food
It’s the IYKYK grocery store deli counter
By Candace Davison
•
Published Jul 18, 2024
Candace Davison
To the rest of the world, Publix is a grocery store. But to anyone who grew up within 26 miles of one, it’s the grocery store. Not to mention the source of the world’s best subs. The fandom behind “Pub Subs,” as they’re affectionately known, is unlike any I’ve seen. Ask any Publix devotee what their order is, and you won’t just hear “Italian,” you’ll get a precise account of every ingredient to add, down to the number of packets of oil and vinegar to request on the side.
And, like any fandom, people have strong opinions on what you should try. But what are the best Publix subs? After tasting dozens of subs myself over the years, I decided to take things a step further, polling 154 people via Instagram Stories to uncover their recommendations for the best Publix subs, then cross-referenced it with comments via Reddit. Here are the top five to try the next time a craving strikes.
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1. Buffalo Chicken Tenders Sub
Across the board, I got the most DMs from chicken tenders sub fans. But I’m going to take that a step further and ask that you ask for them to chop the tenders and toss them in Buffalo sauce. It’s easier to eat that way (no taking a bite and having the rest of the tender fall out). Plus, when the chicken is tossed in the sauce, instead of drizzled, you get the full flavor of that tangy, medium-spicy sauce in every bite. (Otherwise, the tenders can be a bit dry.)
I get mine loaded with veggies (lettuce, banana peppers, bell peppers, olives, onion and cukes) and smoked gouda, with a light slathering of tzatziki to cool things down. The thicker spread adds a creaminess that’s—dare I say it?—even better than ranch.
That said, it’s hard to go wrong with any of the chicken tenders sub variations, from chicken bacon ranch to chicken cordon bleu.
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2. Italian Sub
The second most popular, by far, was the Italian sub. With a combination of Genoa salami, tavern ham and Italian-style cappy ham, all smothered with slices of provolone, this is your classic deli sandwich, fully loaded. It’s salty without making you reach for an extra bottle of water, a little smoky and savory. Pretty much everyone I spoke to made the same recommendation: Get it toasted and don’t skimp on the oil and vinegar for a little zing.
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3. Boar’s Head Havana Bold Sub
Sure, Publix has a Cuban sub, but if you’re anywhere near Florida and craving a Cuban sandwich, get thee to La Segunda Bakery in Tampa for the real deal. If you like a similar flavor profile—and don’t mind a little heat—when you’re at Publix, try the Havana Bold. Pillowy white bread keeps things from skewing too spicy (though you can add jalapeños if you’re all about setting your tastebuds ablaze), and in it, you’ll find layers of tavern ham, spicy Peppenero ham, Chipotle gouda cheese and pickles. Press it and add mustard for even more of a Cubano flair.
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4. Veggie on Multigrain—with a Twist
Admittedly, this is more of a hack…and a leap of faith. The veggie sub on multigrain is a marvel on its own (thanks to Publix’s fresh, crispy and never sad-and-wilty produce, which employees tend to pile high). But a high school friend swears that it’s even better when you take a bit of a DIY approach, heading to the seafood section and picking up a tub of the Deluxe Seafood Salad, an imitation crab-based salad, to add on top with vinegar. “I know it sounds gross, but it’s like the seafood salad Subway used to have—only better,” she says.
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5. Ultimate Sub
It seems we’re in a “Why choose?” era, with several people advocating for enjoying turkey, roast beef and ham at the same time. The Ultimate sub layers the three with provolone, though you could swap it for seven other options, including vegan cheese. (I love White American, though Jalapeño Pepper Jack is fun if you’re feeling spicy.)
Ultimate fans skew pretty classic in terms of toppings here, recommending mayo, lettuce, tomato and onion, for the most part.
Whatever you order, make it a combo and crush some chips atop your sub before devouring it to really have the full experience. And if you’re taking yours to-go and worry about the sandwich getting soggy, ask for sauces on the side. It makes all the difference.
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Candace Davison
VP of editorial, recipe developer, cookbook author
Candace Davison oversees PureWow's food and home content, as well as its franchises, like the PureWow100 review series and the Happy Kid Awards. She’s covered all things lifestyle...
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