In America, sandwiches are more than a meal — they are a reflection of each state’s unique culture, history, and culinary traditions. Whether it’s loaded with smoked meats, fresh seafood, or unique sauces, each state has a sandwich that locals swear by. From the bustling streets of New York to the quiet towns of the Midwest, these sandwiches offer a delicious glimpse into the flavors that define each part of the country. Here’s the one sandwich you should try from each state.
Alabama: BBQ Pork Sandwich
Alabama is famous for its pulled pork sandwiches topped with tangy white barbecue sauce — a creamy, mayo-based twist that makes it stand out.
Alaska: Salmon Burger
Fresh Alaskan salmon, grilled and served on a bun with crisp lettuce and tartar sauce, creates a lighter but satisfying sandwich experience.
Arizona: Sonoran Hot Dog
While technically a hot dog, Arizona’s bacon-wrapped Sonoran version, piled high with pinto beans, jalapeños, and salsa, eats like a full sandwich.
Arkansas: Fried Bologna Sandwich
In Arkansas, thick-cut fried bologna served on white bread with mustard and pickles is a beloved comfort food staple.
California: French Dip
Originating in Los Angeles, the French Dip features thinly sliced roast beef on a baguette, served with savory au jus for dipping.
Colorado: Fool’s Gold Loaf
This legendary sandwich — a loaf of bread stuffed with peanut butter, jelly, and a pound of bacon — was famously loved by Elvis Presley.
Connecticut: Connecticut-Style Lobster Roll
Unlike the mayo-based versions in Maine, Connecticut’s lobster roll is drenched in warm butter, celebrating pure lobster flavor.
Delaware: The Bobbie
Often called Thanksgiving on a roll, The Bobbie from Capriotti’s features turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mayo.
Florida: Cuban Sandwich
This pressed sandwich layers roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard between Cuban bread — a must-try in Miami.
Georgia: Pimento Cheese Sandwich
Pimento cheese — a creamy, cheesy spread — is the star of this simple yet rich sandwich popular throughout Georgia.
Hawaii: Kalua Pork Sandwich
Tender, smoky kalua pork served on a bun with a sweet and tangy slaw is Hawaii’s tropical answer to pulled pork.
Idaho: Potato Sandwich
In Idaho, it’s only fitting to enjoy sandwiches where roasted potatoes, cheese, and bacon create a hearty and comforting bite.
Illinois: Italian Beef
This Chicago classic features thinly sliced beef piled high on a roll, often dipped in flavorful au jus and topped with spicy giardiniera.
Indiana: Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Indiana’s claim to sandwich fame is a massive, breaded pork tenderloin, deep-fried and bigger than the bun itself.
Iowa: Loose Meat Sandwich
Not quite a sloppy joe, Iowa’s loose meat sandwich features seasoned ground beef on a bun, often topped with pickles and mustard.
Kansas: Burnt Ends Sandwich
Kansas City’s famous burnt ends — smoky, caramelized pieces of brisket — make for an irresistible barbecue sandwich.
Kentucky: Hot Brown
Invented in Louisville, the Hot Brown is an open-faced sandwich with turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce, broiled to perfection.
Louisiana: Po’ Boy
A New Orleans staple, the Po’ Boy is often filled with fried shrimp, oysters, or roast beef, all stuffed into French bread.
Maine: Lobster Roll
Maine’s lobster roll, dressed lightly with mayo and served on a buttered, toasted split-top bun, is a seafood lover’s dream.
Maryland: Crab Cake Sandwich
Maryland’s famous blue crabs are best enjoyed in a crab cake sandwich, simply dressed with lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of tartar sauce.
Massachusetts: Fluffernutter
A sweet childhood favorite, the fluffernutter features peanut butter and marshmallow fluff between two slices of white bread.
Michigan: Coney Dog
Detroit’s Coney Dog, a hot dog topped with beef chili, mustard, and onions, blurs the line between sandwich and art form.
Minnesota: Walleye Sandwich
Fresh walleye, lightly breaded and fried, is the star of this popular Minnesota sandwich, often served with lettuce and tartar sauce.
Mississippi: Catfish Po’ Boy
Mississippi loves its catfish, especially when it’s battered, fried, and piled high in a soft baguette with slaw and hot sauce.
Missouri: Gerber Sandwich
This St. Louis specialty is an open-faced sandwich of garlic bread topped with ham and Provel cheese, then broiled until bubbly.
