Is the viral Salt Hank French dip sandwich worth the price and wait?

USA Today

6 hours ago

Salt Hank French Dip sandwich at Salt Hank's in New York City – Photo courtesy of Casey Clark
Last week I was strolling around New York City and saw a huge line of people waiting to get into a restaurant, so I went to check it out. It turns out viral recipe developer and cookbook author Henry Laporte (who goes by Salt Hank on social media and has accumulated millions of followers) has opened a sandwich shop.
This isn't your traditional sandwich shop. There's only two items on the lunch menu: a French dip sandwich and fries. (Well, there are some non-alcoholic drink options too, but that's it.)
Since Salt Hank's opened earlier this summer, people have been lining up and waiting anywhere from one to three hours for a Salt Hank French dip sandwich. I spoke with a hostess named Quinn, who said people start lining up around 10 a.m., and they often sell out of the coveted sandwiches by 3 p.m. So far, the most French dips they've made in a day is 304. She said people have flown in from as far away as Australia to try the Salt Hank French dip.
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What's the Salt Hank French dip?
Salt Hank French dip sandwich and shoestring fries – Photo courtesy of Casey Clark
The Salt Hank French dip sandwich features thin slices of prime rib from Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors on a crispy Frenchette Bakery baguette. The meat is topped with provolone cheese, seven-hour caramelized onions, and an aioli seasoned with horseradish, chive, and roasted garlic. The sandwich comes with a savory au jus.
You can see hundreds of mouthwatering social media posts from patrons. I'd say the sandwich is bigger in real life; videos and photos simply don't capture its thickness. Where is Salt Hank's?
Exterior of Salt Hank's on Bleecker Street in New York City – Photo courtesy of Casey Clark
Salt Hank's is located at 280 Bleecker Street. You'll know when you're getting close, because you'll see a long line down the block. I waited 45 minutes to get inside and then an additional 10 minutes for my sandwich. You order at the bar and then take a seat or take your food to go. The inside of Salt Hank's is pretty small with only a few tables, so if you're banking on eating there, you might have to wait to sit down. How much is the Salt Hank's sandwich?
Interior of Salt Hank's in New York City – Photo courtesy of Casey Clark
The Salt Hank French dip is $28 — or $34 with a side of shoestring fries. Daniel Rubenfeld, formerly at Thomas Keller's chophouse TAK Room, heads up the kitchen, and LaPorte often can be seen preparing sandwiches alongside his employees.
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Is the Salt Hank French dip worth it?
Viral recipe developer Henry Laporte in his element – Photo courtesy of Casey Clark
Upon my first bite, my eyes quite literally almost rolled to the back of my head — it was that good. The prime rib was moist and juicy and melted right in my mouth. The au jus softened the bread, which made the sandwich even easier to eat. I loved the caramelized onions, which added extra sweetness and texture. I wish there had been a bit more cheese, but that's more of a personal preference.