We tried 15 sub sandwiches, including Subway, and the worst one may surprise you - see how they rank

WHO doesn't love a great sandwich?

Made just right, a sub can satisfy all your cravings, but finding good ones may be harder than you think.

Food site, Mashed, decided to take the work out of finding the perfect sandwich by ranking some of the top chains across the country.

The full results may just surprise you, or even make you consider switching where you go for your next fix.

Here's how they ranked from best to the worst.

1. Jersey Mike's

Mashed ranked this chain with more than 2,000 locations nationwide top of the list, even though it may not be the first choice that comes to mind.

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The food site raved about the "meats and cheeses that are sliced in front of you when you order," and the fact that ingredients are often locally sourced.

Importantly, it said the chain offers "an amazing selection of both hot and cold sandwiches," and highlighted the "special mixture of olive oil and vinegar that blesses the sandwiches" you order there.

2. Publix Deli

This was an interesting choice because Publix Deli is not located in every state. In fact you see them mostly in the southeast, including in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

According to Mashed, the brand didn't make the top spot because "the grocery store's locations are so limited in scope."

Otherwise, it said many publications stated "it takes the cake for the best sub in the country."

3. Au Bon Pain

This chain was bought by Panera in 2017 before announcing it was selling it to Ampex, a franchisee that owns hundreds of Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell locations.

Mashed liked the fast-casual brand saying, "from the spicy tuna melt to the country grilled cheese, you know you're going to get a fantastic sandwich made with high-quality bread."

4. Jimmy John's

This popular chain ranked high up, in part because of its "super easy to order" system, as well as the diverse sandwich selection.

Mashed recommended trying "one of the more creative options available there, such as the Vito or the Jimmy Cubano."

5. Firehouse Subs

There are more than 1,200 locations across the country, with most concentrated in Florida, which accounts for about 15% of all its US outlets.

Sandwiches can cost more than if you go to your local Subway, but according Mashed, that's because "you're going to be getting a higher-quality product."

The site says it has a reputation for using high quality meats and cheeses.

The chain just opened a new location in Ohio last week.

6. Pret a manger

This is actually a UK based sandwich shop, but has nearly 600 locations in 11 countries, including here in the US, as well as in France and China.

Most US locations are located on the East Coast, with a predominance in New York.

The prices are not cheap with half sandwiches (yes, that's an option) starting at $5.79 for its light egg salad and arugula option, but full sandwiches can cost more.

Mashed suggests trying the Bang Bang Chicken Wrap.

At $11.49, before tax, it comes with gochujang aioli and miso sesame dressing drizzled over chicken and crispy onions.

If you want a European-type sandwich experience, this is worth a try.

7. Potbelly Sandwich Shop

This chain just made a lot of loyal customers happy by bringing back its gyro flat sandwich, filled with lamb and beef topped with a tangy tzatziki sauce and feta, onion and tomato on a flatbread.

It returns for a limited time after its first run back in 2018.

The Chicago-based chain said in March it plans to grow from 440 locations to 2,000 shops across the country.

Mashed liked the fact there are so many options available.

8. Schlotzsky's

This is a fast-casual restaurant franchise that started in Austin, Texas in 1971.

It has nearly 350 locations nationwide, with many locations in the Midwest and South.

Mashed described the options here as "pretty basic," though it said the "French Dip might we worth a try."

9. Corner Bakery Cafe

According to its website, this Dallas, Texas based chain specializes in pastries, breads, breakfast dishes and gourmet sandwiches, as well as homemade soups and salads.

A large number of locations are can be found in California, Texas, Pennsylvania and Illinois.

Mashed characterized the sandwiches here as the brand's "bread and butter."

However, it said some were better than others. While it said it could "take or leave the tomato mozzarella," it did like the brand's steak and arugula sub, calling it "fantastic."

10. Atlanta Bread Company

This is a smaller chain with locations across four states.

According to its website, the bread it uses is baked fresh every morning.

Despite that Mashed said their sandwiches were "hit-or-miss," calling some of them "basic."

It said: "The classic sandwiches are downright boring. You get to choose your bread and meat, but they all come with onion, tomato, lettuce, mayonnaise, and spicy mustard."

"Basically, they're simple sandwiches you could easily make at home," according to Mashed.

It did tout its paninis as being something to try.

11. Panera

Panera has more than 2,000 locations in the US and recently gave up a bid to become a public company - again - via a special purpose acquisition deal (SPAC) with restauranteur Danny Meyer.

The company has been privately held since 2017.

Mashed described its options as bland and said the meat was "dry" on its Smokehouse BBQ Chicken sandwich.

12. Which Wich

This is a Dallas, Texas based chain with domestic and international locations, including in the UK, Guatemala and Saudi Arabia.

Per Mashed, the chain makes it easy to order and has lots of options, but said they are not "compelling."

13. Quiznos

The fast-food chain has been struggling after a staggering series of losses caused it to shut more than 90% of its locations, which at one time numbered about 5,000.

It now has less than 175 outlets nationwide.

According to Mashed, part of the problem is the "higher prices," compared to an average Subway store.

14. Blimpie

Mashed liked the "welcoming atmosphere" Blimpie offers, but not much else.

The chain is based in Arizona and was founded in Hoboken, New Jersey by three friends in 1964.

15. Subway

And, per Mashed, the worst on the ranking - Subway.

The multi-national is primarily known for its submarine sandwiches, wraps, salads and beverages.

It has more than 40,000 locations in more than 100 countries.

Despite being one of the most recognized sub-sandwich brands, if not the most, Mashed was not impressed.

It pointed out scandals that have been widely publicized embroiling the chain, including one where the meat it served up was not the meat it advertised tied to its chicken and tuna.

Mashed said: "The vegetables often look limp and sad, and sometimes, you can tell that they've been sitting there for a long time. The meat is just average deli meat you can find at any grocery store."

Trying to overcome years of declines, it recently introduced 12 new sub offerings.