17 Nov Bowery to Williamsburg, Melbourne CBD

Bowery to Williamsburg can be a little hard to find because of its downplayed shopfront, but it still becomes quite busy at lunchtime as it fills up with people who know where to get a good sandwich. This New York-inspired eatery, styled after a subway station, is by the same team who brought us the venerable Hardware Societe. There isn’t a whole lot of seating, most of which is communal, but fortunately they do takeaway too.

All sandwiches are priced at $13 and for an extra $4 they’ll add a side, a pickle and a handful of pretzels. Coffee beans are from Padre and bagels are baked by 5 & Dime. If you’re not in a sandwich mood at lunchtime they also have salads and desserts.

The Hot Smoked Salmon with cucumber, caviar schmear, baby endive and grilled asparagus on whole wheat bread was a light and somewhat refreshing sandwich (at least compared to the Reuben). I particularly loved the fat, sweet, juicy and tender asparagus.

Hot Smoked Salmon – Cucumber, Caviar Schmear, Baby Endive, Grilled Asparagus, Whole Wheat ($13)

The Reuben was absolutely packed with pastrami. Whilst I was able to pick up the smoked salmon sandwich to eat, the Reuben required the use of a knife and fork for fear of dislocating my jaw. It also contained sauerkraut, Russian dressing and Swiss cheese on rye bread and topped with a pickle. Though there was a lot of meat, there was also enough sauerkraut to balance it out and enough cheese and dressing to tie it together without making a complete mess of the sandwich.

Reuben – Pastrami Beef Brisket, Sauerkraut, Russian Dressing, Swiss Cheese, Pickle on Rye ($13)

With such a big range of sandwiches to try, there’s always something new to return for. Keep an eye out for their specials menu too.

Bowery to Williamsburg
16 Oliver Lane
Melbourne, VIC, 3000
(03) 9077 0162