Manhattan's Best Sandwiches | Time Out New York
This roundup was published in 2011 in Time Out New York.
Hot Roast Beef at Defonte’s of Brooklyn
To construct this carnivorous jaw-stretcher, a thinly sliced mound of Barbie-pink, homemade roast beef is partnered with fresh and creamy mozzarella and cylinders of fried eggplant. And the answer is yes: You want a scoop of bread-drenching jus. 261 Third Ave at 21st St (212-614-1500, defontesofbrooklyn.com). $10.50.
Torta de Pollo at Tehuitzingo Deli
Secreted inside the workaday Mexican deli is a killer kitchen turning out peerless tacos and tortas, namely the pollo: Butter-soft shards of chicken are paired with piquant pickled jalapeños, luscious avocado and quesillo cheese, which creates a gloriously melty mess thanks to the sandwich’s crusty stint on the griddle. 695 Tenth Ave between 47th and 48th Sts (212-397-5956). $6
Roasted cauliflower at Num Pang
At this Cambodian-style eatery, tender chunks of roasted cauliflower are combined with crunchy-cool shredded carrots and cucumber, along with aromatic cilantro. A slick of pureed eggplant and chili-spiked soy-milk mayo provide depth and heat. 21 E 12th St between Fifth Ave and University Pl (212-255-3271, numpangnyc.com). $6.75.
General Tso’s Tofu at No. 7 Sub
Sandwich madman Tyler Kord’s subversive spin on the Chinese staple partners planks of crunchy, velvety, deep-fried tofu with peppery arugula, sweet caramelized onions and ribbons of carrots. The broccoli mayonnaise provides a luscious, fatty finish. 1188 Broadway between 28th and 29th Sts (212-532-1680, no7sub.com). $9.
2nd Ave Deli
At this revived Jewish legend, the house-cured corned beef sandwich is heart-stopping—seriously. A two-handed heap of supple, subtly salinic meat is encased by soft, mustard-smeared rye bread, creating an enduring classic. 162 E 33rd St between Lexington and Third Aves (212-689-9069, 2ndavedeli.com). $14.95
Pulled Pork at Dickson’s Farmstand Meats
The star of the artisanal butcher’s weekday-lunch stable is the tangy pulled pork, which is piled high onto a seeded bun from the neighboring Amy’s Bread and crowned with a crunchy tangle of zippy homemade coleslaw. Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave at 16th St (212-242-2630, dicksonsfarmstand.com). $9.
Texas Hand Roll with Avocado at Hill Country Chicken
Like sushi by way of Texas, a flour tortilla is filled with creamy-crusty slices of breaded and fried avocado, mayo-slicked ’slaw, sweetly hot pepper jelly and a deliciously incongruous sprinkle of crunchy sesame seeds. 1123 Broadway at 25th St (212-257-6446, hillcountrychicken.com) $9.
The Daniela at Alidoro
The diminutive shop fashions artful Italian sandwiches such as the Daniela, which finds chunks of oil-packed tuna snuggling beneath a blanket of fresh mozzarella, pickled hot peppers and arugula. Splurge an extra buck for the pillowy focaccia bread. 105 Sullivan St between Spring and Prince Sts (212-334-5179). $10.
The Smile
Hit this NoHo hangout for toasted sourdough bread painted with sweet fig jam and filled with skinny slices of pears, arugula and a tombstone of creamy manouri Greek cheese. A drizzle of truffle oil seals the flavorful deal. 26 Bond St No. 1 between Lafayette St and Bowery (646-329-5836, thesmilenyc.com). $10.50.
Vietnamese French Dip at Social Eatz
At Top Chef star Angelo Sosa’s latest Asian-fusion eatery, tuck into the tweaked French dip composed of slow-cooked skirt steak amassed on a brioche bun lined with peppered-shallot marmalade. A side of opulent, beefy broth is suitable for sandwich dunking. 252 E 53rd St between Second and Third Aves (212-207-3339, socialeatz.com). $12.
