I was excited when I saw that Bronx Sandwich Company had opened in Tustin. Month after month passed and yet I never stopped by once. I don’t know what it is, but sandwich shops never pop into my mind first when I’m thinking about where to eat. Sandwiches seem a little boring to me. Sushi, Korean BBQ, tacos, pizza, and far down the list, sandwiches.
This past week, I finally made it through the doors of Bronx Sandwich Company. Maybe they can change my mind about how great a sandwich can truly be.
The interior of Bronx Sandwich Company was open and spacious. The tall vaulted ceilings made the restaurant feel a lot bigger than it really was.
The atmosphere felt casual and laid back. Alternative and pop music was playing in the background. I got the feeling that anyone would feel welcome and comfortable here, from those dining alone to large groups.
The restaurant was bright thanks to the white walls and windows wrapping around the dining area. These windows allowed lots of natural light in.
The decor was simple, modern, and bright with white tabletops and black chairs. I enjoyed the sleek deign but it reminded me of a typical chain restaurant. I would have never guessed just by the decor that I was in a New York style sandwich shop other than the large selection of potato chips and brick wallpaper with the Bronx Sandwich Company logo.
There was also ample outdoor seating for those who enjoy fresh air and sunshine.
Bronx Sandwich Company menu
When you walk through the doors you will probably notice the hanging menu appearing across three vertical flat screen televisions.
The first screen consisted of the hot sandwiches. There were 18 options made with proteins including pastrami, beef brisket, sliced beef, chicken, shrimp, and fish. There was only one vegetarian option.
With the hot sandwiches you had the choice of a French baguette, rye bread, or wheat bread.
You will find an assortment of cold sandwiches on the center menu (nine options with French baguette, rye, or wheat) along with a few breakfast sandwiches that were available all day.
The last part of the menu had street fries, rice bowls, salads, and salads sides.
If you enjoy draft beer, they had a few beers on tap: an IPA, Bud Light, Stella Artois, Michelob Ultra, Shock Top, and Goose Island. There was also a larger selection of bottled beers.
When you are ready to order, order with the cashier at the front. You will receive a food buzzer that will buzz when your food is ready. When your food is ready, you can pick up your food next to the cashier where you ordered.
Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich
When I first laid eyes on the Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich ($8.99), I was speechless. This thing was massive. I thought for a moment, is this a mistake? Did I receive two sandwiches? Turns out the portions are huge here, so come hungry.
The sandwich was piled high with chicken breast, fried jalapeños, lettuce, tomato, spicy mayo, and a Sriracha sauce. Each component was perfectly layered one by one inside a French baguette. This thing was so thick that it took two hands to lift it up. Bronx Sandwich Company prides itself on using only premium Dietz & Watson deli products.
The star of the dish was the crispy fried chicken breast, overflowing outside of the baguette. You definitely get your money’s worth with this sandwich.
The chicken, pounded thin and fried to a perfect golden brown, was hot and crunchy on the outside while juicy on the inside.
It blew my mind just how delicious, crispy, and well seasoned the fried chicken was here. They did a better job making fried chicken here than other restaurants that specialize only in fried chicken.
Everything tasted handmade and fresh, which was surprising. When you order chicken these days at most sandwich shops, you usually get a dry piece of reheated chicken. Not at Bronx Sandwich Company.
When I made my order, I didn’t notice that I had the option of choosing French baguette, rye bread, or wheat bread. Luckily, the sandwich arrived with a fresh French baguette, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was told the breads were made fresh daily by a local purveyor.
The bread was lightly toasted on the outside while soft and warm on the inside. I have had way too many experiences in the past with hard baguettes that are barely edible. This was not an issue here.
On top of the fried chicken was a generous portion of lightly battered and fried jalapeños. The jalapeños were spicy and salty. Since they were fried, they added a great crunchy bite. The heat from the jalapeños was a perfect slow burn, not the type where you are reaching for a glass of water.
Underneath the fried chicken were thick slices of tomatoes and shredded lettuce. I loved how the lettuce added a fresh crunch to each bite. The tomatoes were seasoned well with black pepper and salt.
Bringing everything together was the spicy mayo and Sriracha sauce which merged together to make a spicy mayo Sriracha sauce. The sauce, which was rich, salty, and slightly spicy, complimented each component of the sandwich, ensuring each bite was creamy, tangy, and messy.
The chicken remained crispy and the baguette held up until the very last bite of the sandwich.
I can’t believe I ate the whole thing. I was full for the rest of the day.
Service
The customer service I received at Bronx Sandwich Company was fantastic.
I was surprised with how friendly each employee was. They all seemed to enjoy their job and their customers. Everyone who walked inside was greeted with a hello and a smile.
I especially liked how the manager behind the counter walked around the entire restaurant asking each guest how they were doing and if they were enjoying their food. A simple gesture goes a long way.
Conclusion
Delicious sandwiches, big portions, friendly employees, great customer service, and beer on draft. I couldn’t ask for more.
It appears that Bronx Sandwich Company is my new go-to sandwich shop. I am a little biased since I have only tried the Fried Chicken Sandwich, but I bet the other sandwiches on the menu are just as good.
I just wish I didn’t wait so long to visit Bronx Sandwich Company after it opened.
Pros
- Large portions
- Breads made fresh daily and only premium Dietz & Watson deli products used
- Food was seasoned well
- Ample seating inside and outside
- Outstanding customer service
- Accepts pick up orders
Cons
- Limited draft beer options
- Parking lot often full