Nestled on the stylish stretch of Bond Street in NoHo, Mile End Sandwich presents a unique culinary experience. Stepping into its storefront, you might initially mistake it for a trendy boutique selling high-end fashion rather than a purveyor of Jewish soul food. This location, an extension of the beloved Boerum Hill deli, sits comfortably amongst upscale establishments, so much so that the bright neon “Sandwich” sign could easily be mistaken for an avant-garde art installation. But make no mistake, “art” is indeed an apt descriptor for what Mile End offers. They are deeply committed to authentically interpreting Montreal’s cherished delicatessen cuisine. Upon its opening, this dedication was so pronounced that Mile End initially offered no seating at its long, communal table, emphasizing the food itself as the central experience.
It seems customer feedback prompted a welcome change, as during recent visits, comfortable stools are readily available, inviting patrons to settle in and savor their meaty indulgences. This addition of seating is a significant improvement, acknowledging that comfort is an essential element when enjoying such hearty fare. Dishes like poutine and smoked meat sandwiches are best enjoyed in a relaxed setting, perhaps as a comforting escape from the bustling city winds.
Here’s a breakdown of some standout menu items from recent experiences at Mile End Bond Street:
Must-Try Menu Items at Mile End Bond Street
The Breakfast Sandwich: An Unexpected Morning Delight
Great: Breakfast sandwich ($9). It might seem surprising that the breakfast sandwich tops the list, but it truly is an exceptional morning option. Imagine perfectly fried eggs, folded and nestled on toasted bread, embraced by melted, subtly sharp cheddar cheese. The bacon is the star of the show – thick-cut, crispy edges yielding to a tender, pork belly-like center. This breakfast sandwich is not just a meal; it’s a carefully crafted bite that sets the perfect tone for the day.
Smoked Meat Sandwich: A Montreal Staple, Reimagined in NoHo
Very Good: Smoked meat sandwich ($14). The smoked meat sandwich is a faithful rendition of the iconic Montreal-style smoked meat. Thinly sliced, Montreal-style smoked brisket is generously piled high and served with classic mustard on rye bread. The brisket itself is a symphony of flavors and textures: peppery, subtly sweet and salty, and incredibly tender, boasting beautifully charred ends. Interestingly, the sandwich was noticeably juicier and even more flavorful on a subsequent visit, solidifying its “Very Good” rating based on that superior experience. While the portion might not be as towering as the meat mountains at Katz’s Delicatessen, it’s satisfyingly ample without feeling overwhelming. This smoked meat sandwich at Mile End Bond Street stands as a worthy contender to the New York City deli standard. Though some may question rye bread as the ideal base for such a sandwich, it’s a traditional pairing that’s hard to dispute.
Bond Street Burger: A Rich and Intriguing Burger Experience
Good: Bond Street burger ($13). The Bond Street burger is cooked to a perfect medium-pink, topped with melted cheddar cheese and a runny sunny-side-up egg. It’s served on an English muffin-style roll, with a generous smear of onion marmalade on the bottom half. While the onion marmalade adds a unique, boozy sweetness, it unfortunately tends to make the bottom bun a bit soggy. Thankfully, Mile End Bond Street provides ample knives, forks, and napkins to tackle this delicious, albeit slightly messy, burger. The egg adds a delightful richness to the burger, and the onion marmalade offers an intriguing depth of flavor. It’s a burger that sparks curiosity and satisfies, even if it leans towards a more experimental profile.
Classic Poutine: A Québécois Comfort Food Fix
OK: Classic Poutine ($12). For many, including myself, the classic poutine – that quintessentially Québécois dish of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy – is a major draw. While Mile End Bond Street’s poutine is satisfying, it leaves a little room for improvement, particularly considering the price point. The gravy could benefit from a more pronounced flavor, and slightly meltier cheese curds would elevate the dish. Perhaps hotter gravy would achieve this perfect melt. Despite these minor critiques, on a blistery cold day, ordering the poutine again would be a definite yes. While the quest for the ultimate poutine might lead one to Montreal, Mile End’s version offers a comforting and enjoyable taste of Canadian comfort food right here in NYC. Maybe the allure of “fancy Canadian disco fries” simply brings out the optimist in everyone.
Honorable Mention: Beef on Weck (Temporarily Unavailable)
Honorable Mention: Beef on weck. This Buffalo, NY, favorite, featuring shaved Wagyu beef and horseradish on a weck roll, was a standout and easily deserving of the “Great” category. Unfortunately, it’s currently off the menu due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Sandy on Mile End’s Red Hook facility. This facility was crucial for producing their smoked meats and artisanal breads from scratch. While operating with a limited menu since the storm, Mile End Bond Street thankfully still offers the above-mentioned highlights, including the much-loved smoked meat sandwich, which made a welcome return recently.
Visit Mile End Bond Street for a Taste of Montreal
Mile End Sandwich on Bond Street offers a delightful and authentic taste of Montreal delicatessen cuisine in the heart of NoHo. Whether you’re craving a comforting poutine, a hearty smoked meat sandwich, or an unexpectedly delicious breakfast sandwich, Mile End Bond Street is worth a visit.
Mile End Sandwich: 53 Bond St., between Bowery and Lafayette St.
