The Most Popular Sandwich in All 50 States

What could be more American than a sandwich? Every state has its most popular sandwich! From meaty, cheesy, open or closed there is a sandwich for everyone and anyone in every U.S. state. Whether you’re on the go, or enjoying a sunset picnic there is a sandwich for you.

When in Alabama do as the Alabamans do. Their classic smoked chicken sandwich gets adorned with a mayonnaise-based Alabama barbeque white sauce. This famous white sauce is as creamy as it is tangy. The secret to getting you hooked is all in the sauce, it is made with salt and ground black pepper with a mayonnaise and vinegar base.

Alaskan salmon is quite famous so it is no surprise that their most popular sandwich makes salmon the star of the show… or in this case the star of the plate. The sandwich can feature smoked or grilled salmon but either way, it will be as fresh as you can get. It is often served with mayo and fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomato on thick slices of soft bread.

Technically a taco but also a sandwich depending on how you define “sandwiches” but either way this is without a doubt the most popular in Arizona. Also referred to as the “Navajo tacos,” you will have a field day with this fried dough delicacy topped with traditional taco fixings like ground meat, cheese, and beans that dreams are made of.

If it isn’t fried then you aint in Arkansas. Arkansas’s Deep-Fried Catfish Sandwich is the one to beat, it’s no wonder that it’s so popular in this state. The catfish is caught locally and that’s one of the reasons it tastes so good placed between two buns slathered in butter. It is recommended to be served with some homemade fries or coleslaw. We are getting hungry just thinking about it.

California does love their avocado so it makes sense that it makes an appearance in their most popular club sandwich. Although they are also famous for being the birth place of the “French Dip” sandwich. No matter what you choose you can be sure that California does not disappoint.

This sandwich is so popular in Colorado that it is literally named after a city in Colorado, known as the “Denver Sandwich.” Many dinners across the country have a version of this sandwich or omelets inspired by “the Denver” as a fan-favorite breakfast item. The Denver Sandwich or in some cases, the “Denver Omelet” is made up of scrambled eggs, cheddar, ham, onions, and sautéed peppers. We can’t forget the grilled to-perfection bread too, it’s all about that crip buttered bread after all.

Connecticut may be small but they are mighty. They have a large amount of shoreline and because of such a shoreline, it is the perfect place for good ol’ classic seafood shacks. These establishments serve their most popular Connecticut Fried Clam Roll. This sandwich is most commonly found on a soft roll but tastes just as good on just about any two pieces of bread as long as it is as fresh and buttery as the clams.

Delaware also known as fish mecca is the haven for soft-shell fried crab sandwiches. This comes as no surprise considering the state is known for its muddle fish stew. Their famous sandwich is finished off with a generous portion of coleslaw and greens. Fun fact is that their official state food is peach pie, which we will gladly accept as the end to every meal, no matter the state.

Florida is a melting pot of various Latin cultures. From the food to the music to everything in between the influences are known and they definitely spice up life around here. With that in mind, the most popular sandwich is the Cuban sandwich (Cubano), of course. The Cuban has generous slices of ham, pork roasted beautifully, mustard, pickles, and Swiss cheese atop Cuban bread slices.

Pimento cheese is Georgia’s favorite sandwich and we can relate, this mayonnaise blend with cheese and pimentos, also known as pickled cherry peppers, is what we dream about when we hear those hunger pains. What’s not to love? This Southern staple will have everyone talking. This sandwich is so special that it even secured it’s own spot at the annual Masters Golf Tournament in August, GA.

The kālua-style pork sandwich is the Hawaii winner. When it comes to a Hawaiian cookout this state does not mess around and will pull out all the stops and fixings. Traditional kālua-style sandwiches are made of whole pigs that have been cooked for several hours in underground ovens covered with banana leaves. This method coupled with Asian slaw and kimchee doesn’t need any further introduction for us to know why it is so popular.

If you’re an Idaho local then Idaho’s “Meat Your Maker” sandwich needs no explanation and if you aren’t a local you certainly don’t want to miss this most popular sandwich. This meaty sandwich is made with none other than, you guessed it, meat, lots and lots of meat. Filled to the brim with steak, Italian sausage, bacon, and some spicy peppers for flavor, it is one hot sandwich in this state.

