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| - I've been hearing about this place for years and finally made it there today. It was well worth the trip.
While not the original location, this location has a great atmosphere, plenty of TV's and a nice outdoor patio. The service was great even during the busy lunch hour, and they bartender took the time to talk about the menu with a newbie like me.
... and the sandwich. I now understand all the hype. The bread is great with a thin crunchy crust and a fresh bread so soft you leave finger prints in it. I had the pastrami and cheese (I was in Pittsburgh) and found that it was very flavorful, and not stringy or tough like pastrami can get. The tomato and shredded lettuce was so fresh I think they slice it for each individual sandwich, which they actually might.
Fries on a sandwich is foreign to this Michigan boy, but they are delicious and add a nice texture to the sandwich. Fries on this area (PA - souther Ohio - W. Virginia) are... 1) put on everything, including salads; 2) have the skins on and are cut a little thinner than McD's. The skin crisps up a little, but the rest of the fry stays soft.
The coleslaw on the sandwich is... all I can say is Bravo. Not overly dressed, it adds a distinct sweetness I haven't tasted anywhere else. I love my vinegar/Italian dressing/mustard on my sandwiches, any of which were not needed and would actually have ruined the whole thing.
I now know why this is a Pittsburgh institution. I am proud to award it my 5 Napkin Award, with all the rights and privileges that go with it.
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