Penn Station Menu With Prices: Your Complete Guide to East Coast Submarine Sandwiches
Since its founding in 1985 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Penn Station East Coast Subs has built a reputation for delivering authentic submarine sandwich experiences through meticulous ingredient selection and transparent preparation. With over 320 locations spanning 15 states, this fast-casual chain has created a loyal following among sub enthusiasts who appreciate the philosophy behind their offerings. If you’re curious about what to expect before visiting, understanding the Penn Station menu with prices provides insight into how this establishment balances premium quality with reasonable affordability.
The Penn Station Philosophy and What Makes Them Different
The Penn Station menu with prices reflects a unique operational approach established since the brand’s founding. Unlike competitors who prepare sandwiches in assembly-line fashion, Penn Station requires customers to select their order from a printed slip, handing it to employees who prepare each sandwich individually in full customer view. This transparency demonstrates confidence in ingredient quality and preparation methods—a philosophy that carries through into their pricing structure.
The brand started with just four menu items, including their now-iconic cheesesteak sandwich. Founder Jeff Osterfeld’s vision was straightforward: deliver genuinely fresh submarine sandwiches using premium ingredients without the industrial efficiency of typical fast-food operations. This commitment manifests throughout the Penn Station menu with prices, where you’ll notice ingredients like 100% USDA Choice Steak, hearth-baked bread, hand-selected fresh-cut potatoes fried in cholesterol-free peanut oil, and hand-squeezed lemonade made daily. These details substantiate the pricing.
Sandwich Categories and Core Offerings
The Penn Station menu with prices organizes offerings into several distinct categories, each representing different preparation methods and flavor profiles.
Grilled Submarine Sandwiches (Off-The-Grill)
These hot sandwiches represent Penn Station’s primary focus and showcase what the Penn Station menu with prices emphasizes most:
| Sandwich Name | Key Ingredients | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cheesesteak | 100% USDA Choice Steak, provolone, choice of toppings | $12.99-$16.99 |
| Chicken Philly Cheesesteak | Grilled chicken, provolone, onions, mushrooms, banana peppers | $12.99-$16.99 |
| Chicken Cordon Bleu | Chicken breast, smoked ham, Swiss cheese, honey mustard | $12.99-$16.99 |
| Chicken Teriyaki | Grilled chicken, Swiss, teriyaki sauce | $12.99-$16.99 |
| Chicken Parmesan | Chicken breast, provolone, parmesan, pizza sauce | $12.99-$16.99 |
| Reuben | Slow-roasted corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss, Thousand Island | $12.99-$16.99 |
| Pepperoni | Pepperoni, smoked ham, provolone, parmesan, pizza sauce | $12.99-$16.99 |
| Italian | Sweet Italian sausage, provolone, choice of toppings | $12.99-$16.99 |
| Buffalo Chicken | Grilled chicken, Frank’s RedHot sauce, provolone, blue cheese or ranch | $13.49-$17.49 |
| Pizza Sub | Pepperoni, smoked ham, provolone, parmesan, pizza sauce | $12.99-$16.99 |
The Cheesesteak stands as the flagship offering on the Penn Station menu with prices—the sandwich that built the brand’s reputation. USDA Choice Steak is seared on a hot griddle, topped with melted provolone, and accompanied by a selection of toppings including sautéed onions, fresh mushrooms, banana peppers, spicy brown mustard, mayo, or pizza sauce. Monthly specials frequently feature the Cheesesteak paired with fresh-cut fries and a drink for $19.97+, making meal deals a recurring value opportunity on the Penn Station menu with prices.
Cold Deli Classics
For those preferring ungrilled sandwiches, the Penn Station menu with prices includes a dedicated cold sub section:
| Cold Sandwich | Composition | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Club | Smoked ham, turkey breast, bacon, Swiss, lettuce, tomato, honey mustard, mayo | $11.99-$15.99 |
| Turkey & Provolone | Oven-roasted turkey breast, provolone, lettuce, tomato | $11.99-$15.99 |
| Turkey Avocado | Turkey breast, avocado, lettuce, tomato | $12.49-$16.49 |
| Turkey Bacon Ranch | Turkey breast, bacon, Swiss, lettuce, tomato, ranch dressing | $12.49-$16.49 |
| BLT | Thick-cut bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo | $9.99-$13.99 |
| Ham & Swiss | Smoked ham, Swiss, lettuce, tomato | $10.99-$14.99 |
| Classic Italian | Smoked ham, hard salami, pepperoni, provolone, lettuce, tomato, olives, olive oil | $11.99-$15.99 |
| DAGWOOD | Multi-meat combination of ham, turkey, bacon, Swiss, lettuce, tomato | $12.99-$16.99 |
Cold sandwiches on the Penn Station menu with prices range slightly lower than their grilled counterparts, representing decent value for those preferring unheated options. The Classic Italian proves particularly popular—a traditional preparation combining multiple cured meats with authentic Italian seasonings.
