12 Publix Sub Ranked From Worst To Best

Publix subs hold a special place in my Florida-born heart.

These legendary sandwiches, affectionately nicknamed ‘Pub Subs’ by devoted fans like myself, have turned grocery shopping into a culinary adventure.

I’ve personally tried every creation from the deli counter over my 15 years living near a Publix. Today, I’m ranking these iconic subs from worst to best based on flavor, value, and that magical combination that makes a sandwich truly unforgettable.

1. Garlic & Herb Tofu Sub

Whoever created this meatless monstrosity clearly never tasted it themselves! The garlic and herb seasoning tries valiantly to mask the bland, spongy texture of the tofu, but fails spectacularly.

My vegetarian roommate convinced me to try this once, promising it would ‘change my mind about tofu.’ She was right – it made me dislike tofu even more! The herbs stick to your teeth while the tofu slides around like a wet bar of soap between the bread.

Save yourself the disappointment and grab literally any other sub on this list. Even the bread and veggies alone would taste better than this unfortunate protein substitute.

2. Spicy Falafel Sub

Oh boy, where do I begin with this misguided attempt at Mediterranean cuisine? The falafel balls have the density of golf balls and about as much flavor. They’re supposedly ‘spicy’ but that’s like calling plain yogurt ‘zesty.’

During my lunch break last week, I watched in horror as my falafel crumbled into a sad pile of chickpea dust with each bite. The tahini sauce quickly turned my napkin into a soggy mess while adding minimal flavor benefit.

Publix excels at many things, but falafel simply isn’t one of them. This sub exists purely to make vegetarians feel included, not to actually satisfy anyone’s hunger.

3. Tuna Salad Sub

Fishy business alert! While not terrible, this sub suffers from inconsistency issues that keep it firmly in the bottom tier. Some days the tuna salad is perfectly creamy with just the right amount of mayo and relish. Other days it’s a soupy mess that soaks through the bread faster than Florida rain through a paper umbrella.

My last tuna sub adventure left me with a soggy bottom bun and an overwhelming taste of celery that lingered for hours. The smell also guarantees you’ll make zero friends if eaten in an office setting.

Pro tip: If you must order this one, request it toasted with provolone to create a barrier against the moisture invasion.

4. Turkey Cranberry Holiday Sub

Seasonal specialties rarely live up to the hype, and this limited-edition turkey cranberry creation proves my point. The concept sounds promising – Thanksgiving between bread! – but the execution falls flatter than my aunt’s pumpkin pie.

Last November, I waited in line for 20 minutes to try this holiday marvel. The cranberry sauce was cloyingly sweet, overwhelming the already bland turkey. The promised ‘holiday spices’ were apparently on vacation themselves.

Maybe I’m just a Thanksgiving purist who needs my turkey and cranberry separated by at least three side dishes. Save this one for desperate mall shoppers who need fuel between Black Friday sales.

5. Turkey Sub

The vanilla ice cream of the Publix sub world – nobody’s first choice, but it gets the job done when you’re trying to be ‘healthy.’ The turkey itself isn’t bad, just painfully ordinary, like that coworker whose name you can never remember.

I order this mostly when I’m feeling guilty about my food choices or when my doctor reminds me about my cholesterol. The saving grace is Publix’s Boar’s Head turkey, which is admittedly several notches above the mystery meat at certain other sandwich chains.

Spice this basic bird up with buffalo sauce and pepper jack cheese if you want to pretend you’re eating something exciting. Otherwise, it’s just lunch.

6. Corned Beef Reuben

Grandma would roll in her grave if she knew I was getting my Reuben from a grocery store, but this isn’t a bad option in a pinch! The corned beef has that signature pink hue and salty-sweet flavor that pairs nicely with the sauerkraut.

My biggest complaint is the Russian dressing application – it’s either completely forgotten or applied with such enthusiasm that it drips down your arm. There’s no middle ground with Publix Reuben dressing.

