Image via Complex Original
Patrick Judabong - photographer, DJ, and founder of the Fat Bastard Crew, known to the world as Buddhabong. He has traveled the world in search of stunning images, great beats, and the best eats. Currently, you can catch him getting fat in and around New York City.
The perfect sandwich can be surprisingly simple (think: peanut butter and jelly) or elaborate and complex (think: many spreads and strangely named Italian meats). Here, I take you on a trip to some of my favorite places in New York to grub on a great sandwich. Join me as I give some shine to the spots that deserve the spotlight, but don’t always get it.
Here are my #fatbastardcrew approved-picks for the Best Sandwich Spots in NYC.
Related: Buddhabong Presents the Best Green Tea Dessert Spots in NYC
LIKE COMPLEX CITY GUIDE ON FACEBOOK
Prego Roll
Where: Jack's Wife Freda
Neighborhood: SoHo
Address: 224 Lafayette St.
Website: jackswifefreda.com
The Prego Roll is all about the meat, specifically the delicious Portuguese skirt steak pressed between that toasted, garlicy roll. The steak is marinated overnight in red wine and cooked to a perfect medium. At first look, it might not appear moist, but the first bite proves otherwise; this sandwich is rich with flavor. The garlic spread on the roll doesn't overpower the steak, and instead gives the sandwich balance. Plus, you can choose between a complimentary side of arugula salad with a light vinaigrette, or an abundance of fries. For us, the choice is clear. If you happen to miss brunch, don’t stress—this sandwich is on Freda’s dinner menu, too.
Chorizo Bocadillo
Where: Despaña
Neighborhood: SoHo
Address: 408 Broome St.
Website: despanabrandfoods.com
Despaña's traditional Chorizo sandwich contains a spicy charred meat that has a hint of sweetness and a rich, smoky flavor. The bread is crunchy and warm, thanks to being freshly pressed and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, and the manchego cheese doesn't overpower. But, if overpowering is your thing, dipping the sandwich in more extra olive oil will bring out an intense, nutty flavor. But be warned: this sandwich is deceptively filling, and might leave you with serious sausage breath. But when it's this good, do you really care?
Prime Rib Sandwich
Where: Rosticceria at Eataly
Neighborhood: Flatiron
Address: 200 5th Ave.
Website: eataly.com/rosticceria
This Prime Rib Sandwich, as simple as is appears to be, packs a complex punch. Black Angus Beef (from the Donley Ranch in Kansas), extra virgin olive oil, and house-made Porcini Rub are layered on a crispy, extra virgin olive oil drenched roll, and the result is delicious.
But what about the meat? It's marvelously marbelized, and invites overindulgence. This is the type of sandwich that makes you rearrange your whole day to make a stop at Rosticceria. Luckily, Eataly is open daily, but swing through early to avoid the tourist takeover that happens late afternoon.
French Dip
Where: Hillstone
Neighborhood: Flatiron
Address: 378 Park Ave S.
Website: hillstone.com/hillstone
Hillstone's take on the French Dip is piled high with juicy prime rib. The meat is smoky, tender, and perfectly cooked, and its juice seeps into the soft roll. The dark, rich au ju, never too salty, is just a bonus. The accompanying shoestring fries are also pretty legit. For those of you who crave a kick, there is also a hint of horseradish in the mix, which can be applied judiciously if you so choose. This may be the priciest pick on the list, but it's well worth the investment.
BBQ Pork Sandwich
Where: Bahn Mi Saigon
Neighborhood: Little Italy
Address: 198 Grand St.
Website: banhmisaigonnyc.com
Coming in at just under $5, it's hard to imagine a better bang for your buck than the BBQ Pork sandwich at Bahn Mi Saigon. The bread is crunchy with a soft middle and the minced pork meat radiates a salty sweetness. Crunchy, pickled veggies (radish, carrot, cilantro, jalapeño and cucumber) give off a nice tang to balance it all out. You'll also encounter meat pâté and mayo too, but neither overwhelm the full-flavored pork. But if you're looking to really liven things up, Siracha, and lots of it, is the way to go.