Welcome back, Polk County.
Mike here.
Coming from Long Island, New York — I was always a big deli / sandwich person — with my favorites being heroes or breakfast sandwiches.
And being down in Polk County, for a while it kind of felt like my best options were Publix, Jersey Mikes, and even potentially Wawa!
But now I have a full list of the best sandwiches in Polk County; with my FAVORITE spot in all of Polk coming in at number one (with no editorial biases).
I told you recently that we've been working towards a massive article for The Best Restaurants In Polk County that stems from our larger category of The Best Food In Polk; and clearly we can't do that without knowing the best sandwiches.
We've seen some of these top sandwich shops pop up among the best breakfast spots, our individual Polk County food reviews, and even some other lists you probably wouldn't automatically expect.
But, without further ado:
The Best Sandwiches In Polk County.
And, as always, this isn’t just a list I’ve put together based on my own preferences…
This list was built from HUNDREDS of votes, from locals just like you.
Let’s go 
Special Author’s Note:
Jersey Mike's just surpassed Chik-Fil-A as the number one ranked fast food restaurant recently, AND Publix subs technically came in at number 4 on this list (and was pulled to feature local spots only) — but I felt both deserve a shoutout being that they are both clearly good alternatives. Plus, how can we not give Publix a shoutout when it originated right here in Polk?
First Place: Uncle Nick's
The Best Sandwiches In Polk County, Florida
Uncle Nick's Italian Deli — 6955 Old Rd 37, Lakeland
Coming in as the best sandwich shop in Polk County is Uncle Nick's Italian Deli in Lakeland.
I wrote a review detailing how much Katie and I love Uncle Nick's previously and said it is the GOLD STANDARD for breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and subs in Polk County.
We'd go as far as saying it is actually the best we've found in Florida, so far.
And Polk locals agreed with us, with several voters even said they regularly drive across the county just to eat there.
Voters said things like:
- "100% without a doubt Uncle Nick's Deli in South Lakeland. They demolish the competition."
- "There is no better than Uncle Nick's."
- "Uncle Nick's is BY FAR the best there is."
If you're looking for the sandwich shop that received the most support from locals, Uncle Nick's takes the top spot.
Second Place: Fat Jack's
The Second Best Sandwiches In Polk County, Florida
Fat Jack's — 2940 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
Coming in at number two is Fat Jack's Delicatessen in Lakeland.
Fat Jack's exploded in votes anytime someone brought up a Reuben.
It is clear that locals consider Fat Jack's the King of Reuben sandwiches in Polk County.
None of the other shops on this list had so much praise for one specific sandwich on the menu.
Voters said things like:
- "Fat Jacks has the best Reuben in town!"
- "Best Reuben ever."
- "Fat Jack's. Reuben. The original place to get them."
For one of the most iconic deli sandwiches, Fat Jack's comes in at our number two spot.
Third Place: Subs N Such
The Third Best Sandwiches In Polk County, Florida
Subs N Such — 1008 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
Coming in at number three is Subs N Such in Lakeland.
While it Subs N Such didn't have one specific sandwich stand out the way Fat Jack's Reuben stole the show; if I had to point to one in particular I would recommend the Dean's Garlic Special.
I haven't even tried it, but this was the one that locals consistently brought up when asked what to get after Subs N Such was mentioned.
Voters said things like:
- "Subs n Such, hands down!"
- "8-inch Italian on white, all the way."
- "The Dean's Garlic Special."
For classic sub shop sandwiches and decades of local support, Subs N Such earns the number three spot.
Fourth Place: Sandwich Factory
The Fourth Best Sandwiches In Polk County, Florida
Sandwich Factory — 5024 Lunn Rd, Lakeland
Coming in at number four is Sandwich Factory in Lakeland.
Sandwich Factory had praise not only for the quality of the sandwich, but also the portion size [compared to the price] and their fries!
Sandwich Factory is likely our hidden gem on the list.
Voters said things like:
- "The Sandwich Factory!"
- "Great tasting. Full of meat. Best fries."
- "Their double Reuben is so good."
For a local sandwich shop that continues to fly under the radar, Sandwich Factory lands in at number four.
Fifth Place: Lake Wales Cheese Shoppe & Deli
The Fifth Best Sandwiches In Polk County, Florida
Lake Wales Cheese Shoppe & Deli — 224 E Bullard Ave, Lake Wales
Rounding out our Top 5 is Lake Wales Cheese Shoppe & Deli.
This was another spot, like Uncle Nick's, that had some locals mentioning that they would drive across the county for their sandwich.
Voters said things like:
- "You will LOVE it!"
- "The Lake Wales Cheese Shoppe & Deli has the best!"
- "Worth the drive."
I would have said this one is a hidden gem, but technically I would actually categorize this one as our "Worth The Drive" winner.
Other Great Sandwiches In Polk County, Florida
If you’re anything like me, you want to try all the best sandwiches in Polk County, Florida so you can be the judge for yourself.
So here are the rest of the top ten sandwiches in Polk County, Florida (in order 6-10):
- #6 — Sub Hub
- #7 — S&L Restaurant
- #8 — Mama Dilo's Deli
- #9 — Lucille's American Cafe
- #10 — Jessie's Gourmet Sandwiches
Which gives us the full top 10 sandwich spots in Polk.
And brings us to the moment you’ve all been waiting for…
My personal opinion (that no one asked for 
).
Here are my sandwich spots in Polk:
- Uncle Nick's Italian Deli
- Jersey Mike's...
- Saving This Spot
Uncle Nick's is a spot that Katie and I go to ALL THE TIME, so we haven't actually made it to spots like the rest of the top 5 for me to be able to have a clear top 3 yet.
That said, we were also waiting for a list like this to be able to go check out the good ones — which we were unaware of!
THANKS!
Thanks for reading this edition of The Polk Squeeze today.
Share this with a friend who's been looking for the best sandwich spot in Polk County.
- Mike Romaine
Never Miss An Event Or Story
I have recently moved to Lake Wales and found a great place for wings and pizza. It’s called the Secret Slice. I am from MA and lived in NJ for several years. My first job was at an Italian restaurant there I learned to make pizzas- so I am a bit picky about them. They are on Rt 60, if you want great wings- this is the place.
Hey Kristen! We’ll definitely have to give them a try, thank you! 🙂 We need some places to get us to go out to Lake Wales. It sometimes feels like the only place we don’t go to enough being that both Lakeland and Winter Haven feel so easy heading out from Auburndale.
Have you tried Kokomo’s in downtown WH next to Carlton Music Center? Delicious sandwiches in a quaint atmosphere. Check them out!
It’s on our list! We’re looking forward to it.
And we’ll actually be stopping by your place tomorrow with our in-laws. My father-in-law is in-market for a new guitar! 🙂
Maybe I can convince them to pop in to Kokomo’s while we’re there.
Davenport is part of Polk County, I see no mentions of this area. Not everyone wants to drive 20 miles for a sandwich.
Hey Lawrence! Completely understand, but these lists are based on votes from locals. We don’t make them based on our opinions. I have new lists coming out for all towns (like this week’s list for best food in Bartow), so Davenport will be coming as well! 🙂