Jason V.
Yelp
Despite being the third restaurant to open on Sandy Blvd in the past few years with the word "O" in the name (O'Dear and My-O-My being the other two), Sandy O's stands tall on its own merits. Whereas the other two are dive bars specializing in smash burgers and pub food, respectively, Sandy O's bridges the gap and offers a bit of both, taking cues from the other O's by offering uncommonly good, high quality sandwiches (including breakfast options), as well as smash burgers, in a casual, family-friendly environment.
Order a sandwich (hot or cold), salad or burger from the counter, tack on a side, a beer, a seltzer or soda, and grab a table anywhere within; your order will be up in just a few minutes. My wife lasered in on the K-Town Hero right away, while I waffled between about four or five different choices, before settling on The Peewee: a stellar iteration of the classic Reuben, with a few choice improvements.
Both were fantastic: the K-Town is a sort of pulled pork bahn mi mashup, which works incredibly well; my only nitpick was purely personal: I would have added more pickled jalapenos, but hey, it wasn't my sandwich, was it? Meanwhile, my Peewee was one of the best Reuben's I've ever had, being comparable to the undefeated champion served up at the Goose Hollow Inn across town. Usually I sub out the rye bread for sourdough (blasphemy, I know!), but this was one occasion where I felt it actually complimented, rather than detracted, from the sandwich. Awesome!
Service was similarly fantastic: personable, efficient, and helpful. The gentleman at the counter helped me decide on my final choice of sandwich, if only just barely, ensuring that I will be back to try out the SS Adamant, Italian Necktie, Crusty Bird, and several of the smash burgers, in the near future. Having this place two blocks from home is going to be exceedingly dangerous to my wallet.
I'm starting to think we're getting a little spoiled out here on the east side, when it comes to quality dining options! Parkrose is finally starting to transform into a *destination*, instead of a place where most people roll up the windows and lock the doors while passing through, and places like Sandy O's are one of the most important factors in effecting that positive change. So the next time you find yourself hungry, and in the area, stop in and show them your O face! You'll be glad you did, and so will they!