemplating whether it wanted to commit to the relationship. The beef itself had that distinctive pre-formed, frozen disc quality that no amount of grill marks could disguise. Vegetables seemed like an afterthought – a single piece of lettuce and a tomato slice so thin it was practically transparent.

Most offensive was the price tag for this underwhelming experience. For what they charge, you’d expect something that at least pretends to care about flavor. The farm these boys are from must specialize in growing disappointment.

8. SKIP: Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco

Taco Bell’s innovation team must have been having an off day when they concocted this identity-confused monstrosity. Is it a taco? A sandwich? A science experiment gone wrong? After trying it last week, I’m still not sure.

The exterior cheese was simultaneously burnt and not fully melted – achieving a texture I didn’t know was possible. The dipping sauce had all the complexity of watered-down nacho cheese with a hint of something that might have once walked past a pepper. Inside, the beef had that signature Taco Bell mush quality, swimming in grease that immediately soaked through the flimsy shell.

The worst part? It’s impossible to eat without wearing half of it. I needed three napkins, wet wipes, and possibly a shower afterward. Some fusion concepts should remain in the brainstorming folder – this is definitely one of them.

9. GOOD: In-N-Out Double-Double

Nothing says “California” quite like the religious experience of biting into an In-N-Out Double-Double. My first time trying one was after moving to LA, and it instantly made the U-Haul nightmare worthwhile.

The magic lies in its simplicity – two perfectly seared patties with edges crisp enough to make you weak in the knees. The cheese melts into every nook and cranny, creating this incredible beef-cheese amalgamation that puts other fast food joints to shame. Their special sauce isn’t some mysterious concoction but rather a perfectly balanced spread that ties everything together.

What really sets it apart is the freshness. Nothing sits around – those potatoes were whole spuds earlier that day! Even when the line wraps around the building twice, the wait is worth every minute. This isn’t just a good sandwich; it’s California culture between two buns.

10. GOOD: Ike’s Matt Cain

Holy flavor explosion! The first time I tried Ike’s Matt Cain sandwich, I actually called my mom to apologize for all the boring lunches I’d eaten before discovering this masterpiece. Named after the former Giants pitcher, this sandwich throws a perfect game every time.

The combination of roast beef, turkey, and salami creates this meat trifecta that somehow doesn’t feel heavy. Their signature Godfather sauce adds a tangy, creamy dimension that should be studied in culinary schools. The sourdough bread gets this magical treatment where it’s crisp outside but pillow-soft inside.

What really wins me over is how they bake the whole sandwich after assembly, allowing all those flavors to meld together in a hot, delicious union. The melted provolone stretches with each bite in that Instagram-worthy way. It’s pricier than your average sandwich shop, but you’re getting what amounts to three meals in one glorious package.

11. GOOD: The Habit Santa Barbara Char

Avocado on burgers isn’t revolutionary anymore, but The Habit’s Santa Barbara Char elevates it to an art form. I stumbled upon this gem during a coastal road trip, and it’s now my mandatory pit stop whenever I’m within 20 miles of a location.

The chargrilled patty has this incredible smoky flavor that you just don’t get from flat-top grills. They don’t skimp on the avocado either – you get thick, creamy slices that perfectly complement the beef. The sourdough bread instead of a typical bun? Genius move that adds tanginess and structural integrity.

My favorite touch is the caramelized onions that add sweetness without overpowering everything else. While other chains treat add-ons like precious commodities, The Habit understands proper portion generosity. For a chain burger that doesn’t break the bank but still feels special, this California-inspired creation deserves all the praise it gets.

12. GOOD: Mendocino Farms Chicken MBP

Mendocino Farms’ Chicken MBP (mozzarella, basil, pesto) sandwich makes me question why I ever eat anywhere else for lunch. Last month, I brought one to an office meeting and had to fend off coworkers trying to steal bites!

