Past The Subway Menu: 5 Pennsylvania Fast-Food Sandwiches That Miss The Mark And 5 That Totally Deliver
Pennsylvania has a sandwich scene as diverse as its landscape, from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and everywhere in between.
I’ve eaten my way through countless fast-food joints across the Keystone State, searching for the best between-bread creations around.
Some sandwiches left me disappointed and hungry for more, while others had me planning my next visit before I’d even finished the last bite.
1. The Big Wink: A Disappointing Dud
The first time I ordered a Big Wink, the cashier winked at me—unfortunately, that was the highlight of the experience. This oversized burger-wannabe sandwich boasts two thin beef patties drowning in a sickly-sweet special sauce that tastes suspiciously like ketchup mixed with mayo.
The bun dissolves faster than cotton candy in rain, creating a soggy mess before you’re halfway through. What really gets me is the false advertising—the menu picture shows fresh lettuce and tomato, but reality delivers wilted greens that look like they’ve been sitting out since last Tuesday.
Save your money and your appetite. For $7.99, you deserve better than this sad excuse for a sandwich that leaves your hands greasy and your stomach grumbling for something with actual flavor.
2. Gino’s Giant Burger: Big Name, Small Satisfaction
My grandmother still talks about Gino’s heyday in the 1970s, which is why I was excited to try their signature Giant Burger when they made their Pennsylvania comeback. Talk about living in the past! This overpriced nostalgia trip ($9.49) delivers a dry, flavorless patty that seems to have been cooked hours before I ordered it.
The cheese—if you can call it that—refuses to melt properly, instead sitting atop the lukewarm meat like a plastic yellow square. Their special sauce tastes suspiciously like something squirted from a bottle with a year-long shelf life.
Worst of all is the bizarre bread-to-meat ratio that leaves you chewing through excessive bun with barely any beef to show for it. Some things from the past should stay there—this sandwich being one of them.
3. Big Barney: Purple Packaging, Pathetic Portion
Walking into the colorful Big Barney shop in Allentown last summer, I couldn’t wait to try their namesake sandwich. The purple packaging caught my eye, but what was inside left me questioning my life choices. Despite the $8.99 price tag, this skimpy creation barely qualified as a snack.
The thinly sliced roast beef—and I use that term generously—had an unsettling grayish hue and tasted vaguely of refrigerator. A smear of horseradish sauce promised kick but delivered nothing more than a faint whimper of flavor.
Adding insult to injury was the rock-hard ciabatta roll that required the jaw strength of a crocodile to bite through. My dental work still hasn’t forgiven me! When a sandwich’s most memorable quality is its colorful wrapper, you know you’ve made a terrible lunch decision.
4. Big Shef: A Royal Disappointment
My dad wouldn’t stop talking about the Big Shef from his college days, so when I spotted one at a Pennsylvania turnpike rest stop, I had to try it. The sandwich arrived wrapped in foil like a gift—sadly, some gifts should come with return receipts.
Despite its regal name, there’s nothing majestic about this double-decker disaster. The beef patties were so thin I needed a magnifying glass to find them between the three pieces of bread. The special sauce had separated into an oily puddle that soaked through the bottom bun, creating what I can only describe as a royal mess.
For $6.99, I expected at least some flavor, but this bland creation tasted like it had been designed by committee to offend absolutely no one—and delight absolutely no one either. Even the pickle seemed apologetic.
5. Ham Barbecue Sandwich: Pittsburgh’s Peculiar Letdown
My Pittsburgh friend swore this regional oddity would change my life. She neglected to mention whether that change would be positive! The ham barbecue sandwich—found at countless Pittsburgh fast-food joints—features chipped ham swimming in a sweet sauce that tastes like someone dumped a bottle of ketchup into a vat of sugar.
The meat itself has a bizarre texture somewhere between lunch meat and mystery protein. Served on a bargain-basement hamburger bun that disintegrates faster than my willpower at a donut shop, this $5 sandwich creates a sticky mess that required three napkins and a shower afterward.
Locals might defend this strange creation to their dying breath, but this outsider remains thoroughly unconvinced. Some regional specialties deserve to stay regional—preferably in a region far, far away from my taste buds.
