These picks range from coast to coast, covering the weird, the classic, and the deeply local. If you want real bragging rights, try to cross every single one off your list.
Detroit Coney Dog

Maddy Alewine / Them Bites
This Michigan icon is a beef hot dog on a steamed bun, covered in a meaty chili, diced onions, and yellow mustard. There’s nothing quite like the combo;tangy, rich, and classic to the core. Get the Detroit Coney Dog recipe
Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich

Maddy Alewine / Them Bites
From Texas, this one piles crunchy, golden-fried steak inside a bun with creamy gravy and crisp lettuce. It’s a stick-to-your-ribs favorite that brings Southern diners together. Get the Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich recipe
Seattle Dog

Maddy Alewine / Them Bites
Unique to Seattle, this hot dog comes topped with cream cheese and grilled onions. The combo is surprisingly addictive, a staple of late-night food carts in the city. Get the Seattle Dog recipe
Navajo Taco

Maddy Alewine / Them Bites
This New Mexico favorite uses fried pillowy bread as the base, piled high with spiced beef, beans, lettuce, tomato, and cheese. It’s satisfying, hearty, and perfect for any occasion. Get the Navajo Taco recipe
Brisket Sandwich

Maddy Alewine / Them Bites
From Texas, thick slices of smoky brisket are loaded onto a soft bun with pickles and onions. It’s smoky, juicy, and exactly what barbecue dreams are made of. Get the Brisket Sandwich recipe
French Dip Sandwich

Maddy Alewine / Them Bites
This Los Angeles invention features thinly sliced roast beef on a French roll, served with a side of rich, beefy au jus for dipping. It’s warm, comforting, and pure sandwich heaven. Get the French Dip Sandwich recipe
Pork Chop Sandwich

Maddy Alewine / Them Bites
Butte, Montana’s pride;fried pork chop in a bun, usually with lettuce, tomato, and plenty of mayo. It’s a blue-collar classic that’s all about the crispy bite. Get the Pork Chop Sandwich recipe
Jucy Lucy

Maddy Alewine / Them Bites
This Minneapolis legend is a burger stuffed with molten cheese. Every bite bursts with juicy beef and gooey cheese. Watch out for that first bite;it’s hot. Get the Jucy Lucy recipe
Grinder Sandwich

Maddy Alewine / Them Bites
A Connecticut hero, this sub is loaded with cured meats, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, and oil. It’s the definition of a classic Italian-American deli sandwich. Get the Grinder Sandwich recipe
Beef on Weck

Maddy Alewine / Them Bites
Buffalo’s best-kept secret: roast beef piled on a kummelweck roll, with horseradish and au jus. The salty, caraway-crusted roll makes all the difference. Get the Beef on Weck recipe
Fluffernutter Sandwich

Maddy Alewine / Them Bites
Massachusetts’ sweet treat;peanut butter and marshmallow fluff on soft white bread. It’s a bite of pure nostalgia and just as good as you remember. Get the Fluffernutter Sandwich recipe
Roast Pork Sandwich

Maddy Alewine / Them Bites
Philadelphia knows sandwiches, and this one is stacked with juicy roast pork, garlicky broccoli rabe, and provolone cheese on a crusty roll. Savory and messy in all the right ways. Get the Roast Pork Sandwich recipe
Sailor Sandwich

Maddy Alewine / Them Bites
Richmond, Virginia’s twist on a Reuben;grilled pastrami, knockwurst, Swiss cheese, and spicy mustard on rye bread. It’s smoky, peppery, and impossible to put down. Get the Sailor Sandwich recipe