Skip Subway: 7 Florida Fast-Food Sandwiches That Flop And 7 That Shine
Florida’s fast-food sandwich scene is full of surprises. Some creations sound promising but show up soggy, bland, or just plain confused. Others?
They come stacked with flavor, personality, and just the right kind of mess.
Whether it’s a roadside chain you’ve never heard of or a local legend hiding behind a drive-thru window, the Sunshine State serves up both duds and delights.
Skip the predictable sub shop and bite into what Florida really has to offer — the hits, the misses, and everything in between.
1. Subway Italian B.M.T. – A Disappointing Classic
Remember when this sandwich used to impress? Nowadays, the B.M.T. features limp vegetables, measly meat portions, and bread that somehow manages to be both stale and soggy simultaneously.
The once-vibrant mix of pepperoni, salami, and ham now resembles sad lunch meat circles drowning in a sea of shredded lettuce.
Even the strongest vinegar drizzle can’t save this fallen hero of the sandwich world.
2. Quiznos Toasty Turkey & Swiss – Mediocrity on Bread
Quiznos might boast about their toasting technique, but heat can’t hide the truth about their Turkey & Swiss. The meat tastes processed beyond recognition, while the cheese melts into a rubbery disappointment.
Florida’s humidity somehow makes its way into every bite, leaving the sandwich oddly moist despite the toasting.
Their signature sauces try desperately to mask the mediocrity, but some things just can’t be disguised.
3. Firehouse Subs Hook & Ladder – A Heroic Offering
Founded by former firefighters in Jacksonville, Firehouse Subs delivers a sandwich worthy of its emergency service heritage.
The Hook & Ladder combines smoked turkey breast, Virginia honey ham, and melted Monterey Jack on a toasted sub roll.
What sets this beauty apart is the steam-heating process that melts everything together in perfect harmony.
Each bite delivers that satisfying combination of quality meats, melty cheese, and crisp-yet-soft bread that lesser chains only dream of achieving.
4. Schlotzsky’s Original Sandwich – A Texas Transplant That Falls Flat
Texans might swear by it, but Schlotzsky’s Original hasn’t adapted well to Florida’s palate.
The circular sourdough bread, while unique, often arrives either too chewy or too dry depending on which location you visit.
Their signature blend of ham, salami, and three cheeses sounds promising but delivers a sodium overload that leaves you reaching for your drink.
The marinated black olives add an odd, briny punch that seems out of place in what should be a straightforward deli sandwich.
5. Jimmy John’s Slim #1 Turkey Breast – Freaky Fast, Freaky Flavorless
Speed isn’t everything when it comes to sandwich crafting. Jimmy John’s Slim #1 might arrive in your hands faster than you can say “delivery,” but the plain turkey breast on ordinary French bread delivers nothing memorable.
The meat itself resembles something from a budget grocery store deli counter. No amount of their free smashed avocado add-on can compensate for the fundamental blandness.
Save your dollars for something with actual flavor profiles beyond “beige” and “slightly more beige.”
6. Which Wich Club Wich – Customization Can’t Save It
The gimmick of marking your custom order on a paper bag can’t distract from Which Wich’s fundamental problem: subpar ingredients.
Their Club Wich piles turkey, ham, and bacon together in what should be a meaty masterpiece. Unfortunately, the bacon always seems either burnt to a crisp or tragically undercooked.
The bread—regardless of which variety you select—has the personality of cardboard. Even with 60+ topping options, you’ll struggle to create something worth finishing.
7. Potbelly Classic Italian – Chicago Import That Missed the Flight
Potbelly’s attempt to bring Chicago sandwich culture to Florida falls flatter than the state’s topography.
Their Classic Italian combines salami, pepperoni, capicola, and mortadella—ingredients that should guarantee success—yet somehow produces a forgettable experience.
The hot peppers lack heat, the bread gets soggy within minutes, and the meat-to-bread ratio heavily favors the latter. A true Italian sub should sing with flavor; this one barely manages to hum a recognizable tune.
