Chefs rank 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, tomato, and creamy mayo, this classic has been a go-to comfort meal 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 chef and recipe developer at DailyCookingRecipe.com, to share the top five spots.
McAlister’s Deli
McAlister’s
Diners love McAlister’s Deli for a mix of comfort, convenience and standout menu items like the McAlister’s Club. “This is the turkey club I compare every other one to,” says Sullivan. “They stack roasted turkey, Black Forest ham, bacon, sharp cheddar, and Swiss on wheat bread with their house honey mustard.” She adds, “Most chains skimp on at least one layer. McAlister’s commits to all of them.”
Panera Bread
Panera Bread
Panera Bread hits a sweet spot between a quick meal and a sit-down café. It feels more upscale than your typical fast-food joint, and the Bacon Turkey Bravo is a must-have, according to Sullivan. “The tomato basil bread is what makes this one different from every other turkey club out there,” she says. “It adds a sweetness that pairs really well with the smoked turkey and bacon. Sullivan adds, “Panera bakes their bread fresh daily, and you can taste it. Bestseller for years and I totally get why.”
Firehouse Subs
Firehouse Subs
“Firehouse steams their subs, and that step changes everything,” says Sullivan. The Club on a Sub includes smoked turkey, honey ham and Monterey Jack that melts into the meat. Plus, the bacon stays crispy,” she explains. Sullivan adds, “They’re fully involved with the deli mustard, lettuce, and tomato rounds it all out. For a hot turkey club, nobody does it better.”
Jersey Mike’s
ScreenshotJersey Mike’s
Jersey Mike’s feels closer to a classic East Coast deli experience than most big sandwich chains. It’s all about freshness, simplicity, and that signature flavor style. Sullivan says the #8 Club Sub should be ordered the “Mike’s Way.” She explains, “The oregano, olive oil blend, and red wine vinegar on top of the turkey, ham, provolone, and applewood smoked bacon make all the difference.” Sullivan adds, “It cuts through the richness and turns a regular club into something you actually crave. Everything is sliced fresh in front of you.”
Arby’s
Arby’s
Arby’s might be famous for its roast beef, but Sullivan says the chain doesn’t get enough credit for its turkey. “The Roast Turkey Ranch & Bacon is thinly sliced, oven roasted and stacked properly.” She explains, “The honey wheat bread adds subtle sweetness, and the natural aged cheddar gives it more depth than the typical American cheese slice at other fast food spots. Solid sandwich that surprises people.”
Heather Newgen
Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather currently freelances for several publications. Read more about Heather
