Penn Station East Coast Subs: A Comprehensive Guide to the Iconic Sandwich Chain

Introduction

Penn Station East Coast Subs is a renowned fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in grilled and cold submarine sandwiches. Established in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1985, Penn Station has expanded to over 300 locations across the United States. Known for its fresh ingredients, generous portions, and customizable options, Penn Station East Coast Subs has become a beloved destination for sandwich enthusiasts nationwide.

Menu and Options

Penn Station East Coast Subs offers an extensive menu of hot and cold subs, salads, wraps, and sides.

Hot Subs:

• Classic Philly Cheesesteak: Thinly sliced steak, melted American cheese, sautéed onions and bell peppers
• Italian Sub: Capicola, salami, pepperoni, ham, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, banana peppers, onions
• Chicken Parmesan Sub: Breaded chicken breast, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese
• Meatball Sub: Homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese
• Ham and Swiss Sub: Ham, Swiss cheese, sliced pickles, mustard

Cold Subs:

• Turkey and Swiss Sub: Sliced turkey, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions
• Roast Beef and Cheddar Sub: Roast beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions
• Tuna Salad Sub: Tuna salad, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions
• Ham and American Sub: Ham, American cheese, sliced pickles, mustard
• BLT Sub: Bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, sliced pickles, mayonnaise

Salads:

• Garden Salad: Mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, croutons
• Chef Salad: Mixed greens, ham, turkey, hard-boiled eggs, cheddar cheese, bacon, cucumbers
• Greek Salad: Mixed greens, feta cheese, olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions

Wraps:

• Chicken Caesar Wrap: Grilled chicken, Parmesan cheese, croutons, Caesar dressing
• Buffalo Chicken Wrap: Grilled chicken, buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles
• Veggie Wrap: Hummus, mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions

Customization Options

One of the key attractions of Penn Station East Coast Subs is its extensive customization options. Customers can build their own subs and salads from a wide selection of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces.

• Meats: Ham, turkey, roast beef, steak, chicken
• Cheeses: American, Swiss, cheddar, provolone, mozzarella
• Vegetables: Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, banana peppers, pickles
• Sauces: Mayonnaise, honey mustard, yellow mustard, ranch, Caesar dressing, buffalo sauce

Sides and Beverages

Penn Station East Coast Subs offers a variety of sides and beverages to complement its sandwiches.

Sides:

• French Fries: Crispy, seasoned french fries
• Onion Rings: Golden brown, crispy onion rings
• Mozzarella Sticks: Breaded mozzarella sticks, served with marinara sauce

Beverages:

• Fountain Drinks: Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Fanta
• Bottled Water: Ozarka, Dasani
• Iced Tea: Sweet or unsweet
• Milkshakes: Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry

Quality and Ingredients

Penn Station East Coast Subs takes pride in using fresh, high-quality ingredients in all its menu items.

• The bread is baked fresh daily and delivered to each restaurant every morning.
• The meats are sliced fresh on-site using top-quality cuts.
• The cheeses are sourced from reputable dairies and provide a rich, creamy flavor.
• The vegetables are hand-cut daily to ensure freshness and crispness.
• The sauces are made in-house using secret recipes that enhance the flavor of the subs and salads.

Nutritional Facts

Penn Station East Coast Subs is committed to providing customers with transparent nutritional information. The restaurant's website includes detailed nutritional information for all menu items, including calorie counts, macronutrient breakdowns, and allergen information.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding your sub: While Penn Station East Coast Subs allows for extensive customization, it's important to avoid overfilling your sub with too many toppings. This can make it difficult to eat and can overwhelm the flavors.
• Skimping on the sauce: Sauces are an integral part of the Penn Station East Coast Subs experience. Don't be afraid to ask for extra sauce if desired.
• Not considering the heat level: Some of Penn Station East Coast Subs' subs, such as the Buffalo Chicken Sub, can be spicy. If you're sensitive to heat, be sure to request a milder sauce or adjust the amount of sauce you add.
• Ignoring the sides: The sides at Penn Station East Coast Subs are not just an afterthought. The french fries, onion rings, and mozzarella sticks are all delicious and complement the subs perfectly.

How to Order a Sub

1. Choose your bread: Penn Station East Coast Subs offers three types of bread: white, wheat, and honey wheat.
2. Select your size: Subs are available in two sizes: 6-inch and 12-inch.
3. Pick your meat: Choose from a variety of meats, including ham, turkey, roast beef, steak, and chicken.
4. Add your cheese: Penn Station East Coast Subs offers a wide selection of cheeses, including American, Swiss, cheddar, provolone, and mozzarella.
5. Top with vegetables: Choose from a variety of fresh vegetables, including lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, banana peppers, and pickles.
6. Select your sauce: Choose from a variety of sauces, including mayonnaise, honey mustard, yellow mustard, ranch, Caesar dressing, and buffalo sauce.
7. Enjoy your custom-made sub!

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Fresh, high-quality ingredients: Penn Station East Coast Subs uses fresh, top-quality ingredients in all its menu items.
• Extensive customization options: Customers can build their own subs and salads from a wide selection of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces.
• Generous portions: Penn Station East Coast Subs' subs are known for their generous portions, providing excellent value for money.
• Friendly service: Penn Station East Coast Subs employees are typically friendly and helpful, providing a pleasant dining experience.
• Convenient locations: With over 300 locations across the United States, Penn Station East Coast Subs is a convenient destination for sandwich lovers nationwide.

Cons:

• Can be expensive: Penn Station East Coast Subs' prices can be higher than some other fast-casual sandwich chains.
• Not the healthiest option: Penn Station East Coast Subs' subs are typically high in calories and fat.
• Not all locations are created equal: While most Penn Station East Coast Subs locations maintain a high standard of quality, there can be some variability between locations.

FAQs

1. What is Penn Station East Coast Subs known for?
   - Penn Station East Coast Subs is known for its fresh, high-quality ingredients, extensive customization options, and generous portions.
2. How many locations does Penn Station East Coast Subs have?
   - Penn Station East Coast Subs has over 300 locations across the United States.
3. What is the best sub to try at Penn Station East Coast Subs?
   - The Classic Philly Cheesesteak is one of the most popular and recommended subs at Penn Station East Coast Subs.
4. Can I customize my sub?
   - Yes, Penn Station East Coast Subs allows customers to build their own subs and salads from a wide selection of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces.
5. Is Penn Station East Coast Subs expensive?
   - Penn Station East Coast Subs' prices can be higher than some other fast-casual sandwich chains.
6. Are Penn Station East Coast Subs sandwiches healthy?
   - Penn Station East Coast Subs' subs are typically high in calories and fat, but the restaurant does offer some healthier options, such as the Turkey and Swiss Sub and the Garden Salad.

Conclusion

Penn Station East Coast Subs is a beloved sandwich chain that has been satisfying customers for over three decades. Its fresh, high-quality ingredients, extensive customization options, and generous portions have made it a favorite destination for sandwich lovers nationwide. Whether you're in the mood for a classic Philly Cheesesteak or a custom-made sub tailored to your preferences, Penn Station East Coast Subs has something for everyone.