Super Pan Latino Sandwich Shop

I recently had a chance to visit the sandwich shop so many seem to be raving about, Super Pan in Poncey-Highland.  In a little space just behind his popular tapas restaurant Pura Vida, chef Hector Santiago and his staff have been whipping up specialty sandwiches for the intown lunch crowd since earlier this summer.  After reading various reports from fellow food bloggers, critics and general Atlanta food fanatics, I had been dying to see what all the fuss was about.  One problem:  Super Pan is only open for weekday lunch service (Tuesday through Friday) and my half-hour lunch break and (former) Alpharetta work locale made it virtually impossible for me to stop by and sample the goods.  When I was fortunate enough to have a rare week off before beginning a new job in Buckhead, I was determined to pay a visit to Super Pan to check it out.

I was immediately impressed by the prompt and friendly service.  I arrived towards the latter part of lunch service and fortunately did not have to deal with the long lines and wait times others have experienced.  On this visit, I ordered Super Pan's version of the Cuban media noche sandwich, the Medio Dia.

The Medio Dia

I loved everything about this sandwich: the toasted pineapple "submarino" roll, the gooey melted Swiss cheese covering the slightly sweet Niman Ranch ham, juicy roasted Berkshire pork and crispy pork skin.  Habanero mustard and chayote pickle round out the sandwich and give it a nice little kick.  Of the Super Pan sandwiches I've tried so far, the Medio Dia is my hands down favorite and the one that I'll order on every return visit.

Because I wasn't sure when I'd be able to visit again, I ordered two more sandwiches "for the road": the BBQ Rib Bolillo and the Coca de Jamón y Queso.  The bolillo is quite substantial, loaded (and I mean loaded) with tender adobo beef rib and topped with fresh grated carrot, onions and cilantro.  A deliciously sweet and spicy orange chipotle BBQ sauce was served on the side; I was able to add just enough to suit my tastes.  Even upon re-heating a few hours later for my evening meal, this sandwich was still fantastic.

The Jamón (with Serrano ham, manchego cheese, arugula, date marcona almond butter and piquillo pepper agridulce) was also quite tasty.  However, it ranks third among the sandwiches I've tried so far and I don't see myself ordering it again on a future visit. 

Yes, these sandwiches are far from "cheap eats".  The least expensive sandwich, the Smoked Tofu Buns (a veggie version of their smoked Pork Belly Buns) comes in at six dollars and their most expensive sandwiches are twelve bucks.  However, when you consider the quality of ingredients that go into these sandwiches, you really do get what you pay for.  Not only are the ingredients top notch, the folks at Super Pan don't skimp on them either!  Speaking for myself, I felt like I got more than my money's worth and will have no problem forking over another eleven bucks for a Medio Dia or twelve for the BBQ bolillo (I'm looking forward to trying those pork belly buns as well).  Obviously it's not something I would eat every day or even every other day (for various reasons), but I can see Super Pan becoming my off day "splurge".  A Medio Dia washed down with a ice cold bottle of Mexican Coke is my idea of a perfect little lunchtime treat.

My lone complaint:  I really wish Super Pan was open for Saturday lunch service.  Even though I now work a lot closer to Poncey-Highland, it's still not close enough for me to swing by for an occasional weekday lunch (pouts).  But if you're fortunate enough to work close to the neighborhood and haven't made it to Super Pan yet, do give them a try and see what you think.

Super Pan Latino Sandwich Shop

1057 Blue Ridge Avenue NE (just behind Pura Vida)

Atlanta, GA  30306

(404) 477-0379

http://superpanlatinosandwichshop.com

Open Tuesday-Friday, 11:30 AM-2:30 PM