The Quest For The Best Steak And Cheese Sub In Springfield, MO

When I moved to Springfield, MO, let me tell you, I didn't move here for the food. I came from New England, and although New England probably isn't known for having the best food in the world, it sure was A LOT better than the food in Springfield, MO. Chinese food is the easiest comparison to point to. Mainly because Springfield has a bazillion Chinese restaurants and yet only a couple are any good. And sadly, none of them come close to the New England Chinese restaurants. The same can be said of Pizza and Subs. Subs especially.

In New England, or at least New Hampshire, it seems like every town has a House of Pizza and that usually means subs too. I remember when I first moved to Springfield, in desperation, in search of a good steak and cheese sub, I went into a pizza place and asked if they had subs. The people there were dumbfounded and borderline annoyed. They said, "Does it say we have subs on sign?" They were so snippy. Little did they know, they were idiots. Cuz EVERY pizza place in New England probably most of the country, have subs too. Well, maybe.

Now, let's get to the matter at hand. Where in Springfield, MO can I find the best steak and cheese sub. Well, eventually, I did find some places that have steak and cheese subs. Actually a lot of the time, places have a steak and cheese-esque sandwich on their menu called a Philadelphia Steak sandwich or something like that. And since we're so desperate, I'm taking those into account. Even though some of those are nothing like a steak and cheese sub.

Also, before I list the best, I've disqualified a place in Springfield, basically because the owner is such a jerk. When I first moved to Springfield, right in the middle of the recession, after the fourth or fifth month of still not finding a job, I was getting extremely desperate. I went into this place in question and the owner was a total jerk to me. He was annoyed I came in looking for a job before lunch, around 11 am. So then I came back at 1 pm and he was annoyed I came in toward the end of the rush. Then I came in at 3 pm, and he asked, "Are you the guy who keeps coming in looking for a job." I said, "Yeah, probably." Then the guy was like, "We're not hiring." I glanced over at the "Now Hiring" sign in the window but realized what he meant. They weren't hiring me. So now, no matter how much I would love to try their subs, I never have and never will. This guy can take a flying leap.

So, in the quest for the best steak and cheese sub in Springfield, MO, here are my current findings:

3. El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant
1529 West Battlefield Road

Yeah, I know. It's crazy but this Mexican restaurant has one of the best steak and cheese subs in town! Sadly, I don't care much for their Mexican food, but my family likes to go there, so sometimes I just go along with them to be with them and not necessarily wherever we're going. So, one of the times I was sitting there looking at the menu, I noticed a little hand written sign they put up near the table saying they have steak and cheese subs or philly subs, I can't remember the exact wording. The important thing is they have a good one. I haven't been there in a while, and I'm not sure if they still make them, but it was certainly good while it lasted.

2. Tubby's Diner
2204 West College Road

Tubby's Diner is a great little place. One of the first places in Springfield, MO to get an overall Good rating on this site. And the star of the show is their steak and cheese sub. Of all the imitation philly-type subs in Springfield, Tubby's Diner comes the closest. It's a great sandwich and fries are awesome too. Great meal and great price! The only drawback is Tubby's is only open until 4 pm so you gotta get in there early or shift around your schedule. But it's worth it. It's always good to make time for Tubby's.

1. Lenny's Sub Shop
1903 South Glenstone

Lenny's is definitely the best in town for a genuine steak and cheese sub. Unfortunately, it's a little on the pricey side. You could basically get their large steak and cheese for a one-third of the price in New England. And New England has a way higher cost of living. So, a large steak and cheese at Lenny's is around 11 bucks, while the same sub in New England would run you around 8 bucks. Regardless, you could seriously get by with just splitting the large. It's pretty much a meal in itself. So, I definitely recommend Lenny's. Especially if you have someone to split the sub with. Use the buddy system when you go to the Lenny's and split a large steak and cheese. Otherwise, you'll be spending like 15 bucks on the meal, pretty pricey for a sub.

Worst Steak and Cheese Sub
Subway (any of the Subways)

Just thought I'd add the worst steak and cheese sub in Springfield, MO, too. I don't know how Subway gets away with calling their steak and cheese a steak and cheese sub. It's more like a steak-um sub. Don't get me wrong. It's still a pretty good sub. One of the better subs at subway. But Subway's subs, for the most part, are pretty soulless, and the steak and cheese is no exception. If you don't think Subway's subs are soulless, try their oven roasted chicken. It's like a disgusting chicken sponge sandwich.

Tubby's Diner - Wow, Tubby's Got It Going On!


Tubby's Diner
2204 West College Street
Springfield, MO

So, me and my Pops were cruising around one afternoon to try and find somewhere new to eat lunch when we happened upon Tubby's Diner.

I'll have to admit, at first I thought we might have made a mistake. Tubby's is in this little converted building along the old Route 66. The inside might need a little decor upgrade. But then again, there's something to be said for the homey atmosphere.

We got a steak n cheese and fries and also nachos and split everything. Man, I was surprised how good the food was. The prices weren't bad either. The steak n cheese and the fries were especially impressive. Wow!

One thing that annoys me a little bit about this place is it's only open until 4 pm. Hopefully that'll change someday. This place is just too good only to be open half the day. I'd love to take my girlfriend there but she doesn't get out of work until 4-5.

I encourage anyone out there that likes GOOD food at decent prices to patronize Tubby's Diner. As one of the few really good places in Springfield, we need to keep it alive and well. If you feel so inclined, after you've tried Tubby's Diner, you should definitely "like" them on Facebook. The owner told me and my Pop that they have lots of spur of the moment specials that you can only find out about if you're connected with them on Facebook. It's definitely worth it! 

Good Food In Springfield, MO (It Could Happen)
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