JG Melon appears on many coolstuff.nyc Best of NYC lists, but it does so for a reason: it’s the best of NYC. Melon’s club is no different, and eating one here really does make you feel like you’re part of the club.
Accompaniments: Cottage fries, cup of chili (no onions), gin & tonic
This old steakhouse on Lexington Ave is often overlooked. Don’t join in with everyone else - Donohue’s club is perhaps the best on this list, owing to having a perfect ratio of ingredients every time.
Accompaniments: steak fries, a stiff martini
While EJ’s diner is known for it’s brunch, but may we remind you that 11am-3pm is the perfect window for club sandwich enjoyment. You can always grab a side of waffles for the table.
Accompaniments: sweet potato fries, cup of coffee
A secretly perfect place to have lunch before or after The Met, Nectar has a solid club. For some reason it also feels very healthy? It’s probably the bread, but it really works.
Accompaniments: Seltzer with lemon
Our local Park Slope favorite, Terrace is run by a Mexican family who has been running diners in the city for over 20 years. While they are definitely known for their Mexican dishes, they absolutely excel at American diner staples…just like they do with their club.
Accompaniments: chicken tinga nachos
This UWS mainstay off of Lincoln Center has, unsurprisingly, a great club with a few twists: the bread is ciabatta and there is an avocado & cilantro mash on the top layer. The best part about John's though, it always the vibe!
Accompaniments: side of sausage
When we first had the Court Square club (after a few too many glasses of wine) our minds were blown. The paper wrapping? The old school train car diner? One block from MoMA Ps1? It all adds up to perfection.
Accompaniments Pickle spear, onion rings
One of these clubs is not like the others… Golden Diner’s Chicken Katsu Club is outstanding. In addition to the requisite bacon, lettuce, and tomato, this sandwich has a chicken cutlet, red cabbage slaw, and katsu sauce. It is devine.
Accompaniments: A glass of orange wine and local vegan kimchi
Given that S&P was reopened by the team behind Court Street Grocers, it should come as no surprise that they have top-tier sandwiches. Once again as no surprise, the club is fantastic. Our favorite variation? The Chicken Salad Club which features the welcome addition of CHIPS inside of the sammie. This one is so big we ask for it without the middle slice of bread.
Accompaniments: latkes and a cherry lime rickey
OK so Fanelli’s club has cheese on it, which in this house is not welcome. BUT their BLT is pretty damn close and very, very good. Let’s face it, sometimes when you’re in SoHo a good sandwich is exactly what you need.
Accompaniments: side salad, martini with a twist
Image source: Double Skinny Macchiato
