Tampa sandwich lovers have something to celebrate — three local favorites have just been crowned among Yelp’s Top 100 Sandwich Shops in the United States! As part of the platform’s first-ever sandwich ranking, this recognition comes just in time for National Sandwich Month, putting Tampa on the foodie map once again.
“Chicago Paulies” Slides Into the Top 10
Coming in hot at No. 6, Chicago Paulies stands out with its iconic Italian beef sandwich, a classic beloved by transplants and locals alike. This humble walk-up window next to a gas station at 1301 N. Howard Ave. has Yelp users raving — one reviewer boldly stated, “The Italian beef was the best I’ve ever had outside of Chicago.”
Beyond Italian beef, Chicago Paulies serves up corned beef on rye, Reubens, Philly cheesesteaks, and Chicago-style hot dogs — all within a modest three-hour window from Monday to Saturday. No stranger to acclaim, the shop also clinched No. 34 on Yelp’s Top 100 Florida Restaurants back in 2022.
📍 Location: 1301 N. Howard Ave., Tampa
🌐 Official Site: [No website listed]
📸 Social: Yelp Profile
“Box of Cubans” Brings Flavor and Family
Ranked No. 29, Box of Cubans in Riverview is a family-owned gem that brings a taste of Havana to the Tampa Bay area. Owned by Marcos and Onelia Silverio, the sandwich shop originally began inside a BP gas station in Brandon back in 2017. Since then, it’s expanded into a brick-and-mortar location at 10451 Gibsonton Drive and recently launched a second shop in New Tampa at 17512 Doña Michelle Drive.
What makes Box of Cubans stand out? It’s their authentic Cuban sandwiches, 14 empanada varieties, and signature Cuban coffee that keep customers coming back for more.
📍 Locations:
- 10451 Gibsonton Drive, Riverview
- 17512 Doña Michelle Drive, Tampa
🌐 Official Site: boxofcubans.com
📸 Social: Instagram
“Gulf Coast Sourdough & Wild Yeast Breads” — Where Art Meets Bread
Taking spot No. 47, Gulf Coast Sourdough & Wild Yeast Breads is an artisan bakery and sandwich haven located at 6703 N. Florida Ave. Owners Christina Cann and Brett Wiewiora craft their menu using a natural sourdough starter, unbleached flours, and inventive recipes.
What sets this bakery apart is the dedication to wild fermentation techniques, producing bread options like turmeric and black pepper, cinnamon swirl, and of course, classic traditional sourdough. Every pastry and sandwich is rooted in Tampa’s growing demand for quality, handcrafted food.
📍 Location: 6703 N. Florida Ave., Tampa
🌐 Official Site: gulfcoastsourdough.com
📸 Social: Facebook
Florida Wins Big — But Who Took No. 1?
While Tampa proudly snagged three spots in the Top 50, the No. 1 sandwich came from Franky’s Deli Warehouse in Hialeah, South Florida. This makes Florida the only state to have multiple shops in the top 10, reinforcing the state’s unexpected dominance in sandwich culture.
For sandwich enthusiasts, this list is more than just recognition — it’s a curated map of must-try flavors, unique family stories, and passionate culinary artistry.
Explore More Local Flavor
Hungry for more? Tampa Bay’s culinary scene continues to make national headlines. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these three Yelp-approved sandwich shops are essential stops on your next food crawl.
Want to plan your tasting tour? Don’t forget to check out Tampa’s latest local events and connect with other food lovers on Eventbrite or the official Visit Tampa Bay tourism site.
Want to see which other hidden gems are rising in Tampa’s food scene? Stay tuned — we’re digging into the best tacos, coffee spots, and bakeries next!
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