10 Publix Subs, Ranked Worst To Best

When it comes to supermarket deli sandwiches in the South, if you know, you know. And for those that don't, welcome to the wonderful world of the Publix sub. Lovingly dubbed "Pub Subs" by the masses, these made-to-order sandwiches have earned a cult following around the Southeast, inspiring everything from Reddit threads to wedding catering requests. This loyal following should come as no surprise — Publix is consistently ranked highly among the nation's most popular grocery store delis. As an Atlanta-based food writer and longtime Publix shopper (I can practically smell the bakery section in my sleep), I've eaten my fair share of these sub shop staples. Enough to confidently say: Not all Pub Subs are created equal.

So, what makes them so beloved? It's the fresh, soft-yet-crusty bread, the generous portions (if lettuce doesn't fall like confetti, you're doing it wrong), and the option to fully customize every detail. They're indulgent but not over-the-top, nostalgic but never boring. They taste like someone cared enough to build you a really good sandwich. It's honestly that simple.

To rank these fan favorites, I considered a few key factors: overall texture (is the bread-to-filling ratio on point?), flavor (do the ingredients play nicely together?), and value (because a great sub should satisfy both your hunger and your wallet). Whether you're a chicken tender loyalist or live for a classic Italian sub, this ranking of classic Publix subs is for you and your lunch break.

The Publix Deli Veggie Sub is one of the original meat-free options in the chain's classic sandwich lineup, a longstanding go-to for vegetarians before more creative options joined the deli case. When ordered as is, the sandwich comes built on a whole wheat sub roll, stacked with lettuce, tomato, and provolone cheese. In order to make these rankings fair, I chose to order the sandwich with these default options, though subs can always be altered with your choice of additional veggies (think green peppers, cucumbers, onions, black olives, and sliced dill pickles), cheeses, and condiments. But even fully dressed, this sandwich would be unlikely to deliver.

While the vegetables were undeniably fresh, and the bread, as always, was pillowy with that signature satisfying chew, the overall flavor was underwhelming. The sub felt like a salad trapped in a carb shell — mostly lettuce, minimal payoff. The lack of a substantial protein alternative left the sandwich feeling more like a side dish than a meal, and even a generous hand with red wine vinegar or Dijon mustard wouldn't mask the fact that it was missing a central, satisfying core.

To its credit, this sub laid the groundwork for better things to come. Publix has since upped its vegetarian game with more inventive fillings, like falafel and plant-based turkey, that offer flavor and texture beyond just crunch. For a chain that has built its reputation on crave-worthy subs, this one simply doesn't rise to the occasion.

A deli staple for many, the Publix Tuna Salad Sub is made fresh with Publix's own tuna salad recipe: tuna, mayo, pickle relish, celery, red peppers, onions, and proprietary seasonings. By default, this one comes on a whole wheat sub roll with lettuce and tomato, which should lay the perfect foundation to let that tuna shine. On paper, it's a solid lunch option. But in practice, this one didn't quite hit the mark.

The most glaring issue was the portion size. Compared to other Pub Subs, the Tuna Salad Sub was surprisingly skimpy. The tuna was thinly and unevenly spread, making each bite a gamble between creamy protein and mostly bread — not that I minded a mouthful of that soft, slightly sweet whole wheat roll, but it wasn't what I was looking for. While the tuna was made fresh, the flavor leaned more toward canned than craveable, with a slightly fishy aftertaste that lingered longer than it should. And the lack of textural contrast (one of the most common mistakes in tuna salad-making) left me wanting more. 

That said, the sandwich still benefited from the usual Publix hallmarks: freshly baked bread, customizable toppings, and crisp, clean produce. But even with all the fixings, the Tuna Salad Sub lacked the balance and boldness that define the chain's best offerings. For a sandwich so dependent on its central ingredient, there just wasn't enough there. Better options abound behind the deli counter.

The Publix Roast Beef Sub is a hefty, protein-packed offering that arrives loaded with deli-sliced roast beef piled high enough to satisfy even the most dedicated carnivore. Made fresh to order on a white sub roll with provolone, lettuce, and tomato, this is a no-nonsense classic. It's simple, straightforward, and generous on the meat. But despite the solid construction and signature fresh-baked bread, this sandwich ultimately fell flat in flavor.

Publix uses top-round roast beef, a lean cut taken from the upper rear leg of the cow, usually cooked low and slow. While it's known for being relatively tender when sliced thin, it's also less marbled than other cuts, meaning less fat and, therefore, less flavor. The meat is sliced deli-thin in-house, which gives it a nice texture but not much punch in the taste department. It's quality, but noticeably subdued.

Even with a mountain of beef on board, the sub felt oddly one-dimensional. The flavor was mild to the point of being forgettable, with none of the savory richness you'd expect from a sandwich that size. In a lineup of bold options, this one just couldn't compete. For beef lovers, better (and bolder) Pub Sub choices await.

