AK Subs is one of those gems. It is the sort of place you want to support, because the people, and product, are so good. The sort of place you could easily walk past a zillion times without noticing, as it doesn't look particularly interesting. And if you did, you'd be missing out.
AK Subs is, yes, a sub shop, located on Harrison St at 8th, not exactly where I find myself often, but, from time to time when something like, oh, you know, jury duty, takes me there, I'm glad for the excuse to visit. AK Subs is open only weekdays, and only breakfast and lunch hours, so, again, my opportunities to visit are a bit limited. They have been around since 1994, so clearly, I'm not the only one who has discovered the place.
The clientele is mostly area workers, mostly there to get takeout, many sitting along the curb outside to enjoy. They seem to have their very loyal regulars, and staff addressed nearly everyone by name, and mentions of "the usual" linger in the air. I was not one of their regulars, yet the staff were incredible friendly every time I visited.
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I've visited both for breakfast and lunch, and would gladly return to try more of the menu.
Breakfast
AK Subs serves full breakfast, with eggs, bagels, omelettes, breakfast sandwiches, french toast, pancakes, muffins, danishes, etc, and all the standard breakfast meats and potato sides.
When I ordered a build-a-breakfast, I was warned it would take a few minutes, which I expected, but I appreciated the thoughtful warning. I also appreciated that they asked if I wanted 2 syrups or just one, and packaged everything separately, so items wouldn't get soggy, and hot items were even wrapped in foil to keep the heat in.
It is the little touches in the service, along with quite reasonable prices, that likely make it such a repeat venue for customers.
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| Hashbrowns. $1.61. |
The hashbrowns were a bit of a disappointment, although they looked decent. The potato inside was mushy. It wasn't raw and undercooked, and it wasn't overcooked, so I'm not quite sure what caused the mushy nature. But it seemed almost like mashed potatoes inside ... although, clearly in shreds, so it wasn't.
The top side was nicely browned. There was no seasoning, although I could have added salt and pepper if I thought to grab some. Ketchup and syrup saved these, but I still wouldn't get them again, unless I were to try to ask for them extra crispy, which is how I'd prefer them. And I'd definitely add salt.
$1.61 for a generous serve was fine, but **+.
For my main, and the reason I was there, pancakes!
The pancakes were huge! I was expecting standard little pancakes, so I was shocked when I opened my box and it had two giant pancakes. I would have only ordered one if I knew the size. It then also made more sense why she asked if I wanted two syrups, as to eat both of these, and the hashbrowns, with syrup would require more than just one syrup.
The pancakes were fairly standard, no interesting tang from buttermilk, no add-ins available. They were a bit gummy, which wasn't just a result of the packaging, as I tried a bite right when I got them. But, they were freshly prepared, not burnt or undercooked, and, as I said, quite large.
On the side, packaged separate, was the butter and syrup. The butter I really liked, as it was super soft, and melted on the pancakes perfectly. It wasn't anything special, but, it was exactly what the pancakes needed. The syrup on the other hand ... was clearly "pancake syrup", not maple syrup. Not that they claimed otherwise, but a girl can hope, right? It was very sticky, thick, and, well, pancake syrup. I was raised on real maple syrup, made by my godfather, so pancake syrup is generally pretty unappealing to me. That said, every once in a while, I can really like it, particularly when it takes on a buttery quality. I have a weakness for the pancake syrup at IHOP (and the flavored syrups, and well, the pancakes too. Shh, don't tell anyone). But this just tasted like corn syrup. Not like maple, not like butter. I didn't like it.
So, overall, disappointing.
$1.61 for a generous serve was fine, but **+.
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| Pancakes. $1.38 each. |
The pancakes were huge! I was expecting standard little pancakes, so I was shocked when I opened my box and it had two giant pancakes. I would have only ordered one if I knew the size. It then also made more sense why she asked if I wanted two syrups, as to eat both of these, and the hashbrowns, with syrup would require more than just one syrup.
The pancakes were fairly standard, no interesting tang from buttermilk, no add-ins available. They were a bit gummy, which wasn't just a result of the packaging, as I tried a bite right when I got them. But, they were freshly prepared, not burnt or undercooked, and, as I said, quite large.
