Laurelhurst Market is a beloved institution in Portland on East Burnside (technically in the Kerns neighborhood but on the border with Laurelhurst). Open for over 15 years now, they serve as three distinct entities under one roof: Steakhouse, Butcher Shop & Lunchtime Sandwich Counter. As someone who constantly goes out to eat, I don’t have much need for the butcher shop, but if I did I would go there because the meat is fantastic. I have been to the restaurant at night when it functions as a steakhouse, though it’s been a long time. Definitely on the list when I want a classic fancy steak dinner. It’s the sandwich counter that draws me in as a regular customer however. They make excellent sandwiches and sides including soups, salad, potato salad and fries. They make a weekly scratch soup that is generally pretty excellent and that is something I just clued into recently (or maybe they just started offering it recently, I’m not sure). I tend to get lunch from here once or twice a month. Here are some favorites from the last year.

The #3, a classic on their menu. Ham & Salami on a French Roll with Provolone, Red Onion, Pepperoncini, Shredded Iceberg, Spicy Calabrian Chili Mayo, Oil & Vinegar. Perfect sandwich, no notes. One of my go-tos. I think ham and salami is one of the best combos out there though I rarely see it, so I’m glad they agree with me.

The #1 Root Down. Smoked Apple Butter, Pork, White Cheddar, Root Slaw, Herbed Mayo on a French Roll. This was really delicious and I ordered it for the first time a few months ago. Unique ingredients and flavors. Love apple butter. Some of the best pork I’ve ever had, not sure how they are seasoning or cooking it but it is delicious! The bonus of being a full service butchery in addition to a sandwich shop. Just like Pasture, one of my favorite sandwich shops in town.

Steak Caesar Salad. Chopped Romaine Hearts, Herbed Mustard Croutons & Parmesan topped with Grilled and Marinated Steak (served chilled), Creamy Caesar Dressing on the side. I love a good steak salad! I love any kind of salad really, but I often have a very specific craving for a steak salad. Laurelhurst makes a great one, as does East Burn and Cliff’s.

The Belvedere. Smoked Roast Beef on a French Roll with Chive Cream Cheese, Green Olive Tapenade, Tomato, Cucumber, Oil & Vinegar. This one is really delicious! It’s not on the menu right now, I’m not sure if that is because of Sandwich Week just ending or a different reason, but I hope it makes a come back. Their menu is fairly stable but they do make changes to it. This was a surprisingly light sandwich, not what you think about when you think of roast beef. The roast beef was delicious, and the olive tapenade was perfect. Got a side of potato salad, they make a good one. Their twist is that they put mixed pickles in it, which amps it up a bit and gives it some flavor and life that is often missing in a lesser potato salad.

Speaking of salads, here is their side salad. it is a great deal for $6. Garden Greens, Pickled Red Onion, Shaved Raw Vegetables, Toasted Sunflower Seeds, Lemon Vinaigrette. Nice and light and bright, a good compliment to a sandwich.

Italian Wedding Soup. I’ve started ordering their soups recently, and they are great. They change weekly (I think) and I often order it without knowing what it is. Also, for $6.50 it’s a great deal. This was a version of Italian Wedding Soup with noodles, white beans, sausage, etc. The sausage was delicious, this is a nice homey and tasty soup.

One more pic of the #3 sandwich along with the soup of the week which was chicken, mushrooms and noodles. This was the best soup I’ve had from them. The chicken was high quality and super delicious, the mushrooms weren’t cheap run-of-the-mill varieties but wild mushrooms (I imagine locally foraged). What on the page can come off as a boring soup (chicken noodle and mushroom) in fact was one of the most delicious soups I’ve had all year. Laurelhurst, go for the delicious sandwiches, and maybe come back for the butcher shop and the nightly steakhouse. Happy eating.