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WHAT-A-SUB
- 2517 W McDowell Rd #101, Phoenix, AZ 85009

Sandwich shop ★4.0 (40)·$10–20

2517 W McDowell Rd #101, Phoenix, AZ 85009, USA

4.0
Every time I visit this place, it gets worse. Ordered #26 and it was delivered sitting in meat juice, ruining the entire bottom of the sandwich. This is the only restaurant in 2025 that charges 50 cents for a soda refill on a dine-in, but then packs the cup to the top with shaved ice. The attitude of the owner's "did you specify LITTLE ice?" with an eye roll, as if the whole cup somehow SHOULDN'T be packed like a giant sno-cone, coupled with the poor sandwich quality makes this a never return customer. To his credit, the owner reluctantly refilled it gratis, but only after I had to stand at the counter and make a case for it. Eeesh, what an awful lunch experience.The place was clean tho, so 3 stars for atmosphere, marred only by the staff. - Anthony Demas
WHAT-A-SUB Overview Intro Vibe Detail Photos Location Reviews
$10–20 per person Reported by 40 people$1–10$10–20$20–30

WHAT-A-SUB Introduce

For Arizona residents in search of a sandwich shop that truly delivers on variety and flavor, WHAT-A-SUB in Phoenix stands out as a genuine local favorite. Located in the 85009 area, this establishment has quickly become a go-to spot for those who appreciate a quality sub loaded with fresh ingredients. The name itself promises a memorable experience, and for many loyal patrons, it lives up to the hype, with one customer exclaiming, "THIS FOOD IS FREAKIN GOOOOD MAN."

WHAT-A-SUB’s specialty lies in its massive, diverse menu, which ranges from classic American deli staples to complex, multi-meat Italian-style creations. Whether you're craving a straightforward Turkey or Roast Beef sandwich on wheat or marble rye, or a hearty, six-meat, two-cheese monstrosity, their offering is designed to make you "wanna come back again and again." The sheer number of combinations available, such as the #20 (Ham, Bologna, Cotto Salami, Genoa Salami, Capicola, Mortadella with American & Provolone Cheese), showcases their dedication to robust, fully-flavored subs that satisfy even the hungriest appetite.

Beyond the cold cuts, the menu provides satisfying hot options and classic comfort food. Favorites include the Meatball Melt, the Hot Pastrami Reuben-style, and the Spicy Italian Sausage sub, all served heated to perfection. They also cater to different dietary needs with a robust Vegetarian Swiss American Provolone Cheese sub. This variety, combined with the convenience of an accessible location, positions WHAT-A-SUB as a premier choice for lunch, dinner, and even a morning start with their tempting breakfast options.

While the shop is acknowledged by some customers to be "a little tucked away" and perhaps lacking in large dining space—making it an ideal spot for quick service, takeout, and delivery—it consistently wins people over with its quality and incredible flavor. One satisfied patron noted that what the place "lacks in size, it makes up with Flavor," perfectly capturing the essence of this high-quality, local operation. The commitment to a clean, casual atmosphere, even if marred occasionally by less-than-perfect customer service experiences mentioned in one review, does not seem to detract from the overall quality of the food and the loyalty of its local crowd. The overall sentiment is that the variety and quality of the food come together to create a new favorite sandwich destination for many in the Phoenix area.

The affordable price point for such generous portions, with most signature subs hovering around the $10-$11 mark, further contributes to its popularity. When you combine the flavorful food with the convenient amenities like ample free parking and multiple payment options, WHAT-A-SUB proves to be a reliable and highly-rewarding choice for a quick, filling meal in the West Phoenix area.

Location and Accessibility

WHAT-A-SUB is conveniently situated in the heart of West Phoenix at 2517 W McDowell Rd #101, Phoenix, AZ 85009, USA. This central location near major roads makes it easily reachable for residents and workers across the 85009 zip code and surrounding areas.