On the side, packaged separate, was the butter and syrup. The butter I really liked, as it was super soft, and melted on the pancakes perfectly. It wasn't anything special, but, it was exactly what the pancakes needed. The syrup on the other hand ... was clearly "pancake syrup", not maple syrup. Not that they claimed otherwise, but a girl can hope, right? It was very sticky, thick, and, well, pancake syrup. I was raised on real maple syrup, made by my godfather, so pancake syrup is generally pretty unappealing to me. That said, every once in a while, I can really like it, particularly when it takes on a buttery quality. I have a weakness for the pancake syrup at IHOP (and the flavored syrups, and well, the pancakes too. Shh, don't tell anyone). But this just tasted like corn syrup. Not like maple, not like butter. I didn't like it.
So, overall, disappointing.
AK Subs offers sandwich specials every week, and I'd love to see them get into breakfast specials too - blueberry pancakes, whole wheat, sprinkle on pecans, etc. The plain only offer feels a bit weak.
At $1.38 each, these pancakes were a bargain, but I wouldn't get them again. **+.
Update Review: except ... I did. I went to AK Subs a second time, intending to get french toast, but, alas, they were sold out. They were also out of all baked goods besides plain croissants. So ... I decided to give the pancakes another try.
They were again huge. Again, a bit gummy. And the flavor was just strange. I didn't like the basic taste, although I can't quite pinpoint what it was. I had forgotten how much I liked the butter last time, and I was again drawn in by the butter. Why is their butter soooo good? And the syrup was again was really not good. Not maply, not buttery, just ... there. Meh. At least they, and my opinions, are consistent, even if I wasn't particularly pleased with my breakfast. **+.
On my next visit, I again arrived eager to get french toast. I even brought my own little container of my godfather's homemade maple syrup, since I know I don't care for their pancake syrup. But, alas, sold out again!
I decided not to go for the pancakes a third time, since I didn't care for them before, and instead eyed the baked goods. Pickings were fairly slim, and it was only 9:30am. I think the crowd that frequents AK Subs for breakfast is an early one, which, makes sense, given that they open at 6:30am. There were a two assorted muffins, a bear claw, a sticky bun, and a twist. I was certainly eying the decadent pecan sticky bun, but I had just returned from a trip to the East Coast to see my family where I ate far too many sweets, including tons of my mom's homemade sticky buns, and wasn't certain I was up for that. I asked the friendly woman behind the counter for a recommendation, and she picked out the raspberry twist, so, I went for it.
She also asked if I wanted it heated. I would have never thought to ask for it heated, but gladly said yes. I certainly prefer warm pastries! She put it in the oven before ringing me up, and it was ready just a few minutes later. Again, these little touches add up!
The outside was perfectly crispy, the dough flaky. Very good croissant-style pastry. There wasn't much raspberry filling though, just a little bit in the twisted section. What was there had a good flavor, but there wasn't nearly enough for me, certainly nothing like a filled croissant. While I didn't want the sweet bomb of the pecan roll, I did want something more than this.
Overall, a quality pastry, and the freshness was obvious, but, I wouldn't get it again, as it didn't match what I actually wanted. $2 price was fine. ***.
At $1.38 each, these pancakes were a bargain, but I wouldn't get them again. **+.
Update Review: except ... I did. I went to AK Subs a second time, intending to get french toast, but, alas, they were sold out. They were also out of all baked goods besides plain croissants. So ... I decided to give the pancakes another try.
They were again huge. Again, a bit gummy. And the flavor was just strange. I didn't like the basic taste, although I can't quite pinpoint what it was. I had forgotten how much I liked the butter last time, and I was again drawn in by the butter. Why is their butter soooo good? And the syrup was again was really not good. Not maply, not buttery, just ... there. Meh. At least they, and my opinions, are consistent, even if I wasn't particularly pleased with my breakfast. **+.
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| Raspberry Twist Pastry. $2. |
I decided not to go for the pancakes a third time, since I didn't care for them before, and instead eyed the baked goods. Pickings were fairly slim, and it was only 9:30am. I think the crowd that frequents AK Subs for breakfast is an early one, which, makes sense, given that they open at 6:30am. There were a two assorted muffins, a bear claw, a sticky bun, and a twist. I was certainly eying the decadent pecan sticky bun, but I had just returned from a trip to the East Coast to see my family where I ate far too many sweets, including tons of my mom's homemade sticky buns, and wasn't certain I was up for that. I asked the friendly woman behind the counter for a recommendation, and she picked out the raspberry twist, so, I went for it.