Illinois has fallen in love with an open-faced sandwich referred to as the “Horseshoe.” The name of the sandwich comes from the original shape of the cut of the ham first used when this sandwich was created. The sandwich is made of toasted bread cut thickly and any type of meat of your preference. Although the toppings on this sandwich we think is what makes it so special.

Indiana seems to give itself bragging rights when it comes to the best pork tenderloin in the country. I guess you’ll have to try it to know for sure, but these Indiana natives definitely put their money where their mouth is since how else would it become the most popular sandwich in the state? Nicknamed the Hoosier Sandwich after its residents for the simple fact that there once was a contractor in Indiana named Hoosier who favored hiring Indiana employees. These workers were then eventually named “Hoosier’s men”  which was a gateway to all Indianans eventually being known as “Hoosiers.”

Getting “loose” with your meat is popular in Iowa, but not for the reason you think. Iowa isn’t playing with their food but rather plating it in the best way possible with their most popular “Loose Meat Sandwich.” This sandwich is made with a bun filled with a mixture of ground beef, it’s unseasoned meat, but it’s still filled with flavor because of the sautéed and caramelized onions. Do not be confused with the “Sloppy Joe” because there is no tomato sauce here.

Kansas’s “Runza” sandwich also known as “bierocks” are bun-shaped bread pocket filled with beef. This tasty sandwich doesn’t just stop at the beef but is also filled with sauerkraut, onions, and a lot of seasonings. This delicacy was inspired by German immigrants who came to the Midwest and brought their favorite cuisine with them, inspiring and transforming it into Kansas’s version known today.

The Hot Brown has been around since 1926 and is still as popular as ever in Kentucky. We don’t see this sandwich slowing down any time soon. The original sandwich was invented in Louisville’s Brown Hotel hence the name. The sandwich is an open-faced one consisting of turkey and bacon with a cheesy Mornay sauce. Monrnay sauce also referred to as a Béchamel sauce, is basically a cheese sauce. This cheese sauce is usually made with a combination of Gruyère, Emmental, and White Cheddar.

A po’boy sandwich is literally the definition of Louisiana. It is perhaps the most iconic sandwich you can find and most Louisianans would agree. This sandwich is made on French bread topped with either roast beef or fried seafood of your choice. A classic po’boy is usually found with the usual suspects, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes and some variations of mayonnaise, onions, and hot/regular mustard.

Lobster, lobster, and more lobster, if it isn’t Maine’s official motto, it should be. Maine is the largest lobster-producing region in the world. This makes Maine’s popular Lobster Roll sandwich one of the best. It makes sense that it is the sandwich of choice, the cold lobster meat in this sandwich is usually prepared with celery or scallion mixed with mayo, and tarragon on a typical New England-style hot dog roll.

If Maine’s got lobster covered, then Maryland has crabs. Maryland has the freshest crabs in the U.S.A., what were you thinking? This crab-cake sandwich is the ultimate go-to among Marylanders and it’ll be yours too if you make it out. The bun is buttered and the lettuce, onion, and tomatoes are added later. The crab-cakes for this sandwich are often prepared with blue crabmeat and panko bread crumbs.

Massachusetts’s Fluffernutter is all things good about marshmallows and peanut butter. The only thing that could possibly go wrong is getting it all over your fingers but that’s an easy fix. Marshmallow Fluff dates back to 1917 and was created in the Massachusetts town of Somerville, so when we say this sandwich is a childhood delicacy of almost every MASS native, it really is.

Michigan is known for its corned beef sandwiches and we are a fan, and so are Michigan natives so it’s no surprise that this it ranks the most popular sandwich out of all the other sandwiches in this state. The classic and known Oswald’s Mile High sandwich is made with rye bread cooked to prime textured corned beef and yellow mustard.

When you think of Minnesota’s most popular and iconic sandwich you may just think of the “Jucy Lucy,” a burger cooked with cheese on the inside and you wouldn’t be wrong, well technically. We are here to tell you that there is another beloved sandwich that you cannot miss. Minnesota is nothing without the Walleye Sandwich.

Mississippi’s pig ear sandwich is one for the books. This sandwich is a staple in Jackson and with good reason too. Two pig ears served on a mini-sized bun with good ol’ southern-style coleslaw, hot sauce, and mustard, we are ready for you.

