I’ve been (fairly, kind of, maybe) hush hush about my location in the world. But some context clues–subways, tourists, my constant references to walking instead of driving–may have narrowed down the search. And I am now officially breaking the silence in order to sing the praises of Cheeky’s Sandwiches, located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
Guys. Gals. Sirs and Madams. This place is hardly a secret (yelp has 100 mostly rave reviews), but it feels that way, like you’re discovering something all your own. Walk downtown along Orchard Street, and you may miss it–there’s no sign overhead, just a whitewashed door frame and, free-drawn into the cement of the sidewalk, a face and the name: ‘Cheeky’s Sandwiches’. Good thing us New Yorkers normally look down when we walk–the better to avoid eye contact.
Cheeky’s has a New Orleans flare (they serve Cafe Du Monde coffee), and the long narrow space of the seating area makes everything feel more intimate. Even better, the guys behind the counter are nice. And listen, I’m not buying into the whole, “New York service is horrible, hurried, and rude” stereotype. Many places have great service and attentive staff. But in this place, they are happy. So happy, in fact, that they make me want to chat, and I am not a chatter. The menu is small, a selection of sandwiches that range from chicken to pork to veggie to shrimp and oyster po-boy. But picking a favorite is tough. Today, though, I went for the chicken sandwich: think deliciously fried chicken on a buttermilk biscuit with gravy and slaw; it’s just the right kind of messy. For your delight, below is a photo of it’s awesome goodness. Go. You won’t regret it.
Cheeky’s address: 35 Orchard Street
Life Lessons 