Kenny & Zukes SandwichWorks could be considered the step child (notice we didn’t say “ugly step child”) to Kenny & Zukes Delicatessen located on SW Stark. The Delicatessen has a more robust menu and features their incredible homemade pastrami. But we’re not going to talk about that (at least not in this review). Instead we’re going to talk about their Sandwichworks location, which serves some of the best sandwiches you’ll find in Portland. Located just west of NW 23rd on NW Thurman in a pretty cool and hip storefront, the SandwichWorks should not be missed.

The SandwichWorks doesn’t seem to have a website yet, but you can visit their Delicatessen site at http://www.kennyandzukes.com.

2376 NW Thurman Street
Portland, OR 97210
(503) 954-1737
Kenny and Zukes Website

I got the large Meatball Hero. Homemade Italian meatballs with marinara sauce and melted cheese on a hoagie. First of all it’s messy! Very messy! The meatballs are wonderful and the marinara is fantastic. The hoagie is not of the soft hoagie variety that I find perfect for meatball sandwiches, but rather the harder stuff that projects the meatballs out of the sandwich as if they’re trying to escape from every bite. So I found myself eating this sandwich with a fork and using the hoagie as more of a edible plate. This would have really bothered me if the meatballs weren’t so dang good.

I think next time I’d order a half a sandwich; the large was pretty filling. All in all this is a sandwich worth ordering if you’re a meatball sub fan – as I am – and it would be hard to find a better meatball in town.

4.5 out of 5 tomatoes

The Italian Grinder is a sandwich that hits home for me. I used to love Italian subs back in Massachusetts where I’m from. This one is only the second I’ve had here that I can compare to those of the “<Insert Town Name> House of Pizza’s” that dot each town back East, and the other one can’t be had as the place has closed.

It contains all the required Italian meats that are required of this sub – salami, soppresata, Coppa, Mortadella. It has my favorite cheese – provolone – as well. What sets this sandwich apart from other Italian grinders is their use of balsamic vinegar. It adds a background flavor that isn’t too pushy, but manages to take the sandwich to the next level. The pepperoncinis also add a little heat that helps make this sandwich sing (at least I thought I heard something).

4.5 out of 5 tomatoes

Chicago Italian Beef.  Where do I start?!  This sandwich is like nothing I’ve ever had.  As I was eating it, actually, as I was ordering it, I was thinking “Am I really going to like a sandwich where the bread is dipped in Garlicky Gravy?  Won’t it be soggy?!”  Well, anytime you dip bread in a liquid it IS going to be soggy.  But this is gravy, not water, and it was amazing. 

The other thing it had going for it was the crusty bread, rustic hoagie that it was made on.  Although the inside was quite soft, absorbing the gravy like a sponge, the outside remained somewhat structured allowing me to pick it up and eat it.  Picking it up was not an easy feat though.  You will get messy and you will eat much of this sandwich with a fork.

Tender slices of beef covered in finely chopped Giardiniera and house-made pickled hot peppers this sandwich had so many flavors in it yet they all came together like a perfectly orchestrated synchronized skydive.

If you are adventurous you have to try this sandwich.  I give it a 4.5 out of 5!

Super Torta Puebla sandwich!  Como?!  Well here it is:  Super means “highest quality” or “to an extreme degree”, Torta is a Mexican sandwich served on an oblong crusty roll, and Puebla is a Mexican city officially known as Heroic Puebla de Zaragoza (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puebla_(Puebla) ).  So it’s an Extremely Heroic Mexican Sandwich.
 
After doing the research on the meaning of the name of this sandwich I have to say that I know why they named it what they did.  One of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had in terms of flavor.  Of course everyone’s tastebuds are different but mine said WOW!  From the black bean spread, chipotle salsa, avocado, and chorizo…I’m mean seriously, this sandwich is packed with flavor. 

I can only say one negative thing about it and it really isn’t a bad thing, but you should be aware of, and that’s that it comes on a rustic crusty roll and when you bite down on it most of the yummy ingredients will want leave the sandwich.  Spew out the sides.  So I suggest before you bite in that you securely squeeze down on both sides of the Sammy while simultaneously pinching the back of it too.  If you do this there is only one way for the goods to go, into your mouth.

This sandwich is a strong 4.5 out of 5.  If I could give it a 4.8 I would…I guess I could…okay, it’s a 4.8 out of 5.  Go forth and eat thy Super Torta Puebla!

