Bub and Pop’s, Downtown, Washington, DC

Remember my cousin Murray Johnston, cousin Ann Thomas’s husband? I posted on our great lunch at the incomparable Blue and White a while back, and very recently on our magnificent lunch at 2fifty (beef rib, sausage, lamb, and lots of sides.) I suggested that we get lunch together soon, and Murray followed up soon after and asked me when I was available. I replied, “Tomorrow,” and the next day we met at Bub and Pop’s, which occupies an English basement at 1815 M Street, Northwest.

Murray and I had eaten there several times back before COVID moved all the seating outside, and we both were big fans. We always ordered two sandwiches and then split them, and you may remember Senior Correspondent Les Wexler and I doing likewise with their cheesesteak and pork and broccoli rabe, here.

Bub and Pop’s sandwiches have aways exuded Philly-ness and had high-quality fillings. There were two issues: first, their uninspired soft rolls, and second, the excessive size of their sandwiches (which cost a hefty $24). You may see excessive size as either a bug or a feature. I’ll simply observe that sensible people ordered half sandwiches for $12. I always ordered a whole. Things have changed. I learned not long ago that Bub and Pop’s had addressed both issues. They started using a new roll and the sandwiches are now reasonably sized for an individual, and reasonably priced. So when Murray called, Bub and Pop’s was an easy choice. I wanted to check out that roll.

We met, grabbed a table in the parking lane, looked over the menu, and ordered. I immediately chose an Italian Hoagie, and Murray wanted to order a pork and broccoli rabe (sold out!), so he chose the Real Obama, a Special that sounded like first cousin to a Chicago beef, or perhaps one with an alias. We sat, watched the line to order lengthen and the crowd waiting for sandwiches expand.

Bub and Pop’s makes each sandwich to order, and nefarious people, the sort who used to order half sandwiches, apparently had placed carryout orders before we arrived. But again, you can see the wait as a bug, but it gave us a nice chance to talk, so to me it was a feature. Our sandwiches duly arrived, and here’s the Real Obama,

and the Italian Hoagie.

We shared halves, and here’s a side view.

Before anything else, let me tell you that both the bread and smaller, more reasonable size are terrific. The hard sesame roll is the bread that those top notch fillings have so long deserved. The crust has some crunch, the texture is good, and the flavor is excellent. Well done, Bub! Thank you, Pop! Now to the sandwiches. That’s provolone picante on the the Real Obama, right on top of the giardinieri, which sits on slowly braised brisket with what the menu tells me is veal jus. The brisket was rich, tender, and flavorful, and set off beautifully by the tart and mildly spicy giardinieri. The mature provolone adds … intensity and a salty pungence. This is a sandwich you can love.

The menu description of the Italian lists “Genoa‎ Salami, Prosciutto di Parma, Sopressata, Hot Capicola, Pepperoni, Provolone Dulce, Arugula, Roma Tomatoes, Raw Onions, Hoagie Relish (Hot & Sweet Pepper, Garlic & Kosher Dill), Mayo, Bub’s Vinaigrette, & Pecorino Romano,” and I don’t doubt it a bit. Let’s take another geological look.

The fillings were delicious, a beautiful match for the bread. The rich, deep flavors of the meats and cheese, top quality, as I’ve noted, and the use of peppery arugula were a genius touch. This is an excellent Italian Hoagie, a real contender for the best in the area. It took some effort to keep everything from overflowing ,but that was a labor of love. Bub and Pop’s offers all the napkins you’ll need.

I’ll be back to Bub and Pop’s soon. Murray has a bunch of Virginia places I need to check, but I’m sure Les will be eager. There are a lot of good sandwiches on the menu — and a salad — and I’m especially eager to try their cheesesteak and, of course, their pork and broccoli rabe, the other Italian Hoagie, and, well look at the menu yourself. See what you think you would like and get one, or go with a friend and get two to share. You’ll love it.

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