New England’s Lobster Roll
Maine lobster rolls call for mayo, while Connecticut versions use butter. Both are delicious, but Happy Lobster doubles down, drizzling chunks of Maine lobster with butter, adding seasonings like celery salt and paprika, and tucking it all into a brioche burger bun gilded with mayo. $20. Follow @happylobstertruck on Instagram for locations
Western New York’s Beef on Weck
Roast beef on a kummelweck roll served with horseradish and jus is a Buffalo-area favorite. At Boeufhaus, chef Brian Ahern has perfected each component: His Boeuf on Weck comes with thin, juicy slices of medium-rare beef that he’s marinated in garlic and thyme. The accents pull it all together: There’s a punch of tangy horseradish sauce, a bun topped with Maldon sea salt and caraway, and a salty, meaty jus to dip it all into. $16.99. 1012 N. Western Ave., Humboldt Park
Philadelphia’s Italian Pork and Greens
Sure, a cheesesteak is great. But may we introduce you to Philly’s lesser-known but equally beloved Italian pork and greens sandwich? Shaved roast pork loin, grilled rapini, and provolone come piled inside a sesame seed roll. Chris Cunningham of JT’s Genuine Sandwich Shop adds a smart upgrade: a spark of Calabrian chile aïoli. He also makes a mean Indiana-style breaded pork tenderloin sandwich. $10.25. 3970 N. Elston Ave., Irving Park
New Orleans’s Oyster Po’ Boy
Chef Brian Jupiter of Ina Mae Tavern hails from the Big Easy, so he knows how to make a great po’ boy. The keys to his are the freshly baked French bread and the remarkably light and crispy fried oysters, which come dressed with lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, and hot sauce. $18. 1415 N. Wood St., Wicker Park
Miami’s Cubano
Eduardo and David Fernandez of Cubano Bros. have a Miami baker ship dough to the restaurants so they can bake Florida-style Cuban bread in-house. It forms the base of their Cubano, which also features layers of marinated roasted pork, sliced ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles. $9.99. 571 Landmeier Rd., Elk Grove Village; Chicago French Market, 131 N. Clinton St., West Loop