A few sandwich trends were discovered:

• Crossing borders: You can now get Philly cheesesteaks in Texas at Gino’s Deli Stop N Buy (#9); Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches in Florida at Chicago Paulies(#6); and New Orleans-style muffulettas in Missouri at Blues City Deli (#8).
• Banh mi love:The French-influenced Vietnamese sandwich is a top Yelper fave. You’ll find banh mi at several sandwich shops on the list, as well as seven that specialize in it, including California’s Aina’s Vegan Banh Mi (#20), New Jersey’s Saigon Subs & Café (#31), and Texas’ Vietwich (#68).
• Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free: Veggie-forward sandwiches on gluten-free breads and other healthy options continue to be popular with Yelpers. Traditional delis are adding vegan/vegetarian sections to their menus, like at Woods Deli (#5). At Sierra Subs and Salads (#2) any specialty sandwich can be made meat-free (Owner Allison Millner says 25–30% of customers order vegetarian).
• Unsung ‘heroes’: One of the most underrated, time-honored trends? The many names Americans have for sandwiches served on rolls. They’re considered “subs” across most of the country, “hoagies” (Philly), “heroes” (NYC), “grinders” (New England), “po’boys” (New Orleans), “spuckies” (Boston), “torpedoes” (Northeastern United States), or maybe something else entirely.

Here are the local Tampa sandwich shops that made the list:

6. Chicago Paulies, Tampa, Florida

Is it possible to replicate Chicago’s iconic Italian Beef sandwich in an entirely different state? This gas-station-adjacent walk-up-window proves it can be done. One Chicago transplant even said Paulie’s has “the best Italian beef sandwich I’ve had… maybe ever.”

Juicy and tender shaved Italian beef is nestled in a French roll and topped with either spicy giardiniera (the Chicago-style Italian pickled vegetable relish) or grilled peppers and onions.  reviewers recommend pouring the au jus on top just before devouring to “complete the flavor equation“.  Paulie’s also serves corned beef or Reubens on rye, Philly cheesesteaks, and Chicago-style hot dogs. The trailer is open for only three hours Mondays through Saturdays, and Yelpers recommend being patient with the long lunchtime lines: “Hang tight, Paulie will take care of you.”

Yelpers say: “This hole-in-the-wall is a gem! The Italian Beef was the best I’ve ever had outside of Chicago. Superb. Tender shaved beef, soft roll and delicious aus jus, on it or as a side to dip it in. Excellent spicy giardiniera directly from Chicago loaded on top. We chatted it up with Paulie. Great service, great guy.” —Yelp Elite Peter Z.