I Tried The 10 Most Popular Firehouse Subs Here’s The One I’ll Order Again

Firehouse Subs is known for big flavors, melty cheese, and generous portions. With so many meaty, cheesy options on the menu, I set out to taste the 10 most popular subs to find the one truly worth ordering again—and again. Some brought the heat, others brought the nostalgia, and one clear winner brought it all. Here’s how they stacked up—and the one that blew the rest away.

1. Veggie Sub

Picture a garden inside a bun. The Veggie Sub attempts to tantalize with a mix of fresh vegetables, but it’s more like a crunchy salad than a satisfying meal. Despite the trio of melted provolone, Swiss, and Monterey Jack cheeses, the sub falls short in flavor, yearning for a spicy kick or a protein boost. Imagine adding hot sauce or grilled tofu—it could be a game-changer. For now, it’s a pleasant, albeit safe choice, offering a fresh experience without the bold excitement other subs deliver.

2. Turkey Bacon Ranch

The classic deli experience, but with a twist. Turkey Bacon Ranch combines the comfort of turkey and bacon with a creamy ranch sauce. While it promises a robust flavor, the ranch tends to dominate, overshadowing the turkey’s subtlety. Visualize a balanced bite: more turkey, less sauce. This sub is reliable for someone seeking familiarity, but not quite the adventurous eater’s delight. It’s a classic that many will find comforting; yet its safe nature might leave thrill-seekers wanting more zest and innovation.

3. Club on a Sub

Imagine a warm embrace from your favorite deli sandwich. Club on a Sub wraps you in the smoky flavors of bacon and honey ham, while melted cheese adds a satisfying gooeyness. It feels like a familiar hug, comforting yet expected, leaning on tradition without stepping into new territory. Its predictability is its charm; however, for those seeking a culinary adventure, it might feel like a missed opportunity. A solid choice for club sandwich lovers, this sub is more nostalgic than novel.

4. Firehouse Meatball

A hearty embrace of classic comfort. The Firehouse Meatball sub is a saucy delight, with generous meatballs enveloped in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. It’s a straightforward indulgence—rich and filling, perfect for those who love a good meatball. However, its singular flavor profile might not appeal to those seeking diversity in taste. A glorious mess of flavors, it satisfies a craving but might leave you longing for a touch of complexity beyond the cheese-and-meat combo.

5. Steak & Cheese

The suburban take on a city classic. Steak & Cheese presents a familiar façade, yet lacks the punch of its urban counterparts. With added peppers and onions, it whispers of cheesesteak dreams, but the seasoning falls short of expectations. Picture a bolder rendition; more spices could make it shine. An honest attempt at capturing the essence of a cheesesteak, it satisfies but doesn’t surprise. A decent choice for those who enjoy simplicity, this sub is comfortingly unpretentious yet yearning for a little more zest.

6. Spicy Cajun Chicken

A fiery fusion of flavors! The Spicy Cajun Chicken sub is a bold statement, marrying the zest of buffalo chicken with the soul of jambalaya. It’s an exciting, messy thrill—packed with spice and personality, appealing to those who love to dance on the edge of flavor. Imagine the vibrant heat that lingers, a thrill ride for the taste buds. Not for the faint of heart or first-date dinners, it’s a daring choice for those unafraid of a little saucy mess in pursuit of delicious adventure.

7. Hook & Ladder

A sweet-smoky harmony. The Hook & Ladder sub showcases Firehouse’s signature style with smoked turkey and honey ham, enriched by Monterey Jack cheese. It’s a testament to balanced flavors, offering a melty delight that teases with hints of sweetness and smoke. You might imagine a touch more crunch elevating its stature, yet it remains a solid favorite. This is the sub to try if you crave harmony in a bite—the perfect blend without overpowering any single note, ensuring each element is savored.

8. Engineer

Simplicity with a twist! The Engineer sub combines smoked turkey with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese, creating a savory ensemble. Each bite whispers of comfort, a reliable partner for those seeking straightforward satisfaction. Imagine subtle smokiness that complements rather than overwhelms, a delightful dance of flavors. It’s an understated star, offering a sneakily flavorful experience that wins over the heart with its quiet charm. For fans of turkey and mushrooms, this sub is a beloved go-to with just enough personality to shine.

9. Italian Sub

A celebration of hearty flavors! The Italian Sub is a cheesy embrace of salami, pepperoni, and ham, tied together with a drizzle of Italian dressing. It’s a festival of taste, toasting to a melty, delicious perfection. Each morsel sings with robust flavors, making it nearly irresistible. The sub kisses your taste buds with warmth and zest—the embodiment of indulgence. It’s a favorite for many, stealing the show with its rich, layered experience that nearly claims the top spot. Prepare to savor each layered bite of this Italian classic.

10. Smokehouse Beef & Cheddar Brisket

The winner—undeniably! Smokehouse Beef & Cheddar Brisket reigns supreme with its tender, smoky brisket and cheddar bliss, all swathed in sweet BBQ sauce. It’s a backyard BBQ wrapped in a bun, offering a rich, flavorful journey. Envision sinking into the indulgence of bold, meaty bites, perfectly balanced without being messy. This sub embodies the essence of Firehouse’s promise to deliver great taste. It’s the one to return to, time and again, satisfying every savory, smoky, and cheesy craving with finesse.