12 Best Publix Subs in 2025

The best Publix subs are prepared using in-house baked bread, deli-sliced meats, fresh vegetables and flavor-filled condiments. Deemed “Pub subs,” these wildly popular sandwiches have a wide following and are enjoyed for lunch, dinner, afternoon snacks and cases of late-night munchies.

Based in Florida, the grocery store chain was founded by George W. Jenkins in 1930. He opened a second location in 1935 in Winter Haven and the company has since grown throughout the Southeast. You’ll find exceptional customer service, top quality products and the best Publix subs at a Publix location.

Publix is one of the largest employee-owned companies in the United States. Jenkins always wanted his employees to share in the business ownership of the store. According to him, “One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my business career is that no man puts together an organization on his own.”

Subs were first introduced at Publix in 1992 and have developed a bit of a cult following. Very similar to the ordering process at Jersey Mike’s, Firehouse Subs or Subway, you can head to the Publix deli section and order the best Publix subs from the menu. 

While Publix subs are available with standard ingredients, you can also enjoy the taste and creativity of designing your own sub by adding extra vegetables, meats and condiments. Subs can also be ordered as a wrap or with a lettuce base if you so choose.

It’s the ingredients that set the best Publix subs apart from the rest. You’ll find a choice of breads like white, wheat, Italian five-grain, flatbread and tutto Pugliese — an Italian-inspired favorite that’s made with a combination of certified sourdough flour and durum wheat semolina flour). 

Meat choices include ham, turkey, bacon and chicken from brands such as Boar’s Head and Publix store brand meats. Vegetarians and vegans will be happy to know there are falafel and plant-based meats to put together the perfect Pub sub.

Have you had a Publix sub lately? Are you wondering about how Publix subs are ranked among shoppers for flavor, texture and value? We’ve put together a list of some of the best subs at Publix to get your Pub sub obsession started.

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• The 12 Best Publix Subs
• What is the Best Sub at Publix?

The 12 Best Publix Subs

1. Chicken Tender Sub

Are you looking for tasty lunch food ideas to eat on the run or at your desk? The chicken tender sub is often considered one of the most popular and best Publix subs on the menu. It’s made with hand-breaded chicken tenders, provolone and lettuce. 

Boost the flavor factor by adding tomatoes, pickles or black olives. Choose mustard, mayonnaise or garlic aioli to kick in bold and tangy flavor profiles. Different varieties of this Pub sub include Buffalo chicken, hot honey and bacon ranch.

2. Chicken Cordon Bleu Sub

Are you looking for something different than the typical fast food chicken sandwich? The limited-edition chicken cordon bleu sub is prepared with Boar’s Head Tavern ham, rotisserie chicken, bacon, Swiss cheese, mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. This is one of the best Publix subs to order when you’re craving gooey melted cheese and lots of meat.

3. Italian Sub

An all-around favorite at sub shops everywhere, the Publix Italian sub is made with Boar’s Head ingredients like Genoa salami, Cappy (otherwise known as capicola) ham, tavern ham and Provolone. 

Top it with a creative choice of vegetables and condiments like lettuce, tomato, pickles, black olives, vinegar and oil. Banana peppers are said to be an excellent choice for the best Publix sub.

4. Turkey Sub

Keep it simple with a basic turkey and cheese sub. Loaded with piles of fresh turkey and your choice of cheese, you can add additional flavors like lettuce, tomatoes, hummus, avocado, mushrooms, oil and vinegar, or whatever your heart desires that day. Add chipotle sauce, barbecue sauce or spicy mustard to make this one of the best Publix subs to treat your tastebuds.

5. Cuban Sub

If you’re a fan of the classic Cuban sandwich, you might want to check out the Cuban sub. Filled with pickles, sweet ham, roasted pork and Swiss, it can be prepared in the traditional pressed style if you prefer. Choose a white sub roll or enjoy the rich flavor of the tutto Pugliese bread to make this one of the best Publix subs.

6. Tuna Salad Sub

Publix tuna salad is a creamy mixture of tuna, mayonnaise, pickle relish, celery, red peppers and onions. Wheat bread or Italian five-grain bread are popular choices for this best Publix sub and make a wonderful combination next to the smooth tuna salad. 

For crunch, add extra pickles, cucumbers or lettuce. Go with spicy or Dijon mustard to finish off this Pub sub.

7. Corned Beef Reuben

Are you in the mood for a hearty Pub sub but prefer the form of a traditional sandwich? The corned beef Reuben just might be your new go-to sub. 

This deli favorite is made with stacks of fresh and tender Boar’s Head corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and dressing on rye bread. Whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day or not, this is one of the best Publix subs for a meat-centric meal.

8. French Onion London Broil Sub

For a savory take on the best Publix subs, the French onion London broil sub makes an excellent choice for lunch on the go or to take home for dinner. This specialty and LTO sub is prepared with roast beef, Swiss cheese, French onion mayonnaise and fried onions for crisp texture. 

Described as French onion soup in sandwich form, it’s terrific on a sesame-seed sub roll or five-grain bread. Order it cold or pressed into ooey gooey cheesy goodness.

9. Philly Cheese Sub

When you’re craving an iconic Philadelphia favorite, add this Pub sub to your order. Made with roast beef, mushrooms, sautéed onions, peppers and Provolone on a white sub roll, the Philly cheese sub is one of the best Publix subs on the menu. 

Add bell peppers, mozzarella, pepper jack or jalapeños for a kick. Some customers prefer to use Sriracha or horseradish sauce on this Pub sub.

10. Spicy Falafel Sub

Vegans and vegetarians will be happy to know there are meatless choices on the best Publix subs menu. The spicy falafel sub is filled with falafels — made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, blended with cilantro, parsley and coriander and fried into crispy balls — and blended with tzatziki, cucumbers, Sriracha carrot hummus, lettuce and tomatoes.

11. Garlic and Herb Tofu Sub

Another one of the best Publix subs on the vegetarian menu, the garlic and herb tofu sub is prepared with garlic and herb tofu pieces along with spinach, cucumbers, avocado, tomatoes and a vegan ranch dressing. 

Not a fan of dressing? Skip it! The best Publix subs are the ones you design yourself. While vegan and vegetarian products are made without eggs, dairy, meat and other ingredients, they may be prepared on equipment that’s shared with those ingredients.

12. Turkey Cranberry Holiday Sub

Available as a limited-edition Pub sub during the holidays, the turkey cranberry holiday sub is the best Publix sub when you’re craving the flavors of Thanksgiving dinner. Filled with Boar’s Head turkey, smoked Gruyère, bacon and cranberry orange sauce, you can’t go wrong with this Pub sub for dinner food ideas on the go.

What is the Best Sub at Publix?

The best sub at Publix will vary depending on what you’re in the mood for and any dietary restrictions you might have. With its tender chicken pieces and soft bread, the best Publix chicken tender sub is a favorite among hungry customers. Are you a fan of savory flavors and unique subs? 

The French onion London broil is the perfect way to fill up after a long day. Looking for something with lots of meat and rich condiments? Consider the Cuban or Italian sub. For non-meat options, try the spicy falafel sub or the garlic and herb tofu sub. 

Have you found the best Publix sub yet? From the Philly cheese and the best Publix chicken tender sub to London broil, herb tofu and tuna salad, the best Publix subs ranked include a wide range of flavor choices to make an excellent meal. Whether you choose a six-inch or a 12-inch Pub sub, you can be confident that the best Publix subs will include fresh bread and other top-quality ingredients.

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