A Sandwich a Day: Hanger Steak Sandwich at Cornerstone Cafe

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.

[Photograph: Dave Katz]

When I hear that a sandwich costs $11, I never dismiss it, but I do question it. A pricey sandwich has to legitimize itself with good ingredients, a hefty weight, and all-around deliciousness. Fortunately, the Hanger Steak Sandwich ($11) at Cornerstone Cafe is no letdown. The steak is tender, flavorful, and juicy. They even asked me how I wanted it cooked, always a welcome question.

I told them to cook it to their heart's desire, which turned out to be medium/medium-well. But we'd suggest you ask for rare, because the steak is good enough to be eaten on the pink side. The steak is topped with a creamy horseradish sauce that provides a nice kick. Its sauce soaks into the squishy yet sturdy bread, which is substantial but easy to bite right through. Pickles and lettuce are there for crunch, and the vinegar in the pickles cuts through the rich horseradish sauce. I would travel across neighborhoods to eat this sandwich, even in the summer heat.

Cornerstone Cafe

17 Avenue B New York, NY 10009 (map) 212-228-1260

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