The rye bread is the real hero here, holding everything together despite the moisture assault. Not authentic enough for a New Yorker, but perfectly acceptable for us Florida folks with lowered deli standards.

7. Cuban Sub

Miami natives will scoff, but for a grocery store version, this Cuban sub deserves some respect! The ham and pork combo brings a one-two punch of porky goodness that satisfies my carnivorous cravings.

During my last beach trip, I grabbed this sub for a picnic. The mustard and pickle provided that tangy contrast that makes a Cuban sandwich work, though the bread lacks the authentic press and crispness of a true Tampa or Miami version.

Consider this the ‘Cuban sandwich with training wheels’ – not quite authentic but approachable for beginners. For best results, ask them to press it longer than they think necessary to get that crucial flattened effect.

8. French Onion London Broil Sub

Fancy name, fancy flavor! This sub caught me by surprise during a random Tuesday lunch run. The London broil itself is tender and actually tastes like beef – a miracle in the world of fast sandwiches.

The caramelized onions add a sweetness that balances the savory meat perfectly. My colleague stole half of mine after one jealous glance, and I’ve never fully forgiven him. The French onion sauce adds moisture without making the bread soggy – a delicate balance few subs achieve.

The only drawback is availability – this specialty option isn’t always on the menu. When you see it, grab it faster than a Florida shopper grabs water before a hurricane!

9. Italian Sub

Mamma mia! The Italian sub brings a medley of cured meats that transport me straight to a Brooklyn deli counter. The combination of ham, salami, pepperoni, and provolone creates a salty, fatty symphony that my taste buds dance to.

Last month, I brought this to a potluck and sliced it into bite-sized pieces. People fought over the last pieces like seagulls over a dropped french fry at the beach! The Italian dressing soaks into the bread just enough without creating a soggy situation.

My only suggestion: ask for banana peppers to add some acidic zip that cuts through the richness. This sub is proof that sometimes the classics become classics for good reason.

10. Philly Cheese Sub

Cheesesteaks outside of Philadelphia usually disappoint, but Publix somehow nails this regional classic! The thinly sliced beef is surprisingly tender, and they don’t skimp on the quantity either.

During my last home renovation, this protein-packed beauty fueled me through three days of painting my living room. The melted provolone blankets the meat and veggies in gooey perfection. The sautéed onions and peppers add sweetness and texture that elevate this sub beyond basic sandwich status.

Authenticity police might complain about the lack of Cheez Whiz, but I consider that an improvement rather than a flaw. This sub proves that Publix can venture beyond Florida cuisine successfully.

11. Chicken Cordon Bleu Sub

Fancy restaurant flavors in a handheld format? Yes please! This creative masterpiece takes chicken to new heights by adding ham and Swiss cheese to the mix. The combination creates a savory flavor explosion that makes my taste buds high-five each other.

My first bite into this creation left me speechless – literally, because I couldn’t stop eating long enough to comment. The honey mustard dressing adds a sweet tang that ties everything together perfectly.

Pro tip from a seasoned Pub Sub enthusiast: ask for this one toasted to get the cheese melty and the edges of the ham slightly crisp. It’s like a gourmet hot sandwich that somehow costs less than most fast-food meals!

12. Chicken Tender Sub

All hail the undisputed champion of the Publix deli counter! This legendary creation combines crispy chicken tenders with your choice of toppings and sauces to create sandwich perfection. The tenders themselves are moist inside with a crunchy exterior that maintains its texture even hours after ordering.

During college football season, I once drove 45 minutes out of my way to grab these for a tailgate. My friends initially mocked me – until they took their first bites and fell into reverent silence.

Buffalo sauce with ranch is my go-to combination, but the beauty of this sub is its versatility. Whether dressed up with bacon and cheese or kept simple with lettuce and tomato, the chicken tender sub never disappoints. Pure sandwich royalty!