A Ruben. New York City.
These two thing are connected in most American minds. But when your gluten free, finding a fix for a New York City style sandwich can be daunting as well as disappointing. Sandwiches are often too weak with almost not fillings or sloppy because the bread selected has turned to mush. This spring and summer I am on a quest to try all of the available gluten free sandwiches in NYC…..first up Friedman’s Lunch.
Friedman’s is located inside Chelsea Market a food lovers delight. This building used to house National Biscuit Company making everything from Oreo’s to saltines. Today its full of bakeries, an Italian Market, Cheese Shops, Gelateria, and many other tempting food eateries. None of the bakeries serve gluten free options though so don’t head here to pick up a gluten free cookie.
About halfway down the indoor fairway you will run into Friedman’s Lunch. Its a small place with a lot of options on the menu. The original owner married “gluten free” resulting in a good portion of the menu being converted. It appears, after about 6 months of ownership change, that the gluten free tradition will remain. Exciting!
I found Friedmans for the sole reason of wanting a Ruben gluten free. I had lived in NYC but never had tasted a NYC Ruben. Originally, you could order it lean which means they cut off a lot of the fat. No longer. So one has to make do with the original interpretation of the sandwich which is still pretty delicious, but can be heavy. You may not be able to eat the whole sandwich.
I recommend ordering the chips as well, they are home made and delicious. Sandwiches come with a traditional sour pickle.
Everything I have ever eaten at this restaurant has been good including lasagne, many different sandwiches, gluten free bagels and more. If you are not a fan of pastrami I suggest going with the chicken salad sandwich or one of the other choices. The chicken salad at this restaurant is excellent – not too sweet and its a perfect mixture in terms of the mayo/yogurt that is used to hold it all together!
This is a great stop if you are near the Highline and want a to-go lunch. Warning: Sandwiches are NOT served during brunch on Saturday or Sunday which lasts until 4pm (a very late menu change).
Website: http://www.friedmanslunch.com/
Address: Chelsea Market
Neighborhood: Chelsea
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