This Cash-Only Tennessee Sandwich Shop Still Draws Long Lines For Its Famous Subs

A sub shop that bakes its own slightly sweet bread also sells egg rolls and fried rice. That combo alone made me stop scrolling.

Then I learned it takes cash only, with no ATM inside.

The signature sandwich stacks ham, turkey, salami, bologna, and lunchmeat under Swiss cheese. Italian dressing, mayo, and mustard all join the party.

I have to admit, that sounds like a sandwich with zero interest in holding back.

You also get to pick your bread texture. Hard means toasted more, and soft means a gentler chew.

I find that especially appealing because the bread seems to be the whole secret.

This Tennessee spot has fed hungry fans for decades and even survived a move across town. Its nickname among locals hints at a quirky double identity.

So what keeps people happily showing up with bills in hand?

Grab Some Bills Before You Go, Because Cards Won’t Help Here

Cash is king at Highland Super Submarine Sandwich Shop, and that rule isn’t changing anytime soon. There’s no ATM on site, so plan ahead.

That small detail trips up first-timers more than you’d expect. Nobody wants to stand at the counter staring sadly at a useless credit card.

The fix is simple and old-fashioned. Stop at a bank or gas station before you head over, and bring a little extra for add-ons.

Why might you want extra? The menu stretches beyond subs into egg rolls and Chinese dishes, so temptation is real.

Leaving room in your budget keeps you from making painful choices.

A cash-only policy might sound like a hassle in Tennessee today. Yet it fits the shop’s no-frills personality almost perfectly.

Everything here feels focused on the food rather than the latest gadgets. No apps, no tablets spinning toward you asking for tips, just a straightforward order.

Think of it as a tiny time machine with a sandwich at the end. Pay the old way, eat well, and head home happy.

Honestly, that sounds like a trade worth making. Just double-check your wallet before you pull out of the driveway.

The Super Sub Packs Five Meats Into One Glorious Roll

Five meats. One sandwich.

That’s the basic math behind the Super Sub, the signature order at Highland Super Submarine Sandwich Shop.

Ham, turkey, salami, bologna, and lunchmeat all share space on this famous roll. Swiss cheese settles over the stack like a cozy blanket.

The toppings keep things fresh and lively. You get lettuce, onion, tomato, and a sprinkle of salt.

Then come the sauces, and there are three of them. Italian dressing, mayonnaise, and mustard all show up together, which sounds bold in the best way.

It’s a combination that covers tangy, creamy, and sharp in a single bite. Few sandwiches try that hard to please everyone at once.

Picky eaters can still find plenty to love elsewhere on the menu. Turkey, roast beef, ham, and chicken subs are all part of the lineup.

A cheesesteak also makes an appearance for anyone craving something warm and melty. Still, the Super Sub is the one that put this place on so many Memphis lunch lists.

If it’s your first visit, it’s the obvious starting point. You can branch out on round two.

Hard Or Soft? The Bread Question Matters More Than You Think

Bread gets top billing at this shop, and for good reason. The rolls are freshly baked and carry a gently sweet flavor, a bit like a Hawaiian roll.

That sweetness plays nicely against salty meats and tangy dressing. It’s the kind of contrast that makes a simple sandwich memorable.

Now for the fun part. You get to choose between hard bread and soft bread.

Hard bread means the roll gets toasted more, giving it extra crunch. Soft bread is toasted less, so it stays tender and easy to bite.

Neither choice is wrong, though fans tend to have strong feelings. Some swear by a crisp exterior, while others want pillowy comfort all the way through.

My advice? Try one style on your first trip and the other next time.

That way you can settle the debate for yourself without any outside pressure.

The bread is the shop’s own recipe, which explains why copycats struggle. You can’t easily find this flavor anywhere else in Memphis.

It’s a small decision that changes the whole sandwich. Few sub shops hand you that much control over the foundation.

Locals Call It The Chinese Sub Shop, And The Menu Explains Why

Egg rolls next to submarine sandwiches? That pairing earned this Memphis favorite a nickname: the Chinese Sub Shop.

The shop built its reputation on submarine sandwiches and also has a long history of serving Chinese-American dishes. It’s an unusual mix, and that’s part of the charm.

Menu options have included beef with broccoli, sweet and sour chicken, and vegetable fried rice. These dishes give you a totally different direction when a sandwich isn’t calling your name.

The egg rolls get special attention from fans. They’re homemade and fried until crispy, making them an easy add-on to any sub order.

Families with mixed cravings will appreciate the flexibility. One person grabs a Super Sub while another goes for fried rice, and nobody has to compromise.

Honestly, I’d be tempted to order a sub and an egg roll together. It feels like getting two lunches for the price of one trip.

The shop’s official social media even uses the Chinese Sub Shop name. So the nickname isn’t just a local joke, it’s part of the identity.

