I asked for my sub with everything and only got onions and peppers. No Mayo, tomato, lettuce, etc.. While it was still tasty, it wasn't what I ordered and when I called there was no answer. I'm a native of Washington DC and had never been here. When he learned that, the owner tooted his own horn about being the best in the city and giving his customers what they want. I wanted to make changes to the lunch meat in the sandwich and I was okay paying the additional cost he asked for what I want. He went over my order several times while telling me they have "been here for over 34 years and that should speak for itself". If that's the case, let's get these correct, Sir! read more

Subbs by Carl - The menu. - Sandwiches Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Yuup. It's a sandwich. You probably think...I can make one at home. BUT OMG!! It was delicious. Made fresh and perfect. A no frills place that only takes cash. It was an honor to meet Mr. Carl. read more

Not quite what I was expecting but still good. I was in the mood for a NY deli sub and thought this might do the trick (spoiler alert: it didn't). It's a small black-owned spot with an open kitchen. You can literally see everything going on in the back. There is no seating, so be prepared to take your sandwich to go. This was my first time there, so I wasn't quite sure what toppings they offered and things like that. They don't have those things written down either; just their standard menu. Customer service was good, ask questions if you must. I got their turkey and provolone with all the fixings and light hot pepper sauce. It was a good sub, just not my favorite. read more

I've been going here for years but never reviewed. Essentially, these are the best cold cut subs in DC. They are stuffed. Every square inch is filled with meat and toppings and the prices after tax are about $8 and some change. It's a classic hole-in-the-wall carry-out and the locals are the ones who know about this spot. I get the pastrami with provolone with everything+hot peppers but there are no bad choices. The subs are made right in front of your face. And Carl (I don't believe that's his real name) is one of the nicest guys you're gonna come across in the DMV. He always has a clever, happy saying every time you go in. They only use Ottenberg sub rolls (no hard/dry bread here). They also have an assortment of chips: Utz, Martin's, Bon Ton's (all from my home town of York, Co. PA-aka: Snack Capital of the World) as well as various cold drinks. My basic motto is: life is too short to eat bland Subway. You're missing out if you do. Give Carl's a shot, but just tell your closest of friends cause we wanna keep the crowds down. read more

Subbs by Carl - Pastrami with Provolone with Everything+Hot Peppers - Sandwiches Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Low key, forever around, good subs? ~$8 for most. Bring a $10 and tip the staff. Fast workers and great wood. You see lots of folks grabbing lunch here; city workers, work from homers, older residents, you name it. Quick friendly service! Pro tip: Call in order ahead of time to skip any wait. Cash only. read more

Love this business the ingredients are superb. Thanks Carl!!! Be sure to have cash also order ahead of Time for pick up. read more

This place is the cult classic of sub making! There is a culture about this place, it reminds me of the soup nazi episode of Seinfeld ...in the best of ways. Lol. Everyone who eats here seems to already know the order protocol and respect the love of subs. Being a Philadelphia native this is the closest experience in DC to a hoagie. I love Carl's; It's so affordable, always fresh and I love an owner operated experience. The only complaint I have is that it closes at 4:00 p.m., I'd love to go after work. read more

Man, listen... We've been on the hunt for GOOD sub shops for a long, long time. Carl's is IT. The prices are crazy affordable and the portions are out of this world. Fresh deli slices, crisp toppings, soft rolls. read more

Food is average unless you're really hungry The place is an eye sore unless you're use to trashy businesses. They sell ,. It should be called Carl's Place.. clean up the place. read more

Carl is a likable man. Carl's "subbs" are tasty. Subbs by Carl is a no-frills, daytime-only spot that has offered sandwiches, chips and soft drinks to the community since 1987. Carl takes pride in the fact that his business has been in the same spot for 31 years, weathering the "drug epidemic," as he calls it, without installing plexiglass. If Carl were to pen an autobiography, I suspect that he would title it: "Service and Efficiency: The Secrets to a Successful Business and Happy Life." Carl describes himself as a simple man. His business seems equally straightforward, using hand-written posted signs for a menu and creating lunch sensations without so much as a microwave or an oven. Orders are taken by hand; sandwiches are crafted within sight of the customers, then wrapped in paper and sealed with masking tape; change is tossed together into a bowl; and a printed receipt is consistently provided. You can always get a refund, Carl advises me, no receipt or sandwich needed. After all these years, Carl says that he still eats his sandwiches (only half, though): quality control. Carl no longer works in the kitchen; you can usually find him taking orders or handling the cash. Carl insists on closing the store for two weeks a year for vacay, with no concern over the lost income. He likes running his operation, though; "it's fun," he insists with a smile. Carl exudes good vibes. He seems to have figured stuff out, about both the sandwich business and life. Subbs by Carl is a destination spot for many, worth the drive and paying the meter. I understand why: I like Carl. I like Carl's "subbs." read more

