A popular sandwich shop in New York City's West Village, famous for its viral French Dip sandwich.
Insights
FrenchAmericanUpscaleLunchDinnerCasualStreet Food
Last updated: 5/11/2026, 8:00:27 AM
Key Information
Salt Hank's is a highly popular sandwich shop located in the West Village of New York City, renowned for its viral French Dip sandwich. The restaurant often draws long lines due to its fame, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok. It operates with a focus on high-quality, well-crafted sandwiches, served in a small dining area.
Customer Perception
Customer feedback is largely positive, praising the French Dip sandwich as 'amazing,' 'delicious,' and 'one of a kind in flavor,' highlighting the tender prime rib, caramelized onions, and crispy baguette. The shoestring fries are also well-regarded. However, a common point of contention is the high price, with many customers finding the sandwiches 'crazy expensive' or 'very pricey.' Some reviews also mention the sandwich can be 'super salty' or that it didn't fully live up to the hype for them. Long lines are a frequent mention, though some note they move relatively quickly.
The French Dip sandwich at Salt Hank's has achieved viral status, largely due to its popularity on TikTok. The restaurant is located at 280 Bleecker St, New York City, and operates from Wednesday to Sunday, opening at 11:30 AM and serving until items are sold out for the day.
To avoid the longest queues, it is recommended to visit after the 2 PM lunch rush. Some customers also suggest arriving early, around 11 AM, to secure a spot before lines build up.
5
I’ve had a lot of French Dips in my time, but what Executive Chef Hank is doing at Salt Hanks (opened in 2025) is in a league of its own. It’s easy to look at the $34 price tag and be a skeptic, but this isn't just a sandwich—it’s a work of art.
The foundation is a magnificent horseradish-garlic aioli seasoned bread with a crisp, perfect exterior that holds up to the dip. The meat itself is decadent, incredibly moist, and tender. I’m usually not a fan of horseradish, but here, it’s applied with such precision that it transforms the flavor profile rather than overpowering it. When you combine those elements with the perfect cheese and what I can honestly say is the best au jus I have ever tasted, you get a perfectly balanced experience.
The shoestring fries were also a standout—crispy and outstanding.
Logistics for out-of-towners: We drove in from NJ on a Saturday morning around 10:45 AM and surprisingly found easy parking on Bleecker Street. We arrived at the restaurant about 45 minutes before their 11:30 opening; there were already about 30 people in line, but the wait was manageable (about 40-45 minutes total until we were seated and eating).
Don’t let the critics deter you regarding the price. You’re paying for the craft, and at Salt Hanks, the craft is flawless.
This is the best sandwich I've ever had in my life. The perfect balance of flavors and crispness all in the same package. It is absolutely worth every penny. I can't wait to go back and have another one of those sandwiches.
This was so yummy!! A bit pricy. 1 feeds two people! We got a reservation in advance and that was HUGE. Didn’t have to wait so long.
Super great vibe. Friendly, fun, open atmosphere.
Very busy!!
The fries were more like hickory sticks, I would get the coleslaw next time
This amazing sandwich shop in the West Village has created one of the most viral and delicious sandwiches in NYC PERIOD!!! THE FRENCH DIP SANDWICH WITH THE SIDE OF AU JUS is causing all the hysteria with great cause. Its a one of a kind in flavor. Expect some long lines, but it moves pretty quickly depending on the day and time.The staff is very friendly and the vibe is friendly also. Thanks for a great moment. I will definitely be back.
Salt Hank’s is the spot for prime rib french dip in the west village. the place is always packed with long line out the door. but i was luck enough to have waited only 5-10 min on a Sunday afternoon 🫶🏻
there is only 1 menu—french dip with dry-aged prime rib, caramelized onion ($32). you need to tell them how many sandwiches you want and your preferred drinks. you can add the shoestring fries 🍟 but it was sold out when i was there.
the prime rib is super tender and literally melting in the mouth 🥩 this is what got me sold completely. the baguette is crispy and crunchy. the sandwich itself is perfect without the dipping. but the dipping sauce helps soften the bread a bit.
personally, i think it is a bit too pricey for a sandwich. it was worth a try but it may not be worth it to wait more than half an hour for it.
