Your New Go-To Sandwich Is At Southside Coffee
So yes, the magic is here.
That’s what Southside Coffee told us was coming when they closed for renovations at the beginning of September. Their sign said they were working on “cleaning, painting & other magic.”
While they were named one of the best coffee shops in Brooklyn, Southside is no longer just that. It’s your new go-to for fulfilling sandwiches.
As far as personnel, owner Ben Jones has been joined by new partners Josh Sobel, who was the chef at Mile End Deli and Court Street Grocers, and Daniel Rojo, chef of Lot 2 Restaurant.
For those who treasure the sandwich — call it a grinder, hero, hoagie, po’boy, sub, or wedge (yes, there are more regionalisms) — you know that making a truly great one isn’t so simple. You have to have great bread, and the fillings have to complement each other.
We tried the Turkey and Avocado sandwich ($10) which comes with Swiss cheese, lettuce, pickled red onions, and sriracha mayo. The bread is sturdy enough to hug the fillings, and you just may find yourself licking the extra sriracha mayo off your fingers (whether people are looking or not). The sandwich manages to be both simple and decadent at the same time.
Maybe it’s because your reviewer lived in New Orleans, but Zapp’s chips ($2) make every sandwich even better. So grab a bag (Mesquite Bar-B-Que makes us gleeful) and you may want to give this New Orleans trick a whirl: slip some of those crunchy chips into your sandwich. Worth a try!
The Iced Americano ($3) is rich and dark. Southside is known for its coffee, and the renovations didn’t mess with a good thing.
Veggie folks have the Veggie Hoagie ($10) option, and old-schoolers can enjoy their Italian Combo ($12). And don’t forget the new breakfast menu — three riffs on the classic egg sandwich.
The place has been spruced up but still has the feel of a classic, unassuming neighborhood meeting spot.
When we stopped by at lunchtime, the tables were full. Books were out, and the laptops were tapping. One customer was staring into the distance. He had a look of concentration on his face. What was he focusing on?
On his sandwich, of course. Who wouldn’t be?
The Rundown: Southside Coffee
Where: 652 6th Avenue (corner of 19th Street)
Phone: 347-599-0887
Hours: Weekdays, 7am-5pm; Saturdays & Sundays, 8am-5pm. Breakfast is served between 8am-4pm. Lunch is served between 11am-4pm.
Kid Friendly? We saw a few strollers inside, but it may get a bit too crowded for them on the weekends.
Remote Workers: Free wifi, with a good amount of outlets available.
Best Bites: The Turkey and Avocado Sandwich ($10) and the Italian ($12). But you won’t go wrong with any of them. Same goes for the breakfast sandwiches. The Iced Americano ($3) will make you spry. The regular, hot Americano ($2.50) will work just fine, too. And don’t forget the Zapp’s ($2).
