Sando Shack — Restaurant in Maplewood

I was really looking forward to trying this place, but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to expectations. First off, the restaurant had no working air conditioning, which made the experience incredibly uncomfortable. They had fans running, but they were just blowing around hot air. Not their fault I guess.

To make things worse, the sodas in the cooler were warm. I asked for ice, but was told they didn’t have any. It’s baffling that a restaurant with no A/C wouldn’t at least offer ice for their drinks. That should be a given considered the a/c issue.

As for the food, the menu was limited to dark meat chicken or pork for the sandwiches. I chose the pork, but the sandwich was a major letdown. The meat was overly thick, tough, and chewy. It was the worst pork I’ve ever had. It was like eating the sole of a shoe. The bread was basically soft white sandwich bread and couldn’t hold up to the filling. It turned soggy immediately, and the whole sandwich fell apart after the first bite. On top of that, the breading on the pork didn’t stick, so it just slid off.

I do appreciate that they cook everything to order, but waiting 30 minutes in a hot, stuffy space with no A/C and a warm drink was rough. And after all that, the food just wasn’t worth the price which is way too high imo.

The only highlights were the french fries (which were quite good) and the friendly person who took my order. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to save the overall experience. Definitely a...

I stopped in today with family who usually are pretty adverse to trying new things.

They got to the counter and the young lady helping us expertly explained what things where and what they could expect flavor wise. This was super helpful for picky eaters!

We got a mix of most of the Sando options between the 5 of us. There wasn't a crumb left when we were done.

The chicken was extremley juicy and very delicious! That breading was super crisp and had just the perfect amount of seasoning that it allowed the co-stars, the sauce and slaw, to sing.

Top it all off with that pillow soft and slightly sweet bread, and you have the perfect chicken sandwich!

I had the togarashi seasoned fries with the curry aioli and the spice paired with that cooling umami from the curry dip just hit the spot.

The atmosphere was super clean and inviting! We had great seating that easily accommodated all 5 of is us. My in-laws who don't usually like crossing the river not only got to try something that blew their socks off. They also LOVED the bathroom signs.

As we left, a gentleman thanked us and was super friendly!

Ohh and for anyone avoiding because parking and Maplewoods busy stretch of Manchester, don't. Just easily park across the street and use one of the many very visible cross walks.

10/10 We make all out of town friends and family try Sando Shack when they are in town and they all say the same thing. "This is the best chicken sandwich...

​Sando Shack never disappoints! It's been a long-time favorite of mine from their Tower Grove days, and the new Maplewood location is even better. They've got a laid back casual vibe and the staff was great at explaining the menu to my parents who were there for the first time. The Chicken Katsu Sando is messy perfection on thick, buttery bread. My "comfort meal" is a chicken sandwich so I've had more than my fair share of STL area chicken sandwiches and the difference if using a thigh is SO BIG. It's so juicy and the crunchy bits get into all the folds. Then add the sweet sauce and slaw and *chef's kiss" When they ask which kind of fries the curry fries are a must order; they're incredibly crispy and perfectly seasoned as a perfect in between to the regular salt vs the bigger kick of the togarashi fries. Don't skip the Taiyaki for dessert! My favorite is the red bean paste one but the Nutella is just as amazing as you'd expect. It's such a filling meal I didn't try the ice cream their Mapplewood spot has set up but on my next visit it's for sure on the list. (Especially since they've got a rewards program so you can earn perks on the many trips you...