In Maryland, sandwiches feel like their own kind of competition. Every city corner and small-town main street has a shop that insists it’s the one worth your lunch hour, whether it’s layering cold cuts, building a grinder, or perfecting the Italian sub.
I spent weeks moving between Baltimore, Annapolis, Bethesda, and little spots in between, following locals who spoke about their favorites with near-religious devotion. The bread always seemed to crackle just right, the fillings stacked with care, and the atmosphere told me I was sitting somewhere that mattered.
These sixteen sub shops left me convinced: Maryland may be famous for crab, but the sandwiches are what people line up for day after day.
1. DiPasquale’s Italian Market (Baltimore)
The first thing you notice is the hum of conversation mixed with the slicing of meats, a rhythm that sets the whole market alive. Counters overflow with salami, prosciutto, and cheeses, while crusty rolls wait to be filled…