Popularity: 67% [?]

Chow Breakfast & Lunch sits just off the 405 loop in NW Portland.  You can’t miss it being that you don’t often see restaurant in a converted gas station.  They promise to ”…provide you with fresh, fast food, made from quality ingredients. We use as much local produce as possible and are committed to using the best, all natural meats and cheeses.”   

They have a small dining area with a couple picnic tables outside.  If the weather cooperates you’ll find the old “mechanics shop” rollup door up giving you that outside feeling inside.  You can find them online at http://www.cafechow.com/.

505 NW 14th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 274-CHOW
Chow Website

I had the Chow Ciao Hero, a delicious sandwich consisting of prosciutto (one of my favorite cuts of ham), salami, smoked Gouda (so good), red onion, oregano vinaigrette on a tasty baguette. I held off on the roasted red peppers. As good as they taste they kill my stomach – my problem not yours.

“Smoked cheeses on a sandwich take them to another level…”

Two things about this sandwich that set it apart from similar sandwiches. One, the smoked Gouda. Smoked cheeses on a sandwich take them to another level and this proves true here. The second thing is the oregano vinaigrette, which nicely softens the bread while adding another flavor dimension. My first thought was shouldn’t this sandwich have a condiment (mustard or mayo perhaps). In hindsight I think that would have ruined the taste of the salty prosciutto. Nice work Chow!

I got bagel chips with my sandwich and they were fair. I give Chow props for doing something other than chips – the defacto boring standard – but they were very dry as bagel chips often are. I’d have loved to see something to dip them in… some tasty sauce using the creativity of the sandwich spreads that they use.

4 out of 5 tomatoes

My wife thinks I’m crazy that I can walk into my home at night and often guess exactly what’s been cooked for dinner.  I’ll walk in and say “Scallops!” or “Enchiladas!”  or I’ll name a spice “oregano!” and wait for the “nope” or the ”no way, how do you do that?!”  The latter is the more common comment.  So why do I say all that?  Um…I’m not sure I lost my train of thought…anyways…

This chicken sandwich, the Mighty Aphrodite, is everything the name insinuates.  It packs a massive punch in a very simple sandwich.  Distinctive flavors like feta, oregano, and olives on top of a spiced up chicken breast just kick your tastebuds in the sweet spot.

My Dude, Sweet! moment was chomping into a chunk of feta cheese on the very first bite.  I think the fresh ingredients make this sammy good’n all but that feta oregano spread was the real deal.

The only negative thing I have to say is that for $7 bones I should at least get a baggy of fried potato chips.  The housemade dill pickle is good, really good, but I left there feeling like I needed a little somethin’ else.  I guess I could’ve ordered a side and a drink for an extra $2.5 but I was feeling a little frugal that day so I got the water.

The Mighty Aphrodite is a 4 out of 5.

Popularity: 61% [?]

Blueplate Lunch Counter & Soda Fountain, located at 308 SW Washington Street is a tiny, unassuming place without a formal kitchen. So how are they producing some of the wonderful tasty treats that keep people coming back (and waiting for tables)? Two griddles and a hot plate are how. Plus they don’t have a huge menu, but rather two specials each day and handful of favorite items. They’re also deservedly known for their old fashioned, hand crafted sodas and shakes. You can find them online at http://www.eatatblueplate.com/index.html.

308 SW Washington Street
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 295-2583
Blueplate Website

I had the Northwest Sliders, described on their menu as “two little cheesburgers with Tillamook Cheddar cheese and a special basil spread.” Yes… it’s spelled that way on their web menu so I’m not going to argue. It comes with a side of mashed potatoes for $7.00. You can add fresh tomato and/or bacon for an extra buck and I of course added the bacon.

The cheesburgers were fantastic! Not too small so as not to fill one up, but rather just right. The killer part of the cheesburgers was their basil spread, easily bringing the cheesburger experience to another level of carnivorous delight.

“The Killer part of the cheesburgers was their basil spread…”

I substituted the tomato soup for the mashed and I’m not sure that was a good idea. I’m more of a traditional tomato soup kind-of-guy and this soup seemed to me to be a little over engineered with spices and non tomato ingredients. Not bad mind you, but not what my mouth was craving when it said “tomato soups sounds good.”

