From ‘Nope’ to ‘Absolutely Devine’: We’re Ranking 8 Iconic Subway Sandwiches So You Don’t Have To

Food & Drink
From ‘Nope’ to ‘Absolutely Devine’: We’re Ranking 8 Iconic Subway Sandwiches So You Don’t Have To
a sandwich on a plate with sesame seeds
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Alright, listen up, fellow sandwich enthusiasts! If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably spent countless hours pondering the endless possibilities at Subway. With locations scattered across all 50 states and most U.S. territories, it’s pretty much a given that you’ve got a favorite (or maybe a least favorite!) go-to order. But let’s be real, with so many options and those shiny new ‘Subway Series’ menus, how do you even begin to separate the absolute must-haves from the total ‘meh’ subs?

Well, fear not, because we totally took on the epic challenge of sampling *all* the offerings from Subway’s Series menu, and yes, we mean *all* of them! We put our taste buds on the line, went full food critic mode, and meticulously ranked these bad boys from the ones we’d happily skip to those legendary creations that make us want to shout from the rooftops. We’re talking about a definitive, no-holds-barred ranking to guide your next Subway adventure.

Our mission was clear: find that perfect balance of flavors where every ingredient sings in harmony, not just one screaming for attention. We stuck to the recommended add-ons, condiments, and bread types for each signature sandwich, just like you’d get ’em if you walked right in. We devoured six-inch versions, but remember, these taste adventures are also available as footlongs for those truly beastly appetites! We weighed taste and texture, but what really separated the ‘okay’ from the ‘oh-my-gosh-yes’ was the *balance*. Too much mayo? Down the list it went! A symphony of meat, veggies, and condiments? Hello, top spot! Now, let’s dive into the delicious (and not-so-delicious) journey, starting with the ones that left us just a little less wowed.

a couple of sandwiches sitting on top of a white plate
Photo by Sunny Nguyen on Unsplash

1. **Titan Turkey**: Kicking off our culinary ranking journey, we land squarely on the Titan Turkey, a sandwich that bravely attempts to pair savory turkey with creamy provolone. On paper, it sounds like a delicious duo, and credit where credit is due, this sub definitely delivers on the promise of ‘plenty of deli meat’ if you’re rocking up with a serious case of the munchies. It also comes stacked with classic toppings like tomatoes, lettuce, and red onion, making it seem like a solid, hearty choice for the hungry masses.

However, and this is where our taste buds got a little confused, the Titan Turkey is, shall we say, *really* heavy on the mayonnaise. And when you combine that generous (perhaps *too* generous?) slathering of creamy condiment with turkey, which, let’s be honest, tends to be a bit less flavorful than some of Subway’s other meat options, the result is an unbalanced flavor profile that just doesn’t quite hold up on its own. It felt like the mayo was throwing a party, and the turkey was just politely standing in the corner.

To add insult to injury, we found there was also an abundance of shredded lettuce on our sub, which unfortunately didn’t contribute much in terms of taste or texture; in fact, it ended up being pretty soggy, drowned in all that mayo. Ultimately, despite its meaty promise, the Titan Turkey felt lackluster and pretty forgettable, failing to really ‘wow’ us. If you’re craving turkey, our hot take? You’re probably better off exploring Subway’s club sandwich options for a more exciting and satisfying experience.

hamburger with patty
Photo by Monika Grabkowska on Unsplash

2. **All-Pro Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki**: Next up on our ranking roller coaster is the All-Pro Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki, a sandwich that promised a vibrant fusion of sweet onion, savory teriyaki sauce, and tender chicken. The concept sounded intriguing, especially with chicken strips marinated in teriyaki sauce *and then* more sauce added as a condiment. Talk about double the teriyaki! It’s also worth noting that this sub comes served on hearty wholegrain bread, which was a welcome change from the standard Italian loaf we often see with cold cuts.

But here’s the kicker: while it certainly has flavor – we’ll give it that – the result is an intensely sweet teriyaki experience. Like, *really* intense. It’s so heavy on the sweet teriyaki that after just a few bites, we found ourselves gasping for water and wondering if we’d just eaten a candy bar in sandwich form. It was good for a moment, sure, but it quickly became overpowering, leaving little room for the other ingredients to shine through. It’s like the teriyaki sauce decided to be the lead singer, the whole band, and the enthusiastic audience all at once.

Despite the robust wholegrain bread attempting to balance things out, and American cheese that mostly vanished into the sweet abyss (though you *could* upgrade to double cheese, if you dare to challenge the sweetness even further!), the lettuce and tomato didn’t offer the crunch we craved. Overall, the sheer dominance of the teriyaki flavor meant we couldn’t enjoy this one for more than a few bites before needing a palate cleanser. Sometimes, less *is* more, especially when it comes to sweet, sticky sauces!

sandwich with ham and cheese on plate
Photo by Chris Cooper on Unsplash

3. **Elite Chicken and Bacon Ranch**: Ah, the Elite Chicken and Bacon Ranch. We approached this one with high hopes, dreaming of a zesty, robust ranch flavor mingling perfectly with crispy bacon and juicy chicken. It’s dressed with peppercorn ranch and bacon, topping rotisserie chicken, and even boasts shredded Monterey cheddar cheese, promising a symphony of classic flavors. We were ready for a party in our mouths, but what we got was… well, more of a quiet gathering.