The establishment is highly committed to ensuring an accessible experience for all its patrons. The following accessibility features are in place, confirming its status as a welcoming venue:

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating (in the dine-in area)

Parking is also hassle-free, which is a significant advantage in a busy metropolitan area like Phoenix. Customers can benefit from both:

  • Free parking lot: Provides dedicated, easy access parking for a quick stop.
  • Free street parking: Offers additional options during peak hours.

Its prime location on McDowell Road, combined with excellent accessibility and parking, solidifies WHAT-A-SUB as a convenient local spot for the Phoenix community.

Services Offered

WHAT-A-SUB provides a comprehensive suite of services focused on convenience, allowing customers to enjoy their high-quality food however they prefer.

  • Full-Range Service Options: The sandwich shop accommodates customer preference with Delivery, Takeout, and Dine-in services.
  • Catering: WHAT-A-SUB offers catering for groups and events, leveraging its extensive menu for business lunches or private gatherings.
  • Diverse Meal Times: Available to serve customers for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, making it a viable option throughout the day.
  • Multiple Payment Methods: Accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for fast and secure transactions.

These services, especially the availability of delivery and catering, make WHAT-A-SUB a versatile and highly convenient choice for the local community, whether for a solo meal or feeding a large group.

Features / Highlights

The unique draw of WHAT-A-SUB stems from its exceptional menu depth and its focus on being a reliable community provider of satisfying comfort food.

  • Unmatched Variety in Cold Subs: Features an Italian-style menu with over 20 different combinations of cold cuts, including numerous five- and six-meat options like the #20 (Ham, Bologna, Cotto Salami, Genoa Salami, Capicola, Mortadella) and the Roast Beef, Ham, Turkey, American and Swiss Cheese sub (#63).
  • Satisfying Hot and Specialty Sandwiches: Offers classics like the Meatball Melt, Reuben-style Pastrami, and Spicy Italian Sausage, catering to those who prefer a warm, comforting meal.
  • Breakfast Menu Available: Provides morning meal options such as the Ham & Bacon Burrito and various Plain and Jalapeno Bagel sandwiches with egg and cheese, perfect for a quick breakfast.
  • Great for Groups and Kids: The casual atmosphere and menu variety make it suitable for Groups, and it is listed as "Good for kids," ensuring a welcoming environment for families.
  • Quick Comfort Food Offering: Known for offering genuine Comfort food and quick bites, ideal for the local crowd and solo dining, as noted by its popularity for lunch and dinner.

These highlights underscore the commitment of WHAT-A-SUB to providing a high-quality, flavorful, and convenient dining experience for every Phoenix local.

Contact Information

To connect with WHAT-A-SUB for orders, catering inquiries, or general questions, Arizona patrons can use the following verified information:

  • Address: 2517 W McDowell Rd #101, Phoenix, AZ 85009, USA
  • Primary Phone: (602) 484-7552
  • Mobile Phone: +1 602-484-7552

Whether you plan to use their delivery service, order takeout, or check on a catering request, this contact information ensures you can easily reach this established West Phoenix sandwich shop.

What is Worth Choosing

WHAT-A-SUB is unequivocally worth choosing for any local in the Phoenix area who prioritizes flavor, variety, and a truly hearty meal. The restaurant’s greatest strength is its menu—it goes far beyond the limited options of many chain sandwich shops. When you choose WHAT-A-SUB, you are choosing a place that prides itself on crafting massive, flavor-packed subs, with the sheer number of meat combinations offering something for every palate. The quality of the food is consistently praised by those who have discovered this "tucked away" gem, confirming that what it lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in deliciousness.

Specifically, it is worth choosing for lunch or dinner when you need a substantial meal that qualifies as genuine comfort food. Their extensive Italian-style offerings, like the #19 (Ham, Genoa Salami, Cotto Salami, Capicola, Provolone Cheese), are a clear favorite, delivering an authentic deli experience right here in Arizona. Furthermore, the convenience factor is top-tier: with free parking, full accessibility, and options for delivery, takeout, and catering, WHAT-A-SUB fits seamlessly into a busy Arizonan lifestyle. You are not just getting a sandwich; you are getting a huge portion of quality food from a local spot that focuses its energy on making the food itself "freakin goood." If you live or work near the 85009 area, make this your new favorite sandwich destination.

