Hanukkah will be different this year. Many of us are far from family and celebrating with our small pods, if not by ourselves. So what better way to treat yourself and embrace this unique year than with a new tradition — a mouth-watering, carb-tastic latke sandwich. Crunchy on the outside, warm and soft on the inside, latkes make the perfect bun for any juicy deli meat (plus, they’re easy to assemble at home).
Here are five places across the U.S. where you can order a latke sandwich:
1. 2nd Avenue Deli
New York, New York
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New York is the birthplace of the Jewish delicatessen and at the iconic kosher 2nd Avenue Deli you can order all your favorites, including a latke sandwich. To no surprise, this overstuffed sandwich is called The Instant Heart Attack.™ It can be ordered with corned beef, pastrami, turkey, or salami for $31.95.
In 2012, the Instant Heart Attack caught national attention as the star of a federal lawsuit. The Heart Attack Grill in Nevada, a hospital-themed restaurant specializing in highly caloric burgers, claimed the delicatessen was infringing on its trademarks. The federal judge ruled in favor of the 2nd Avenue Deli, noting that there’s “no likelihood of confusion” between a latke and a cheeseburger. As the Daily News reported, “Rye-t on! 2nd Ave Deli wins sandwich suit.”
2. Kenny & Ziggy’s
Houston, Texas
At Kenny & Ziggy’s in Houston, feast on the Luck Be A Latke — brisket sandwiched between two potato pancakes with applesauce or sour cream for $21.95. This melt-in-your-mouth sandwich can be ordered for curbside pick-up or delivery in the Houston area. Lucky for you, Kenny & Ziggy’s schleps nationwide; order two dozen latkes and your choice of deli meats and assemble a latke sandwich at home!
3. Schmaltzy’s Delicatessen
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is home to the most innovative latke sandwich. At Schmaltzy’s Delicatessen, Chef Johnny invented the Latke PressSandwich, a latke sandwich pressed like a panini. Schmaltzy’s, which began as a food truck, offers four uniquely delicious pressed latke sandwiches served in French fry bags, so they’re easy to hold and even easier to eat your way through. For vegetarians or brie-fanatics like myself, order the Classic Combo — Honeycrisp apple, brie, caramelized onion, spinach, sherry vinegar, and thyme for $12. For a more traditional latke sandwich, order The OG with house-made pastrami, The Schmear with house-cured lox, or the less traditional, cheekily named Jewbano, like a pork cubano. Order for pick-up by phone or on their website.
4. Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen
Chicago, Illinois
At Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen, the fourth-generation deli in Chicago, any sandwich can be a latke sandwich. Egg salad, chopped liver, hard salami, you name it. During the eight nights of Hanukkah you can order a latke sandwich for the price of the deli sandwich plus $3. While only advertised during Hanukkah, the latke sandwich is a secret menu item that can be ordered year-round. Available for local Chicago pick-up and delivery.
5. Corky & Lenny’s
Woodmere, Ohio
Thirty minutes east of Cleveland, Ohio is Corky & Lenny’s, the classic, unpretentious Jewish deli. Corky & Lenny’s has been a landmark Cleveland destination for 64 years. One of their house favorites is Beef & Latkes and it’s exactly what it sounds like — corned beef, pastrami, or brisket on potato pancakes with applesauce or sour cream. This sandwich is available for dine-in or pick-up for $15.95.