The Official GOAT List: Ranking the Greatest Deli Sandwiches of All Time

This isn’t about fancy sandwiches. This is about what you actually order when you’re standing at a deli counter and the line is moving.

The Greatest Deli Sandwiches of All Time list is built on real decisions—Italian Sub vs Reuben, Turkey vs Ham & Cheese, Cheesesteak vs Meatball Sub. No explanations needed. You already know these. You’ve ordered them. You’ve probably argued about them without realizing it.

Some of these are safe picks. Some are chaos. The Italian Sub crowd thinks it does everything better. Reuben fans will tell you nothing else even comes close. Then you’ve got the wildcards—French Dip, Tuna Salad, Chicken Salad—the ones people either defend hard or avoid completely.

There’s no “correct” answer here. Just preferences people feel way too strongly about.

So what’s actually the best deli sandwich? Start making picks and see where you land.