Specialty and Seasonal Offerings
The Penn Station menu with prices rotates monthly specials featuring limited-time items:
Recent and Current Specials:
- Chicken Teriyaki (recurring January feature)
- Reuben (seasonal highlight)
- Chicken Cordon Bleu (rotating months)
- Ghost Pepper Cheese Sub (Halloween seasonal)
- Buffalo Chicken (February-April 2025 limited-time)
These specials typically price within standard range ($13.49-$17.49 for regular sizes) but provide menu variety for regular customers.
Wraps and Salads: Alternative Formats
The Penn Station menu with prices includes non-traditional sandwich formats for customers seeking different dining experiences:
| Format Type | Available Styles | Price Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Wraps | All grilled sub flavors, available in wrap format instead of bread | $12.99-$16.99 |
| Salads | Chicken Caesar, Chicken Teriyaki, Cheesesteak, Reuben, Turkey Avocado | $10.99-$14.99 |
| Salad Customization | Fresh greens with premium proteins, customizable toppings | Additional charges apply |
The wrap section on the Penn Station menu with prices offers convenient alternatives without requiring bread consumption—useful for low-carb preferences or those simply wanting different textures. Salads represent lighter options while maintaining the quality ingredients Penn Station emphasizes.
Sides and Extras
The Pennsylvania station menu with prices wouldn’t be complete without discussing accompaniments that complete the meal:
| Side Item | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-Cut Fries | Hand-selected, fresh-cut Idaho potatoes, cholesterol-free peanut oil, salt | $4.31+ |
| Cheesebread | Hearth-baked bread, provolone, parmesan, oregano | $5.99-$7.49 |
| Chips | Various snack chip options | $1.99-$2.99 |
| Cookies | Freshly baked chocolate chunk cookies (Penn Station signature) | $2.99-$3.49 |
Fresh-cut fries represent a point of pride across the Penn Station menu with prices—prepared throughout the day from hand-selected Idaho potatoes, flash-fried in cholesterol-free peanut oil. The result avoids the greasiness or staleness common in mass-produced fries. Cheesebread serves as an indulgent addition, featuring authentic hearth-baked bread topped with a cheese and herb combination.
Beverages: From Traditional to Hand-Squeezed
The Penn Station menu with prices covers beverage needs comprehensively:
| Beverage Type | Options | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pepsi Products | Cola, diet, lemon-lime, etc. | $2.99-$4.49 |
| Lemonade (Hand-Squeezed) | Made fresh daily from hand-squeezed lemons | $3.50+ |
| Sweet Tea | Signature Southern-style sweet tea | $2.99-$4.49 |
| Water | Bottled or fountain | $2.49-$3.99 |
| Other Beverages | Coffee, tea, bottled options | $2.49-$4.99 |
The hand-squeezed lemonade deserves special mention on the Penn Station menu with prices. Made fresh daily from hand-squeezed lemons, it represents another quality commitment that justifies slightly premium beverage pricing compared to pre-made concentrate alternatives.
Kids Menu
For younger diners, the Penn Station menu with prices includes dedicated kids offerings:
| Kids Option | Includes | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Kids 4-inch Sandwich | 4-inch sub, half-size fries, kiddie beverage, lollipop | $6.99-$8.99 |
| Kids Meal Choices | Available in grilled or cold sandwich varieties | $6.99-$8.99 |
| Available Sandwiches | Cheesesteak, Ham & Swiss, Turkey & Provolone, Veggie | Variable |
Kids meals on the Penn Station menu with prices represent genuine value—portion-appropriate sandwiches with adequate sides for younger appetites, priced accessibly for family dining.
Size Options and Price Tiers
Understanding the Penn Station menu with prices requires comprehending size variations:
| Size Option | Dimensions | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Snack Size | Approximately 4 inches | Light snack, appetizer |
| Small | 8 inches | Modest appetite, kids |
| Regular | Standard sub size | Standard meal |
| Large | Extra-long submarine | Heavy appetite, sharing |
Pricing scales accordingly across the Penn Station menu with prices, with Small sandwiches typically running 15-20% less than Regular, and Large running 15-20% more. Snack sizes offer budget-conscious options around $7.99-$9.99.
