Jess A.
Yelp
TLDR: This place does more than amazing sandwiches. And they do amazing sandwiches, which you are ALLOWED to have input on. Just saying.
Clancy's does "human authenticity" like few places in this city (are still able to) do. NYC bodega, local family spot, "we got you, say less" kind of space.
The quality of their ingredients, dedication to consistency, and willingness to stock what their community needs is unprecedented to me. I know their food is excellent, and I always trust what I purchase there, from toilet paper to Brie. Mostly because I've watched the owner, his wife, and the staff talk to their vendors, train new staff, and listen to customers for nearly a decade.
They offered safety and support to people with food insecurity during covid, they have stayed after-hours for local planned and unplanned events (usually as the only local option), and they leave room for humanity.
My Clancy's Translator: "What can I get you? (we love you, please talk fast) Oh the Fire Starter? (hold on while I ask you a bunch of other questions because we have a business model that prioritizes your preferences-even if it means things can take longer during a rush), Got it-anything else? (thank you, and now respectfully move your body aside so I can feed more people...and also I have to go give this local dog a biscuit outside because he knows that I'm working and I can't explain how he knows that)."
Try the sandwiches, browse the new "shelf" finds (freeze dried candy?), and come back when you need some neighborhood carb-focused dog watching.