Tucked away on a quiet corner a few blocks off of Wisconsin Ave, Stachowski’s Market does not look like a bastion of fine food. In fact, most people at Georgetown likely do not even know this place exists! But let me ask you a couple of quick questions. Are you tired of throwing your money at the monopoly that is Wisey’s week in and week out? Are you looking for a sandwich that will take you 2 days to finish, but won’t break the bank? If you answered ‘yes’ to either of these, then you need to take a trip to Stachowski’s.
Photo courtesy of Vicky
As I walked in, I was greeted by an enormous silhouette of a pig playfully decorated with the menu of various sandwiches, subs and sausages. A small shelf of artisanal sauces, spices, coffees and more sat up against one wall, and in the center stood a shelf stocked with a veritable cornucopia of fresh, seasonal produce. The scarred wooden floor and lone table surrounded by a few creaky chairs made for a homey feel, and an indescribably awesome aroma of smoked meat quickly saturated my clothing. But the crowning visual jewel was the seemingly endless palette of meats and charcuterie. Speaking of crowns, here’s a crown roast!
Photo courtesy of Vicky
Not only does Stachowski’s serve meats and sandwiches, but it also prepares daily dinner entrees for people to carry out. You can find out about their entree of the day on their blog http://www.stachowskimarket.com/, and while I’ve never had one before, “Cacciatore: Our housemade Italian sausages, peppers and onions, in our classic marinara, over fettuccine, served with cheesy garlic bread. $16.95″ sounds pretty freakin’ good to me.
Alas, my photographer Vicky and I were not in the mood for a scrumptious steak or sausage. We were here for some sandwiches. Big sandwiches. I ordered the 4 Meat Grinder for $11.99, and Vicky ordered the Turkey Club for $10.99. After ten minutes or so, I was handed a large brown bag that could easily have been used as a free weight for some of the beefier lifters at Yates.
The 4 Meat Grinder was comically massive, with salami, coppa, mortadella, soppressata, provolone, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, hot peppers, and vinaigrette housed between a LOAF of fresh, crunchy-yet-chewy bread (yes, I said a whole loaf). Each bite delivered an explosion of savory spice from the peppers, creaminess from the provolone, salty goodness from the meats, sweet crunch from the red onions and the perfect amount of moisture from the tomatoes and vinaigrette. If I could marry a sandwich, I’d put a ring on this beauty and move into a quiet suburb faster than you could say “That’s pretty weird, Charlie.” By the time my stomach began to complain, I had just barely finished the first half. Indeed, this sandwich was also deliciously economical, as I was able to enjoy the second half for lunch the very next day. Despite any preconceptions you may have about turkey sandwiches as being ‘dainty’, Vicky’s Turkey Club was equally gargantuan, with generous layers of avocado, crispy bacon, sprouts and swiss cheese complimenting heaps of warm gobble-gobble goodness.
4 Meat Grinder
Photo courtesy of Vicky
In the end, the only complaint I can make about this haven of meat and awesomeness is the 15-20 minute walk from Georgetown. On an icy Fall or Winter afternoon, the distance can discourage even the hungriest of college kids from venturing past 36th for their sub fix . But if you’ve got the time, the appetite and the weather on your side, give Stachowski’s a go. Your stomach and wallet will thank you.
Location: 1425 28th St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Hours of Operation: 10:00am – 8:00pm