Food

Local Tampa sandwich shops make Yelp’s Top 100 Sandwich Shops list

Did you know August is National Sandwich Month?! From classic Philly Cheesesteaks to oozy New Orleans po’boys, the sandwich is constantly posing as a social media sensation. To celebrate the businesses behind the best handhelds in America, Yelp has launched their first-ever Top 100 Sandwich Shops list. A few local Tampa sandwich shops made the list also!

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

a photo of local Tampa sandwich shop Chicago Paulie's for Yelp's top 100 sandwich shops
Italian Beef mild sandwich; photo via Matt G. on Yelp. Exterior; photo via Edgar H. on Yelp.

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.

29. Box of Cubans

a photo of a Cuban sandwich from local Tampa sandwich shop Box of Cubans
Photo by Sean M. on Yelp

What Yelpers say: “Box of Cubans has been a favorite of mine for years, going all the way back to when they were inside the gas station off Falkenburg. It’s been amazing to see how much they’ve grown, but even with all their success, the service and food still have the same love and passion from their humble beginnings.

My go-to order is always the beef empanadas and Cuban toast–both absolute perfection. The empanadas have that perfect crisp, flaky crust with a flavorful, well-seasoned filling, and the Cuban toast is buttery, crunchy, and just the right amount of indulgent. Honestly, though, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

I’m not even a big coffee drinker, but their café con leche is next-level. Rich, smooth, and just sweet enough–it’s an amazing way to start the day. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite or grabbing a full meal, Box of Cubans never disappoints.”-Steve D., Yelp Elite ’25

47. Gulf Coast Sourdough & Wild Yeast Breads

a photo of a sandwich from local Tampa sandwich shop Gulf Coast Sourdough & Wild Yeast Breads
Photo by Jenn L. on Yelp

What Yelpers say: “This place is a hidden gem for anyone who loves homemade recipes and fresh, flavorful food. Their sourdough is on another level-everything is made in-house, and you can even buy loaves of their delicious breads to take home. They also have cold foods in the fridge for dinners.

The pimento cheese was so good-creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor. Definitely a must-try! And a big shoutout to Joe at the register–they were incredibly kind and attentive, and even wished me a happy birthday, which totally made my day.
If you’re in the area, do yourself a favor and check them out. I’ll definitely be coming back!”-Erin E.

Any other local Tampa sandwich shops you think should’ve made the list? Sound off below.