Missouri’s Hot Salami Sandwich is the sandwich to beat in this state. It is simple but the perfect balance to everything you love about a sandwich, they aren’t shy about the salami slices on this sandwich in addition to the cheese, lettuce, and tomato. When you try it, you’ll understand.

Montana is famous for its fresh and abundant huckleberries so huckleberries making an appearance in their most popular sandwich just makes sense. Huckleberries and Montana go together like peanut butter and jelly, pun intended. This state’s most iconic sandwich is quite famously huckleberry jam and peanut butter, think of it as an elevated PB&J sandwich.

Nebraska has the undisputable Ruben Sandwich. One can’t argue with its corned beef filling, it’s what other corn beef sandwiches strive to become. This sandwich has become especially popular on Irish-themed menus during St. Patrick’s Day. The Ruben is the best balance of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and a thousand-island dressing. Fun fact, this sandwich was created in Omaha as an after-poker game snack.

Think of a tuna melt but better. Las Vegas, Nevada was the birthplace of the patty melt. It all started in the Golden Gate Hotel and Casino and the rest is history. Think of the grilled cheese sandwich we all know and love but with a burger patty and grilled onions added to the mix. You can choose the cheese, you can’t do wrong.

Americans love their breakfast foods so it makes perfect sense that New Hampshire is obsessed with their Monte Cristo sandwich. New Hampshire is extremely proud of their syrup and so any excuse to pour some they are already on it, their Monte Cristo sandwich is no exception. This sandwich is made up of fried ham and cheese, another American classic, with a drizzle of good old-fashioned maple to taste.

New Jersey loves their Italians so their most popular Italian sandwich seems to be in sync. Thin slices of soppressata, mortadella, and additional cold cuts are embedded in between slices of provolone and mozzarella. Add some tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and peppers and it has the makings of an authentic New Jersey Hoagie.

New Mexico’s Green Chile Cheeseburger is the burger we all know and love but better. Minced green chiles are their signature condiment, the more the merrier, these chiles paired with melted American cheese will have you begging to come back even before you’ve left.

You can’t go to New York without taking a bite of one of the most popular and easily recognizable sandwiches of the state, the iconic pastrami on rye. This sandwich is a celebrity in its own right and has cemented itself in New York culture and pop culture alike. This sandwich appears in classic film scenes such as ‘When Harry Meets Sally” and at establishments like Katz’s Delicatessen, places that have been with New York since the beginning, literally. It’s the oldest deli in NYC and hey’ve been making this sandwich for three decades and counting.

North Carolina’s most famous sandwich is the pulled pork sandwich for the simple reason that they can’t get enough of that falling-off-the-bone meat, marinated in barbecue. How could anyone say no? This pork is slow-cooked and can be pulled or chopped, it’s all about your personal preference. The real secret is in the sauce though, it keeps you hooked even after you’ve taken that last bite. The sauce is made of vinegar and pepper as opposed to the more common sweet sauces in other parts of the nation.

North Dakotans don’t call it a “sloppy Joe” for no reason. Saying that North Dakotans aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty would be an understatement with this sandwich. Most Midwestern folks have encountered at least several sloppy joes over the years but when it comes to North Dakota they do it with their own special twist. Also known as “slush burgers” they have their own unique ground beef and onions, tomato mix that makes it a different experience than you’ve ever had.

Ohio’s Polish boy is THE sandwich. Some may think it’s a strange sandwich but we are here to tell you otherwise. The sandwich is made up of sausage covered in excess french fries, BBQ sauce, hot sauce, and coleslaw. The sandwich is native to Cleveland and has a kielbasa link that takes front and center in this bun.

It doesn’t get more real than chicken-fried steak and if Oklahoma does something right it’s this Southern food favorite. This sandwich consists of a thick steak cutlet covered in seasoned flour and fried. Oklahomans love topping this sandwich is gravy and adding a bun.

Fried Chicken strikes again in Oregon but no one does fried chicken quite like this, fried chicken inside a buttered homemade biscuit is something you can’t come back from after you’ve tried it. This sandwich will change the way you look and eat chicken.

