Midtown Lunch

American Sardine Bar is a relaxed spot to grab a fun beer. The small menu of soups, sandwiches, and sides is worth exploring. My parents were in town and we need a spot to grab a quick bite. My parents love sardines and are ok with American bars, so we went for. The bar was pretty empty during the day, making it easy for the eat and run to happen.

This is what the eponymous $2 sardine sandwich looks like. Whole, imported, fancy sardines on toast with onion, lettuce, and hard boiled egg. Sardines are not for me, but my parents loved it. I imagine this being a good hangover cure (which was perfect for the folks after the night of drinking I forced upon them).

I was brought up to be a salami girl, never really got into bologna. But the award winning fried bologna sandwich made by Southwark’s chef was too vetted to pass up. I could instantly tell why that bologna won. The combo of crispy pressed meat, thick tomato, and tangy mayo dressing was fit for an adult yet also nostalgic for childhood memories of bologna that I don’t even possess. Unfortunately, the sandwich is was a limited time deal, and you might not still be able to experience it.

Don’t be mad, you can get this sandwich instead. Despite there being no meat involved, it is also awesome. While the fried bologna sandwich seems fit for a lumberjack,  this  yellow peach  and ricotta on buttered brioche ($6) is just right for a Disney princess. With the natural sweetness from the peaches, creamy and crumbly ricotta, on the salty sweet bread, its good for the common folk too.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• Fun sandwiches
• Great beer list

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

• Small menu

American Sardine Bar, 1800 Federal Street, 215 334-2337