Just stopped by this spot today for the first time and will definitely be coming back! Everyone inside is so friendly, and the subs are phenomenal! read more

This place right ! Awesome ! The subs are fantastic it's fresh and not expensive. I couldn't eat the whole sandwich in one day. It took at least two days . LOL read more

I had the (#17) with extra Mayo, and HOT peppers. It's really delicious. I'm from Miami, I found this place on TicTok. I highly recommend everyone to give this place a try. read more

Subbs by Carl - #17 Genoa Salami, Pepperoni, Provolone Cheese - Sandwiches Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Consistently on point with their sandwiches. Best subs in N.E. As Native Washingtonian,I support this business still as others come and go, never quite hitting the mark. read more

My 5th time in here and always greeted by Brother Carl! This place is as simple as it gets! Great customer service and equally awesome subs!! Had the #4 with Turkey,Ham, Provolone & Roast Beef! The subs get NO BETTER than Carl's!!! The fresh bread and equally fresh meats and veggies make this sub one of the best in the DMV! Bring Cash as they take no parts of a credit card or Apple Pay! Subs, chips and bottled drinks are the only selections! Good Food and Service!!! Out! read more

Maaaan where do I start. Sub selection is awesome. Everybody I introduce to this spot is hooked. I don't eat mayo and sometimes the the sandwich makers can be lazy and mess that up then I'll stay away for months. Then I'll talk to Carl and it seems to correct itself. Now the bigger issue is the the cash only problem. It's 2023 and your still trying to avoid taxes. Pass on thr savings to the customer. Each sub will run you at least $11 bucks. read more

Went to this spot last week for the 1st time and I feel ashamed that I hadn't been sooner or knew of this spot! Greeted by courteous staff and sandwich made in a few minutes. The sandwich was great with a lot of meat on it along with the other toppings I asked for. Definitely worth the hype! read more

Great local sandwich spot that serves up some fully loaded subs for the neighborhood. Can't beat these prices and the staff is extremely friendly. I had the #1 and it was very satisfying. It's actually one of the few places I've ever been that serves up their lunch meat in thick slices which I def appreciate. read more

Carl's Subs never disappoints!! Ordered the #2. Service is always efficient and consistent!! read more

Subbs by Carl - Number 2 - Sandwiches Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

First, go into this place with a lot of patience. This is not a place where quick is served. Carl's has been a hidden gym and DC staple for years. The subs are loaded with meat(s) and toppings at a very reasonable cost. If you can, call your order in ahead. Last but not least... CASH ONLY!!! A loaded sub with the freshest ingredients for $7 is just unbelievable. read more

Definitely a hole in the wall. But pretty good cold subs at a good price. Good amount of meat and cheese. *Cash Only* and remember, only Carl handles the money. Lol read more

Outstanding!! I have been going to Carl's for almost 10 years, since I was in high school. Plenty of meat, fresh veggies, fresh bread. The taste is unbeatable. Only comparison in DC for the money is Mother Ruckers. Well worth the money. By far the BEST sub shop in DC! Fyi: CASH ONLY. Parking is sometimes hard to find, line can get long. read more

The Subs are normally ok but the menu price online is drastically different then the price you will pay in store. I expected to pay $50 according to the price listed online.... When we got there to pick up our order it cost $85 so They definitely need to update their menu to reflect the actual price of the food you're buying. They also only accept cash so make sure you go there with cash in hand. this most recent experience was just bad all together between paying way more than expected, my daughter finding hair in her sub and them completely forgetting my food. We definitely won't be back and that's unfortunate because we normally really like supporting local businesses. read more

This is just a quick sub shop. Cash only. The subs remind me of philly hoagies with the fresh thick cuts off meat. The food comes out quick. I love coming here because it's easy and simple, all about the food. read more

Subbs by Carl - #5 turkey and roast beef with everything and hot peppers - Sandwiches Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Best cold subs I've ever had...hands down! Fresh bread, special spicy sauce, double meat, thick cheese. 1 sub should feed 2 normal people, but I can eat 1 whole one when hungry. :-) read more

Best Subs I've ever had. No joke. Karl will have you leaving believing you have been besties for years. Straight up, GO SEE KARL. read more

Subbs by Carl - Sandwiches Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I have to be honest. We didn't actually eat Carl's subbs. We wanted to eat Carl's subbs, but we called and called and called and called and never reached them. We had to call, because we were in a hurry for work and wanted to call in our order to save time. When we did not reach anyone at Carl's subbs, we abandoned our attempt to eat these sub sandwiches, out of worry that Carl's Subbs was closed. We all wanted to try the turkey provolone, and we imagine it tastes great. read more

Would love to try these but already hate that they are cash only. Getting cash out my my bank is more work then eating here is worth. #missingoutonclients read more

Great place to get a cold cut sandwich my Govt.Agency staff we go all the time great food and Mr.Carl is a great guy.