Monthly Specials and Value Strategy
The Penn Station menu with prices emphasizes recurring monthly specials as primary value drivers:
Monthly Special Structure:
- Featured sandwich with fresh-cut fries and drink
- Pricing: typically $19.97-$21.97 for complete meal
- Represents 20-25% savings versus separate purchases
- Rotates to highlight different signature items
E-Club Rewards Program:
- Free registration provides immediate BOGO (Buy One Get One Free) sub coupon
- Regular coupons available online (print or digital codes)
- Example: $5.99 Chicken Philly Special coupons periodically available
- Valid in-store and online
The E-Club essentially removes the primary barrier to frequent Penn Station visits by guaranteeing at least one free sandwich purchase within joining. This strategy makes the Penn Station menu with prices particularly attractive for cost-conscious regular customers.
Meal Combinations and Complete Pricing
To understand complete meal costs across the Penn Station menu with prices:
Budget Meal Scenario:
- Snack-size sandwich: $7.99-$9.99
- Fresh-cut fries: $4.31+
- Beverage: $2.99-$3.99
- Total: approximately $15.29-$17.97
Standard Meal Scenario:
- Regular sandwich: $12.99-$16.99
- Fresh-cut fries: $4.31+
- Beverage: $3.50+
- Total: approximately $20.80-$24.49
Monthly Special Scenario:
- Cheesesteak combo: $19.97+
- (Includes sandwich, fries, drink)
- Total: $19.97 (best value)
Premium Meal Scenario:
- Large specialty sandwich: $15.99-$17.99
- Cheesebread instead of fries: $5.99-$7.49
- Premium beverage: $3.50+
- Cookie: $2.99-$3.49
- Total: approximately $28.47-$32.47
Geographic Price Variations
Like most restaurant chains, the Penn Station menu with prices shows regional variations. Midwest locations (Cincinnati, Indiana) typically show the lowest pricing, while urban centers charge premiums. Always confirm pricing at your specific location before ordering.
Delivery and Online Ordering
The Penn Station menu with prices is fully accessible through:
- Official Penn Station website ordering system
- Grubhub, DoorDash, and similar delivery apps
- In-restaurant pickup
- In-restaurant dining
Delivery adds platform fees ($2-$4+) plus service charges, though online ordering directly through Penn Station’s website sometimes avoids third-party markup.
Customization and Special Requests
A strength of the Penn Station menu with prices is extensive customization capability. Every sandwich allows:
- Topping selections and omissions
- Sauce choices and combinations
- Cheese alternatives
- Bread preparation modifications (extra toasted, etc.)
- Preparation style adjustments
This customization essentially creates infinite menu variations from the printed Penn Station menu with prices, accommodating dietary preferences without requiring off-menu requests.
Dietary Accommodations
The Penn Station menu with prices includes options for various dietary needs:
Vegetarian Options: Dedicated veggie subs (grilled vegetable combinations without meats) available at standard pricing
Allergy Considerations: Gluten-free bread unavailable (as of 2025), but all-lettuce wrap substitutions possible. Nut-free preparation available upon request. Customers with allergies should communicate directly with staff due to preparation methods.
Lighter Options: Wraps and salads provide lower-calorie alternatives. Custom ordering allows fresh vegetable additions without additional charge at most locations.
Historical Context and Current Operations
Understanding the Penn Station menu with prices benefits from knowing the brand’s evolution. The original 1985 Cincinnati location featured only four items—significantly smaller than today’s diverse offerings. The chain expanded through franchising in 1987 and has maintained consistent quality standards despite growth to 320+ locations. Notably, Penn Station discontinued their mobile app and loyalty points program in 2020, instead focusing on the simpler E-Club email rewards approach.
Two menu items were discontinued: Sausage Sub with Pizza Sauce (once popular) and Chicken Salad, representing occasional menu pruning based on customer demand patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Penn Station Menu With Prices
Q: What’s the most popular sandwich on the Penn Station menu with prices?
A: The Cheesesteak dominates customer orders—it’s the signature sandwich that made Penn Station famous. The combination of USDA Choice Steak, provolone, and customizable toppings perfectly represents the brand’s philosophy. It appears regularly as the monthly special, suggesting company confidence in its appeal.
Q: How much does a complete meal cost on the Penn Station menu with prices?
A: Most complete meals (sandwich, fries, drink) run $20.80-$24.49. The best value is the monthly special at $19.97+, combining sandwich, fries, and drink. Budget meals using snack-size sandwiches cost approximately $15.29-$17.97.
Q: Is the Penn Station menu with prices expensive compared to competitors?
A: Penn Station prices slightly above typical fast-casual sandwich shops but below upscale restaurant dining. The premium reflects ingredient quality (USDA Choice Steak, fresh-cut fries, hand-squeezed lemonade) and individual preparation methods that competitors skip.
