Burger Sub vs Cheeseburger – Which One Wins Your Lunch?

Let me tell you a little secret. I’ve been eating sandwiches my whole life. And one question I get almost every single day at Pops Pizza is: “What’s the difference between a burger sub and a regular cheese burger?”

Fair question. They both got beef. They both got cheese. They both fit in your hands. But once you take a bite, you’ll realize – these two are not the same. Not even close.

So let me break it down for you, Miami style. No fancy chef talk. Just real talk from someone who makes both fresh, every single day.

What Exactly Is a Burger Sub?

A burger is exactly what it sounds like. Take everything you love about a classic burger – the juicy patty, the melted cheese, the shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, maybe some ketchup and mustard – and you put it inside a long, soft sub roll instead of a round bun.

Why? Because sub rolls are stronger. They don’t fall apart when the burger gets juicy. Plus, you get more bread per bite, which sounds weird but trust me – it works.

At Pops Pizza, our burger starts with a fresh ground beef patty (half pound if you get the large). We grill it on the flat top until it’s got that brown crust. Then we add American cheese – because American melts better than cheddar on a sub – and let it get all gooey. Then it goes into a toasted sub roll with lettuce, tomato, onion, and our house sauce.

Some people add bacon. Some add jalapeños. I don’t judge.

And the Cheese Burger?

Now the classic cheese burger – that’s the one your dad taught you to love. Round bun. Sesame seeds sometimes. Same patty, same cheese, same toppings. But the experience is different.

A cheese burger is compact. Every bite gives you bun, then patty, then toppings, then bun again. It’s balanced. It’s traditional. And when we make our Pop’s Cheese Burger (the 1LB one on our menu), it’s a whole meal by itself.

But here’s the thing – the round bun can get soggy. Especially if you add tomatoes and pickles and ketchup and mustard. By the time you’re halfway done, the bottom bun is crying for help. That almost never happens with a burger because the sub roll is thicker and has more structure.

So Which One Should You Order?

Honestly? It depends on your mood.

If you’re sitting down at our table, grab a cheese burger. It feels right. If you’re taking it to go, driving, or eating over your keyboard at work (no judgment), get the burger sub. It’s neater. Sort of.

But Wait – What About the Super Burger?

Oh, you noticed that on the menu? The super burger is a different beast. That’s two patties, extra cheese, bacon, sometimes a fried egg. That’s for when you skipped breakfast and lunch and you’re about to pass out.

But for a regular lunch? Burger sub or cheese burger are your two best friends.

How We Make Ours Different in Miami

We’re not a chain. We don’t freeze our patties. Every burger sub and every cheese burger is made when you order. Not before. The cheese is melted on the patty while it’s still on the grill. The sub roll gets a light toast – not hard, just warm and slightly crispy.

And the toppings? Always fresh. Shredded lettuce, not a whole leaf that pulls everything out when you bite. Sliced tomatoes that still have juice. Onions that crunch.

You want ketchup and mustard? It’s there. You want mayo and hot sauce? Go for it. You want nothing but meat and cheese? I respect that too.

What Miami Says About Our Burgers

One regular, Carlos from Hialeah, told me last week: “I used to only eat cheese burgers. Then I tried your burger sub. Now I don’t know who I am anymore.”

Another customer, a tourist from New York, said our burger sub reminded her of a chopped cheese but better. I took that as a compliment.

FAQs

1. Is a burger sub the same as a cheesesteak?
No. A cheesesteak uses sliced steak. A burger sub uses ground beef patty. Different texture, different taste.

2. Can I get a cheese burger on a sub roll?
You just described a burger sub. Yes, we can do that – that’s literally our burger sub.

3. Which has more calories – burger sub or cheese burger?
Burger sub usually has a bit more because the sub roll is bigger. About 650–800 vs 550–750 for a regular cheese burger.

4. Do you deliver both?
Yes. But I’ll be honest – a cheese burger travels better than you’d expect. The bun holds up if you eat it within 15 minutes.

5. Which one do kids like more?
Kids almost always pick the cheese burger. It’s familiar. Teenagers and adults lean toward the burger sub because it feels different.

6. Can I add a second patty to my burger sub?
Absolutely. That’s getting close to super burger territory, but yes – just ask.