10 of Austin’s best sandwiches to celebrate National Sandwich Day

Turns out that Thursday is National Sandwich Day. What? You didn’t have it circled on your calendar? Every day is national something day, but I’m a sucker for sandwiches, so I thought I’d let you know what 10 of my favorites are around town. (No, burgers don't count. Neither do hot dogs. Come on.)

French dip at Bartlett’s

“We’ve been roasting bones and mirepoix and simmering it for hours long before bone broth was cool,” Bartlett’s executive chef and partner Arik Skot Williams once told me.

That broth almost melts the half-pound of velvety roasted prime rib on this sandwich that is an institution inside an institution. You can read more about the No. 27 restaurant in Austin in our annual Dining Guide. (2408 W. Anderson Lane. 512-451-7333, bartlettsaustin.com)

Pastrami sandwich at Dai Due

This pastrami sandwich, with its griddled rye, earthy Thousand Island dressing brightly tinted by beets and sharp sauerkraut, is officially part of the Austin sandwich canon (something I just created). (2406 Manor Road. 512-524-0688, daidue.com)

Brisket sandwich at Distant Relatives

There could be an entire list like this dedicated only to sandwiches from barbecue restaurants and trailers (and there will be), but for this list, this will serve as my current favorite. The brisket is tender and smoky, the hot mustard will hit you in the nose, the brioche bun is pillowy and the pickled green tomatoes and shaved thinly sliced red onion bring the tang and crunch. (3901 Promontory Point Drive. 512-717-2504, distantrelativesatx.com)

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Maine lobster roll at Garbo’s

Heidi Garbo’s family works in the lobster business in New England, so she’s got it in her blood. The question when dining at this expansive seafood restaurant in North Austin is simple: Connecticut style or Maine? I usually go with Maine, for the zingy mayo, crunch of celery and splash of lemon. (12709 N. MoPac Expressway. 512-350-9814, garboslobsteratx.com)

Jambon beurre at Hopfields

A crusty housemate banquette smeared with salty French butter and unable to contain lush waves of carnation-pink ham ... simple and delicious. (3110 Guadalupe St., No. 400. 512-537-0467, hopfieldsaustin.com)

H-Town fried chicken sandwich at Las Abuelas

Chef Matt Reinhart opened his trailer after six years working as the executive chef at Snap Kitchen, and his home since 2018 doesn’t resemble the healthful business from which he departed. Thank goodness. All the fried chicken sandwiches, inspired by his two grandmothers, are great, but I am partial to the H-Town, with its queso, avocado and roasted serrano crema. (11444 Manchaca Road. 737-228-7449, polloslasabuelas.com)

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Grilled pork bánh mì at Le Bleu

The baguette crackles and collapses around grilled caramelized pork that’s been marinated in fish sauce, garlic, red shallots and a touch of honey. Cucumbers and matchstick cuts of pickled carrots give crunchy relief to the tender meat, with cilantro and jalapeño balancing floral calm and spicy kick. (9070 Research Blvd., Suite 303. 512-770-1100, lebleuatx.com)

Corned beef at Otherside Deli

I can put pastrami and corned beef both on this little listicle, especially when the latter is velvety and aromatic and layered between snappy toasted rye spread with the pop of mustard. (1104 W. 34th St. 512-407-9702, othersidedeliatx.com)

Bacon, egg and cheese at Paperboy

You can have your breakfast taco arguments while I enjoy thick bacon, the mineral richness of a sunglow egg and tangy pimento cheese sandwich in a poofy buttermilk bun. (1203 E. 11th St. 512-910-3010, paperboyaustin.com)

Fried shrimp po’ boy at Perla’s

Yes, there are cheaper fried shrimp po’ boys than the $25 version served at Perla’s during lunch, but there may not be any better or bigger. Big twirls of crunchy shrimp spill from a French roll dressed with fresh shrettuce, tomato and substantial dill pickle. (1400 S. Congress Ave. 512-291-7300, perlasaustin.com)

2022 Dining Guide:The best restaurants in Austin

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This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Best sandwiches in Austin to celebrate National Sandwich Day