7 Best Publix Pub Sub Sandwiches Ranked

Listen, if there's one thing Floridians can all agree on (besides the fact that I-95 during rush hour is a nightmare and hurricane parties are low-key the best), it's that Publix Pub Subs are hands down the greatest sandwich in the Southeast. Scratch that — in the whole entire country. Bold claim? You bet. But if you've ever had a bite of its perfectly toasted and hearty goodness, you'll know exactly what I mean.

As a born-and-raised Floridian and proud Miami girl (305 'til I die), I've spent countless hours perusing the aisles of Publix, staring at the deli counter like it's a Michelin-star restaurant, contemplating my order with such intensity I miss the deli worker yell over the counter, "Ma'am? Your turn." Whether you always go for the classic Chicken Tender Pub Sub (pro tip: get it toasted and with a drizzle of buffalo sauce) or like to get creative with a custom order that has the deli worker wondering, "What the hell is she up to now?" we all have our go-to Pub Sub order. But which one reigns supreme? That's the divisive question — one that even has the potential to divide the state into two: South Florida and North Florida.

This is why I’ve taken it upon myself to rank the top seven best Publix Pub Subs, from least good to the absolute best. Sure, Publix is a supermarket chain, but here in Florida, visiting Publix to grab your favorite sub feels like home away from home.

Pro tip: Order your Pub Sub online for in-store pickup to avoid the lunch hour and dinner lines (IYKYK). You're welcome. Another pro tip: When fall rolls around, try the Publix Deli Turkey Cranberry Sub made with Ovengold turkey, gruyere cheese, bacon, mayonnaise, and cranberry orange relish. You'll thank me later.

7. Publix Homestyle Beef Meatball Sub

The Publix Homestyle Beef Meatball Sub may be the seventh-best Pub Sub on this list, but it's a true comfort food classic. Packed with beef meatballs covered in a slow-cooked tomato sauce made from Italian plum tomatoes, basil, and a touch of pecorino Romano cheese, it's an absolute favorite among Publix regulars. The provolone cheese melts beautifully over the meatballs, but you can always switch it up with your favorite cheese. Pro tip: ask for the sub to be toasted, that way it has the perfect balance of crunchy and gooey in every bite.

6. Publix Cuban Sub

Okay, as mentioned, I am a Miami girl, which means, naturally, I love a great Cubano. While I'd rather grab one from a classic Cuban restaurant or deli, Publix's version is truly fire. Stacked with sliced pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, it's a tribute to the classic Cubano with a Publix twist. Ask for it pressed and toasted to give you that golden, crispy crunch on the outside and melty goodness on the inside. It's not the flashiest sub on the menu, but it's delicious. If you haven’t tried the Cuban Sub yet, now's the time to add some sabor to your next Publix run.

5. Boar's Head Philly Cheese Sub

The Boar's Head Philly Sub is easily one of the best Pub Subs of all time. It's warm, melty, and straight-up comforting in every bite. It starts with juicy Boar's Head Top Round roast beef, piled with sautéed onions, peppers, and mushrooms on your choice of fresh-baked bread. Then comes the cheese—provolone is the go-to, but you can switch it up if you wanna go wild. Speaking of wild, want to turn up the heat? Add jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist that takes the whole thing to the next level. It's kinda necessary, to be honest.

4. Boar's Head Turkey Sub

Ok, people make fun of turkey subs because they're like plain oatmeal in a sea of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, but trust me — it's nostalgic, delicious, and perfect. The Boar’s Head Turkey Sub is quietly one of the best and most underrated Pub Subs out there. Made with Boar's Head Ovengold turkey breast topped with provolone, lettuce, and tomato, it's a wholesome masterpiece. It’s the kind of sub that feels like a cozy hug. Want to spice things up? Swap in pepper jack cheese. You'll thank me later. Pro tip: it makes for an excellent pool, boat, or beach day lunch with a side of chips. I recently chowed one down while kayaking in Islamorada, Florida.

3. Publix Deli Ultimate Sub

The Publix Deli Ultimate Sub proudly claims the third-best spot in the Pub Sub lineup—and it's earned that title because it's the best for those craving a little bit of everything. If you can't decide between an Italian sub or a turkey sub, this sub doesn’t settle for just one meat—it brings the trio: tavern ham, oven-roasted turkey breast, and top round roast beef, all stacked on your choice of whole or white sub roll. With provolone, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomato, it hits all the right notes: savory, tender, and perfectly balanced. Want to level it up? Add your favorite veggies and finish it off with a sauce or dressing. You'd be shocked at just how many people go for this Pub Sub while waiting in line.

2. Boar's Head Italian Sub

The Boar’s Head Italian Pub Sub is easily the silver medalist of the Publix sub world, but don’t get it twisted, it's still legendary. Packed with Genoa salami, tavern ham, and cappacolla, it's one of the best Pub Subs out of the top seven for good reason. Made with fresh Italian Five Grain or whole wheat bread and provolone, lettuce, and tomato, it's a classic Publix sub that's truly one of the best (especially for a beach day). Cold? It's a solid 10. Toasted? Chef's kiss—warm, melty, and totally crave-worthy. Provolone's the classic pick for a reason, but you can always swap it for your favorite cheese and sauces. Go ham.

1. Publix Chicken Tender Sub

The Publix Chicken Tender Pub Sub is the ultimate best Pub Sub, no contest. It's a staple in Florida culture, stacked with crispy chicken tenders, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, and your choice of bread (whole wheat or white for the win). The beauty of it? You can customize it however you want: buffalo sauce, buttermilk ranch, or the fan-favorite Boar's Head Chipotle Gourmaise. Some people even go wild with bacon, double cheese, or get it toasted for that melty, savory bite. If you like it spicy, get your tenders tossed in chipotle sauce instead of buffalo and thank me later. But real ones know: the OG combo hits every time, and everyone should try it at least once, especially if you consider yourself a Floridian.