From thin-sliced prime rib subs to artisan sandwiches topped with wagyu, these local French dips are winter must-tries.
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French dips are one of the sauciest, and most beloved, steak sandwiches on the market.Here’s where to find a great one in North Jersey.
French manicures and French dips have so much in common, they’re pretty much the same thing.
To start, neither are French. Though their prefixes imply otherwise, both originated over 5,000 miles from Europe.
Diving deeper into their genesis stories, we learn that not only did each originate outside of France, but they actually share the same birth city — Los Angeles, California.
And, to make things weirder, both hit the market in the 20th century.
(And, to make things weirder again, both will leave your fingernails unrecognizable by the time you’re done with them.)
In this unusual pairing, however, one “French” option is clearly more appealing than the other — and, as a food writer, I’m not certified to talk about cosmetology, anyways.
None involving gel polish and top coat, then, here are five exceptional French dip sandwiches to try in North Jersey.
The 130 Club, Tenafly
One can hardly mention the phrase “French dip” in Bergen County without bringing up the idea of The 130 Club, because — at this point — the Gatsby-reminiscent steakhouse has become (regionally) synonymous with the juicy sub. Loaded with thin-sliced prime rib and subtly hot peppers, it’s meaty, flavorful and entirely unique.
At the core of the sandwich’s success is the restaurant’s commitment to serving only the highest quality prime rib. On the entrée section of the menu, a Queens Cut slice (that’s been slow-roasted for 10 hours) goes for $100 a piece. The jus that runs off from the aforementioned protein is fatty and rich, and both are used in the Dip.
Top all of that decadence with melted cheese and house-made horseradish cream, and you’ll struggle to find a better version of the beloved, beefy dish.
Go: 130 County Road, Tenafly; 201-431-2427, the130club.com.
The 130 Shop, Tenafly
Don’t worry, this isn’t a typo — I’m not mentioning The 130 Club twice.
Here, I’m discussing The 130 Shop, which is the casual, deli-style spinoff of the flawless steakhouse above.
AKA, if you’d like to try the team’s iconic French Dip, but without sitting down for a formal meal, you can grab one to-go at this hidden gem sandwich shop.
Go: 35 Riveredge Road, Tenafly; 201-687-9744, the130shop.com.
Better Days, Jersey City
Smooth and salty gruyère melts into tender Wagyu in the fanciest French Dip you’ll find north of Asbury. Called the Wagyu French Dip, this elevated beauty is a fan favorite at upscale Jersey City bar Better Days.
On the sandwich are smoked caramelized onions, while, on the side, is a luxurious jus made with beef tallow. The former contributes a touch of sweetness amongst the savory, while the latter delivers a umami punch mouthwatering enough to drink.
Finished with Dijon aioli, which is perhaps my favorite part, the lavish handheld is intentionally-crafted and irresistibly delicious.
Go: 143 Newark Ave., Jersey City; 201-905-8991, betterdaysjc.com.
Prime 94 Steakhouse, Fairfield
All too often, the bread on a French dip is dry. Striving to make a bougie choice, chefs throw the delicate meat onto some sort of baguette, which — regardless of how fresh it is — squishes everything in between (and leaves you with a migraine as you attempt to chew it).
Well, carnivores, such is not the case at Prime 94 in Fairfield, as the team behind Essex County’s premier steakhouse serves their French Dip on a good old-fashioned sub roll.
Is it the fanciest bread option in the world? No, but I just don’t care.
It’s soft, airy, light and fluffy; and it soaks up the jus like nobody’s business.
Go: 94 Fairfield Road, Fairfield; 973-575-4555, prime94steakhouse.com.
Ferraro’s Italian Food Specialties (Fridays only), Parsippany
One of my most well-loved French dip upgrades is when chefs serve the classic sandwich on house-made garlic bread. Adding more fat to an already greasy dish, the buttery roll ensures that not a single component of the meal — from the meat to carb-loaded shell — is dry (even before it gets dunked).
At Ferraro’s Italian Food Specialties in Parsippany, that delectable presentation is the norm.
Further, since the tiny hole-in-the-wall is an Italian deli, the team also smothers the meat with its in-house fresh mozzarella, before finishing the masterpiece with a touch of caramelized onions.
For only $14.95/sandwich, the top-notch Morris County lunch is one of the best deals in the game.
Go: FRIDAYS ONLY 166 Halsey Road, Parsippany; 973-585-4292, ferrarositalianfoodspecialties.com.
Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can’t find her in Jersey’s best restaurants, she’s probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram: @karanicolev & @northjerseyeats, and sign up for her North Jersey Eats newsletter.
Dining and Cooking