The culinary landscape of the United States is as diverse as its population, with each state proudly boasting its own signature sandwich that often tells a rich story of culture, history, migration, and tradition.
From the lobster rolls of Maine to the po’boys of Mississippi, these sandwiches have become iconic representations of their regions, celebrated by locals and sought after by food enthusiasts nationwide.
Ready for a sandwich road trip? Stacker researched staple sandwiches, the kind that make residents proud, and highlighted one from each state that everyone should try. Wondering what sandwich the believe is the best in Illinois?
Michigan: Ham sandwich
Slices of honey-baked ham served on an onion roll with mustard and Swiss cheese make this a Detroit favorite. The sandwich showcases the state’s ham production and traditional diner fare that dates to the mid-1960s.
This sandwich originated from Italian immigrants in Chicago in the early 1900s. It features thin slices of slowly simmered seasoned roast beef served with au jus on crusty French bread, often topped with Italian pickled vegetables known as giardiniera, or sweet peppers.
Other significant sandwiches in other states
- Alabama: Pulled chicken sandwich with white barbecue sauce
- Alaska: Salmon sandwich
- Arizona: Sonoran hot dog
- Arkansas: Fried bologna sandwich
- California: French dip sandwich
- Colorado: Denver sandwich
- Connecticut: Lobster roll (hot with butter)
- Delaware: The Bobbie (turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing)
- Florida: Cubano
- Georgia: Pimento cheese sandwich
- Hawai’i: Kalua pork sandwich
- Idaho: Peanut butter and huckleberry sandwich
- Illinois: Italian beef sandwich
- Indiana: Pork tenderloin sandwich
- Iowa: Loose meat sandwich
- Kansas: Burnt ends sandwich
- Kentucky: Hot brown
- Louisiana: Muffuletta
- Maine: Lobster roll (chilled with mayonnaise)
- Maryland: Crab cake sandwich
- Massachusetts: Fluffernutter
- Minnesota: Walleye sandwich
- Mississippi: Shrimp po’boy
- Missouri: Hot salami sandwich
- Montana: Pork chop sandwich
- Nebraska: Reuben
- Nevada: Patty melt
- New Hampshire: Roast beef sandwich
- New Jersey: Italian sub
- New Mexico: Green chile cheeseburger
- New York: Pastrami on rye
- North Carolina: Pulled pork sandwich
- North Dakota: Sloppy Joe
- Ohio: Polish boy
- Oklahoma: Chicken fried steak sandwich
- Oregon: Fried chicken biscuit
- Pennsylvania: Cheesesteak
- Rhode Island: Fried clam roll
- South Carolina: Pulled pork sandwich (with mustard-based sauce)
- South Dakota: Pheasant sandwich
- Tennessee: Hot chicken sandwich
- Texas: Brisket sandwich
- Utah: Pastrami burger
- Vermont: Vermonter sandwich (turkey, cheddar, apple slices)
- Virginia: Country ham sandwich
- Washington: Banh mi
- West Virginia: Sausage biscuit sandwich
- Wisconsin: Grilled cheese
- Wyoming: Trout sandwich
Story editing by Mike Taylor. Copy editing by Lois Hince.
Follow Metro Parent on Instagram.