She also asked if I wanted it heated. I would have never thought to ask for it heated, but gladly said yes. I certainly prefer warm pastries! She put it in the oven before ringing me up, and it was ready just a few minutes later. Again, these little touches add up!
The outside was perfectly crispy, the dough flaky. Very good croissant-style pastry. There wasn't much raspberry filling though, just a little bit in the twisted section. What was there had a good flavor, but there wasn't nearly enough for me, certainly nothing like a filled croissant. While I didn't want the sweet bomb of the pecan roll, I did want something more than this.
Overall, a quality pastry, and the freshness was obvious, but, I wouldn't get it again, as it didn't match what I actually wanted. $2 price was fine. ***.
Lunch
The lunch menu at AK Subs has no frills, but is pretty large. It of course features all your basic deli subs made with cold sliced deli meats, but also some curated creations, and hot options like hot pastrami, meatball marinara, tuna melts, and more. They also offer up a full grill with burgers (including veggie), grilled chicken, philly cheesesteaks, grilled cheese, sausage links, and even fish & chips. Sides include homemade soups, fries, and homemade deli salads.It is the deli sides that I was most interested in. During the early shelter-in-place phase of the pandemic, I got really into deli salads. I used to eat tons of potato and macaroni salad when I was in high school and worked at a grocery store, always visiting the deli on my lunch break, and eating them always brings back such nostalgia. Plus, deli salads keep a few days and are an easy addition to lunches.
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| Potato Salad. $1.84. |
I was quite pleased with this potato salad. Given the low price, I expected a tiny container of potato salad when I ordered it. Not so! This was a very generous sized container of potato salad. And ... it was really good! An absolutely incredible value for the price.
The potato was perfectly cooked, not mushy, not too firm. There were chunks of egg and pickles. Lots of fresh herbs. And it was really well seasoned, with a nice kick of pepper. I was more than pleasantly surprised, this was clearly freshly made, made with care, and really delicious.
****, and really, ****+ given the price.
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| Potato Salad. $2.30 |
The appearance changed slightly over the years, as the chunks of potato were smaller this time. Besides that though, it was pretty much exactly as I remembered. The potato still perfectly cooked, not mushy, not too raw. And again, I was struck by the seasoning and bold flavors. So many herbs, including fresh chives, bits of tangy pickles, and generous amount of pepper. The dressing was creamy without feeling too rich and overboard on the mayo. I think they manage this by also mashing some of the potato, so you get a smooth creamy texture not entirely based on mayonnaise. I loved the crunch from the pickles, and of course, potato salad is always best with egg.
I also got to see that they indeed make the potato and pasta salad fresh every single day. It wasn't ready when I arrived, but, while I was eating my pancake they finished it up. The potatoes were still hot from being freshly cooked. Quality product!
Even though several years had passed, it was still very good potato salad. The price went up to $2.30, but that is still very reasonable for the large serving, and I'd gladly get it again.
****.
On my second visit, I was tempted to have the incredible potato salad again, but forced myself to try something new, and went for the pasta salad. It was also only $1.84 and a huge serving.
It seems strange to describe a mayonnaise based pasta salad this way, but it was so fresh tasting. There were slices of red bell pepper, celery, plenty of fresh herbs, and I think tomato. The pasta was perfectly al dente. It was dressed well, not swimming in it, but also not dry. The dressing was a mix of creamy mayonnaise and tangy sour cream, a really nice combo.
It was good, but not as good as the potato salad. I'd perhaps get it again if I wanted pasta salad, but I'd pick the potato salad first. And I still can't get over the serving size and price. Such an amazing value.
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| Pasta Salad. $1.84. (now $2.30) |
It seems strange to describe a mayonnaise based pasta salad this way, but it was so fresh tasting. There were slices of red bell pepper, celery, plenty of fresh herbs, and I think tomato. The pasta was perfectly al dente. It was dressed well, not swimming in it, but also not dry. The dressing was a mix of creamy mayonnaise and tangy sour cream, a really nice combo.
It was good, but not as good as the potato salad. I'd perhaps get it again if I wanted pasta salad, but I'd pick the potato salad first. And I still can't get over the serving size and price. Such an amazing value.
***+.
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