WHAT-A-SUB Vibe

  • Main

  • 24.Vegeterian Swiss American Provolone Cheese $10.89
  • 37.Roast Beef With Lettuce, Tomato, And Mayo $10.89

    Lettuce, tomato, and Mayonnaisse

  • 38.Pastrami, Melted Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut, And Thousand Island Dressing $10.89
  • 30.Meatball Melted Provolone Cheese Tomato Sauce $10.89
  • 34.Ham & American Cheese With Lettuce, Toamto, And Mayo $10.72

    Lettuce, tomato, and Mayonnaise

  • 6.Genoa Salami Ham Provolone Cheese $10.66

    Lettuce, tomato, and special seasoning.

  • 48.Tuna Salad Sandwich,Lettuce, Tomato And Mayo( Wheat Or Marble Rye) $10.89
  • 19.Ham Genoa Salami Cotto Salami Capicola Provolone Cheese $10.89

    Lettuce, tomato, and special seasoning.

  • 62.Turkey, Bacon, Sprout, Avocado, Tomato And Mayo (Wheat Or Marble Rye) $10.89
  • 18.Capicola Genoa Bologna Provolone Cheese $10.89

    Lettuce, tomato, and special seasoning.

  • 23.Tuna Salad $10.89

    American Cheese Lettuce Tomato Mayonaisse

  • 35.Turkey With Lettuce, Toamato, And Mayo $10.72

    Lettuce, tomato, and Mayonnaisse

  • 2.Cotto Salami Bologna American Cheese $10.66

    Lettuce, tomato, and special seasoning.

  • 14.Mortadella Cotto Salami Capicola Provolone Cheese $10.72

    Lettuce, tomato, and special seasoning.

  • 16.Cotto Salami Genoa Salami Mortadella Capicola Provolone Cheese $10.89

    Lettuce, tomato, and special seasoning.

  • 63. Roast Beef,Ham, Turkey, American And Swiss Cheese, Lettuce,Tomato And Mayo $11.15
  • 10.Cotto Salami Genoa Salami Provolone Cheese $10.66

    Lettuce, tomato, and special seasoning.

  • 7.Ham And Bologna Provolone Cheese $10.66

    Lettuce, tomato, and special seasoning.

  • 39.Ham & Turkey Swiss With Lettuce, Tomato, And Mayo $10.89

    Lettuce, tomato, and Mayonnaisse

  • 28.Roast Beef Bell Peppers Capicola Mushroom Melted Provolone $11.15

    Special Seasoning

  • 5.Cotto Salami Ham American Cheese $10.66

    Lettuce, tomato, and special seasoning.

  • 1.Cotto Salami Mortadella American Cheese $10.66

    Lettuce, tomato, and special seasoning (Italian dressing).

  • 61.My Way Sub, Roast Beef, Turkey , Lettuce, Tomato And Mayo $10.89
  • 21.Ham Capicola Provolone Cheese $10.89
  • 59.B.L.T, Bacon, Lettuce,Tomato And Mayo $10.72
  • 68.Turkey, Bacon, Lettuce. Tomato And Mayo $10.89
  • 31.Hot Pastrami With Mustard, Lettuce, And Tomato $10.89

    Lettuce, tomato, and Mustard

  • 20.Ham Bologna Cotto Salami Genoa Salami Capicola Mortadella American & Provolone Cheese $11.15

    Lettuce, tomato, and special seasoning.

  • 11.Mortadella Cotto Salami Provolone Cheese $10.66

    Lettuce, tomato, and special seasoning.

  • 49.Turkey & Swiss, Lettuce, Tomato And Mayo $10.89
  • 46.Turkey Sandwich, Lettuce, Tomato And Mayo (Wheat Or Marble Rye)) $10.72
  • 98.Pratt Sub. Ham, Turkey & Salami. Lettuce, Tomato And Mayo $10.89
  • 47. Roast Beef Sandwich, Lettuce, Tomato And Mayo(Wheat Or Marble Rye) $10.89
  • 32.Spicy Italian Sausage Melted Provolone Tomato Sauce $10.89
  • 9.Bologna Or Cotto American Cheese $10.66

    Lettuce, tomato, and special seasoning.