The Publix Ham Sub is a classic, no-frills option that delivers exactly what it promises: sliced ham, cheese, and traditional fixings on a fresh-baked sub roll. It's typically built with lettuce and tomato on white bread with white American cheese, but, as with all Pub Subs, it can be customized to your heart's content. The ingredients are fresh, the bread has that soft-yet-sturdy bite, and the sandwich is made to order with care.

The ham itself was pleasantly smoky, with a subtle sweetness that balanced well with the salty flavor that comes with the deli meat territory. Thinly sliced and generously portioned, it was a solid protein, and that brought just enough flavor to anchor the sub. That being said, the overall effect was fine. Not bad by any means, just basic. In a sandwich lineup known for indulgent combos and flavor bombs, the ham sub just plays it a little too safe.

There's certainly an audience for this one — loyalists who appreciate a classic, well-made deli sandwich without the bells and whistles — but it lacks the standout qualities that make other Pub Subs feel special. It'll keep you satisfied for lunch but probably won't inspire you to run back and order it again. If you're hungry but not feeling adventurous, it gets the job done.

The Publix Deli Ultimate Sub is one of the chain's most popular (and aptly named) offerings, a towering trifecta of turkey, ham, and roast beef layered with provolone cheese and the usual fixings on a freshly baked white sub roll. It's the kind of sandwich that earns second glances in the checkout line, thanks to its impressive size and unapologetically meaty presence. And for the most part, it delivers on that promise.

The combination of meats made for a deeply satisfying bite. The ham brought a hint of smokiness, the turkey was tender and mild, and the roast beef added impressive heft. But here's where the sky-high sandwich fell flat: The roast beef, while generous, also dominated the flavor profile, and not in a good way. Much like in the plain roast beef sub, its lack of seasoning and distinct character pulled the whole sandwich into bland territory. The other meats got lost in the shuffle, and the sub started to taste more like generic "meat" than anything nuanced.

Could extra mustard or a zippy dressing elevate things? Probably. But a sandwich this stacked shouldn't need help. The Ultimate is undeniably filling and likely a top choice for hungry deli regulars on a budget (just $10 for a stacked, foot-long sub), but in terms of flavor, it plays it a bit too safe, landing it squarely in the middle of this Pub Sub ranking.

Publix's chicken salad is something of a Southern potluck staple: comforting, creamy, and found in both to-go containers and tucked inside the chain's signature sub rolls. The blend of shredded chicken, mayonnaise, pickle relish, and red peppers results in a rich, cool salad that leans heavily into its mayo base, with a smooth, spreadable consistency that feels nostalgic, though not exactly texturally complex.

When piled onto a classic Pub Sub, the chicken salad plays a starring role with just crunchy lettuce and juicy tomato as a supporting cast. The bread gave the sandwich some much-needed structure, and the crisp produce added a nice contrast to the creamy filling. It's a sandwich that doesn't try too hard, and that's part of the appeal.

That said, it won't be everyone's favorite. For me, the heavy mayo factor was too much to overcome. Personally, I prefer my chicken salad with a bit more bite and textural contrast. This sandwich was soft, mild, and comforting, but not particularly bold or exciting. For those seeking a lighter, texture-driven bite, this might not hit the mark. It could use an upgrade, either with a zesty dash of horseradish or some of the fresh herbs Ina Garten uses to give chicken salad a flavor boost. While beloved by many, especially longtime fans, the Chicken Salad Sub lands firmly in the middle of this ranking — reliable and nostalgic, but not quite craveable.

The Publix Italian Sub is a deli counter favorite for good reason. It's a flavorful, satisfying sandwich that delivers on the promise of bold meats and classic Italian flair. Stacked with Genoa salami, ham, and capicola, plus provolone cheese, lettuce, and tomato on a fresh-baked Italian five-grain sub roll, it's everything you want in a cold-cut combo. Each meat brought its own personality to the party: The salami added a peppery kick, and the savory richness of the capicola versus the ham's subtle sweetness delivered a delightful flavor contrast. It was a well-balanced bite where I could actually taste the distinction between the layers.

That said, the sandwich did get dinged for being a little on the dry side. The flavor was still solid, but the absence of a dressing (or even a basic oil and vinegar drizzle) in the default sandwich build left the sub feeling like it was missing that last little hit of moisture to tie everything together. With the right condiments, it easily could've jumped a few spots in the rankings.

Still, even without that extra oomph, the Italian Sub held up. The bread was fresh, the meat portion was generous, and the flavors worked in harmony. It's easy to see why this one has such a loyal following. It may not be perfect out of the wrapper, but a little customization makes it a standout in the Pub Sub lineup.

