Bub and Pop’s

Reviews

• Brian S.

  star star star star star 7 June 2026

  Let me just tell you, it does not get any better.
  
  The line is long. The place is small. The food is amazing. Be prepared to pay in cash, or bub will politely tell you about the fees she has to pay with a credit card (but will then take it). I've had the Jewish hammer and the Italian. Both were great. I preferred the Italian (the hammer had a touch too much mustard for me, as I'm not a huge mustard fan to begin with). The Italian was perfect in every way. Highly recommend this place if you're ever in DC. Go on off hours though, or be prepared for a long line (that moves relatively quickly).

• Colleen W.

  star star star star star 30 May 2026

  heaven.
  
  best sandos in dc.
  
  I had a half order of the bolognese parmesan and I nearly died from gastronomical sensual overload --ohhh, the perfectly balanced flavors and fresh cheese that never stops ooze stretching from each bite I take.
  
  warning: don't eat before a long / boring meeting because these subs will send you into a post prandial slumber. they're just *that* satiating and delicious.

• Rick C.

  star star star star_border star_border 21 May 2026

  Funny how much hype and tourist traffic is generated by an appearance on "Diners, Dives and Drive Thru's."
  
  I was in the area, searching for lunch, and noticed the high reviews with mentions of Gus (the host of the aforementioned show). I wanted to try their popular Philly but they were sold out. Instead, I opted for the Roast Pork sandwich.
  
  A synopsis:
  
  Pros:
  
  Very informative counter service; the lady at the front explained all items in considerable detail.
  
  Fast service. Once I had ordered, my sandwich was ready at the counter in less than 5 minutes.
  
  The 5 year aged gouda slices on the sandwich were deliciously aromatic.
  
  The fresh bread was very good (except where it had become soggy).
  
  Cons:
  
  The pork was excessively over salted. The overall flavor of the sandwich was salty to the point of obscuring any natural flavors.
  
  The bread was somewhat ruined by sogginess. (They need to slow down and take a minute to drain the meat before putting it on the bread).
  
  Very small, claustrophobic space. (However there are a few outdoor seats).
  
  $19 for a whole (11-12 inches) or $11 for a half is pricey for what you are getting. That's with no sides or drink. I paid $23 with tax for a footlong and an iced tea. Was it literally twice as good as a chain footlong from Subway or Quiznos? I'm sorry to say this but: no. Maybe a bit better due to being an independent dive, but I really was not impressed with what I was served for the reasons above.
  
  Overall: Way overrated, based on my one experience.
  
  I would consider one more try - maybe their Italian sandwich that is also popular - but only for take out.

• Brian R.

  star star star star star_border 16 May 2026

  Bub and Pop's is a great local sandwich shop.  I was greeted by a very nice woman behind the counter that explained the menu as I looked it over.  I decided to go with pop's beef brisket.  It comes with an apple horse raddish sour cream, which I passed on as I am not a fan of sour cream.  I asked if I could get some on the side to try, but they said they charged extra to put it on the side, which seems a little silly. The woman behind the counter suggested I add some arugula and tomato instead for no additional charge.
  
  The sandwich came out pretty quickly and was topped with a thinly sliced gouda.  The brisket was nice and tender.  It was very thinly sliced and covered in an au jus.  The flavor was delicious and even the half portion was quite filling.
  
  The biggest drawback here is the price $12 for the half sandwich is pretty steep.  It was pretty damn good though.

• Bill D.

  star star star star star 13 May 2026

  I came here after seeing it reviewed by Guy on the Food Network.  I can say I was not disappointed but felt I wanted more.   I ordered the Philly as that was what the served up for Guy.   It was good and tasty.   I believe I need try another just to get the best of all sandwiches
  
  I ordered only the half size and I'm so glad I did.  There is no way I could have finished off the whole size.  Also added a side of pasta salad which was a little too much on the oily side but none the less good.  
  
  I look forward to going back to see how some of the other sandwiches are
  
  The picture of my sandwich.