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sadistbiker t1_j21ose3 wrote

Bub and Pops on M St.

101

IAmTerdFergusson t1_j220ap5 wrote

Gets my vote too. DC has a number of solid sub shops and I don't think any one is drastically better than the other, but Bub and Pops gets the nod from me

12

AceMcClean t1_j22sjib wrote

Love this place but seems like their prices sky rocketed recently?

6

OhHowIMeantTo t1_j22zl57 wrote

Prices have gone up everywhere. And people lately seem to think that Bub and Pops is overcharging for a whole sandwich when they don't realize that their whole sandwich is 2 to 3 servings. Their half sandwich is still more than 1 serving, and much more what you would expect a sandwich to cost

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medievalmachine t1_j240kco wrote

It’s true. I was blindsided on my first visit by the enormous sandwich I received.

4

yetidavis t1_j23zcdf wrote

The Philly Special is SO DAMN TASTY!!! Just had it yesterday

2

manskies t1_j24hqps wrote

$32 for a sub? How big are they, larger than a foot long?

2

sadistbiker t1_j24jkwz wrote

For a normal person 1/2 sub is a filling meal. I’d say it’s worth the price.

1

rainydayszs t1_j24kcxk wrote

Ugh I had the cheesesteak (my fav type of sub) and it was inedible !!! Maybe it was an off day

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sadistbiker t1_j24kugd wrote

Probably. Cheesesteak is one of my favorites but they weren’t serving cheesesteaks today.

1

mashpotatodick t1_j21xsim wrote

Mangialardo's on PA Ave SE.

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No_Hedgehog415 t1_j24r1xp wrote

Agreed. Used to live over there. Everyone was really friendly. G Man is good but lots and lots of other options.

2

Mumbleton t1_j21rht1 wrote

The meatball sub at Stachowski's in Georgetown is one of the finest sandwiches I've eaten in my life. Haven't been to Bub and Pops in years but they do good work over there as well.

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IvyGold t1_j21tzu1 wrote

Their Four Meat Grinder is probably more what OP's looking for -- it's excellent, too.

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9throwawayDERP t1_j25nvav wrote

Oh and the pastrami. My personal favorite to induce a food coma. Soooo good. BTW, they actually do a decent packaged dinner.

3

Hawka48 t1_j220kp5 wrote

Mangialardo's, thank me later.

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DrewinSWDC t1_j224ecf wrote

This is the only real answer

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foreverurgirl t1_j23rvdg wrote

This! This is a true sub and not a sandwich.

Grazie Grazie also has good subs, but Mangiardo’s is the OG.

7

mastakebob t1_j23v6lw wrote

I'll die on this hill: Mango's gmen sub is trash. Bread is stale and oversized, there's 2 inches of iceberg heart lettuce and 1 slice of cheese, 2 slices of meat.

I'm exaggerating a bit, but it's not a satisfying sub (unless you like stale bread and dry lettuce as a meal).

3

DarknessOverLight12 t1_j23zhw0 wrote

U tried the soft roll or just the hard roll? I never had a problem with the meat portions as I usually have abt 6 slices in my sub but I do admit they been gradually getting skimpy for the past decade

5

mastakebob t1_j23zt1s wrote

I tried the hard roll a few times cause apparently that's the "right" way, but I switched to the soft roll cause fuck hard bread. Ain't got time for scratching up the roof of my mouth for the sake of 'tradition'.

3

DarknessOverLight12 t1_j240m3p wrote

I been going there since I was a kid and I ALWAYS get the soft roll. The one time I got the hard roll I swear I thought my jaw was gonna fall off. Like u, I don't understand how hard stale ass bread is the "right" way but I wouldn't advise it for first-timers

5

Gumburcules t1_j248zkg wrote

> I don't understand how hard stale ass bread is the "right" way

I've always assumed it's the "right way" because traditionally people made them in the morning and ate them at lunch, at which point a soft roll would be a soggy mess but a hard roll has softened up nicely.

I can rarely finish an entire G-man in one sitting, so I usually take the other half home for dinner and it definitely gets nice and soft.

5

d_hor t1_j24201w wrote

needs to soak up a ton of oil and vinegar...always go with soft roll

3

ButtTussler t1_j21sggn wrote

The Italian Store and Jetties.

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crack_spirit_animal t1_j2252e7 wrote

Jetties is mid tier at best, Italian Store however is outstanding.

