Like people who say they don’t like the Beatles or have never seen The Breakfast Club, never trust a man who doesn’t like a sandwich.
But do trust us when we tell you that if it’s the ultimate sammy experience you’re after, the West Village has the cure for what ails you.
Grilled cheese melted on-demand? They’ve got it. A place that lies squarely at the divine intersection of beer and sandwiches? That too. Something called a BBLT? You betcha.
All that and more, below.
Murray’s Cheese Shop
Cheese is its own czar, and deserving of its own sandwich shop. Enter Murray’s. Their specials rotate, but the quality never waivers. Expect such lunchbox delicacies as an Italian sammy with fresh mozzarella, a BBLT (burrata, bacon, lettuce and tomato) and a Gruyere French Onion on rye.
254 Bleecker Street (map)
Website
Blind Tiger Ale House
Is this a bar? Yes. Do they have killer sandwiches to boot? Absolutely. The Blind Tiger had more ales on tap than line items on the menu, but that’s no reason to sleep on their sammies. Go in for the Spicy Pork Meatball or the Steakhouse with creamed spinach, crispy onions and horseradish.
281 Bleecker Street (map)
Website
The Original Sandwich Shoppe of New York
One of this correspondent’s favorite problems when it comes to eateries is being so spoilt for choice that she doesn’t know what to recommend. Such is the case with this mom-and-pop cornerstone. The family run shoppe is as unpretentious as it is delicious. And they know how to pile it on just right. If we absolutely must point you in the right direction, go Cuban, roasted turkey or a classic egg salad.
58 Greenwich Avenue (map)
Website
Faicco’s
Some call it the Village’s best. But we’re not picking favorites when it comes to sandwiches. That’s like picking your favorite child. But when you’re a legit century old meat purveyor like Faicco’s, you’ve earned some clout. Everything you get will have you coming back for more. But personally, it’s the Italian Special with hot peppers that has us damn near paying their electric bill every month.
260 Bleecker Street (map)
Website
Bonsignour
Some will tell you that the French don’t know how to make a sandwich. We’d be inclined to agree if it weren’t for this gem. The Jambon Beurre and the Cubano are both worth putting it on your map. The ingredients are rich and fresh, and the portions are anything but Parisien. Plus, they play ’90s hip-hop and the world is a sucker for a nice dichotomy. Take-out is best. It’s trés crowded.
35 Jane Street (map)
Website
Sanpanino
Want to be happy? Find someone who looks at you the way I look at fresh mozzarella at Sanpanino. These people can do no wrong. A quintessential West Village locale, the bread is fluffy, the ingredients are brilliant and the streets are tree-lined. Of their 14 specialty sandwiches, the hot and sweet Forte E Dolce will serve you well.
494 Hudson Street (map)
Website
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