Preflight toasted subs in B/C without resorting to Subway
Potbelly Sandwich Shop sits in the B–C connector at BWI’s main Terminal, in the low-price tier ($) but rated around 2 stars, so set expectations. It’s still the go-to toasted sandwich stop for a lot of B/C flyers who want something hot and handheld before boarding.
Hours typically cover the morning rush through the evening bank of departures; think roughly breakfast through dinner around the B and C gates. Everything is post-security, so you can grab a sandwich on the walk between B and C instead of backtracking to pre-security options.
Menu pricing is airport-normal: sandwiches usually land under $12, with chips and a drink pushing it into the mid-teens. Google reviews call out the Italian and Mediterranean veggie as the safest picks, and both hold up decently on a two- to three-hour flight.
Staff here handle custom orders pretty well, even when the line snakes toward neighboring gates. Reviewers mention “no cheese,” “extra peppers,” and other tweaks coming out right, which matters if you’re picky or dealing with allergies and still need to be at B20 or C7 in under 30 minutes.
Big complaint: the ordering and pickup area jams up hard around the 11:30–13:30 lunch window. The line moves, but the counter area by the hot sandwich line and register turns into a crowd, which isn’t great if you’re dragging a 22-inch roller and a backpack.
By mid- to late afternoon, several reviewers say cookies and soups often sell out, leaving mainly core sandwiches and chips. If you care about getting a sugar cookie or a cup of broccoli cheddar, aim before 14:00 or have a backup snack plan closer to your gate.
Regulars on Reddit aim for mid-morning or mid-afternoon, then carry sandwiches to the gate to free up limited in-store seating. Do the same: order it to go, then eat near your actual departure gate so you can hear every boarding change.