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SimplyJif t1_j247c9t wrote

Mid tier is generous to Jetties. Absolutely underwhelming.

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9throwawayDERP t1_j25naxs wrote

eh, its fine. but if you are near the jetties in NW, just go to stachowski's instead.

1

SoHowManyMore t1_j22x2bi wrote

The Italian Store is amazing! Best subs and pizza in the DMV!

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rectalhorror t1_j23seie wrote

They're also the only place where I've had a halfway decent muffaletta.

2

webbmoncure t1_j25o9pq wrote

Just don’t confuse the Italian Store in Arlington for the Italian Place in Alexandria. The subs from the former are amazing; the subs from the latter are, for lack of better words, disappointing.

2

hemlockone t1_j21xcuk wrote

I'm partial to A Litteri, A Deli (edit: DC location closed), and TBSP

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ApatheticAbsurdist t1_j22irlu wrote

Wow you actually posted places that have deli slicers. Kudos! I’m originally from Jersey and have been dismayed with subs with pre-cut coldcuts.

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dc_dobbz t1_j228jod wrote

I don’t know about subs, but they have the best approximation of a proper Italian grinder I’ve had here.

1

mister-jesse t1_j23jkij wrote

I used to love going to Litteris and getting subs and a pound or 2 of sliced prosciutto. Didn't it close down ?

−1

DCGirl50 t1_j25dfz3 wrote

Definitely still open - got subs and wine there yesterday

3

BettyDrapes t1_j21v6re wrote

Cornercopia in Navy Yard is underrated

38

Hope_Burns_Bright t1_j22byju wrote

Seriously underrated. Hot tip, they make their own kimchi, its rad as hell. Buy the jar, take it back when you're done and get $1 off your next one

7

BansheeLoveTriangle t1_j22auri wrote

Hmm walked by it a bunch but never been in, Will have to change that

4

foreverurgirl t1_j23rzsl wrote

It’s sooo good and you can custom your own sandwiches. The chicken and tuna salads are amazing.

3

Rude_Ad8118 t1_j21wsc1 wrote

Compliments only!! It’s heavenly.

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BettyDrapes t1_j24s8fd wrote

They're OK, but kinda small tbh. There are better sub places in DC.

4

h_nikole t1_j23o1p1 wrote

Compliments Only is like 85% of my Uber eats orders. The crunchy boi is my faveeeee.

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yonibalogna t1_j26dj6q wrote

Yesss I love small sandwiches with no meat for $20

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Six-76 t1_j21py3q wrote

Grazie Grazie for Italian subs! They just opened up a second location that I haven't tried, but the one on the Wharf is consistently fantastic. A Literri and Mangialardos are also great! (Mangialardos has limited hours though.)

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[deleted] t1_j224g09 wrote

[deleted]

2

roofrat69 t1_j22984z wrote

But why?

3

brodies t1_j24g52e wrote

Guessing it’s related to when he attended an event at the White House where Trump signed an executive order on small businesses. There was a lot of angst in social media over that.

3

Obvious-Design8030 t1_j256t28 wrote

Oh man, I remembered that there was a scandal and I got a bit caught up in the anger at the time, but boy does that look trivial in retrospect. Did he do something else, too? Like some worker issue maybe. I might be confusing that with another local restaurant guy.

Anyway, Grazie Grazie is solid. I wouldn't say best in the city for myself, but very good.

2

Traveling_opal t1_j23zxgk wrote

How come? I mean, until they over expanded, their food was consistently great.

2

cheesyuser t1_j222p4r wrote

Capo Deli. The cuban, philly cheesesteak, and italian are all bomb.

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nihowXO t1_j23r451 wrote

I agree, the sandwiches there are always on point

1

Chester2707 t1_j26fi78 wrote

Only had the Italian but it’s dope af. Would second this.

1

parrot1500 t1_j220zip wrote

Bub and Pop's in DC have a roast beef and gardineri sandwich that, when eaten right there, will change your life it's so good.

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octodo t1_j26h1g4 wrote

My favorite sandwich place, everything on their menu is extremely good. The cheesesteak isn't as good as stuff I've had in Philly but their meatball is unbelievable, and the Italian is one of the best I've ever had.

1

g0lfrlz t1_j21u96d wrote

Neither in DC, but Gemelli’s in Gaithersburg. Continental in Kensington for steak & cheese.

