I’ll be honest: When it comes to Best Sandwiches, I’m a bit of a Pals poser, because I mostly frequent the Whyte Avenue sandwich spot after leaving a nearby theatre for a post-play piece of pie — which is a great experience to itself. But I recently had time for a pre-show meal, and it turns out Pals’ food and service is great before 8 p.m. as well.
As I look over the main menu, I remember the first Cubano I had when Pals was in our 2023 Best New category, as well as a packed, pre-play Monte Cristo I once had. But on this day I’m in a crunchy mood, so I go for the Crispy Chicken, which is bigger than the others I’ve tried but not over-filling in a way that makes you sluggish — even with half a plate of fries.
So after watching Whyte Avenue’s 5 p.m. hustle and bustle through Pals’ large north window, I head over to the Arts Barns for the show, knowing I’ll have plenty of time to come back for pie. – Cory Schachtel
Pals Sandwiches
Strathcona | 10335 83 Ave NW, Edmonton | 825.480.5300 | palsyeg.com
The sandwich selection rotates on a daily basis, so it’s hard to pin down exactly what you’re going to get. But true to its whole-animal philosophy, the meats at the Butchery will be on point, the bread will be bakery fresh, and the condiments will be inventive.
On the day I visit, I get a Smoked Turkey and Bacon, served on a soft onion bun. The smokiness is oh so present, and is cut so well by sliced apple and caramelized onions. I get it with a carrot-ginger soup, which is spiced up with smoked jalapeño.
You can’t pin down exactly what soup and sandwich combo will be on the board, but the mystery is part of the fun, right? – Steven Sandor
The Butchery by RGE RD
Westmount | 12229 107 Ave NW, Edmonton | 780.433.0000 | thebutcheryyeg.ca
You don’t eat a Farrow sandwich — you wrestle it. The vegan “Daikon Ball Z” leaves me questioning reality. Vegan chicken? Witchcrafts and lies. I am fully convinced I’m chewing on real meat until someone breaks the spell (probably Cyndi Lauper crooning over the speakers). The menu staples, Chef Beef and Grick Middle, are delicious, but I am always intrigued by the rotating meat and vegan specials.
The vibe is eccentric but not pretentious — more like your coolest friend’s kitchen, where you know something life changing is coming out of the oven. Sandwiches here are huge — like share-with-a-friend-or-face-a-carb-coma huge. But you’ll want to fight over every bite. – Hiba Zaidi
Farrow
Garneau | 8422 109 St, Edmonton | 780.757.4160
Ritchie | 9855 76 Ave, Edmonton | 780.757.0132
Westmount | 10240 124 St Suite 6, Edmonton | 780.249.0085
Downtown | 10542 Jasper Ave, Edmonton | 780.761.6800
farrowsandwiches.ca
This article appears in the March 2025 issue of Edify