The Philly Cheesesteak has become synonymous with Pennsylvania and there are no complaints. Not only is it a state favorite, but it is also loved by many across the borders. Many states have tried to emulate this iconic sandwich but nothing beats getting it from its original maker. You had us at fried onions, but throw in the cheese and the thin-sliced beefsteak and we are in paradise.

With a name like Dynamite, you know it’s going to be Dynamite. Not the name of a child celebrity but rather an iconic Rhode Island sandwich. Unlike the other states on this list’s similar variations to a “Sloppy Joe,” this is the king of “Sloppy Joe” burgers.  A Rhode Island “Sloppy Joe” has onions, bell peppers, and celery, but it may be spicy so keep a drink within arms reach.

South Carolina’s tuna melt is said to have been born in 1965 and has been a delicacy ever since. It is considered a Charleston classic. As the story goes this creation was invented by accident when a cook didn’t notice a bowl of tuna had made its way into the grilled cheese he was making at the Woolworth’s lunch counter where he worked. The ultimate grilled cheese tuna melt has a perfect butter-to-bread ratio and one scoop of tuna salad on one side with cheddar cheese on the other.

South Dakota’s Hot Beef Sandwich isn’t anything fancy but it has captured the hearts of many. Sometimes all you need is some white bread and beef for a good time, but make sure you don’t forget to add the brown gravy and an ice-cream scoop-sized portion of mashed potatoes on top to do this sandwich justice.

A hot chicken sandwich from Tennessee, yes, please! Many spots in Nashville have their own variation of this iconic sandwich and you’ll want to try all of them, so pack your sweatpants. A hot piece of fried chicken is generously placed on a slice of white bread and decorated with extra pickles in order to balance out the heat of this sandwich. Your tongue is sure to get tingly from the first bite.

Go big or go home, because everything is bigger and better in Texas, their Chopped Brisket Sandwich is no exception. The Lonestar state doesn’t stray away from what is simply good and filling, barbecued beef. The traditional sliced brisket is also great but this newer rendition of an otherwise classic sandwich has been taking Texas by storm. The bonus is that you can even continue to customize it by adding your favorite toppings like onion and relish.

New Yorkers love their pastrami on rye but have you ever had a pastrami burger from Utah? Utah takes pastrami to a whole new level putting a quarter-pound of thin-sliced pastrami in between two buns. This creation originated at Crown Burgers in Salt Lake City and has an excess amount of Thousand Island-style sauce.

Perhaps what makes a sandwich as good as it is is the fact that it has fresh ingredients. The fresh ingredients in a sandwich are what make a sandwich as great as it is. The freshness takes a sandwich from good to great and that is exactly why Vermont utilizes local ingredients in their sandwich. Turkey, ham, Vermont cheddar cheese, green apples, and honey mustard are what makes “The Vermonter” what it is.

If the question is, Grilled Ham and Cheese, the answer is always yes, especially if it is from Virginia. Nothing is classier than this sandwich and if you’ve tried it before then you know why. Excellent cheeses and succulent ham are something that Virginia is known for and their country ham is produced in-state. It’s a good thing too because it is a local favorite.

If you’re a fan of Vietnamese food then this sandwich is the one for you. Seattle, Washington has an especially large Vietnamese community and they have definitely made their mark on what has become one of the most popular sandwiches in the state. The plus side is that this sandwich is as inexpensive as it is tasty and it is incredibly tasty. Now you can enjoy it without breaking the bank. It is traditionally made with pate, crunchy vegetable coleslaw, fish sauce, cilantro, and slices of jalapeño pepper to your liking.

West Virginia’s Golden apples are something you don’t want to miss and since it is featured in their most popular sandwich, the Apple and Turkey Sandwich, then it is the one to meet. Cheese and apples sounds like it could be an acquired taste but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it, especially the West Virginia way.

Wisconsin is famously known as the land of the cheese and their Grilled Cheese is the mecca of grilled cheeses. If you’re going to have a grilled cheese somewhere then this is definitely the place. If you want it sharper or gooeier than the cheese is up to you but you can’t go wrong with the locally made cheese selection that you have here. If you want a local recommendation, then mixing different types of cheeses is the way to do it. There is even an annual grilled cheese championship if you’re feeling competitive.

Wyoming is famous for its buffalo so it is no surprise that their most popular sandwich is a bison meatball sandwich. It’s the most famous meat after all.