Subbs by Carl

Welcome to Subbs by Carl, a hidden gem in Washington, DC that has been serving up delicious cold cut subs for over 30 years. This unassuming sandwich shop may not be glamorous on the inside, but the sandwiches are nothing short of amazing. Located at 2208 Rhode Island Ave NE, Subbs by Carl offers a unique old-DC, urban sandwich shop vibe that you won't find anywhere else.

What sets Subbs by Carl apart is the quality and consistency of their subs. The meat is sliced to order and is relatively thicker than what you might find at other sandwich shops. Customers rave about the generous portions and the fresh ingredients used in each sandwich.

One standout feature of Subbs by Carl is the personal touch provided by the owner, Carl himself. Known for his friendly demeanor and genuine concern for his customers, Carl greets everyone with a smile and ensures that each sandwich is made to order just the way you like it. The menu, posted on the wall upon entering the shop, offers a variety of options, but the pastrami with everything and extra hots comes highly recommended.

Another unique aspect of Subbs by Carl is the cash-only policy, adding to the authenticity of the experience. While the shop may not accept credit cards or digital payments, the simple yet delicious subs more than make up for it. Customers also have the opportunity to purchase merchandise from Carl's nonprofit organization, EGOS, with proceeds going towards educational purposes.

Whether you're a long-time patron or a first-time visitor, Subbs by Carl offers a memorable dining experience that goes beyond just the food. With a loyal customer base and a reputation for exceptional service, it's no wonder why Subbs by Carl has remained a favorite spot for sandwich lovers in the DC area. Make sure to visit before closing time at 5:00 pm to grab a taste of these iconic subs that have stood the test of time.

Subbs by Carl Menu

Location

Address: 2208 Rhode Island Ave NE Washington, DC 20018
Phone: (202) 529-6225

🕓 Work Hours
MON 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
TUE 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
WED 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
THU 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
FRI 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
SAT 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
SUN Closed

Business info

  • Offers Takeout
    Yes
  • Reservations
    No
  • Many Vegetarian Options
    Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    No
  • Accepts Android Pay
    No
  • Accepts Apple Pay
    No
  • Divey
    Yes
  • Quiet
    Yes
  • Offers Catering
    Yes
  • Good For Kids
    Yes
  • Good for Lunch
    Yes
  • Street Parking
    Yes
  • TV
    Yes
  • Outdoor Seating
    No
  • Not Good For Groups
    No
  • Waiter Service
    No
  • Wi-Fi
    No
  • Alcohol
    No
  • Bike Parking
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Michael M.

    29 July 2024

    Been eating there for over 30 years. The best cold cut subs in DC hands down. They only sell cold subs.

  • Author: Hammed A.

    27 July 2024

    A very good deli sandwich shop in NE Washington DC on Rhode Island Avenue. This place isn't glamorous on the inside, by any means, however the sandwiches are very delicious and filling. This sandwich shop has an old-DC, urban sandwich shop vibe. Concrete slab floors, old refrigerators housing classic DC soft drinks, and a chips rack that showcases all of the old school DC chips such as Bon Ton bbq corn chips, Utz, Martins, etc.. I've been a customer of Carl's for years and it is so noteworthy how consistent the quality of his subs are. These subs are relatively larger than subs you might get at sandwich shops in DC. The meat is sliced to order. One thing of note is the meat here is thick-cut. I've never asked whether the meat can be cut thinner, so if that is something you are interested in it might be worth asking Carl or whoever takes your order. Carl is the older, shorter gentleman at the register who normally takes orders. You'll know it's him because he is the only employee who actively engages all customers. Carl is very straight-forward and speaks with wisdom. What I love about Carl is he is very friendly and engages people, naturally, with genuine concern and respect. This place doesn't have any handheld menus as the sandwich options are taped to the top of the wall to the right of the lobby upon entering the shop. My go-to is always the pastrami with everything, including hots (hot cherry pepper relish). Overall a very good experience. Give them a try.

  • Author: Robert O.

    10 July 2024

    Awesome cold cut subbs Great taste Must pair with Martin hot chips or Bon Jon bbq #1 Everything with extra hots is my go to

  • Author: Paul J.

    07 June 2024

    Still The best place for a sub in Washington DC period just remember to bring Cash . Mr Carl suggested to a mix of a no1 and a no2 And now I can't stop thinking about it too bad that they are not open later but I'll be back

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