2 West Village Joints Named Among Best Pandemic Sandwiches

WEST VILLAGE, NY — The tasty simplicity of a sandwich has a special place in the hearts of countless New Yorkers, and Eater NY recently came out with a list of 11 New York City joints that have made the best heroes, rolls, and subs throughout the pandemic.

Robert Sietsema, a senior critic for the food news and rankings website, just published "A Tribute to the 11 NYC Sandwiches That Are Getting Us Through the Pandemic" — and two of them are made by West Village establishments.

"Throughout the pandemic, sandwiches have been our salvation," Sietsema wrote. "What other satisfying meal can be wolfed down while standing up? During an era when eating indoors was at times prohibited, and many considered outdoor dining in temporary structures dodgy, sandwiches have been something you could eat without worrying where to sit down."

Here are the two West Village joints that earned a spot on the sandwich list:

The Roast Beef at Hudson & Charles: 524 Hudson Street, between West 10th and Charles Street

• Typically, a butcher's shop, Hudson & Charles began to stock bread, cheese, and condiments during the pandemic. This is what Sietsema wrote about its Roast Beef sandwich.

"Believe me, roast beef bought directly from a butcher is better than most deli roast beef. In this sandwich ($12), the grass-fed roast is ultra-flavorful and deep pink at its center with caramelized edges, while the mayo, thin slice of cheese, and arugula (which lends a welcome bitter edge) are supporting actors that highlight the excellent sliced meat. "

Bologna and American Cheese at Sam's Deli: 275 West 4th Street, between Perry and West 11th Streets

• A West Village deli beat out countless restaurants across the city in its ability to make a mouthwatering sandwich. This is what Sietsema wrote about Sam's Deli's Bologna and American Cheese creation.

"So my go-to sandwich of rebellion at Sam’s Deli ($6) is bologna on whole wheat bread (for healthiness) with yellow American cheese, raw onion, and lettuce, with the quantity of mayo you expect from a deli — which is lots."

While two West Village eateries earned a spot on the list, the top-ranking position went to the Fried Chicken Sandwich from D&M Bakery on the Lower East Side.

You can check out the full list of the best pandemic sandwich spots on Eater NY's website.