Cancel

Open app

Search

Subbs by Carl

4.4 (183 reviews)
InexpensiveSandwiches
Open 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Updated 3 months ago

Subbs by Carl Photos

Business Info

SUBBS BY CARL ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Divey
Quiet
Good for kids
Dogs allowed

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Subbs by Carl

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Tre S.

This use to be one of the best sandwich spots in the city. Now, not so much. The meat they are using is processed meat. Not like pre-COVID, when the meat was not processed. The sandwich was very light and not a lot of meat either. I assume its because they are trying to keep the cost down. However, the taste was good and the staff is very friendly.

Cold cut sandwich from Carls
Tori G.

One of my go to sandwich places for a cold cut. Been in dc since the late 80s. Make sure you bring cash!

Turkey and provolone
Kyla G.

DC staple food spot. I got the turkey provolone with lettuce mayo and oil. Taste perfect. Place was clean. The owner Carl was pleasant as always. It's a cash only spot. Thoroughly enjoyed my sandwich.

Me and the owner Carl, himself.
Shonta' H.

I have been eating Carl's Subbs for almost 3 decades. My husband and his father have been eating them a lot longer. Carl knows my family by name. He treats his customers like family. This man works in his own shop. He greets his customers with a smile, a joke, by their names, and the food is always made to order. This is a small shop and therefore you'll be in and out of there in no time. I cannot ever remember a time that Carl has ever messed up my sandwich. He always gets it right. He's a humble person and the community loves and adores him. Carl's Subbs is a CASH ONLY business. Please do not go into this establishment with a debit / credit card or Google / Apple Pay thinking you're going to change the way Carl has been doing business his entire life. Stop by the ATM, grab some cash, and be ready to pay for your order. Most subbs run about $10 bucks each. So multiply that by how many people you are buying subbs for and get your money out of the ATM accordingly. Thank you! Lastly, Carl's has merch now!! He has a nonprofit called EGOS and all merchandise proceeds go towards educational purposes. These items can be purchased with cash as well. I purchased the Tupac T-shirt today for $20 bucks. Pac said, "All Eyes On Me." I love Carl's. I would suggest you swing through for a bite. Carl's closes promptly at 5:00 pm. He doesn't take anymore calls for orders after 4:30 pm and he locks the doors precisely at 4:45 pm. If you're not inside the door by 4:44 pm, you're SOL (Short On Luck or S**t Out of Luck) because you'll miss that sammich tuh-day. You already know Carl's Subbs is a 5 Stars.

Larry M.

So on this day I was simply craving a Carl's Sub. That's it. I pulled up to his well known spot, & the reviewer in me could not help but to...REVIEW!! So that's what I did...AGAIN!! Subbs by Carl y'all... . Where I am: Subbs by Carl . Location Reviewed: 2208 Rhode Island Ave N.E. Washington D.C. . Menu Includes: Subs-Genoa Salami, Cooked Salami, Pepper Ham, Capicola, Mortadella, Pepperoni, Roast Beef, Turkey, Bologna, Pastrami, Provolone, American Cheese, Swiss, Lettuce, Tomato, Mayo, Onions, Hot or Mild Peppers, Chips, & Bottled Beverages. . Items Reviewed: Their Roast Beef Sub #10(with lettuce, tomato, mayo, provolone, onions, & hot peppers $8.98). STAMP!! These sandwiches ALWAYS hit the spot. Thick, fresh, & topped perfectly!! Their Turkey Sub #9(with lettuce, tomato, mayo, provolone, onions, & hot peppers $8.45). STAMP!! This spot has been consistent for YEARS!! Again, thick, fresh, & topped perfectly!! Their Genoa Salami, Pepperoni, & Provolone Sub #17 (same toppings as the aforementioned 2 $8.45). STAMP!! This is my GO TO!! Spicy, a good balance of saltiness, just a great sub!! Martin's Red Hot Chips $1, & a Peach Orange Nantucket $2. STAMP!! I put the nostalgic hot chips IN the sandwiches, & wash it down with the good drink!! . Customer Service: I've never personally had a bad experience in here. But I've seen a couple folks that weren't good customers, get not so great customer service. Know what you want...you will get skipped (look at the menu on the wall before getting in line...CASH ONLY)!! . Online Navigation: N/A. It's no official website, but folks have posted their menu, & reviews all across social media (Me)!! . Parking: Rough. Period. . Recommendations: Any Sandwich. Period. That #17 is my favorite!! =STAMP =LIKE THAT =DELICIOUS =DECENT =PASS =NAH #Bigschlimsreviews

