Taste Tickler
Restaurant · Irvington ·
Sandwiches, Japanese bento boxes, and Korean-inspired subs
Sandwiches, Japanese bento boxes, and Korean-inspired subs
"Taste Tickler is one of those glorious institutions that could only exist in the Pacific Northwest: a Korean-run teriyaki sub shop slinging spicy bulgogi beef alongside BLTs and Italian cold cut combos. Tucked into a no-fuss NE Broadway storefront that’s been around since the ’70s, the walls are covered in faded photos and Portland ephemera. The star of the show is the steak Philly—thinly sliced beef drenched in sweet-savory soy garlic sauce—though the teriyaki chicken and spicy kimchi pork subs go just as hard. Be advised that all sandwiches come dressed with mayo, provolone, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, onion, and pepperoncini by default, which means they might require two hands and a nap afterwards." - Krista Garcia
"A consummate hole-in-the-wall, Taste Tickler has been serving its deli-style sandwiches to the Broadway crowd for decades now. Though it’s been passed down from owner to owner, the concept has stayed largely the same: traditional submarine sandwiches and bento dishes. Sandwiches here arrive topped with the usual fixings: mayonnaise, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and pepperoncini, along with provolone and Parmesan. Ordering the eponymous Taste Tickler is a worthy choice, a sub sandwich with ham, salami, and pepperoni, plus the usual toppings." - Alex Frane
"Covertly located around the corner on Northeast 14th, on the ground floor of an early 1900s home more prominently housing a nail salon, Taste Tickler is a hidden lunchtime gem. Tasty sandwiches made with care range from Italian deli classics and Philly cheesesteaks to kimchi bulgogi beef sandwiches and teriyaki chicken subs. With only one choice of bread — a pretty squishy French — the toppings and sauces are the stars of the show here. Soft drinks are available bottled or from the fountain. There’s a small fluorescent-lit dining room, but expect to be elbow-to-elbow during a busy lunch hour." - Nathan Williams
"A consummate hole-in-the-wall, Taste Tickler has been serving its deli-style sandwiches to the Broadway crowd for decades now. Though it’s been passed down from owner to owner, the concept has stayed largely the same: traditional submarine sandwiches and bento dishes. Sandwiches here arrive topped with the usual fixings: mayonnaise, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and pepperoncini, along with Provolone and Parmesan. Ordering the eponymous Taste Tickler is a worthy choice, a sub sandwich with ham, salami, and pepperoni, and the usual toppings. However, another pro move is the restaurant’s take on a cheesesteak, which is something more like a bulgogi sub." - Alex Frane, Janey Wong
"A consummate hole-in-the-wall, Taste Tickler has been serving its deli-style sandwiches to the Broadway crowd for decades now. Though it’s been passed down from owner to owner, the concept has stayed largely the same: traditional submarine sandwiches and bento dishes. Sandwiches here arrive topped with the usual fixings: mayonnaise, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and pepperoncini, along with Provolone and Parmesan. Ordering the eponymous Taste Tickler is a worthy choice, a sub sandwich with ham, salami, and pepperoni, and the usual toppings. However, another pro move is the restaurant’s take on a cheesesteak, which is something more like a bulgogi sub." - Alex Frane, Janey Wong