These days, $6.99 won’t get you much of a meal. Many places, it might not even get you a drink. But at Sandwich Republic, hidden in plain sight in a sea of Springfield strip centers, $6.99 will get you a world of deliciousness. For that price, there are 13 sandwiches from which to choose, ranging from house-roasted ham to eggplant with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, sundried tomato pesto, basil and balsamic vinaigrette. They are all served on ciabatta made from the store’s own fluffy recipe.
But I have fallen into a deep state of gustatory eros (bordering on agape) with the tandoori chicken breast sub. The meat itself is almost preternaturally tender and rich with aromatic spices. It’s as flavorful as nearly any tandoori chicken I’ve had at an Indian restaurant. The chicken is paired simply with lettuce and tomato, though the gentleman at the counter asked if I wanted to add any other vegetables or mayonnaise. No need. The yogurt-cilantro sauce provides a refreshing kick of heat and acid that soaks into the warm, toasted bun and had me going back for bite after bite.
There are a few slightly more expensive sandwiches, too. Shrimp salad with Old Bay seasoning has developed a following, but I just had to try the $8.99 braised short rib one. It met my expectations of absolute indulgence. Soft pulled beef suffuses the ciabatta with its juices and melds with provolone. Arugula and tomato provide a bit of a crunchy respite from the richness. I only wish I lived closer to Springfield so I could make Sandwich Republic a part of my routine. Perhaps it’s time for an expansion? // 7020 Old Keene Mill Rd., Springfield
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