With all due respect to strip steaks, thin-crust pizzas and the near-narcotic effects of a 1 A.M. street meat incident, New York is a city founded on one type of eatery:
The humble deli.
Which is why we present the InsideHook NY Book of Sandwich, Vol. I, cataloguing the best sandwiches your grease-stained benjamins can buy in one NYC neighborhood.
First up: Flatiron. Should you find yourself off the green, red, yellow or L line, pay these spots a visit.
From the founders of Fort Greene’s No. 7, this all-sandwich spinoff makes petite but adequately stuffed subs on possibly the world’s best sandwich-building bread. Not too sweet and just the right amount of flakiness. We couldn’t choose our favorite between the Zucchini Parm, the Broccoli Classic and the Real American Hero. Bring friends; share all three.
The most authentic Philly cheesesteak NYC has to offer. The authenticity comes from neither the meat nor cheese, but the bread, shipped in and baked daily direct from the City of Brotherly Love.
Names by Bon Appetit as “one of the top 25 things to eat in 2012” and awarded the “Best Sandwich of 2013” by the Village Voice. Num Pang is a Cambodian sammy joint serving fresh semolina flour baguettes with signature chili mayo. Menu rotates, but we’re currently coveting the Hoisin Meatball and Peppercorn Catfish.
A cornerstone of the NYC diner scene with the eclectic crowd to match: finance guys in grey and blue rubbing shoulders with construction workers, cops, cabbies and the like. Pull up to the 25-seat counter. Order the salami.
Fast, casual and open-faced. In troves. Started in Austria in 1969, the shop offers more than 30 artful recipes. Tough call, but we vouch for the Sirloin topped with Cranberry Marmalade and the Hot Pepper and Egg Salad. For starters.
To be honest, “World’s Best” might be laying it on a bit thick. But for the price, these guys do make a fine sandwich. The Scarface is one of the best reubens you’ll find. Corned beef, hot pastrami, Swiss, lettuce and Russian Dressing on a roll. For $5.75, we’re sold. Call ahead if you need to grab and go.
They make their own cheese on the spot at the Flatiron flagship. And while our bellies bellow for the Fig & Cheese with a tomato soup, it’s worth noting that they offer a secret Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese off-the-menu. It’s indulgent. It’s ridiculous. It’s delicious.
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