Q: What’s the cheapest sandwich on the Penn Station menu with prices?
A: The BLT typically prices lowest at $9.99-$13.99 depending on size. For complete meals, monthly specials at $19.97+ provide the best per-item value compared to standard pricing.
Q: Does the Penn Station menu with prices include vegetarian options?
A: Yes, dedicated Veggie Subs are available on the grilled menu without customization required. These combine grilled vegetables without meat proteins, available in all size options at standard pricing.
Q: How can I save money using the Penn Station menu with prices?
A: Join the free E-Club email program for immediate BOGO coupon. Monthly specials provide 20-25% savings compared to purchasing items separately. Watch their rewards page for regularly updated coupon codes ($5.99 special pricing, etc.).
Q: Is there a secret menu at Penn Station?
A: No official secret menu exists, but extensive customization options on the Penn Station menu with prices allow creating personalized sandwiches. Request any topping combination—staff will prepare it at standard pricing.
Q: Are Penn Station fries really “fresh-cut”?
A: Yes, hand-selected Idaho potatoes are fresh-cut daily and flash-fried in cholesterol-free peanut oil. This explains why they taste different from pre-frozen competitors—there’s genuine daily food prep happening.
Q: What’s the difference between Penn Station’s grilled and cold sandwiches?
A: Grilled sandwiches are prepared on hot griddles, developing flavors through heat. Cold sandwiches are assembled fresh but unheated. Cold sandwiches on the Penn Station menu with prices typically run slightly less expensive ($0.50-$1.00 lower).
Q: Can I customize sandwiches on the Penn Station menu with prices?
A: Absolutely. Every sandwich allows topping selections, sauce combinations, cheese choices, and modifications. You essentially create custom sandwiches from available ingredients without extra charges for most customizations.
Q: How often does Penn Station change their menu?
A: Monthly specials rotate featuring different sandwiches (Cheesesteak, Reuben, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Chicken Teriyaki, etc.). Limited-time offerings like Ghost Pepper Cheese (Halloween) and Buffalo Chicken (seasonal) appear periodically. The core Penn Station menu with prices remains stable year-round.
Q: What’s available on the kids’ menu from the Penn Station menu with prices?
A: 4-inch sandwiches in kid-friendly varieties (Cheesesteak, Ham & Swiss, Turkey & Provolone, Veggie) priced $6.99-$8.99. Includes half-size fries, kiddie beverage, and lollipop—a genuine kids meal rather than adult portions.
Q: Do prices vary by location on the Penn Station menu with prices?
A: Yes, regional variations exist. Midwest locations (Cincinnati origin area) typically show lowest pricing. Urban centers command premiums. Always confirm at your specific location.
Q: Is delivery available from Penn Station?
A: Yes, through official website, Grubhub, DoorDash, and similar platforms. Direct website ordering sometimes avoids third-party markup. Delivery adds $2-$4+ platform fees plus service charges.
Q: What makes Penn Station different from other sub chains?
A: Sandwiches are prepared individually in customer view with printed order slips. This transparency, combined with ingredient quality (USDA Choice Steak, hand-squeezed lemonade, fresh-cut fries) and hearth-baked bread, creates differentiation reflected in the Penn Station menu with prices.
Q: Does Penn Station offer gluten-free options?
A: Gluten-free bread is currently unavailable. Lettuce wrap substitutions are possible. Customers with serious celiac concerns should verify with staff, as shared preparation spaces create cross-contamination risks.
Q: What’s the largest size available on the Penn Station menu with prices?
A: Large submarine sandwiches are available, running approximately 15-20% premium over Regular size. Perfect for hearty appetites or sharing scenarios.
Q: Are there regional specialty sandwiches on the Penn Station menu with prices?
A: Penn Station maintains consistent menu across locations rather than city-specific burgers like some competitors. However, monthly specials sometimes highlight regional favorites or seasonal items.
Conclusion
The Penn Station menu with prices represents a balanced approach between premium ingredient quality and reasonable cost. From the signature Cheesesteak prepared with USDA Choice Steak to hand-squeezed lemonade made daily, every element reflects founder Jeff Osterfeld’s original vision of authentic East Coast submarine sandwiches available throughout the Midwest. With 320+ locations spanning 15 states and consistent quality standards, the Penn Station menu with prices delivers reliable value for sandwich enthusiasts unwilling to compromise on ingredient quality or preparation transparency. Whether enjoying a monthly special, using E-Club rewards for free sandwiches, or customizing sandwiches to personal preferences, customers will discover that the Penn Station menu with prices justifies its reputation as a quality submarine sandwich destination.
