Few experiences are as universal as paying an obscene amount of money for food and drinks at a sporting event. I mean, did you even go to a game if you didn’t pony up north of $20 for a hot dog and a Pepsi Zero Sugar?
Perhaps it’s due to widespread cases of the munchies, but fans at the US Open understand this is how it is, and in fact they’re embracing it, with huge lines of folks forming for the privilege of scarfing down a $38 sandwich.
But before you say, “I’d never spend that on a sandwich at the US Open,” quit lying to yourself.
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The sandwich is the work of a joint in the West Village called Salt Hank’s, and they’ve got people waiting in half-hour lines for their French dip sandwich, which features prime rib, provolone cheese, caramelized onions, and horseradish aioli served with a side of shoestring fries and a nice little sidecar of au jus to dunk it in.
Salt Hank’s is selling an insane amount of these sandwiches, despite the price tag.
And you know what? I get it and would absolutely buy one as well.
When I first heard about this, I was one of those who was saying there’d be no way I’d drop that much on a sandwich.
Then I heard it was a French dip, and I changed my tune.
I think the French dip might have the highest batting average of any sandwich I’ve ever had. I can’t think of a bad one. I’ve had bad subs, bad Cuban sandwiches, bad cheesesteaks, and even an occasional “meh” Italian beef.
But the French dip? It always brings it.
The only thing I don’t like is having to eat it in a US Open environment. The French dip is a sitting sandwich. It’s not a stand against a wall or balance on your thighs while sitting in a stadium seat sandwich.
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This is because au jus is a fickle, non-viscous mistress. One wrong move and it’s everywhere.
You’d inevitably go to take a bite, and some influencer laying down a TikTok dance would bump into you, splashing beef stains all over your Lacoste polo you pulled out of the back of your closet because, well, tennis.
I mean, at the price, they should do you a solid and throw in a Tide To Go pen.
But from what I’ve been seeing, the sandwich is good enough that people are not just overlooking the potential laundry nightmares but also the substantial whack to the ol’ bank account.
