I’m Obsessed with Olive’s

One of the things I’m most thankful about my new job (yes, newsflash:  I now work for an NYC deal and discount Web site) is that my coworker Wells has introduced me to Olive’s.  This little soup, salad and sandwich shop in Soho produces some of the most phenomenal sandwiches.

While I hate to wait in long lines for sandwiches at lunchtime (case in point: the trip to Alidoro), the line at Olive’s moves fairly quick – you are in it for less than 5 minutes tops.  This is strictly a to-go joint, as there aren’t tables inside but there is a bench outside if you don’t have an office to head home to.  Sandwiches aren’t made to order, but unlike one of those chains (like a Pax), these taste surprisingly fresh like someone just made them.  Also, I think that since the sandwich is wrapped up in paper, as opposed to a cardboard container, it gives you the feeling that you are eating a sandwich packed with love from mom.

While I’ve been to Olive’s a few times, I usually go with the turkey sandwich – smoked turkey, lettuce, tomato, bacon, garlic mayo on sourdough bread.  The sandwich generally stays together pretty well, but I wish that Olive’s cut the sandwich in half as rectangles rather than diagonally as triangles because it can sometimes fall apart towards the end.  However, the sandwich is so addicting that I have found myself picking up the pieces that have fallen apart and plopping bits of turkey in my mouth…in front of guests in our office.  Classy.  Other sandwich favorites in our office include the yellow tuna sandwich (I know there is tuna involved, but since I don’t eat it, any convo about tuna I tune out) and the chicken sandwich.

When you are in Olive’s, I’d also recommend checking the blackboard closest to the window that has the specials of the day.  I’m not a vegetarian, but Olive’s has this delicious sandwich that will make anyone want to give up meat.  The special includes avocado, sprouts, red onion, garlic mayo and sharp cheddar, on 7 grain bread.  If this is available when you head to Olive’s, I recommend giving it a try (rumor has it that it’s only around on Thursday).

I’m not going to lie – Olive’s is a little on the pricey side, about $9 for the sandwich.  I think it’s the perfect-sized sandwich though, and definitely keeps me full for the remainder of the afternoon and into the evening.  If you work in Soho, definitely put Olive’s into the lunchtime rotation.