The Enduring Appeal of the Club Sandwich

How the classic triple-decker became a global comfort food favorite

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:00pm

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The club sandwich has become a ubiquitous menu item at hotels and restaurants around the world, offering a familiar and satisfying indulgence for travelers. Tracing its origins to late-19th century American gentlemen's clubs, the club sandwich has evolved to reflect local tastes while maintaining its core structure and appeal. Experts and enthusiasts share their favorite versions, from Paris to Positano, highlighting the sandwich's ability to provide a sense of comfort and reliability no matter the setting.

Why it matters

The club sandwich has become a cultural touchstone, representing a rare intersection of indulgence and reassurance. As a globally recognized dish, it offers a sense of familiarity and home for travelers, while also allowing for regional interpretations that reflect local ingredients and preferences. The enduring popularity of the club sandwich speaks to its ability to provide a moment of comfort and nostalgia, even in the most unfamiliar of places.

The details

The club sandwich is defined by its precise layering of toasted bread, poultry, bacon, and lettuce, with just the right amount of mayonnaise to hold it all together. Execution is key, as the sandwich must be carefully constructed to maintain its structural integrity without becoming overly thick or unwieldy. Restaurants and hotels around the world have put their own spin on the classic, adapting ingredients to local tastes while still respecting the original formula.

  • The club sandwich's origins can be traced back to late-19th century American gentlemen's clubs, particularly the Saratoga Club House in Saratoga Springs, New York.
  • The club sandwich quickly became a staple on hotel menus, as the dish's combination of leisure and privilege resonated with travelers.

The players

Helen Rosner

A restaurant critic for The New Yorker who considers the club sandwich to be one of travel's great culinary constants.

Zachary Weiss

A writer who sees the club sandwich as a "baseline comfort" that can tether travelers to a familiar reality, no matter where they are.

Phil Rosenthal

The co-owner of Max & Helen's in Los Angeles, who believes the club sandwich can make a strange town feel more familiar.

Sam Linder

The executive assistant manager of food and beverage at the Peninsula Istanbul, who emphasizes the importance of fresh ingredients and proper proportions in a successful club sandwich.

Patrick O'Connell

The chef and proprietor of The Inn at Little Washington, who recalls a formative childhood experience of enjoying a club sandwich with a view from the Sears Tower in Chicago.

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What they’re saying

“You can eat one in Bangkok, Big Sur, even Milwaukee. There are elements of a club sandwich that feel British, New England-y, Midwestern. It's high, it's low. I've had them in crappy diners and in fancy hotels. No matter the price or setting, a club sandwich is a club sandwich.”

— Helen Rosner, Restaurant Critic, The New Yorker

“The club sandwich at Max & Helen's was designed to be as good a sandwich as we could make. Obviously, this is subjective, and you're competing with people's memories. Everyone's an expert in club sandwiches. And there's something to be said for that comfort—when you're in a strange town anywhere in the world, you have a club, and suddenly things don't feel so strange.”

— Phil Rosenthal, Co-Owner, Max & Helen's

“Because it's a global item, you'll see many variations. In some markets, we serve it without pork. But one thing never changes: the freshness of ingredients. If everything is carefully prepared and freshly made, you'll end up with a very good club sandwich.”

— Sam Linder, Executive Assistant Manager of Food and Beverage, Peninsula Istanbul

“My father's family was from Chicago and as a kid when I'd visit my relatives, my aunt and uncle would take me to their favorite restaurants. One of my very first indelible food revelations was a lunch in the Sears tower—at the time the tallest building in the city. I ordered a club sandwich and, as I ate it, I marveled at both its taste and the incredible view looking out over the city. It was an exhilarating experience.”

— Patrick O'Connell, Chef and Proprietor, The Inn at Little Washington

What’s next

The club sandwich's enduring popularity and global appeal continue to inspire new interpretations and devotion from both chefs and diners around the world. As hotels and restaurants strive to perfect their versions of this classic dish, the club sandwich remains a reliable and comforting choice for travelers seeking a familiar indulgence, no matter their location.

The takeaway

The club sandwich has become a cultural icon, transcending its status as a simple layered sandwich to represent a sense of comfort, familiarity, and indulgence for travelers. Its ability to adapt to local tastes while maintaining its core structure and appeal has cemented its place as a beloved menu item in hotels and restaurants globally, offering a taste of home no matter how far from home one may be.