Few places manage to pull off two cuisines under one roof. This one has done it for years.

A Foot Really Is A Feast When Chips Come Along For The Ride

“Where A Foot Is A Feast” is the shop’s catchy slogan. It refers to the 12-inch subs that fill up a hungry stomach fast.

Not quite that hungry? An 8-inch size is also on the menu for smaller appetites.

Here’s a bonus that doesn’t get enough attention. Every sandwich comes with a bag of chips, no matter which size you order.

That means you’re walking out with a complete lunch. No need to hunt for a side or pay extra for something crunchy.

The footlong is a serious commitment, so plan accordingly. Some folks split one with a friend, while others save half for later in the day.

Leftovers rarely stick around long, though. That sweet bread has a way of calling your name a few hours after lunch.

The 8-inch option is smart for kids or anyone adding an egg roll. It leaves room to sample more of the menu without overdoing it.

Value matters, especially for families watching their budget. Getting chips included is a simple perk that makes every visit feel generous.

The Old-School Dining Room Feels Like A Trip Back In Time

Beige faux-leather booths line the dining room. Picnic tablecloths cover the tables, and drinks arrive in simple styrofoam cups.

Look up and you’ll spot a drop-tile ceiling. The whole room gives off an unmistakable throwback feel.

Don’t expect trendy lighting or fancy decor here. The space is clean, bright, and refreshingly unfussy.

The shop even refurbished its original tables and sign when it moved. That decision kept a little history in the room for longtime fans.

Before the sub shop moved in, the building housed a Captain D’s seafood restaurant. You can almost feel those decades layered into the setting.

Some might call the style dated. Others see it as a cozy reminder of how neighborhood lunch spots used to look.

Either way, the focus stays on the sandwiches. Nobody is here to snap photos of the ceiling tiles.

It’s a great spot for a quick, relaxed meal with family or friends. Grab a booth, unwrap your sub, and enjoy a Tennessee lunch break with zero pretense.

Sometimes the simplest rooms feel the most welcoming. This one definitely leans into that idea.

The Name Points To Highland, But The Subs Moved To Summer

Ever wonder why a shop on Summer Avenue is named after Highland Street? The answer is a move that many fans still talk about.

The shop spent more than 40 years on Highland Street, near the University of Memphis. It built a loyal following there, especially among students and nearby neighbors.

In late 2013, it relocated to its current home. You’ll now find it at 3316 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122.

The new spot isn’t far from the original location. That made the change easier for regulars willing to drive a few extra minutes.

Most importantly, the shop kept its name and logo. Fans could spot the familiar face on the sign and know their favorite subs were still around.

Moving any beloved business is risky. Customers often worry that recipes or atmosphere will change.

Here, the bread and the signature sandwiches carried over. The heart of the shop clearly made the trip.

So if you hear older Memphians mention the Highland sub shop, now you know. Same name, same subs, just a different street.

A Sandwich Lady Helped Build The Legend Over Three Decades

For about 30 years, Bonnie Harris helped craft sandwiches at Highland Super Submarine Sandwich Shop. Fans knew her as Ms. B, or simply The Sandwich Lady.

She first started in 1976. Later, she worked steadily from 1990 until early 2019.

Her reputation came from making sandwiches with love. That kind of care built a loyal crowd that followed her work for years.

In January 2019, she opened her own place called Ms. B’s Sub Shop. Her fans cheered the new chapter in her career.

Her story shows how much a single person can shape a restaurant’s identity. Decades of steady hands at the counter helped turn a local shop into a Memphis tradition.

Meanwhile, the Highland shop kept rolling along after her departure. The bread, the Super Sub, and the cash-only habit all stayed in place.

It’s a sweet bit of local food history. Two sub shops now trace part of their story to the same counter.

Next time you take a bite, remember the people behind it. Great sandwiches rarely happen by accident.

Plan Your Visit Around These Hours So You Don’t Miss Out

Timing your trip can save you a hungry heartbreak. The shop opens at 11 AM Monday through Saturday.

Weekdays run until 7 PM, giving you plenty of room for lunch or an early dinner. Saturday wraps up earlier at 3 PM, and Sunday is closed.

Lunchtime tends to bring the biggest crowds. Arriving right at opening or in the mid-afternoon may help you skip the longest waits.

Remember your cash, too. Standing in line only to realize your wallet is empty would be a rough way to spend lunch.

Highland Super Submarine Sandwich Shop sits on Summer Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee. It’s an easy stop if you’re running errands around town.

Out-of-town visitors often add it to their Memphis food list. Former locals even make return trips just for one more sub on that familiar bread.

Bring a friend so you can try more of the menu. One Super Sub and one plate of fried rice makes for a fun shared lunch.

Go hungry, go early, and go prepared. Your taste buds will thank you before the chips are gone.