Our main takeaway? This sandwich leans heavily into creaminess rather than the zesty kick we yearned for. Despite being present, neither the bacon nor the peppercorn ranch emerged as prominent flavors in any of our bites. The ranch sauce was definitely well-incorporated into the rotisserie chicken, giving it a nice, consistent texture throughout, but it seemed to have lost its ‘peppercorn’ spirit somewhere along the way. It was just begging for a little more oomph, a bit more of that classic ranch tang that we all know and love.

Adding to the creamy chorus, the shredded Monterey cheddar cheese melted beautifully over the top, further blending into the ranch and effectively taming any whispers of peppercorn that might have been trying to peek through. While the consistency was there, the flavor just wasn’t doing acrobatics. If we were to try this one again (and we might, with a few tweaks!), we’d consider swapping out the shredded cheese for a sliced variety to see if that helps the ranch dressing truly shine. Or, for a real game-changer, definitely ask for double bacon, extra condiments, or, even better, spice things up with some jalapeños to give this elite contender the flavor kick it desperately needs!

STEAK & ROASTED MASHED POTATOES” by Masahiro Ihara is licensed under CC BY 2.0

4. **Home Run Ham**: Stepping up to the plate, we have the Home Run Ham, a sandwich that proudly carries the torch for classic simplicity. This straightforward sub comes loaded with plenty of sliced ham, paired with the usual suspects: crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, a slice of cheese, and a dollop of mayo. What immediately caught our attention (and our hungry eyes!) was the impressive claim of 33% more meat than previous versions, and trust us, it was totally evident from the moment we unwrapped this monstrous sub. It’s a proper hefty sandwich!

While the toppings are substantial and contribute to the overall experience, it’s truly the generous amount of ham that makes this sandwich a standout in terms of sheer meatiness. Yes, there’s quite a bit of mayo, which can sometimes be a deal-breaker for us, but in this case, the abundance of cold cuts meant the balance somehow still worked out. The meat-to-condiment ratio, though mayo-heavy, didn’t totally overwhelm the ham. However, if you’re not a mayo maximalist, we’d probably suggest opting for less mayo next time around.

Interestingly, we’ve had this classic from Subway before and received much less mayo, so it might just be the luck of the draw with a particularly heavy-handed sandwich artist on duty! Due to its sheer size, it was a little difficult to eat gracefully, so definitely have napkins on standby – you’ll need ’em! But fortunately, Subway knows how to pack everything in, and despite the size, there was minimal movement of those large slices of tomatoes. It’s a classic for a reason, and while simple, it certainly knows how to deliver on its promise of ham-packed goodness.

Close-up of a sandwich with egg, bacon, and fresh vegetables on a wooden board.
Photo by Anton Porsche on Pexels

5. **Homestyle Chicken Salad**: Moving into the slightly more adventurous territory, we tried the Homestyle Chicken Salad option, and let us tell you, this is where the rotisserie chicken salad truly takes center stage. This sandwich immediately felt like a refreshing departure from some of the heavier, meat-packed options or those absolutely loaded up with various condiments. It’s almost like a breath of fresh air for your palate, offering a lighter, yet incredibly satisfying experience.

What makes this one particularly unique is that it was the *only* sandwich we encountered that came as is with a full spread of veggies: spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, all beautifully complementing the strong red onion that typically graces most of Subway’s cold cut sandwiches. It’s like a garden party in your mouth! However, a little heads-up from our taste test: the chicken salad itself can be a tad on the salty side. So, our pro tip? You might want to skip adding any extra salt when you place your order.

To perfectly balance out that saltiness, a sprinkle of pepper or a dash of Italian seasoning can work wonders, bringing the flavors into a delightful harmony. You’ll notice it doesn’t come dressed with any additional condiments, and honestly, it doesn’t need to! The chicken salad itself has plenty of mayo perfectly mixed in to ensure the sandwich remains wonderfully moist and never dry. For those days when you’re craving something a bit lighter but still packed with satisfying flavor, this Homestyle Chicken Salad would definitely be our go-to order. It’s a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on taste!

a person holding a sandwich on a plate
Photo by Sunny Nguyen on Unsplash

6. **The Philly**: Oh, The Philly! Subway’s very own take on the iconic cheesesteak. This bad boy comes with shaved steak, a double helping of gloriously melted American cheese, and those essential sliced green peppers and red onions. On paper, it sounds like a dream, designed to bring a little slice of Philadelphia to your local Subway. And while it might not completely transport you to the bustling streets of Philly with an authentic cheesesteak experience, it definitely delivers a flavor combination that’s surprisingly good.

