Nothing compares to a good sandwich, especially when stuffed with your favorite condiments and meat. When comparing the two best sandwiches of hoagie vs. sub, you may not think there are many differences between them. However, looking deeper, you'll discover why these long sandwiches are unique.
Hoagies didn't become popular until after World War I when Italian immigrants made sandwiches they called “hoggies” or what today is known as hoagies. This is also where the term “sub” sandwich came from. While they have a similar history, they are different regarding bread and ingredients.
This guide looks at the unique differences between a hoagie and a sub. We also look at the ingredients used for each and where to find the best hoagie restaurants in America.
- 4-serving meals starting at $3.77 per serving (up to 25% cheaper than HelloFresh).
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Two Key Differences Between a Hoagie and a Sub
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It's easy to confuse the differences between a hoagie and a sub sandwich because they look the same. But they are different when it comes to the bread and ingredients.
For instance, in Philadelphia and New Jersey, people usually call the sandwich a hoagie instead of a sub. The hoagie is also always associated with Italian culture.
Here's what makes a hoagie sandwich unique:
- Only served cold
- Uses harder bread
- Italian bread, salami, and provolone cheese
Here's what makes a sub sandwich unique:
- It can be served toasted or hot
- Uses any bread
- Any meat, cheese, and other fixings
Five Famous Hoagie Restaurants
If you love hoagies, you may want to know where to find the best hoagie restaurants in America. Spread across the United States, you'll see how different hoagies are made with different ingredients.
Most of these restaurants are on the East Coast. Here's a list of the top five famous hoagie restaurants and what they offer.
- 4-serving meals starting at $3.77 per serving (up to 25% cheaper than HelloFresh).
- Incredible variety with 10+ weekly meal options, delivered directly to you.
- Easy to prepare meals ready in 30-minutes or less.
The Perfect Hoagie at Sugar Hill Sub Shop
If you're ever in Atlantic City, check out the Italian Stallion at Sugar Hill Sub Shop. This is a diehard sandwich worth trying over and over again.
If you want their specialty and most popular sandwich, try the “hoagie perfection.” It's one of the finest and most delicious sandwiches assembled with white Italian bread, black pepper ham, provolone, tomato, onion, and oil and vinegar. It's sure to please the most avid hoagie fans.
Bub's Italian Hoagie at Bub & Pops
Washington, DC, has a lot more than monuments and history. It's also home to the world's finest hoagie store, Bub's Italian Hoagie at Bub & Pops.
They offer an array of hoagies, including salami, provolone cheese, pepperoni, hot and sweet capicola, and Pecorino Romano cheese. It's a challenge to finish half a sandwich. But they are can't miss sandwich if you love hoagies and you're in Washington DC.
Alyssa Milano Hero at Lioni's Italian Heroes
If you love having more than 100 sandwich options, then Alyssa Milano Hero at Lion's Italian Heroes is the best choice.
While they have an array of sandwiches, some of the best and most coveted are the pesto sauce sandwiches that come with prosciutto de Parma. It also comes with the best mozzarella cheese. You'll find yourself coming back to this spot in Brooklyn over and over again.
Italian Sub at Bari
Chicago is home to some of the finest sandwiches in the Midwest.
This restaurant has some of the finest hoagies with apicola, salami, and mortadella meats. You'll also discover the sandwiches come with provolone and briny giardiniera, which can be spicy. They offer some of the most unique and delicious hoagies in America that you must try if you love hoagies.
Molinari Special at Molinari Delicatessen
Not all of the best sandwiches are on the East Coast. One of the best hoagie spots is on the West Coast of San Francisco.
- 4-serving meals starting at $3.77 per serving (up to 25% cheaper than HelloFresh).
- Incredible variety with 10+ weekly meal options, delivered directly to you.
- Easy to prepare meals ready in 30-minutes or less.
One of their signature sandwiches is the Molinari Special. You can choose your choice of cheese and meat that goes with the finest-tasting Italian bread. You may discover you can't finish the entire sandwich in one sitting. As a bonus, they also have delicious pantry staples you can enjoy at home.
Hoagie vs. Sub: What's the Better Choice?
There's a clear difference between a hoagie and a sub. Deciding what's better is a matter of personal preference. They both have different ingredients and qualities about them. But trying both can give you a better idea of what you like more.
You can also explore some of the finest hoagies in America. They are loaded with Italian ingredients and have a unique style to them. You'll discover how delicious and filling these sandwiches are and why they are a must-try.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Charles Brutlag/Shutterstock.com.