10 Sandwiches To Avoid At Restaurants & 10 You Have To Order
If you’ve ever stood at a sandwich shop counter, eyes glazed over, heart racing, and wondering if that triple-decker meat mountain is about to become your biggest bread-based regret… trust me, I’ve been there. More times than I’d like to admit.
But out of the chaos, clarity emerged. After many a misstep (and a few glorious mouthfuls), I’ve compiled my definitive list: 10 sandwiches you should absolutely dodge like a rogue pickle on a slippery plate, and 10 that are worth every glorious, flavor-packed bite.
1. Tuna Melt Catastrophe
The first time I ordered a tuna melt at a roadside diner, I was ambushed by mayo and sadness. The bread was so soggy, I needed a lifeguard, not a napkin.
It looked like the sandwich had weathered a monsoon, with cheese that clung on for dear life. A whiff of metallic canned tuna haunted every bite.
Moral of the story: unless you see fresh tuna prepped before your eyes, keep moving. Nobody wants to remember their lunch with a shudder.
2. The Dreaded Meatball Sub
Ever tried wrestling meatballs in public? I have, and the results were saucier than I bargained for.
Sauce dripped down my arms, and runaway meatballs tumbled onto my lap. The bread disintegrated halfway through, leaving me clutching a saucy disaster.
Unless you bring a poncho and a change of clothes, order at your own risk. Meatball subs at restaurants are more mess than meal.
3. Mystery Chicken Salad
Questionable chicken salad has haunted my lunch breaks more than awkward small talk.
If the chicken tastes like it’s been on a twelve-hour layover, skip it. Bits of celery and mystery herbs only deepen the confusion.
A bland, mushy filling on stale bread is a one-way ticket to regret. Trust your gut—literally.
4. Egg Salad Explosion
Egg salad sandwiches can be a ticking time bomb. One careless bite, and you’re covered in yolk and disappointment.
Nobody ordered extra sulfur in their lunch. If you can smell it from across the table, you already know it’s a bad idea.
I once almost lost a friendship over an eggy handshake. You’ve been warned.
5. Soggy Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese should crunch, not squelch. Imagine my horror when I was served a grilled cheese that drooped mournfully from the plate.
The cheese inside barely melted, and the bread could have doubled as a sponge. Even dipping it in soup couldn’t revive it.
A grilled cheese without a satisfying snap is just toast gone wrong.
6. Sad Club Sandwich
Nothing ruins my day quite like a club sandwich with commitment issues.
The dry turkey and limp bacon make every bite feel like a chore. The lettuce looked like it had just lost its will to live.
I’d rather join a different club, thanks. The only thing this sandwich stacks is disappointment.
7. Rubbery Chicken Parm
Chicken parm sandwiches can be a tooth workout you never asked for.
I once gnawed through a cutlet that fought back harder than my gym trainer. The cheese was the consistency of plastic wrap.
A proper chicken parm should melt in your mouth, not double as a chew toy. Beware the rubbery imposter!
8. Fishy Filet O’Regret
Fast food fish sandwiches are the Russian roulette of lunch orders. I once took a bite and immediately regretted every life choice leading up to that moment.
The breading was limp, and the fish inside seemed to have lost its sense of purpose. The tartar sauce was the only thing trying to hold it all together.
Unless you’re aiming for disappointment, swim the other way.
9. Spicy Regret Panini
Some paninis are all hype and no harmony.
A burnt crust with unevenly distributed spicy sauce left me searching for relief, not flavor. The fillings looked like they’d been through a heatwave.
If your lunch starts to fight back, it’s time to retreat. Pass on the panini power struggle.
10. Classic Reuben Revelation
The first time I met a proper Reuben, my taste buds sang in harmony.
Thick, juicy corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and just-melted Swiss between slices of rye—it’s New York in a bite. A hint of Russian dressing ties everything together.
Every layer tells a story of deli greatness. Never pass up a Reuben when you find one done right!
11. Italian Sub Symphony
Forget the opera—this Italian sub hits all the high notes on its own.
Piled high with salami, ham, and provolone, it’s a medley of savory brilliance. Crisp veggies and tangy vinaigrette add the perfect encore.
One bite, and I’m back in a bustling deli, feeling like a VIP. Order this symphony and thank me later!
12. Pulled Pork Perfection
Pulled pork sandwiches deserve a standing ovation.
Slow-cooked meat, smoky sauce, and crunchy slaw combine for a masterpiece. Every bite feels like a backyard BBQ, no matter where you are.
Order this and you’ll be licking your fingers and planning your next visit. Some things are just meant to be.
13. Crispy Fried Chicken Biscuit
The chicken biscuit isn’t just breakfast—it’s a way of life.
Crispy, juicy chicken sandwiched between layers of warm, buttery biscuit. Add pickles, and you’ve got the South wrapped up in a bite.
This sandwich is pure comfort, no matter where you’re from. It’s my go-to when I need a hug from my food.
14. Turkey Cranberry Bliss
Who says Thanksgiving should only happen once a year?
Turkey, creamy brie, and tart cranberry sauce unite in a festive celebration of flavor. Crisp greens and hearty bread complete the holiday magic.
It’s the sandwich equivalent of a sweater and fireplace. Don’t wait for November—order this any time you see it!
15. Cubano Craze
The Cubano is a ticket to flavor paradise.
Pressed bread crackles as you bite through pork, ham, Swiss, tangy pickles, and mustard. Each layer brings boldness, balancing salty, sweet, and sour.
Order this and you’ll understand why it’s a Florida legend. Viva la sandwich revolution!
16. Bánh Mì Marvel
The bánh mì is a flavor globetrotter.
Crunchy baguette meets succulent pork, tangy pickled veggies, and kicky herbs. Each bite is an adventure in texture and taste.
Street food at its finest, it’s an instant passport to excitement. If you see it on the menu, your taste buds will thank you!
17. Lobster Roll Luxe
Lobster rolls are summertime royalty.
Pillowy bun, luscious lobster, and a whisper of mayo—pure seaside bliss. I once ate one so good, I almost moved to Maine.
If you see this on the menu, splurge. It’s the edible equivalent of a luxury vacation.
18. French Dip Dream
French dips bring drama to lunch.
Tender roast beef, a crusty baguette, and a side of rich au jus for dunking. It’s the sandwich you get to play with—no utensils required.
Order one and enjoy the savory spectacle. Every bite’s an encore!
19. Falafel Pita Power
Falafel pitas are vegetarian brilliance.
Crunchy, spiced chickpea fritters snuggle with fresh veggies and creamy tahini. It’s a festival of flavors wrapped in pita.
This sandwich never leaves me feeling left out. When in doubt, order the falafel and savor the magic!
20. Smoked Salmon Bagel Bonanza
The smoked salmon bagel: breakfast of champions, lunch of legends.
Cream cheese, red onion, and capers elevate the salmon’s delicate flavor. It’s a New York classic that never disappoints.
Order this when you crave something luxurious and light. Bagel bliss, every single time!