Sub Sandwiches in Milwaukee

Back in Pennsylvania, we called them hoagies. When I moved to the Wisconsin several years ago, I quickly learned that submarine sandwiches are not known as hoagies in the heartland: they’re known as subs. Once I adjusted my vocabulary, I began searching for the best subs in Milwaukee. In my time here, I’ve encountered good subs, bad subs, and subs that I wouldn’t feed to a Schnauzer. This is my exclusive guide to subs in several Milwaukee neighborhoods: East Side, Downtown, and Walker’s Point.  Some of these sub slingers are independent shops, and some are part of regional or national chains. 


One-of-a-kind Sub Shops

The Philly Way
405 S. 2nd St.
Milwaukee, WI 53204
414-273-2355

Located just up the street from the locus of gay nightlife in Walker’s Point, The Philly Way is popular with a diverse crowd of cheese steak seekers. Even though the place amounts to a hole in the wall, you’ll want a sub made on the spot, so be sure to visit in person. Their delivery service, in my experience, has been unreliable. The Philly cheese steaks garner authentic status because they’re served with a choice of melted cheeses or cheese sauce, an option sorely lacking at many so-called cheese steak havens. (As a native of the Keystone state, I reserve the right to declare a Philly cheese steak authentic!) 


Pizza Shuttle
1827 N. Farwell Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202
www.pizzashuttle.com  
414-289-9993

The pizza is the wrong reason to visit the Shuttle. Somehow they manage to burn the cheese on top while leaving the bottom soggy and oily. The subs, on the other hand, are excellent. Open until 3am everyday, Pizza Shuttle is loyally frequented by East Siders. They have a huge delivery operation, but it’s also worth an in-person visit because the place is so lively and the staff sometimes appears to be high. During warmer months, you can also eat outside. For hot subs, try the chicken parmesan or the Chicago Italian beef. In the realm of cold subs, the turkey and Italian cheese is tops.