Topped it all off with a Tooted Fruit Soda, a delicious combination of lemon, orange, strawberry and ginger combined with soda water. Fantastic!

4 out of 5 tomatoes

I’m not sure I’ve ever had a cheeseburger that was spelled cheesburger, but I have to say that I’m glad I didn’t let the spelling sway my decision.  The sliders with bacon were awesome. 

“The little slidah with cheddah is wicked awesome!

Melt in your mouth potato bun that was steamed into softville, and a chorizo infused patty that could pass for one of my favorite breakfast items, the sausage patty, lit my mouth up with soft juicy bites of goodness. 

Topped with our local Tillamook Cheddar cheese, and a handmade basil mayo spread with a touch of dijon mustard, the little slidah with cheddah was wicked awesome!

You get two of these guys with a side salad, soup, or some homemade mashed potatoes and you’re walking away a happy dude. I washed it all down with hand mixed lime flavored cola called the Little Ricky. Sweet!

I give the sliders a 4 out of 5 and a solid…Dude!

We had the distinct pleasure of having lunch with Jean Ann Van Krevelen, author and blogger extraordinaire (be sure to visit www.portlandfoodie.com). She had the Thursday special – a pulled pork sandwich – that looked amazing. Be sure to check out her blog to see what she thought.

Popularity: 82% [?]

We first saw this little restaurant a few months ago on the Food Network’s show Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, affectionately called Triple D.  Per usual, Chuck and I gather at the water cooler and talk about our previous day’s food experience, either on TV or at the dinner table.  We both happen to catch Triple D the night before and decided that this would be the destination for lunch.  SO glad it was.  What an experience!  This place is just off 39th on Belmont in SE Portland, Oregon.  If you aren’t looking for it you might miss it were it not for the line of people out the front door waiting to eat the famous biscuits, fried chicken breast, or the fried green tomatoes. 

3640 SE Belmont St
Portland, OR 97214-4326
(503) 236-3346
PineStateBiscuits.com

So when I saw Pine State Biscuits on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives – one of my favorite shows by the way – I knew we’d have to check them out. I love fried chicken! So on the hottest day in Portland’s history (temp hit 107) we took off to experience what is called the Reggie.

The Reggie is a chicken cutlet that is dredged in flour and special spices (including some cayenne pepper) then deep fried. Place between a split biscuit with its friends – bacon, cheese, and sausage gravy – and you’ve got the Reggie. Any single component of this sandwich can easily stand on its own.

Bacon – delicious. Chicken – fantastic. Sausage gravy – to die for. Biscuit – moist and flaky. Together, however, you’ve got a sandwich that could quite possibly be one of the best in recent memory, and certainly the most creative.

Just how good is this sandwich? Pine State doesn’t have air conditioning and it was probably 97 degrees in the tiny place. Yet Jason and I sat and ate our slightly spicy sandwiches with smiles on our face and sweat on our brow… and didn’t complain one bit!

4.5 out of 5 tomatoes

 
Thinking back to my earlier childhood I have fond memories of Pepsi, fried bologna sandwiches, ramen noodles, and spam & eggs, but I don’t have any memories of food this GOOD.  (Sorry Mom!)  Am I sad about that?  A little maybe, but I think it’s probably more interesting and funny to reminisce about spam & eggs than biscuits. I’m not sure why I mentioned all that other than to setup that fact that my sandwich at Pine State Biscuits, The Reggie Deluxe, was one of the best I’ve ever had.

“Look up “comfort food” in the dictionary and you won’t see any words, just a picture of The Reggie Deluxe.”

Look up “comfort food” in the dictionary and you won’t see any words, just a picture of The Reggie Deluxe.  From the light, flaky biscuit, spicy fried chicken breast, and fried egg, to the buttery sausage gravy…ok, need I say more, really?

With a small dining room, about 4-5 tables with some of them only seating two, you should plan on getting there a bit earlier than the lunch crowd, or get it to go.  If it’s hot outside plan on being hot inside as they have no air conditioning.  As Chuck mentioned it was over 100 degrees on the day we went.  Fortunately these sandwiches were so good the heat only mildly phased us.

You probably noticed Chuck and I ordered the same thing, ‘cept mine with egg, and you’re probably wondering why we do that sometimes?  Well, in this case, The Reggie is just too dang good to pass up.  They have other good menu items, don’t get me wrong, but just look at this sandwich, really LOOK at it.  Are you going to order anything else?  I didn’t think so.

