Sack's Gourmet Sandwiches: An Eastside gem

In a land teeming with Subways and Quiznos, Sack's Gourmet Sandwiches stands alone: Here there are no $5 foot-long specials, no bargain twofer deals on torpedoes or salads.

Sack's is truly a hidden gem tucked away in the southeast corner of Factoria Village (formerly known as Loehmann's Plaza) that takes care and time serving up a delightfully tasting sandwich.

We heard they served up a unique sandwich with an Asian twist that was on the "must-have list."

The bulgogi kimchi sandwich was filled with oodles of marinated Korean grilled sliced beef with kimchi cabbage (not too spicy) and grilled onions smothered in a toasted 8-inch hoagie roll.

The first bite changes everything you think you know about this Korean grilled beef. The hook on this is the intoxicating crunch of the roll, padded with layers of juicy and tender beef, and the mild kick of the kimchi.

While this is by far one of the top sandwich shops on the Eastside, its specialty items such as Asian rice bowls and yakisobas also are delish.

The menu: A long list of custom or made-to-order hot and cold sandwiches and panini, Asian rice bowls and yakisoba dishes, salads and specials of the day like a kimchi fried-rice combo or bibimbap. They also have six different breakfast wraps and panini. Each sandwich comes in a traditional brown paper sack with a chocolate-chip cookie.

What to write home about: The bulgogi kimchi sandwich is tops on my list. We also liked the "Almost Reuben," which comes with tender pastrami, tangy coleslaw and Thousand Island dressing layered with Swiss cheese on toasted rye bread. The Sack's Grinder is loaded with salami, ham, provolone, bell peppers, pepperoncinis, lettuce, Italian dressing and tomatoes on a hoagie roll.

The setting: Nothing fancy, but a clean and simple entryway opens up to an interior of pastel orange and olive walls. The dining area has 10 vinyl-covered tables and 40 chairs, plus limited counter seating on four barstools along the window.

Summing up: The bulgogi kimchi sandwich ($8.50), the "Almost Reuben" ($8), Sack's Grinder ($7.75) and the Navajo grilled chicken with mild green chili and provolone ($8) sandwiches, plus a large soda, came to $36.62 with tax.

Mark Yuasa: 206-464-8780 or myuasa@seattletimes.com