If there's a runner-up fan favorite to the Pub Sub in the Publix Deli, it's the fried chicken. One of the best items to buy during your first trip to Publix, these crispy, golden-brown birds have been the star of many a family picnic over the years and often grace the buffet tables of Southern bridal showers and tailgates alike. So it should come as no surprise that Publix went ahead and stuffed its beautifully breaded chicken tenders into a sandwich. Let me tell you, they ended up with a walk-off home run.

Stuffed with four chopped chicken tenders, the Chicken Tender Sub comes packed on a tender yet firm white sub roll, topped with lettuce, tomato, and provolone cheese. The result is a flavorful, textural dream. The chicken tenders maintained their crunch, the roll stayed soft, and the veggies remained crisp. In short, it all just worked. The only drawback? The Publix Chicken Tender Sub can run a little dry if you don't dress it up.

This is where condiments come in clutch. A drizzle of buffalo, barbecue, or chipotle sauce would add serious zing, but the pro move is a combo of ranch on one side and honey mustard on the other. It's creamy, tangy, and perfectly offsets the savory chicken. With its hearty size, irresistible flavor, and unbeatable value, it's no surprise this sub ranks at the top of the list. And if you're feeling adventurous, the sauce-tossed versions offer a fun, spicy twist.

The Publix Homestyle Meatball Sub stands out as one of the few hot sandwich options on the deli menu, and it delivers big comfort-food energy in every bite. Made with generously sized beef meatballs, this sub is layered with marinara sauce and melted provolone cheese, then toasted until warm and gooey. The result is a hearty, saucy sandwich that feels less like a quick lunch and more like a cozy Italian-American dinner tucked inside a sub roll.

The meatballs themselves were packed with flavor and brought a texture that was tender without being mushy. I could easily taste the seasoning, especially oregano and garlic, which lingered long after the last bite. That herbal punch might be a bit much for more delicate palates, but if you're into bold, classic Italian flavors, this one hits all the right notes.

What really set this sub apart was its moisture and balance. The sauce-to-meatball ratio was spot on, the cheese added a creamy richness, and the bread held up without getting soggy — a small miracle when marinara is involved. It was comforting, flavorful, and, most importantly, filling. I tried plenty of Pub Subs, and this one easily checked every box: great texture, bold flavor, and a solid value. If you're in the mood for something hot, hearty, and indulgent, the meatball sub absolutely delivers.

The Publix Turkey Sub is the unsung hero of the deli counter. Humble? Yes, but executed with such precision and balance that it easily ranks among the best of the bunch. Built on that classic white Pub Sub roll, this sandwich comes generously layered with moist, deli-sliced turkey breast that's both tender and packed with savory, oven-roasted flavor. It's that perfect middle ground between light and hearty, filling but not overwhelming.

What really impressed me was the portioning. Publix doesn't skimp on the turkey, and every bite felt substantial without being overstuffed. The typical supporting cast (lettuce, tomato, and provolone cheese) offered that crisp, classic crunch that I was seeking from a deli sub. The bread, which is one of the ways a turkey sandwich can easily be upgraded, held up like a champ, providing structure without overpowering the delicate fillings.

Unlike some subs on the list that needed a condiment boost or a little extra zing, the Turkey Sub stood confidently on its own. No tweaks necessary. It was perfectly balanced, fresh, and totally satisfying from the first bite to the last. It's a sandwich that proves you don't need bells and whistles (or rather, sauces and toppings) to win over your taste buds — just quality ingredients, thoughtful assembly, and flavor that delivers. If you're looking for the quintessential deli sub experience at Publix, the Turkey Sub is your gold standard. No notes.

To ensure a fair and consistent running of Publix's classic deli subs, I followed a structured (and very delicious) methodology. First, I consulted the Publix online deli ordering system to identify the most popular sandwiches, focusing on tried-and-true classics rather than seasonal specials or limited-time options. These are the staples beloved by diehard Pub Sub fans and first-timers alike.

Each sandwich was ordered as-is, the way Publix builds it by default: typically on white bread with lettuce, tomato, and a slice of cheese (most often provolone). I avoided any add-ons, fancy customizations, or condiment hacks in the initial tasting to experience each sub in its purest form. Think oven-roasted turkey breast, not Cajun or cracked pepper-spiced, and regular ham, not honey maple or smoked.

To minimize food waste, I opted for half-sandwiches rather than full subs — just enough for a proper taste test without veering into full-on deli-induced hibernation. I also stuck exclusively to Publix-branded deli meats rather than Boar's Head to keep the playing field level across the board and ensure consistency in product and preparation. Flavor, texture, freshness, and overall satisfaction were the main criteria used to rank each sandwich. This wasn't just about what tasted good; it was about discovering which Pub Subs were the best of the best.