Fellow Yelpers Lena W., Wesley Z., and LaToya P. have said it all. Carl's Subs is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. There are about 20 sub types to choose from, or you can make your own. The prices range from $4.20 to $6.99 (without tax). Tell me where else can you get a great fresh, large sub sandwich for that little money in the DMV? I double dog dare you to. This place is a gift. Carl's was Potbelly's before Potbelly's ever existed. And Subway? Can't hold a candle to this place. The bags of chips are two for a dollar--UNHEARD OF in the other highfalutin parts of DC. Plus, lots of cold drinks to choose from when you are on the fly. Carl, you just keep on keepin' on. Man, I hope the word doesn't get out and the prices go up... read more

Please, This place has been open for years!!! I love Mr. Carl; he is such an institution. His sandwiches are seriously amazing. A #9 with hot peppers is my go to sandwich. My dad took me to Carl's when I was young, over 15 years ago. Still rockin' 5* well deserved. read more

Look, if you are in the mood for a good fresh cold cut sub, get to Carl's. The ingredients are always fresh and tasty. There's right ratio of bread, meat, cheese, and toppings. They only do cold cuts, assorted chips and drinks. And they do it well. Go visit them and indulge. You won't be disappointed. Please note: CASH ONLY! Carl keeps it simple. It works. read more

I can't believe this place wasn't even in Yelp. Although it's a bit out of the way in NE on Rhode Island Avenue, let me tell you that Carl's is the real deal when it comes to hero/sub sandwiches. The best deli sandwich in DC. Believe it. For about $7 you get a sub that is easily twice what you'd get at Subway or one of those places. You will need to be HUNGRY when you go to Carl's, or else plan on sharing with one or two people, but it might be the best hero you've had. Note: this is just a sandwich counter. They have sandwiches, chips, soda, but no place to sit down. read more

I give Subs by Carl 5 stars because of the quality of the food. It's a small shop no seating, and is cash only. They specialize in cold cuts only. The amount of meat on the sub is awesome. This is one place that looks like a hole in the wall but the quality is amazing. Only open for lunch...closes early. Try it for lunch. read more

Subbs by Carl - Menu on wall - Sandwiches Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I heard about this place on Yelp and that they are strict about closing at 4:55 exactly. I got there at 4:00 and the door was locked and the lady inside waved me away. I get it, sometimes you close early. But I called FIVE times to verify the hours and it rang and rang unanswered. Very disappointing, get it together! read more

Carl's sandwiches are the best cold cuts in the city! Everything is always fresh from the meats, cheeses, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers. The roll is soft and fresh. I had a #2 & my friend had a #20. As long as Carl's exists, it will be my go-to place for the best cold-cut!!!! read more

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The food is always great. Greeting to take your Order may be hazy at times but the subs outweigh that. read more

Hi Guys! Not a big review person! But you know what? This time I will be! Excellent! On point! Full flavor! Amazing balance, packed with meat, you can not go wrong! Do not miss this place because it's a little Mom pop shop, you would normally overlook. Make sure you have $10 on you for your sandwich , go in order and be delighted when you eat it! I will be back!! Thank you Carl's Subbs and Staff!!!!! *$5 tip in the bucket. read more

Where else in D.C. can you order a sub that feeds two people for the price of $7? Carl's Subs is a more than reasonably priced sub place with 15 or so subs to please anyone. My friend and I split the Italian sub ($6.99 pre tax), and it was loaded with meat, cheese, toppings, and hot peppers. The meat was perfectly fine deli meat, although it did not seem to quite be the quality Boar's head. The toppings were nice and fresh, and the hot peppers were extra yummy. Service was very nice and quick too. All subs seem to be served cold. While we parked on the street, I would not come here without a friend and the car nearby. There were some questionable characters on the street. However, that should not deter you from trying out these cheap and delicious subs! Cash only. read more

Delicious. These subs remind me of exactly what you would expect from the classic nostalgic local neighborhood sub shop. They don't try to be fancy and serve $15 Taylor Gourmet or the like sandwiches they just do what they do and do it well. We had the #1 and #2 and will be returning many times. Can't wait to grab these on the way to the beach or pool this summer. read more