We stopped into Gilpin’s Steamed Sandwiches a couple of Sunday’s ago for lunch. We arrived just before noon and were immediately greeted by the solo employee behind the counter. He asked if it was our first time and then gave us a quick guide through the lengthy menu. In addition they have a list of customer creations on the wall as well as a humorous “drunk menu” with giant lettering, which must come in handy since they don’t close until 3 A.M. most nights.

Drunk Menu

After placing our sandwich order and grabbing some drinks, we headed upstairs to the dining area. There are a couple of small tables downstairs, but upstairs is where the majority of the seating is. Plus upstairs they have an old school Nintendo hooked up to a TV and I think I saw a Playstation hooked up to another. We didn’t play any video games, but our two-year-old son was entertained by a toy slot machine that was on our table.

Inside

Once our sandwich orders were placed into the steamers we could really smell the ingredients from the upstairs loft like space. A few minutes later the sandwiches were delivered to our table steaming hot, literally. The come wrapped in foil and we had to wait a few minutes for them to cool before digging in.

#5 Doritos

I ordered one of the five items on the drunk menu, the #5 (aka Doritos). This sandwich combined turkey, cheddar, lettuce, peppercorn ranch, honey mustard, and Doritos on a pretzel bun ($6). Upon my first bite I was immediately reminded of the sandwiches I devoured years ago at Bagel & Deli in Oxford, who also steams sandwiches for large late night crowds. Steaming the sandwich leaves a very distinct mark on the sandwich with the way all the flavors combine together along with a slightly moist and soft bread. It was a little messy to eat but delicious.

#1 Winner

My wife went with the #1 Winner with turkey, veggie cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, banana peppers, spinach leaves, and tomato on a pretzel bun ($6). I had a couple bites from her sandwich and again loved the flavor combinations. I didn’t think it was a great as the #5 that I ordered, but still worthy of ordering again.

Gilpin’s is perfect any time of day but they seem to specialize in satisfying the late night crowd. With that said they are open early every day and even serve a few breakfast sandwiches on croissants. I doubt I’ll ever see the late night crowds but I will definitely be back for lunch in the future.