Port City Sandwich Co. — Restaurant in Newburyport

This was absolutely one of the most disappointing and downright oddest experiences I’ve ever encountered at a sandwich shop. The disjointed, inexplicably cumbersome ordering process, the lack of ordinary sandwich shop amenities (side orders, holds on certain ingredients, substitutions on menu items), and the palpable level of disinterest in creating even satisfactory dining experiences for patrons was astounding.

Here’s a good example: I asked the clerk(?) at the register for a side of home fries to go with my breakfast sandwich once our party figured out where and how to order. The clerk hemmed and hawed and turned to the cook, who was no more than four feet away, and asked if that was possible. The cook responded by grabbing a large prep container full of home fries, holding them up in the air, shaking them once or twice and then declaring that she couldn’t “do a side because [she] only ha[s] enough for one more Megawich”. This, mind you, was announced as they were closing the breakfast menu and switching over to lunch.

It’s that kind of disregard for customer service that makes folks cross establishments off their lists. It goes without saying, then, that my list for eating establishments in Newburyport is now more refined after visiting Port City Sandwich Co. I suggest you also refine yours by crossing it off...

Bottom line: great food, served quickly. Port City is our go-to in Newburyport. On our last visit, we took our daughter and grandkids (area residents) for sandwiches and drinks that we ate in the adjacent waterfront park. Owner Tyke smiled behind his mask when he recognized our daughter. He remembered the boys' standard order - two grilled cheese on white. The adults ordered three amazing crab clubs (crabmeat mounded high on ciabatta with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and guacamole). I'm amazed at critics of the food; we have never had a bad food experience at Port City. Tyke is all business when the place is busy, so I can see why some people might feel slighted that they didn't get the level of personal attention they feel they deserve. I can say if you're ever there in a rare "quiet" moment, you'll find he is a cordial and...

Probably the best place for lunch (quick or otherwise) in town. If you go in during lunchtime, expect to wait in line because it gets busy immediately after noon (try to get there at 11:45!) but also expect that line to move. Rather quickly. This is the only shop I've found to rival Figaro's in Boston for good food fast.

They're incredibly efficient, far beyond any of the places that rely on POS systems, and their food is probably the most consistent I have ever seen. I think they even weigh out portions of different ingredients - if you get meat expect to get a solid serving of it. And they're as friendly as busy, efficient people should be - don't expect a 3 minute conversation about "how's your day", just smiles and a few casual comments.

And if you like spicy, get the...