A few things to note:
- If you get here between 12-1 you will be standing in a line 12-15 deep, and seating might be hard to nab. And yet...it's worth it.
- If you get here after the lunch rush, they may be out of several things, so don't come in with your heart set on just one item. That said, they never seem to run out of the fantastic brisket sandwich.
- The sandwiches are huge and filling. I have no idea how someone could eat a foot long. I am not a small guy and a six-inch leaves me stuffed. I've seen a couple of folks complain about skimpy portions and all I can think of is, "Are you crazy?!?!?"
- Also, the sandwiches are messy. Fillings will spill out, bread may start to get mushy and fall apart, and you may get shredded cheese on your upper lip if you get the hoagie. Don't worry about making a mess, just enjoy.
As far as recommendations, there seems to be nothing bad (or even mediocre) on the menu, and I've had almost everything they serve. Despite having really tasty beef, I guess the Real Obama was the weakest thing I've eaten there. I don't know, it just seemed like it could use something to give it just a bit of a boost. On the other hand, the brisket and the Italian Hoagie were the best, with the roast pork right behind them. Damn those are some seriously delicious sandwiches. If ordering that roast pork make sure to get the broccolini on it. I enjoyed the bolognese a lot, and certainly recommend it as well (again, everything is good here, with some things a bit better) but felt that the meatballs were just a bit too tough and chewy, though they did have wonderful flavor. The pickled peaches are fantastic, and if they ever have some sort of potato salad as a side dish, then you should get it. I've had three different potato salads here and they were all excellent, with the sweet potato and bacon potato salad being an absolutely wonderful. I guess the one thing I've had that let me down a bit was the Broadstreet Bully, which is an occasional special. Having had the porchetta in their roast pork, I don't think it needed any barbecue flavoring, as it did in the Bully, which also fell apart really fast. Oh, almost forgot, the crab soup is also quite good.
Finally, not only does this place turn out some of the best sandwiches in DC, it also is run by some really friendly and hard-working folks. Though appearing harried, constantly in motion, and vocally directing the activity of the kitchen, co-owner and chef Jon Taub is quick to respond to any question or request a diner may have, while the kindly woman behind the counter may be the friendliest person who ever rings you up. Part of me hates to add another great review here lest the place become even busier than it is now, and thus the lines become even longer, but when you have such apparently decent and hard-working folks turning out such fantastic food, you can't do anything else other than give them 5 stars and wish them all the best. read more