6. Primanti Bros. Sandwich: A Glorious Pittsburgh Icon
My first Primanti Bros. experience happened at 2 AM after a concert in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. I watched in awe as the sandwich maker piled pastrami, provolone, coleslaw, and—wait for it—french fries between two slices of Italian bread. “That’s the whole meal in one sandwich,” he winked.
One bite and I understood why Pittsburghers defend these creations with religious fervor. The warm, crispy fries contrast beautifully with the cool, tangy coleslaw. The meat is always generous, and the bread somehow manages to hold everything together without getting soggy.
For under $10, this architectural marvel delivers a complete meal that satisfies in a way few sandwiches can. The beauty lies in its practicality—originally designed for truckers who needed to eat with one hand while driving. Pure Pennsylvania sandwich genius!
7. Wawa Italian Hoagie: Convenience Store Perfection
My first Pennsylvania road trip introduced me to the cult of Wawa, and their Italian hoagie converted me instantly. East coast friends had hyped this gas station sandwich so much that I was prepared for disappointment—boy, was I wrong!
The magic starts with the roll—crusty outside, pillowy inside—that perfectly cradles layers of ham, salami, capicola, and provolone. Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and onions add crunch, while the oil and vinegar dressing ties everything together with tangy perfection. The computerized ordering system ensures every sandwich is built exactly to your specifications.
At around $7, this hoagie puts fancy sandwich shops to shame. What makes it truly special is its consistency—whether you’re at a Wawa in Philadelphia or Scranton at 3 PM or 3 AM, that Italian hoagie delivers the same satisfaction every single time.
8. Sheetz MTO Cheesesteak: Gas Station Gourmet
During a snowstorm in western Pennsylvania, I found myself stranded with only a Sheetz gas station for food options. Little did I know I was about to discover sandwich nirvana! Their Made-To-Order (MTO) cheesesteak saved both my hunger and my preconceptions about gas station food.
The touchscreen ordering system lets you customize every aspect of your sandwich—I went traditional with grilled steak, melted American cheese, sautéed onions and peppers on a toasted roll. The meat was surprisingly tender and flavorful, not the rubbery afterthought I expected.
What really sets this $6.99 masterpiece apart is the bread—perfectly toasted and substantial enough to contain the generous filling without falling apart. Sheetz has accomplished something remarkable: creating a cheesesteak that satisfies both late-night cravings and legitimate hunger, available 24/7 across Pennsylvania.
9. Turkey Hill Pulled Pork: Surprising Smoky Sensation
Never in my wildest sandwich dreams did I imagine a convenience store would serve pulled pork worth writing home about. Turkey Hill—yes, the place better known for ice cream—has somehow mastered the art of slow-cooked pork.
The generous portion of tender, smoky meat comes piled high on a sturdy brioche bun that’s up to the task of containing the slightly sweet, tangy barbecue sauce. I nearly dropped my sandwich in shock when I discovered the crispy onion straws hidden inside, adding perfect textural contrast to each bite.
At just $5.99, this sandwich delivers value that puts dedicated barbecue joints to shame. The meat tastes legitimately smoked, not like it came from a vacuum-sealed package. My Pennsylvania road trips now include strategic stops at Turkey Hill locations just for this unexpected treasure.
10. Rita’s Italian Ice Gelati: Sweet Sandwich Alternative
Okay, I’m cheating a bit here—technically Rita’s Gelati isn’t a sandwich, but it follows the same principle of delicious fillings between two layers! This Pennsylvania-born treat features frozen custard layered with Italian ice, creating a sweet “sandwich” that’s become my summer obsession.
The genius lies in the contrast: creamy, rich vanilla custard paired with your choice of fruity Italian ice (mango is my personal heaven). Each spoonful delivers the perfect balance of smooth and icy textures that dance across your taste buds like a summer festival.
For around $4, this refreshing creation offers the perfect finale to a Pennsylvania sandwich tour. Founded in Bensalem in 1984, Rita’s has spread nationwide, but nothing beats enjoying one at the original Pennsylvania locations where they’ve perfected the art of frozen delights that somehow improve even rainy days.