Panther City’s Must-Try Sammies
Behold, the Funkytown Hot Chicken sandwich
Instagram did it again. The photo of the ruby red cutlet drizzled in an emerald cream sauce and topped with slaw was etched in my memory when I pulled up to Brix Barbecue for lunch. The South Main Street restaurant best known for, well, pretty much everything they serve defies easy Texas barbecue categorization. The menu boasts tacos, burgers, and succulent smoked meats.
The Funkytown Hot Chicken sandwich came packed with some of the juiciest bird I’ve ever sunk my teeth into. The peppery crust lent a pleasant crunch to the fiery and flavorful poultry topped with creamy Dank Sauce. After a few bites, I topped off the rest of the entree with jalapeño cilantro slaw at the advice of a kitchen staffer. The crisp slaw did the trick and lent a cooling and tangy finish to the savory and feisty sandwich.
Instagram photos — enticing as they are — don’t compare to the real thing.
Townes Drive Thru
Townes Drive Thru (4100 Bryant Irvin Rd) recently opened in southwest Fort Worth. The drive-through coffee bar also has a cozy space for indoor dining. The brisket sandwich came served between two buttered buns. The pile of brisket was perfectly marbled and juicy. Thick cuts of red onions and several thick pickles lent a nice crunch to the hefty sammy. My daughter loved their strawberry smoothie, so we ordered a second one to-go.
Roy Popes’ prime rib sandwich might change your life. The dense sammy made with rye bread, horseradish aioli, sliced prime rib, provolone, and caramelized onions is packed with savory flavors. The brisket grilled cheese (potato bread, gouda, cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, smoked brisket) is another must-try hot sandwich at the neighborhood grocery store that smokes its own meats.
Bearded Lady churns out creative sandos every week. The shredded pork and a pineapple pizza-inspired sandwich are just two recent diabolical creations from the popular restaurant and pub. Another great spot to grab a sammy is the Abe Fromage food trailer off South Main. Chef Scotty’s Cheesy Joe (a lovely hot mess of American cheese, Manwich sauce, and wagyu beef) or Goude Butt (gouda, truffle butter, honey crisp apples, and mint) are masterfully crafted and damn delicious.