I give The Reggie Deluxe a 5 out of 5 and truly say that this sandwich is Dude, Sweet!

The last thing we’ll say is, follow the rules…I’m thinking about posting this sign at my house!

Popularity: 100% [?]

The Industrial Cafe sits 2 blocks west of NW 23rd Ave on NW Vaughn Street. In true fashion to the area, the small but very hip and cool restaurant is branded with iron and steel decor, aluminum chairs, levers, pulleys, valves and gauges, and even a red and green light that goes on and off in the restroom. Don’t let the size or the rather cold decor fool you, this place has great food, great service, and despite all the iron and steel it’s a cozy place to eat. Here’s the address and phone…

2572 NW Vaughn St
Portland, OR 97210-2555
(503) 227-7002

DudeSweet Reviews:

Chipped Beef on Toast: The Industrial Café is just down the street from my office, so we end up there for lunch meetings on occasion. So when a meeting had me back there a second time, I went completely out of my normal lunch zone fare and had the Chipped Beef on Toast.

What a great move! The Voget chipped beef is oh-so-special. From the Voget Meats web site: “Well trimmed beef rounds are dry rubbed and cured for two to three weeks before smoking with genuine hardwood smoke and then sliced thin (’chipped’).” It’s served with a “rich cream sauce” over toasted sourdough bread and rich doesn’t begin to describe it. The buttery cream sauce (see picture above) gets soaked up in the toast and beef creating a mouthful of fantastic flavor. I found myself wanting more chipped beef and toast if for no other reason than to soak up the sauce. In fact, I got a side order of fries and found myself dredging them in the sauce.

I would definitely order this dish again – for lunch or dinner. Now I gotta find my way to Hubbard, Oregon to visit Voget Meats. What have I gotten myself into…

4.5 out of 5 tomatoes

Cajun Burger: I was thinking I wanted the spicy bacon burger, but then wasn’t feeling in the mood for bacon. While this is a rare occurrence for me it does happen and this was one of those times. I was feeling like something a little spicy though and the waitress offered to have the burger “Cajun-ized”. Smart move and nice suggestion! With the addition of cheese and fries, the burger was quite tasty! It had a nice blackened flavor without being too hot. Nice and juicy too!

The Industrial Café uses beef from Lucky Tough Land & Cattle Company out of St. Helens, Oregon. It was definitely good meat, but I can’t say it’s the best burger I’ve ever had. It was a little over cooked for my liking, though surprisingly not dry. Would I order it again? Yes. Should they put it on the menu? Yes. Why isn’t it on the menu? I don’t know.

3.5 out of 5 tomatoes

Spicy Bacon Burger: Just the name of this burger enticed me to get it. With what seems to be my two favorite things these day, spice and bacon (not necessarily in that order) I really couldn’t pass it up.

The burger comes with a sesame seed bun, crispy bacon, pepperjack cheese, and fried jalepenos. The combo was awesome. I think I raised my cholesterol a few points with this one. I will say that I was not a huge fan of the way the jalepenos came out. Deep fried with batter they were basically jalepeno poppers on a burger. I would have preferred grilled peppers but, in defense of the restaurant, the menu does say “fried”, not “grilled”. Nonetheless grilled peppers would have sealed the deal.

So a good burger with a nice side salad equaled a very recommended meal.
4 out of 5 tomatoes

Muffaletta: One of my favorite sandwiches is the Muffaletta and at The Industrial Cafe and Saloon they make it great. The Muffaletta, according to this restaurants menu, is a New Orleans style baked sandwich with spicy olive spread, swiss cheese, smoked ham and salami on a ciabatta roll. I say the Muffaletta is just pure goodness!

This is the type of sandwich that clouds your vision to anything else on the menu. Add a nice side salad and an Arnold Palmer (lemonade/iced tea) and your set.

I give this sandwich a 4.5 out of 5.

OH! And I can’t forget to let you know they end each meal with Dum Dums, and the check of course. Get down to Industrial Cafe and Saloon and try one of these, or the many other, yummy dishes.

Be sure to become a fan of our Facebook page at http://facebook.dudesweet.com. There’s more great pics there too!

Popularity: 87% [?]