  • 60.Club, Turkey,Ham, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato And Mayo $10.89
  • 15.Genoa Salami Mortadella Capicola Provolone Cheese $10.72

    Lettuce, tomato, and special seasoning.

  • 8.Ham Cotto Salami Bologna Provolone Cheese $10.66

    Lettuce, tomato, and special seasoning.

  • 17.Capicola Genoa Salami Provolone Cheese $10.89

    Lettuce, tomato, and special seasoning.

  • 13.Genoa Salami Mortadella Cotto Salami Provolone Cheese $10.72

    Lettuce, tomato, and special seasoning.

  • 4.Bologna Ham American Cheese $10.66

    Lettuce, tomato, and special seasoning.

  • 45.Roast Beef And Turkey, Lettuce,Tomato And Mayo $10.89
  • 12.Genoa Salami Mortadella Provolone Cheese $10.66

    Lettuce, tomato, and special seasoning.

  • 3.Ham Mortadella American Cheese $10.66

    Lettuce, tomato, and special seasoning.

  • Desserts

  • Chocolate Chip Cookies (2) $1.75
  • Chocolate Brownie $2.50
  • NY Style Cheesecake $3.00
  • Side Orders

  • Macaroni Salad $2.80
  • Pepperoncini (6) $0.75
  • Chips $2.80
  • Potato Salad $2.80
  • Whole Pickle $2.00
  • Bevarages

  • Apple Juice $2.30
  • Celcius $2.85
  • Gatorade $2.59

    A crisp, satisfying taste to quench thirst and energize without caffeine

  • Orange Juice $2.30
  • Can Soda $2.30
  • Monster $3.19
  • Fountain Drinks $2.79

    32 oz

  • RedBull $3.45
  • Breakfast

  • Plain Bagel & Cream Cheese $4.30
  • English Muffin, Egg & American Cheese $4.99
  • Ham & Bacon Burrito With 2 Eggs, And Shredded Cheese $7.99
  • Plain Bagel, Egg & American Cheese With Your Choice Of Meat: Ham, Bacon, Or Sausage $7.49

    Bagel with Egg & American Cheese with your choice of meats, Sausage, Ham or Bacon

  • Jalapeno Bagel Egg & American Cheese With Your Choice Of Meat. Ham, Bancon, Or Sausage $7.49

    Jalapeno Bagel with Egg & American Cheese with your choice of meats, Sausage, Ham or Bacon

  • Extras Toppings

  • Sliced Avocado $1.25
  • Extra Meat $3.99
  • Pickle Spear (2) $0.75
  • Sliced Banana Peppers $0.75
  • Sliced Jalapenos $0.75
  • Sprouts $1.50
  • Extra Cheese $2.00

WHAT-A-SUB Details

  • Service options

  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Offerings

  • Comfort food
  • Quick bite
  • Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Catering
  • Dessert
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Restroom
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Crowd

  • Groups
  • Locals
  • Planning

  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Children

  • Good for kids
  • Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking

WHAT-A-SUB Photos

WHAT-A-SUB Picture 1WHAT-A-SUB Picture 2WHAT-A-SUB Picture 3WHAT-A-SUB Picture 4WHAT-A-SUB Picture 5WHAT-A-SUB Picture 6WHAT-A-SUB Picture 7WHAT-A-SUB Picture 8WHAT-A-SUB Picture 9WHAT-A-SUB Picture 10

WHAT-A-SUB Location

WHAT-A-SUB

2517 W McDowell Rd #101, Phoenix, AZ 85009, USA

WHAT-A-SUB Reviews

An average rating of ★4.7 from 288 user reviews.

pricelunchtownbaconavocadoto choosemacaroni saladpotato saladdonutsbrownie

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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