In this great city of ours, one could eat a different sandwich every day of the year—so that's what we'll do. Here's A Sandwich a Day, our daily look at sandwiches around New York. Got a sandwich we should check out? Let us know. —The Mgmt.

[Photo: Maggie Hoffman]

It's easy to walk by Downtown Bakery in the East Village without giving it a second look. But this hole-in-the-wall offers solid burritos (try the searing-hot carne asada in green chile sauce and the rich chicken mole version), tortas, and tacos, as well as other Mexican fare. After sinking my teeth into their massive carne asada torta ($7), I vowed to return. While the steak was a bit drier in places than I would have liked, the amount of salty, meaty flavor packed into the sandwich was astounding. Combined with a spicy (but not too spicy) sprinkling of pickled jalapenos, a smear of refried black beans, slices of perfectly ripe avocado, and the usual lettuce and tomato suspects, the melding of savory flavors makes it impossible not to love this hefty hero.

Downtown Bakery

69 1st Avenue, New York NY 10003 (Between 4th and 5th Streets map)
212-254-1757