Mean Sandwich
Sandwich shop · Ballard ·
Sizable, flavorful sandwiches, oyster po' boys, burgers, beer & wine
Sizable, flavorful sandwiches, oyster po' boys, burgers, beer & wine
"In Ballard I experience sandwich making as theater at Mean Sandwich, where big combos rule — a $21 fish sandwich stacks sardines, fried lemons, cilantro, and a pickled celery root and jalapeño slaw on pull-apart challah, their signature The Mean amps up corned beef with mustard, pickled cabbage, and mint, and the menu ranges from griddled steak on Texas toast to a decked-out fried chicken po’boy with irresistible dipping sauces like house lemon pepper mayo and a cacio e pepe dressing." - Kayleigh Ruller
"Nine years in, this place isn’t “hot” anymore or venerable yet—it’s not newsworthy, it just makes incredible sandwiches, and the oyster po’ boy proves it for me: a shining example with pickly remoulade, crunchy fried oysters that are hot and meaty inside, and a kick of spice—maybe from the lemon pepper mayo—that makes me think we should all be talking about Mean Sandwich more." - Harry Cheadle
"The logo for Mean Sandwich is a giant open mouth, and it’s an accurate representation of how we look while eating here. The space is small and has that old school deli-counter feel, but the ingredients and flavor combinations are modern—try housemade thick-sliced corned beef with mustard, pickled cabbage, and a fistful of mint, or a standout Italian sub. Everything is made from scratch, down to their bread pudding for dessert (made with day-old buns), and there’s a backyard patio for warm-weather sandwiching." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley
"Mean Sandwich is like a classic deli with a slight twist. There’s a corned beef sandwich with mustard and cabbage, but also some fresh mint. And a chicken cutlet sandwich with provolone, but buffalo mayo instead of tomato sauce. There are chips, too, but they’re actually fried potato skins. Grab a booth with friends, and be sure to get a bread pudding (made with day-old sandwich buns) to take home for later." - aimee rizzo
"If a larger quantity of meat and cheese is important to you, prioritize Mean Sandwich’s Jersey Sub. The various cured products are sliced rather thick, and with a double-stack of provolone, it’s a hefty parcel meant for very hungry people. It’s dressed with the usual suspects—dried oregano here, oil and vinegar there—and the ratios of each are all dialed in for success." - aimee rizzo