Chefs ranks the best turkey club sandwiches at five popular chains.
If there’s one sandwich that never goes out of style, it’s the turkey club. Stacked high with layers of roasted turkey, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and creamy mayo, this classic dish has been a comfort food for decades—and for good reason. Simple yet satisfying, the club sandwich delivers the perfect balance of flavor and texture in every bite. While it’s not hard to find one on menus, we wanted to track down the best turkey clubs, so Eat This, Not That! asked Emma Sullivan, home cook and recipe developer at DailyCookingRecipe.com, to share her top five spots.
McAlister’s Deli
Diners love McAlister’s Deli for its mix of comfort, convenience and an outstanding menu like McAlister’s Club. “This is the club in Turkey that I compare to all the others,” said Sullivan. They pack roasted turkey, Black Forest ham, bacon, sharp cheddar, and Swiss on wheat bread with their house honey mustard. He adds, “Most chains jump at least one layer. McAlister’s is committed to all of them.”
Panera Bread
Panera Bread strikes a sweet spot between fast food and a sit-down cafe. It sounds a lot higher than your average fast food joint, and the Bacon Turkey Bravo is a must-have, according to Sullivan. “The tomato basil bread is what sets this one apart from all the other turkey clubs,” he says. “It adds a sweetness that pairs well with smoked turkey and bacon.” Sullivan adds, “Panera bakes their bread fresh every day, and you can taste it. It’s been a bestseller for years and I totally get why.”
Firehouse Subs
“Firehouse is moving subscribers, and that move changes everything,” Sullivan said. The Club on a Sub features smoked turkey, honey ham and a Monterey Jack melt in the meat. Plus, the bacon stays crisp.” Sullivan adds, “They work perfectly with deli mustard, lettuce, and tomatoes. At the hot turkey club, no one does it better. “
Jersey Mike’s
Jersey Mike’s feels closer to the classic East Coast experience than the big sandwich chains. It’s all about freshness, simplicity, and that signature taste style. Sullivan says the #8 Club Sub should be ordered “Mike’s Way.” He explains, “The oregano, olive oil blend, and red wine vinegar on top of the turkey, ham, provolone, and applewood smoked bacon makes all the difference.” Sullivan adds, “It cuts through the richness and turns an ordinary club into something you really want. Everything is cut fresh in front of you.”
This is Arby’s
Arby’s may be famous for its roast beef, but Sullivan says the chain doesn’t get enough credit for its turkey. “Roast Turkey Ranch & Bacon is thinly sliced, oven roasted and packaged perfectly.” He explains, “The honey wheat bread adds a subtle sweetness, and the natural aged cheddar gives it more depth than the typical American cheese slice at other fast food places. It’s a solid sandwich that surprises people.”
Heather Newgen
Heather Newgen has twenty years of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather currently freelances for several publications. Read more about Heather