Pastrami

Carl is the nicest guy you'll ever meet. Not even in a customer service way, he just radiates positive energy and is happy to be serving you good food. On that note, his subs are spectacular. They're so good that I would still give this place 5 stars even if Carl had slapped me in the face when I walked in. 6 stars for Subbs by Carl! Just make sure you bring cash, they don't have a card reader.

Pastrami

See all

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of JT D.
16
15
2

8 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Great value, good quality. Ordered the #3 (peppered ham, pepperoni, provolone, capicola). The employee could have been more welcoming.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jada N.
13
56
186

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of LeCount B.
182
45
261

9 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 0
Love this 13
Oh no 0
Photo of Aj L.
0
10
0

4 years ago

Subbs by Carl is a dc classic. Carl is as legendary as it gets. Recommend the #16, an awesome sandwich.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

17 years ago

Helpful 8
Thanks 0
Love this 5
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

13 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Toni J.
139
8
0

7 years ago

The best sub I've ever had. I am so saddened to learn of his passing. He was such a decent human being.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of K C.
0
15
12

7 years ago

So very good. I haven't been to Carl's in years. They still make some of the best subs citywide.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Once the pastrami was real now I don't know what that meat is but it sure isn't pastrami

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 9
Oh no 0
Photo of Ben P.
7
26
16

7 years ago

Great cold cuts! Was highly recommended to me (along with Mario's) and so glad I tried this. Thanks for a great sub!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of C. A.
120
94
45

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Zach K.
557
92
300

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Coresa Y.
180
21
2

8 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Carl is a cool cat that makes a kick ass sub. I'm not in this part of town often but when I am, #1 no mayo light hots it's my go to!

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Sid N.
58
43
2

7 years ago

Oustanding Italian sub with everything and hot peppers! Black people made a fabulous Italian in the hood. Fogeddabouded!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Daxx C.
372
93
188

10 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of David S.
786
19
2

10 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Tae B.
10
29
19

12 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 3 of 5

Ask the Community - Subbs by Carl

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Sandwiches 7,630 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Emma's Torch - French Toast (vt)

Emma's Torch

4.7(25 reviews)
0.0 miBrookland

So many things to love about Emma's torch! First and foremost is their mission - providing culinary…read moretraining to refugees to empower them to have the skills and confidence to succeed in the food industry. This was apparent in the warm, welcoming atmosphere where everyone was working together as a team, learning, being patient, and you could see the growth and confidence happening in real time. It was really inspiring to see. Service was great - quick, friendly, and helpful. The food was very tasty and inexpensive - breakfast sandwiches were well-portioned and under $10. They also had lattes, coffees, and teas. They have an outdoor patio overlooking Rhode Island Avenue and seating inside with their nternet if you are looking for a workspace, meeting place, or coffee/snack shop. Emma's Torch seemed to be a community favorite with returning customers greater warmly and community activities and events posted in the store. This will become a regular part of our rotation!

I randomly found Emma's Torch on Yelp while looking for a breakfast spot in the area. Upon entry, I…read morenoticed how small and quaint it was. They were also playing great music. Customer service was great and I was greeted immediately. It wasn't crowded but there was a steady flow of customers while I was there. I ordered the Breakfast Wrap, which was fantastic along with a Granny Smith apple lemonade. I would've never thought to put those two items together but it was easily one of the best lemonades I've ever tried. I had to order a second one when my daughter decided my drink was now for her. Speaking of, my daughter ordered the Nutella Stuffed French Toast and rated it a 100/10. While waiting for my order, I had a chance to speak with one of the head chef's and he told me about the culinary program their offer to teach refugees culinary skills. I loved hearing that tidbit about the shop and found it truly admirable. Overall, my only gripe is the street parking situation can be a little tough but it wasn't too bad on this particular morning. I would absolutely return.

