Da Bomb!

Bridge and tunnel cops, firemen, paramedics, workers from the  industrial area that borders north Astoria in Queens, New York: do want to eat what these guys eat for lunch every day?  If the answer is yes, than the Sandwich King of Astoria is the place for you!  Maybe it’s because the guy ahead of you is a rookie and he wants the sandwich the chief ordered last Tuesday, or maybe he just loves Sopperassata with fresh Mozzarella on a whole wheat roll.  Or, if you’re like me, and want bang for your buck in the form of meat and cheese derived from countless animals with hot Italian peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, mayo, mustard on a 12in. Hoagie roll; then just say: “I want the Bomb, fully loaded.”

Located under the Hell’s Gate Bridge in Astoria, this place has long been a landmark of the neighborhood; the insider’s scoop on the “best sandwich in town”, and a place you cannot stop for lunch without encountering a group of men pulling up in an array of firetrucks, police cars, ambulances, and pickups, who are are here for two things: good lunch and great value, and the service is great, too!

Enjoy the process of ordering, which is surprisingly awkward for those not wearing a badge (first timers must trust that when the group of five or six enormous servicemen arrive in full uniform just after you do, they will be so polite as ensure that you are taken care of, too).  Wherein you will have your own personal sandwich guy to slice your high quality meats and cheeses fresh into your sandwich for you before ringing you up and wishing you a good day.

If you have been living in New York or just visiting, and you are looking for that authentic New York experience, it does not get any more real than this.  As a chef, I am impressed that they can offer these sandwiches for the crazy low prices they do (roughly $6), but when I see how busy and efficient they are, it all sort of makes sense, too.  However, at the heart of it all, I believe that this establishment is truly just a neighborhood restaurant that offers great value to the neighborhood service people, as well as anyone else brave enough to say “I want Da Bomb!”