Now, let’s be real, if you’re a purist, you might find it a bit ‘light on the meat’ compared to a true, dripping-with-juices Philadelphia cheesesteak. But despite that, we genuinely enjoyed the overall flavor profile. A huge shout-out to the green pepper, which added a fantastic crunch that elevated each bite, providing a much-needed textural contrast to the soft steak and melted cheese. It was an unexpected hero in this sandwich!

We tried The Philly ‘as is,’ but after our taste test, we absolutely have some key upgrade recommendations that would vault this item even higher on the list. First off, don’t be shy: get extra meat, or even double meat! Seriously, it makes a massive difference and brings it so much closer to that authentic, hearty cheesesteak feel we crave. You could also swap out the American cheese for provolone if that’s your jam. And since it comes toasted, we highly recommend asking for it *extra* toasted to ensure all that glorious cheese is perfectly molten. We even found ourselves doing a little strategic rearrangement of the red onion and green pepper for more balanced bites – hey, whatever it takes for perfection! All the essential elements are there, making it a truly solid cheesesteak sandwich experience, especially with those little tweaks.

hamburger with patty
Photo by Monika Grabkowska on Unsplash

7. **All-American Club**: Rounding out the first half of our epic sandwich showdown is the All-American Club, a patriotic powerhouse featuring a fantastic meat trio: savory turkey, delicious ham, and crispy bacon, all nestled on classic Italian bread. It truly follows the revered formula for an authentic club sandwich, complete with American cheese, fresh lettuce, juicy tomato, and zesty red onion. This sandwich screams classic comfort and familiarity, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for many.

However, our particular All-American Club came loaded up with what felt like *way* too much red onion for our personal taste. It might have just been the luck of the draw with that day’s sandwich artist, but we found the onion flavor to be a bit overpowering, and honestly, it didn’t really enhance the other delicious flavors. If we were to order this one again, we’d absolutely elect to skip the red onion entirely to let that incredible meat trio truly shine.

On the flip side, we found ourselves wishing for just a little bit more bacon to amp up that smoky goodness, so if you’re customizing, doubling up on the bacon is a move we highly recommend! It’s super similar to the beloved Subway Club, but the key difference here is that signature Italian bread. Despite our minor onion critique, it was the stellar combination of turkey, ham, and bacon that really grabbed our attention. This sandwich honestly soared higher on our list than we initially expected when we first unwrapped its deliciousness. A truly commendable club, if you manage those onions.

Alright, buckle up, sandwich fanatics, because we’re officially entering the hallowed halls of Subway greatness! After navigating through the ‘meh’ and the ‘almost-there’ options, it’s time to celebrate the sandwiches that truly knocked our socks off. These are the top-tier champions, the flavor maestros, the subs that make us want to hit replay on our taste buds. Get ready to discover your new go-to, because these bad boys earned their stripes for their incredible balance, standout ingredients, and all-around deliciousness. Let’s dig in, starting with a garlicky wonder!

a ham and cheese sandwich sitting on a cutting board
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

8. **Garlic Roast Beef**Kicking off our champion’s league is the Garlic Roast Beef, a sandwich that truly stands out from the crowd. Resting on a solid Italian bread base, this sub lives up to its name, bringing a serious—and seriously delicious—punch of garlic. Trust us, they’re not holding back on the aromatic goodness here, so maybe have a breath mint handy, but don’t let that deter you because it’s absolutely worth it!

Kicking off our champion’s league is the Garlic Roast Beef, a sandwich that truly stands out from the crowd. Resting on a solid Italian bread base, this sub lives up to its name, bringing a serious—and seriously delicious—punch of garlic. Trust us, they’re not holding back on the aromatic goodness here, so maybe have a breath mint handy, but don’t let that deter you because it’s absolutely worth it!

This garlicky delight perfectly complements the flavorful, sliced roast beef, creating a savory sensation that’s simply divine. Plus, there’s enough meat to really let you savor that robust flavor alongside the creamy provolone cheese. The magic really happens with the roasted garlic aioli, which also boasts delightful hints of Italian herbs. It’s this unique aioli that truly sets this sandwich apart from other roast beef options, which often rely too heavily on basic mayo and cheese.

Our only tiny heads-up? The red onion, while present, can be a tad overpowering. So, if you’re looking to let that amazing garlic aioli and roast beef truly sing, we’d suggest going sans onion next time around. Fun fact: we loved the garlic aioli so much, we even found out you can snag it at the grocery store to jazz up your home cooking!

There you have it, fellow food adventurers! Our definitive, totally subjective (but also totally right, wink!) ranking of Subway’s Series menu. From the garlic-kissed roast beef to The Boss, a true marvel of meaty, cheesy, pizza-inspired goodness, we’ve munched our way through them all to bring you the lowdown. Remember, while we stuck to the recommended setups for our taste test, Subway is all about customization! So don’t be afraid to experiment, tweak those toppings, and find your own personal top-tier triumph. Whether you’re craving bold flavors, a meaty feast, or just a perfectly balanced bite, there’s a Subway sandwich waiting to become your new obsession. Happy munching, and may your next Subway adventure be utterly delicious!

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