5 of the best Cork spots to find a supreme ham and cheese toastie
There aren’t many constants in life.
But if there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that a ham and cheese toastie will always deliver, even when everything else has gone arseways.
The uncomplicated combination of fresh bread, juicy ham or bacon, a sliver or two of onion and a generous helping of gooey melted cheese make this sambo the unlikely king of lunch all year round. So when the notion strikes, it’s imperative that you know where to find one.
Whether you’re tired, hungover, totes emosh, or just plain ravenous, there’s a toastie in Cork that will help you eat your feelings.
Here are some of the most reliable spots to tuck in when the mood takes you:
1. The Long Valley
John Creedon orders his with “a pot of tea (two teabags) served in stainless steel teapot with a dodgy lid.”
Whatever way you order it, the Long Valley sandwich has made its way into local lore. Steel yourself for a spiritual experience. And order the chowder too – it’s great.
The menu is basic, brilliant, and available here.
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2. De Calf
De Calf doesn’t play when it comes to portion sizes. You’re going to get a generous helping of oozy cheese, thick slices of bacon lightly melted with cherry tomatoes and caramelised onions.
They also do seasonal toasted sandwiches to keep the menu fresh too, should you be feeling fancy. De Calf is located in the Cornmarket Centre and is open from 9 am-5 pm Monday to Saturday and from 10 am on Sundays.
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3. Joes & Bros
Winthrop Arcade is hopping these days due to the fine weather and the scandalously tasty toasted sandwiches being served at Joes & Bros.
Try the humble ham and cheese or get a little more adventurous with this week’s special The Frenchie, made with candied bacon, roast ham, Monterey cheese, caramelised onion and Joe’s dressing. Joes & Bros is open from 10am daily, closed on Mondays.
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4. Gallaghers
You’ll never go hungry at Gallaghers. Each sambo comes with homecut fries and if you’re torn between the soup and sandwich, you can order soup instead of your chips for just €10. Sorted.
Gallagher’s is open from 12 pm on weekday sand 10:30 am on the weekend.
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5. CRUST
Crust goes off script with their toasty and the result is absolutely mouth-wateringly good. You’ll find baked ham, bacon, tomato, sun dried tomato, onion, vintage Dubliner cheese, grated red cheddar, relish and a light scraping of mustard mayo for a mind-blowing combination of flavours.
They open from 10 am-5 pm daily and are closed on Sundays.
