AlwaysTraveling: White House Sub Shop

The Gluttoness — August 03, 2009

The White House Special (Extra Salami, Provolone, Ham and Cappicola).

When it comes to submarine sandwiches, the White House Sub Shop in Atlantic City, NJ is boss. Sure, you can go to Sack O’Subs in Ventnor City or Dino’s Subs and Pizza Shop in Margate City, NJ, but when you’re craving a Chicken CheeseSteak, nothing beats the White House. In fact, no trip to Atlantic City is really complete without pre- or postgaming it at this institution. The small corner shop is on Arctic Ave., within walking distance of the Tropicana, and is marked by the giant neon sign with a 6-foot long sub between the words, “White House,” and “Home of Submarines.”

Restaurant: White House Sub Shop
Address: 2301 Arctic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ (view map)
AlwaysHungry Grade: A-
AlwaysHungry Recommends: “White House Special,” Capicola & Provolone Sub, Chicken Cheese Steak, Tuna Sub

 

By your turn, know what you want. Guys behind the counter, though friendly, don’t suffer fools lightly.

As everyone knows, bread is the foundation of any good sandwich. The folks at the White House have been doing this since 1946— they know good bread. Their high quality rolls are made by the Formica Brothers Italian Bakery— it’s no small reason for the shop’s success. The owners have proudly displayed “Bread Facts” around the restaurant (all natural, no fat, no sugar).

These are serious subs. You’d better be hungry. Full-length sandwiches run about a half-yard long and the high quality Italian meats are expertly crammed inside. There are three “Famous Subs,” which include: the Regular Italian Submarine, the White House Special and the Meat Ball Submarine. Cold cut subs are heavily-dressed with oil and can include lettuce, tomato, onion and chopped jalapeños. The Tuna Sub, heavily-seasoned with dried oregano, manages to be insanely moist without mayonnaise.

There’s almost always a line around the block for a table. Impatient veterans of the White House often call orders ahead or do take-out. Take-out customers step past the line for tables, walk right in, take a number at the counter and get on the line— it usually only takes fifteen minutes to get a sandwich that way. Just make sure you know what you want when it’s your turn— the guys behind the counter, though friendly, don’t suffer fools lightly.

If you’ve gotten someone else hooked on these subs and they find out you’ve visited without them, you probably won’t hear the end of it. Bring them one— sandwiches travel very well. The CheeseSteaks are resurrected with a quick reheat in a warm oven, but the cold cut subs are best eaten cold or at room temperature. If you haven’t already had one, you should make the trip (and end your meal with a Tastykake, right, $1.29/each). It’s really one of the best subs on the East Coast.

 

Below, more White House sub pictures.

 

Cheesesteak Submarine with the works.

 

Half of a Meat Ball Submarine (Whole $12.10, Half $6.05).

 

Half of a White House Special (Whole $13.90, Half $6.95).