8. PDQ Crispy Chicken Sandwich – Fast Food Elevated
Born in Tampa, PDQ (People Dedicated to Quality) lives up to its name with a crispy chicken sandwich that puts national chains to shame.
The chicken is actually fresh—never frozen—and hand-breaded in-house daily.
Crunchy outside, juicy inside, this beauty comes on a toasted brioche bun with crisp pickles and their signature sauces.
No sad, soggy lettuce here! The simplicity allows the quality to shine through, proving that fast food doesn’t have to mean compromising on taste.
9. Miami Grill Gyro Pita – South Beach Meets Mediterranean
Formerly known as Miami Subs, this South Florida chain delivers a surprisingly authentic gyro experience.
Tender, seasoned meat sliced from a vertical spit gets tucked into warm pita bread alongside fresh tomatoes, onions, and tangy tzatziki.
The generous portion size means you’ll need extra napkins, but the mess is worth it.
There’s something magical about enjoying this Mediterranean classic while palm trees sway outside—a uniquely Florida sandwich experience that bridges cultural divides deliciously.
10. Sebastian Sandwich Shack Cuban Sandwich – Hidden Gem
This unassuming roadside shack near Sebastian Inlet serves a Cuban sandwich that locals protect like a secret fishing spot.
Unlike Tampa or Miami versions, Sebastian’s take includes a thin layer of chorizo spread that adds smoky depth to the traditional ham, roast pork, Swiss, pickles, and mustard.
The bread gets pressed until cracker-crisp outside while staying soft inside.
Family-owned for three generations, they refuse to cut corners—even making their own mojo for the roast pork. Worth the detour if you’re anywhere within 50 miles.
11. Wawa Italian Sub – Gas Station Greatness
Pennsylvania transplants rejoiced when Wawa began expanding throughout Florida, bringing their legendary touchscreen-ordered hoagies.
Their Italian sub stands tall among gas station offerings, loaded with capicola, salami, and provolone on surprisingly fresh rolls baked in-store.
The computerized ordering system ensures consistency across locations, while allowing complete customization.
Pro tip: Order it “shorti” size with the oil and vinegar blend for the perfect meat-to-bread ratio. Gas station food rarely deserves praise, but Wawa’s Italian sub earns every bit of its cult following.
12. Larry’s Giant Sub Club Sandwich – Jacksonville Institution
Since 1982, Larry’s has been showing Jacksonville how a proper club sandwich should be constructed.
Three pieces of toasted sourdough create the foundation for a skyscraper of freshly sliced turkey, ham, bacon, and cheese, all supported by crisp lettuce and tomato.
The sandwich arrives secured with wooden picks—and you’ll need them. Each massive creation requires a strategic approach to eating without wearing half of it.
The homemade ranch dressing (request it on the side) elevates this classic to legendary status among North Florida sandwich aficionados.
13. Earl of Sandwich Holiday Turkey & Stuffing – Disney Springs Delight
Created by the actual Earl of Sandwich (yes, really—a descendant of the sandwich’s inventor), this Disney Springs staple serves Thanksgiving between bread year-round.
Warm turkey, cornbread stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mayo create a holiday flashback with every bite.
The bread deserves special mention—baked fresh hourly and achieving that perfect balance between crusty exterior and soft interior.
Despite the tourist-trap location, locals brave the Disney traffic just for this sandwich. The price tag might seem steep until you taste the quality difference.
14. Brocato’s Classic Cuban Sandwich – Tampa’s True Champion
Family-owned since 1948, Brocato’s serves what many consider the definitive Tampa Cuban sandwich.
The century-old debate between Tampa and Miami Cuban sandwich styles ends here with Tampa’s version reigning supreme.
Genoa salami (the Tampa difference) joins slow-roasted mojo pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread from La Segunda Bakery.
The sandwich press operator treats each creation like an art form, achieving the perfect crispness. Cash-only and worth every dollar, this is the sandwich you’ll describe to friends back home.