Space Coast Sandwiches: Enjoying a Publix Sub While Watching a Rocket Launch in Cocoa Beach

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Coco Beach, Florida, aka The Space Coast. A place where beach life meets the future, and the roar of rocket engines echoes across the Atlantic. For two months, Maria and I called Cocoa Beach home, taking care of a feisty, three-legged cat named Kayla who loved to sneak around the neighborhood when the sun dipped low. Every evening, she’d wander off like a little badass explorer, leaving us to guess where she went. But while Kayla had her mysterious adventures, I was on my own mission—a sandwich quest, of course.

From the moment we arrived, I did what I always do: I asked my driver about the best sandwich spots in the area, hoping for a local gem. I didn’t quite catch what he said, but as soon as I got settled, I started digging through Google Maps. A few days in, while wandering the aisles of the local Publix grocery store, it hit me—this was the spot the driver had mentioned. Publix, a grocery store chain, is famous not just for its essentials, but for its deli. The line snaking toward the counter made sense now—this was where locals came for a good sub.

Cocoa Beach isn’t just any beach town. It’s the heart of the Space Coast, home to both surfers and rocket scientists, and a front-row seat to space exploration. From our house and the beach, we could see Kennedy Space Center. Imagine that—once a week, SpaceX would launch rockets into the sky, and there we’d be, floating in the warm Atlantic, watching as the future took off right in front of us. It’s a place where beach towels and binoculars go hand in hand, and if you time it right, you can catch a launch while chowing down on a killer sandwich. I did, and it’s something I’ll never forget.

With a big Boeing Starliner launch coming up, I knew this had to be the next chapter in my Sights & SEANWICHES adventure. I mean, what’s better than a beachside sub with a literal spaceship blasting off into the sky? And this wasn’t just any launch—it was Boeing’s long-awaited Starliner space capsule carrying two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station. Historic? Yes. A perfect excuse for a picnic? Absolutely.

I ordered our sandwiches online to skip the lines, confident that Drake, the local sandwich artist, would work his usual magic. I hopped on my bike to pick them up—because in the Florida heat, the 20-minute walk would’ve melted me faster than my Cutwater cocktails. Publix didn’t disappoint. I went with my usual Italian sub, while Maria opted for their specialty chicken cutlet wrap. At $10 for a footlong, it’s a bargain that’s hard to beat. The Italian sub was everything I’d hoped for—layers of Boar’s Head meats, lettuce, tomato, and banana peppers, all wrapped in a soft roll. Drake took his craft seriously, promising, “I’m making you the best sandwich in Florida,” and honestly, he wasn’t far off.

We packed our chairs, a cooler with the cocktails, and walked down to our spot on the beach, nestled between the crashing waves and the green brush lining the shore. The excitement was palpable—people lined the beach, all buzzing with anticipation for the launch. After a quick dip in the ocean, we cracked open an ice-cold drink and got ready for the show.

As the rocket roared to life at Cape Canaveral, the ground beneath us trembled. Sandwiches in one hand, cocktails in the other, we looked up as the rocket pierced through the clouds. The Earth shook, and the crowd erupted in cheers, savoring the long-awaited moment that had been delayed so many times before. The launch, the food, the sun—it all blended together into one of the most unforgettable moments of my Sights & SEANWICHES adventures.

Cocoa Beach may not have the bustling sandwich scene of Brooklyn or the speakeasy charm of a hidden deli, but it offers something even more rare: the chance to sit on the sand, savor a damn good sandwich, and watch humanity reach for the stars. The sandwich, assembled with care, might have had a slightly generic roll, but the combination of fresh ingredients and the experience made it a solid 9/10—hell, maybe even a 10/10 when you consider the backdrop of a rocket launch.

There’s something special about Publix. It’s not trying to be trendy or fancy; it’s just making sandwiches that hit the spot. Pair that with the awe-inspiring sight of a space launch, and you’ve got yourself a moment you won’t soon forget. So if you ever find yourself on the Space Coast, do yourself a favor—head to Publix, grab a sub, set up camp on the beach, and catch a launch. You’ll understand why this place is more than just another stop on the map. It’s a chapter in the Sights & SEANWICHES adventure I’ll carry with me forever.

buy the sandwich, take the walk

@Seanwiches_