10

MickeyHokkaido t1_j22yd71 wrote

Subbs by Carl, most likely (Subbs by Carl2208 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC). But if you're expanding to the DMV, Fillipo's in Wheaton, MD is probably exactly what you're looking for.

Great sub sandwiches stem from a few things:

Excellent freshly baked bread: DC does not have this that I have seen.

Meat-slicer thin freshly sliced cuts: No one I have seen here does this.

A house pièce de ré·sis·tance - Carl's has a cool chile-vinegar-spread. Carl has also been around for at least 40 years... They cut their cold-cuts thicker than this Philly-boy would prefer, but you know what? They make the best subs [lol, subbs] in the city, so it's all good. I think even in 2022, African American businesses that are producing amazing things are getting overlooked. (I should put a /s, because obviously African American businesses are being overlooked, sorry, allies.)

9

rectalhorror t1_j23sl4g wrote

Second Filippos. Also there's a banh mi place across the parking lot that's worth the detour.

1

marjoramandmint t1_j24pg3u wrote

Thank you for this recommendation! I think that might be the place a coworker took me to 10 years ago, and I hadn't found it since!

1

the5nowman t1_j24rvjh wrote

The bakery on North Cap supplies the bread for a few spots in town.

1

Diva_Pluto t1_j21ysp2 wrote

Dupont Market - the Italian sandwich is incredible. Also much love to Sundevich

7

OhHowIMeantTo t1_j22zwnc wrote

An underrated spot! I used to live on Swann, and heading down the alley to Dupont when out of ideas for a meal was always a good option, especially while hungover for their breakfast burritos. They also have a good beer and gourmet food selection.

3

EthanFl t1_j22hfro wrote

MGM in NE. Only open in the afternoon though.

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AwesomeAndy t1_j22la9f wrote

They're also open in the morning

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mastakebob t1_j23w1qi wrote

But not Sundays, which is a real punch in the teeth when you want that BEC croissant for your hangover.

1

ARiverRunsThroughIt_ t1_j225fnv wrote

For a classic Italian sun try a literi at Union mkt (non in the actual building but in that area). they’ve been there forever and are a classic.

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rectalhorror t1_j23saqs wrote

I’ve been getting pizza at Vace since the ‘80s, but I recently tried their subs and they’re legit. https://nomtasticfoods.net/vace-italian-delicatessen-cleveland-park/Also

Market 2 Market is kinda off the radar, but they make an excellent sub. Their bread makes the all the difference; halfway between the soft roll and the hard Italian roll.

5

NPRjunkieDC t1_j22ljq7 wrote

So's your Mom on Columbia Rd in AdMo

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mister-jesse t1_j23jfi8 wrote

Have been outside of DC/USA for a few years and thus made me hungry for their Italian sub and a bagel sandwich 😋

2

districtdathi t1_j25dq4k wrote

Man, their italian deluxe has become my new favorite!! I think they made the cover of the washingtonian recently

1

NPRjunkieDC t1_j25dvnh wrote

They were in the Financial Times as one of the best food stores in world Actually it was Call your Mother

0

TorontoNeverSkeets t1_j23qwgv wrote

DC is limited on good sandwich places, but here are the musts:

-A Littieri on Morse NE next to Union Market (don't order their Italian, ad hoc your own sandwich to your liking as otherwise the Italian is rather bland if you ask me).

-Salumeria in Brookland (go Mondays as their bread seems the most fresh then, also needs some of your guidance but nonetheless pretty good)

-Bub and Pops on M/Dupont: huge ass sandwiches, but they're pretty good even if you want to eat leftover sandwiches the rest of the week.

-Stachowski's in G-Town: if you can tolerate G-Town I highly recommend this place. Just hell getting there if you ride a bike, take transit, or drive.

​

Some people have mentioned Carl's Subbs. They're worth a visit too (bring cash), but I'd stop at all these above, first.

​

Prepare to be underwhelmed if you're a sandwich connoisseur, though- sorry. DC just doesn't have anything close to what you'd find in NYC, Philly, Portland, NO, Toronto, etc.

3

9throwawayDERP t1_j25no02 wrote

> Stachowski

its just a 10-12 min walk from dupont though. and in my opinion, the best on the list (though A littieri gives it a run for the money)

1

Playful-Translator49 t1_j21pwb4 wrote

I like mother ruckers for normal classic style subs, mgm roast beef for sliced meat sandwiches, their French dip is fire or dc city deli for corned beef or pastrami.

