Old-School Hialeah Deli Serves the Best Sandwich in U.S.

You'd think the best, meatiest, most mouthwatering sandwich shop in America would be tucked somewhere in Brooklyn, New York, San Francisco, California, or Austin, Texas, or maybe a hole-in-the-wall in Hoboken, New Jersey. But nope — the crown has landed all the way down in Miami, Florida. And not on South Beach, not in Brickell, not even in Wynwood. We're talking Hialeah, baby! A Cuban stronghold where the bread is always toasted just right, the meats are stacked sky-high, and the vibe feels like your abuelo's kitchen on a Sunday afternoon.

According to Yelp, the best sandwich shop in the U.S. is Franky's Deli Warehouse in Hialeah, Florida. Founded in 1999 by husband-and-wife duo Franky and Nanette Diaz, Franky's has been a neighborhood staple for decades. It's beloved for its made-to-order sandwiches and old-school, no-frills charm. The sandwich shop even won New Times' Best Sandwich Shop 2023 award.

With over 700 reviews averaging a near-perfect 4.9 stars (just a smidge away from 5 stars), the family-owned shop has officially outshone every other deli in America on Yelp's rankings this year. And while the recognition may be new, Hialeah regulars have been singing Franky's praises for decades.

How America's Best Sandwich Shop Was Born

The story of Franky's Deli is one built on Cuban grit and good old-fashioned hard work. Before opening his namesake deli, Franky honed his skills working for Subway Corp., training franchise owners in the art of sandwich-making, while Nanette gained her customer service chops during more than a decade at UPS. When they combined their talents 25 years ago, they had one goal: to create a deli where great food and even better hospitality came standard.

And it's working. Walk into Franky's on any given day and you'll likely be greeted by name — even if it's only your second visit. "When I walked in, I immediately knew I would love this place — the owners were greeting all their regulars like family and even recognized second-time customers!" writes Yelp reviewer Joy R. That same warmth has earned Franky's a spot not just on Yelp's list of top delis nationwide, but also on its "Best Sandwich in Every State" roundup for Florida.

What to Order at Franky's

Of course, the accolades wouldn't mean much if the sandwiches didn't deliver, but they do. The "Famous Italian," piled high with ham, capicola, salami, and provolone, is the undisputed fan favorite, best enjoyed hot off the grill as the flavors meld into perfect harmony. The "Philly Cheesesteak," slathered in a secret sauce and topped with melted smoked provolone, is another cult classic, while the tuna sub has inspired shockingly passionate reviews ("A tuna sub has no business tasting this good," quips one Yelp Elite member).

For Franky and Nanette, the recognition is just the cherry on top of what they've been building for a quarter-century. “We just wanted a place where people felt at home and could count on a really good sandwich," Nanette says. Hialeah locals will tell you: mission accomplished — and now, the rest of America knows it too.

Franky's Deli Warehouse. 2596 W. 84th St, Hialeah; 305-827-5366; frankysdeli.com.