Photos
Emma's Torch - Black-Eyed Pea Fritter Salad (v, gf)

Black-Eyed Pea Fritter Salad (v, gf)

Emma's Torch - Blueberry Muffin

Blueberry Muffin

Emma's Torch - Buttermilk Biscuit with Preserves

See all

Buttermilk Biscuit with Preserves

Roaming Rooster - "Honey Butter" and "The Club"

Roaming Rooster

4.5(672 reviews)
0.7 mi
$$

I keep driving by and finally decided to go in about a month ago. It's a cute little shop woth a…read morefew tables and a counter where you place your order on a large tablet. I'm trying to cut out the useless carbs so I tried the fried chicken amd slaw. Holy crap, what an excellent meal. I got the hot which I was happy with, but fair warning there are big chunks of jalapeño in the slaw so dont overestimate your ability to do heat. The dressing on the slaw is a bit sweet and that counters a bit of the spice. This is a nice sized meal, a good amount of both slaw and chicken, and if that isn't enough the fries are great. Since that forst time I have been there every couple weeks getting the same thing and havent had a bad experience. The chicken is great and the people I have dealt with have been very nice. It does take a few minutes, but you get nice hot chicken so suck it up and wait, it is worth it.

Whenever I'm in DC or find myself roaming U street this is a must stop place. The honey butter…read morefried chicken sandwich is amazing. Honestly, the very thought makes me start to salivate. When it comes to the service I'll give it a 7, for the most part you're ordering off an iPad. If you happen to go to this exact location, depending on the time there may be a lot of loitering. Although the burgers are great I wouldn't suggest ordering fries‍ they are extremely underwhelming prepared with little to no salt.

Photos
Roaming Rooster
Roaming Rooster - Honey Butter Fried Chicken Sandwich with a side of hand cut fries -- SO GOOD.

Honey Butter Fried Chicken Sandwich with a side of hand cut fries -- SO GOOD.

Roaming Rooster

See all

Felicia's Woodridge Kitchen - Roll

Felicia's Woodridge Kitchen

3.4(8 reviews)
0.3 mi

Food never disappoints! Staff is always on point and nice. I've never ate inside as it gives more…read moreof a carryout vibe.

My wife sent me this place on Tik tok and I couldn't believe they were close by and I hadn't been…read more I decided to drop by on a Friday night an hour before closing. The service was cool. They recommend everything of course. I ordered 2 Whiting platters and one Old Bay wings platter. I waited outside as there isn't much seating on the inside. About 20 minutes go by and my food was ready. I raced home to eat. The food was good. The whiting was fried and seasoned perfectly. I could have asked for better fish. The greens were delicious. Soft, seasoned and southern. The yams could have been better. They tasted as though they were warmed up and I got the bottom/corner of the pan. My wife had the other whiting platter. She too enjoyed the fish. She had a side of Mac and cheese and rice with vegetables. The rice was good. The Mac and cheese is ok. She was not a fan of velveeta cheese for Mac and cheese and I wasn't either when I tasted mine with the wings below. Lastly I ordererd old bay wings with a side of Mac and cheese and potato salad. The potato salad was far to dry. It was definitely missing something. The wings were seasoned with the right amount of old bay but have tasted a little stale. Overall I had a good experience. I know what I like and what I may not like from here going forward. The whiting is great along with the Mac and cheese. I love a good fish platter. Next time I'll go earlier in the day for sure.

Photos
Felicia's Woodridge Kitchen - Electronic Menu

Electronic Menu

Felicia's Woodridge Kitchen - Whiting Fish Platter

Whiting Fish Platter

Felicia's Woodridge Kitchen - Restaurant sign

See all

Restaurant sign

Subbs by Carl - sandwiches - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...