2

mastakebob t1_j23yc86 wrote

Mother Ruckers is walking distance for me so it has a special place in my heart. And it's probably the closest to that 'mid-tier Philly hoagie' that I grew up with, so it's def a personal favorite. And their meat/$ ratio is top notch. And they carry Herr's brand potato chips. They're my go-to for an Italian for all those reasons.

But I'll be the first to admit that they're not gonna win any quality or gourmet awards. Very 'working class Philly corner shop' sammiches. Different strokes.

1

freelancerjourn t1_j223z5h wrote

Carlos Santucci deli in Silver Spring has amazing cheesesteaks, cold cuts and other sandwhiches. The Broiler in Arlington, VA does amazing cheesesteaks as well (I actually found out about them here on Reddit). Paisano’s (multiple locations) has great sandwhiches as well. I would definitely rank Carlos Santucci as my number one, though. Honorable Mentions: Zburger and Charleys.

Editing to say I re-read the title and realized you specifically were looking in DC. But hopefully these recommendations will help you for the greater DC area as well.

2

thekingoftherodeo t1_j23hu9d wrote

Not a sub shop per se, but adjacent to it would be Earl's in Arlington. Always had a good, if expensive, experience there.

2

UnpredictableMike t1_j23nz4w wrote

Subbs by Carl, 2200 blk of Rhode Island Ave NE. I figure it’s not the regular stomping grounds for a lot of folks judging by the other suggestions, but well worth the trip.

2

Aiogher t1_j21u9p9 wrote

wisemillers is boring but great for no frills

1

Wonderful-Emu-8716 t1_j227r2g wrote

Not in DC, but if you are in Bethesda Cornucopia is great (don't expect to get the sandwich quickly though)

1

JMan9391 t1_j22om0j wrote

The Italian Place is Alexandria is one of my faves that hasn’t been brought up yet.

1

bigkutta t1_j23nrm7 wrote

Already mentioned A Litteri and Bub and Pops

1

Smarkie t1_j23of4f wrote

Stachowski's on P Street in Georgetown.

1

4look4rd t1_j24fxz7 wrote

Dominion in Falls Church used to have the best French dip I’ve ever had. Perfect jus, actual ribeye steak, and nice crusty bread.

They changed it and now everything is bang on average and not worth the trip.

1

B3astit t1_j24j628 wrote

Santucci’s Deli in Silver Spring is on point. Probably the best subs I’ve had in the DMV

1

Skimster t1_j24psbo wrote

The Minelli sandwich at Grazi Grazi is [chef’s kiss].

1

Smosh_Bear t1_j24rqdb wrote

If you’re in NE, Salumeria 2703 on 12th St

1

Dwight_Buttz t1_j24t7g5 wrote

Carl's Subbs for sure, a overlooked gem

1

orion2145 t1_j24uq34 wrote

Subbs by Carl is an institution

1

barbage1 t1_j257b3i wrote

Gemelli's in Gaithersburg

1

Apprehensive_Essay31 t1_j25qucc wrote

Grazie Grazie, Southwest, Wharf. They have killer hard roll subs.

1

mikmass t1_j2676u1 wrote

Chicken cutlet @ Grazie Grazie chef’s kiss

1

Vivid-Mortgage9855 t1_j26a3xf wrote

I've lived here 14 years and have yet to find a sub that I love. Market2Market in Del Ray, Alexandria is probably the closest.

1

aster01ds t1_j2274ua wrote

As someone from the bay, anybody know of a good dutch crunch in the area?

0

skullquest0 t1_j22oltj wrote

Compliments Only, get a Crunchy Boi and bask in it’s glory.

0

tiakeuta t1_j24bh8y wrote

The cheesesteak or the roast pork at Bub and Pops.

0

aup123 t1_j255ttd wrote

PG County not DC, but New York Italian Deli in Brandywine is the best sandwich ive had outside of Jersey.

0

bassmaster_gen t1_j22svv8 wrote

I’m from PA so Capriotti’s in Roslyn is my go-to, iykyk

−3

jpradeepreddy t1_j22ifk7 wrote

Potbelly.

I don't know if you consider it sub or not but it still tastes way better than the subway.

−4