"One hidden gem in the world of subs, nestled in the small town of Darien, is the Potbelly Sandwich Shop. Today, I tried their Chicken Club sandwich, which includes natural grilled chicken, applewood smoked bacon, and cheddar cheese, with an option to add mayonnaise, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, deli mustard, and oil/vinegar.
First and foremost is the chicken, which unfortunately had its downsides. It tasted a bit frozen, coming from a plastic bag, and lacked depth of flavor—a misrepresentation, as the restaurant advertises it as freshly grilled. Despite these flaws, the chicken was cut into nearly perfect rectangles and had just enough juiciness to enhance its taste, successfully pairing with the cheese to create a pleasing texture. It serves as a good source of protein, as well as vitamins B, iron, phosphorus, and selenium. Overall, while the chicken came from a plastic bag and was frozen, it still earns a 7.5/10.
Next, we have the applewood smoked bacon. Good bacon should be savory, salty, and slightly smoky. Sadly, this didn’t deliver. By the time I returned home two hours later, the bacon was cold and decidedly less than crispy; it had dried out instead. While its texture blended well with the rest of the sandwich, I was overall disappointed and would rate it 5/10.
The sharp cheddar cheese deserves recognition. It was perfectly melted, embodying the ideal characteristics of hot sandwiches. Rich and creamy, it contrasted beautifully with the bacon and paired well with the chicken. The cheese had a great flavor that complemented the sandwich, although Monterey Jack might have been an interesting alternative. I’d give the cheese a solid 9/10.
The bread is crucial, as it must support all the ingredients. Thankfully, even late at night, the roll was relatively fresh. It did become a bit misshapen by the time I got home, but it would have been better consumed immediately. The roll was soft yet maintained a crispiness, earning an 8/10.
Lastly, the customizable toppings add their flair. I opted for mayonnaise, onions, and oil. The mayonnaise enhanced the flavor and added creaminess, though the onions were overwhelming for my taste and almost wasted. I had to remove some, but overall, they were a decent addition. The oil significantly improved the sandwich, creating a delightful texture across all the ingredients. I’d rate the toppings a 6.5/10.
In conclusion, a great sandwich—be it with oil, vinegar, mustard, or juicy grilled meat—should have a bit of moisture in the center. This requires bread that can absorb some of that moisture while maintaining its structure. Otherwise, it risks becoming a messy disappointment. Overall, the Chicken Club receives a final rating of 7.2/10, and I would definitely order it again!"