The chicken is herb-roasted to perfection – juicy and flavorful without relying on a mayo bath like lesser sandwiches. Their house-made basil pesto spreads joy with every bite, bright and herbal without that overwhelming raw garlic punch that ruins your afternoon. The fresh mozzarella doesn’t just sit there like most sandwich cheese – it’s the creamy co-star this sandwich deserves.

What elevates this creation to art is their krispies – these magical little crunchy bits that add texture without being gimmicky. The bread strikes that perfect balance between soft and sturdy. Yes, it’s priced like a fancy sandwich, but the quality ingredients and craftsmanship justify every penny.

13. GOOD: Togo’s Turkey & Avocado

Togo’s Turkey & Avocado has been my Thursday lunch tradition for years – the sandwich equivalent of a reliable friend who never lets you down. While flashier sandwich spots have come and gone, Togo’s has maintained a level of consistency that deserves recognition.

Unlike other chains that treat avocado like liquid gold, Togo’s applies it with a generous hand. The turkey is actually sliced to order – not pulled from some pre-packaged stack – making a noticeable difference in freshness. Their Dutch crunch bread provides that satisfying textural contrast that keeps each bite interesting.

What I appreciate most is how they construct the sandwich – ingredients evenly distributed so you never get that disappointing all-bread bite. The proportions are spot-on too; substantial enough for a filling meal without requiring unhinging your jaw. For a straightforward, no-gimmicks sandwich that delivers on its promises, Togo’s Turkey & Avocado deserves its California legacy status.

14. GOOD: Jersey Mike’s Club Sub

Jersey Mike’s might have East Coast roots, but their Club Sub has earned honorary California citizenship in my book. During a particularly grueling move across Los Angeles, this sandwich kept me going when I thought I might collapse under the weight of too many IKEA boxes.

The magic starts with their bread – baked in-house daily and sliced to order. When they ask if you want it “Mike’s Way,” always say yes! The oil and vinegar blend creates this tangy backdrop that elevates all the other flavors. Their meat slicing technique – paper-thin right in front of you – makes each bite melt in your mouth.

The turkey-ham-bacon trinity creates a perfect protein harmony, while the provolone adds just enough dairy richness without overwhelming. What really sets this sub apart is how they layer everything – architectural precision that ensures consistent flavor in every bite. It’s worth every penny of its slightly higher price tag.

15. GOOD: Capriotti’s Bobbie

Thanksgiving dinner between two slices of bread – that’s Capriotti’s Bobbie in a nutshell. My first encounter with this sandwich masterpiece happened during a post-holiday food coma when I couldn’t face another leftover plate but still craved those festive flavors.

The turkey is roasted in-house overnight – not that processed deli stuff that tastes vaguely like water. The cranberry sauce provides perfect sweet-tart notes that cut through the richness of the stuffing and mayo. That stuffing though! Herbaceous, moist, and somehow still maintaining its texture integrity inside a sandwich – pure wizardry.

What impresses me most is how they manage temperature contrast – the turkey is cool but not cold, allowing all those flavors to shine without muting them. While some specialty sandwiches are one-and-done novelties, The Bobbie has genuine replay value that keeps me coming back year-round. Holiday comfort food without the family drama – what’s not to love?

16. GOOD: Bay Cities Godmother

Legend has it that angels sing when someone unwraps a Bay Cities Godmother sandwich. After my first bite, I became a true believer! This Italian deli masterpiece from Santa Monica has ruined all other Italian subs for me forever.

The bread alone deserves its own fan club – crusty exterior giving way to a chewy interior that somehow both supports the fillings and absorbs their flavors. The meat stack includes genoa salami, mortadella, capicola, ham, and prosciutto – each sliced paper-thin and layered with scientific precision. Their house dressing (get it wet!) infuses everything with garlicky, herby goodness.

Pro tip: order online to skip the infamous line, but don’t eat it immediately. Let it sit wrapped for 15-20 minutes to achieve peak flavor melding. Yes, it requires a pilgrimage through Santa Monica traffic, but this is the sandwich equivalent of a religious experience. I’ve literally planned day trips around acquiring this sandwich.