Restaurants & Bars

This Is The Best Sandwich Joint In MD, New List Says

The ranking suggests Marylanders should head to Howard or Anne Arundel counties for a crab cake or tuna steak sandwich.

In Maryland, getting the best sandwich means a road trip to Ellicott City or Annapolis, according to a recent list of the best sandwich shops in every state.
In Maryland, getting the best sandwich means a road trip to Ellicott City or Annapolis, according to a recent list of the best sandwich shops in every state. (Courtesy of RegionAle)

There are times when any old sandwich will do, and other occasions when the scrumptious concoction between two pieces of bread is worth a drive. In Maryland, that means a road trip to Ellicott City or Annapolis, according to a recent list of the best sandwich shops in every state.

The 50 Best sandwich shops list compiled by Only In Your State, a digital travel and lifestyle website, says RegionAle, with locations in both cities, is serving up Maryland classics while also highlighting favorites from other states.

RegionAle has two Maryland locations, so of course, its MD Crabcake sandwich with Old Bay remoulade is a crowd favorite,” Only In Your State wrote. “The menu also highlights other favorites from other states, like the FL Cubano and LA Shrimp Po Boy, to more unique takes like the OR Tuna Steak sandwich.”

Find out what's happening in Ellicott Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The other sandwich joints on the list are “places that locals swear by, road-trippers detour for, and first-time visitors immediately add to their must-return list,” the site said, adding that some places on the list have been perfecting a signature sandwich for decades, while others innovate with bold combinations and unexpected twists.

“From no-frills neighborhood delis and legacy counter spots to modern shops reinventing the classics, great sandwiches tell the story of the places and people behind them,” the site said. “They reflect regional flavors, immigrant influences, and the kind of care that turns bread, meat, cheese, and condiments into something unforgettable.”

Find out what's happening in Ellicott Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Only In Your State said it based its selection on reviews, awards, and reader nominations reflecting what diners value: high-quality ingredients, flavor and freshness, along with accessibility, inclusivity, affordability, hours, and overall value. The list also highlighted innovation and creativity, rewarding spots that deliver something distinctive while honoring their culinary roots.

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