Montana: Bison Burger
Lean, flavorful bison meat gives Montana’s burgers a wild, rustic edge — often served simply with lettuce, tomato, and onions.
Nebraska: Runza
A Runza is a pocket sandwich filled with seasoned beef, cabbage, and onions — warm, comforting, and perfectly Midwestern.
Nevada: Patty Melt
In Las Vegas diners, the patty melt — a beef patty with cheese and caramelized onions between slices of rye bread — is king.
New Hampshire: Roast Beef Sandwich
Thinly sliced, rare roast beef piled on a bulky roll with horseradish sauce is a New Hampshire deli favorite.
New Jersey: Pork Roll (Taylor Ham) Sandwich
Depending on which part of the state you’re in, it’s called pork roll or Taylor ham, but either way, it’s a salty, savory breakfast sandwich star.
New Mexico: Green Chile Cheeseburger
Juicy burgers topped with roasted green chiles and melted cheese represent New Mexico’s perfect fusion of spicy and savory.
New York: Pastrami on Rye
A New York deli classic, this sandwich layers juicy pastrami on rye bread, usually with mustard — simple, iconic, unforgettable.
North Carolina: Pulled Pork Sandwich
North Carolina’s pulled pork, often dressed with vinegar-based barbecue sauce, makes for a tangy, mouthwatering sandwich.
North Dakota: Sloppy Joe
Known simply as a casual meal, North Dakotans love a classic sloppy joe — ground beef simmered in tangy tomato sauce on a soft bun.
Ohio: Polish Boy
Cleveland’s Polish Boy piles kielbasa sausage into a bun topped with coleslaw, French fries, and barbecue sauce — a full meal in every bite.
Oklahoma: Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich
Oklahoma loves its chicken fried steak so much that it’s often sandwiched between two buns with gravy on the side.
Oregon: Grilled Salmon Sandwich
Oregon’s fresh Pacific salmon, grilled and paired with greens and aioli, makes for a healthy and delicious coastal sandwich.
Pennsylvania: Philly Cheesesteak
No surprise here: the cheesesteak, filled with thin-sliced beef, onions, and cheese on a hoagie roll, is Pennsylvania’s pride and joy.
Rhode Island: Italian Grinder
A loaded Italian grinder filled with meats, cheese, lettuce, and hot peppers is Rhode Island’s go-to deli classic.
South Carolina: Shrimp Burger
In the Lowcountry, chopped shrimp patties, seasoned and fried, are served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and special sauce.
South Dakota: Chislic Sandwich
Chislic — skewered, grilled meat cubes — is sometimes piled into a sandwich, offering bold, smoky flavor in every bite.
Tennessee: Hot Chicken Sandwich
Nashville’s spicy hot chicken, layered onto a bun with pickles, is both fiery and addictive — a true Tennessee original.
Texas: Brisket Sandwich
Texas barbecue means brisket, and nothing beats a smoky, juicy brisket sandwich on fresh white bread.
Utah: Pastrami Burger
A Utah favorite, the pastrami burger layers thin slices of pastrami over a beef patty, delivering a savory, meaty explosion.
Vermont: Turkey and Cheddar Sandwich
With Vermont’s famous cheddar cheese and fresh turkey, this classic combo shines bright in the Green Mountain State.
Virginia: Ham Biscuit
Virginia’s beloved country ham, layered inside a buttery biscuit, delivers salty-sweet perfection.
Washington: Smoked Salmon Bagel
In the Pacific Northwest, smoked salmon on a toasted bagel with cream cheese is a breakfast — or lunch — favorite.
West Virginia: Pepperoni Roll
Originally created for coal miners, the pepperoni roll is simple, hearty, and packed with savory flavor in every bite.
Wisconsin: Bratwurst Sandwich
In Wisconsin, brats reign supreme, often grilled and served inside a bun with onions and mustard.
Wyoming: Elk Burger
Lean elk meat burgers are a Wyoming specialty, delivering a rich, gamey flavor perfect for hearty appetites.
Conclusion
Sandwiches might seem simple, but each state’s signature version tells a story about its culture, resources, and creativity. From smoky brisket in Texas to lobster rolls in Maine, the diversity of American sandwiches is a delicious adventure in itself. Next time you travel, skip the typical fast food and seek out the local sandwich — you might just discover your new favorite bite.