Hello dear
At Mean Sandwich, we aim to redefine the classic sandwich experience with a unique blend of gourmet ingredients and welcoming vibes. Nestled in the heart of Seattle, we offer a cozy spot where quality meets creativity, demonstrated by customer favorites like the juicy WTK fried chicken po'boy, robust corned beef, and irresistible bread pudding. Our casual atmosphere is complemented by accommodating services, including outdoor seating, delivery options, and a commitment to accessibility. With a menu tailored for every palate, including vegetarian offerings, Mean Sandwich is not just a meal; it's a memorable dining adventure. Join us for lunch, and savor the difference!
About
Welcome to **Mean Sandwich**, a culinary gem tucked away in Seattle's vibrant Ballard neighborhood! Renowned for its innovative take on classic sandwiches, this eatery effortlessly marries quality ingredients with a casual, inviting atmosphere. Don't let the modest exterior fool you; this spot has garnered attention for its outstanding flavors and irresistible sandwiches.
Situated at 1510 NW Leary Way, mean Sandwich masterfully combines the charm of a local haunt with culinary excellence. The restaurant is fully equipped to cater to a diverse clientele, offering takeout, delivery, and even catering options that make it a perfect choice for groups. Notable features such as wheelchair accessibility, gender-neutral restrooms, and a variety of payment options—including cryptocurrency—ensure that everyone can enjoy a meal here.
But let’s talk about the food. Customers rave about dishes like the **WTK Fried Chicken Po'boy**, which is described as "AMAZING" for its juicy chicken and zesty toppings. The Calabrian chili relish and lemon-pepper mayo create a superb zing that elevates this sandwich to new heights. For those who lean towards vegetarian options, the falafel sandwich also has received lovely praise, making it a great alternative for non-meat eaters.
In addition to their hearty sandwiches, diners have fallen head over heels for the potato skins, deemed “heavenly” by many, and the rich, indulgent portions that could easily serve two. Reviewers frequently mention the welcoming nature of the staff and the overall cozy vibe, making it ideal for a casual lunch with friends or a quick bite when you're on the go. The casual atmosphere is complemented by enticing happy hour specials, ensuring that each visit feels special.
Despite some patrons noting prices might be on the higher side, most agree that the quality and freshness of the ingredients justify the expense. The owner’s passion for the shop is palpable, adding a personal touch to every meal that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you're savoring the unique OG Mean sandwich or indulging in their delightful bread pudding as a sweet finale, the experience at Mean Sandwich is sure to be one to remember.
In summary, if you’re looking for a unique and scrumptious sandwich experience in Seattle, make your way to Mean Sandwich. The blend of quality, friendly service, and a diverse menu tailored for all diners makes it a must-visit spot. So, next time you find yourself hungry in Ballard, skip the ordinary and choose Mean Sandwich—you won't be disappointed!
“ Excellent but expensive sandwiches! It's a small, unassuming spot with relaxed vibes (though they've won some serious awards!) and very friendly service. The menu isn't huge, so I would make sure to check online beforehand if you have any dietary restrictions. The WTK (fried chicken po'boy) was AMAZING. The chicken was juicy with a light amount of breading that didn't overwhelm the rest of the sandwich. The Calabrian chili relish and lemon-pepper mayo added a pleasant zing. Bread was fine but not anything special. Overall a 9/10 sandwich. While I loved their "skins n ins," it would be nice to have the option to purchase just the sandwich for a cheaper price. ”
“ Great spot with great sandwiches. Kudos to the Owner who was personable, helpful and loved his little shop. Much respect! Order for pick-up or eat in the shop full of character. Stickers are Free, and one is now on my cargo carrier ! ”
“ This is the ultimate lunch spot in Ballard. The corned beef was our favorite, but every sandwich was delicious. The bread pudding is out of this world! I also tried the Mandarin Orange Chicken Po' Boy, and it was excellent! But the potato skins are absolutely heavenly! The prices may seem high, but this level of quality and freshness is rare to find elsewhere. ”
“ The food was absolutely incredible! The Mean Sandwich was enough for two lunch portions and the falafel sandwich was fabulous. They were incredibly kind to our toddler and have more options on the kids menu than the grilled cheese if you ask them. 10/10 recommend and will make this place a regular restaurant in our lunch rotation ”
“ Really liked this spot - the OG Mean sandwich is pretty amazing with the mint, love a unique twist! The beef was tender, just a top notch sandwich. Got the chicken po boy, it was alright - I wouldn't order it again. Just not enough flavor in the chicken to stand up to the bread. Bread is solid though. Salt and Pepper potato's are damn good - worth stopping back in for. Would be interested in coming back - just will skip the chicken po boy the next time. ”
“ Amazing food! Amazing service! If you're a vegetarian and you crave a great burger, I recommend the falafel sandwich!!! Homemade potato fries with skins on! Employees all seem happy at their job, hanging out and chatting with customers, and now I pop in and it's like I arrived at the Cheers bar and they yelled "Norm!" when I arrived ... Even in a big city, you can still find those amazing small businesses doing everything right and creating community while doing so! Kudos ”
“ Every time I try a sandwich of theirs, I'm blown away. In particular though, their steak tartare BLT is out of this world & it might just be the best sandwich I've ever had?! Pair your s&p skins with spicy remoulade and you won't be disappointed. Be aware that getting the tartare might mean a bit more of a wait but that's fine with me since it means a freshly prepared tartare. Ambiance and service are still spectacular. ”
“ First stop here, grabbing a sandwich before the 'food warning' took hold! Parking here was a little nuts, but once I realized 'tow away zone' meant 'park here' I was good to go. Great little shop that focuses on doing what they do well. Fries/skin/things are great, crispy, well seasoned and Gomes from trays of freshly cut up russets. Love that. Wife had the WTK and I had the Jersey sub. Both were very flavorful, and I'd love to find out where they get their Prov because it melts in your mouth like havarti. Counter help was a great group of folks, truly happy to be there, and happy to make recommendations on tweaks. Can't wait to come back. Plus - Pirate Map Floor! *love everything packed to go, but welcome to stay. Cuts down on cleanup for them and carries something positive from COVID days into standard convenience. Ate half there, and took the second half on the road! ”
“ Cute, small, and very busy sandwich shop with bar seating and limited group table seating indoors! There is some seating outdoors under tents behind the store. Friendly counter staff! We came on a Sunday at 1 PM when it was relatively quiet - by the time we left there were no seats left indoors and it was CROWDED. The steak tartare sandwich was sold out when we left, but trying it today it was definitely not as good as the oyster po boy! The price is a little bit high for a sandwich with a side of potato wedges/skins but the oyster po boy was definitely worth it - recommend that!! ”