Bub & Pop's, located at 1815 M St NW in Washington, DC, is a no-nonsense sandwich shop known for their flavorful and delicious offerings. During peak hours, the small space and complex menu can overwhelm first-time visitors. However, going during a quieter time allowed us to enjoy our experience without the stress of limited options.
Visiting Bud and Pop's on M Street
The menu at Bub & Pop's includes daily specials listed on a chalkboard and regular items on another menu. It's not uncommon for popular sandwiches to sell out quickly. They suggest calling ahead to ensure you can get your hands on your desired order, which we found to be a brilliant solution.
Co-owner Arlene Wagner is often at the front, assisting customers with their menu choices and expressing gratitude for any tips received. Bub & Pop's is a family-owned place, named after Arlene's parents, with her son and chef, Jonathan Taub, running the kitchen. Taub brings 20 years of fine dining experience to the table, having worked under renowned chefs in Philadelphia and Chicago.
The attention to detail in Bub & Pop's food is evident, from fresh mayo and tangy pickles to house-smoked brisket. Chef Taub collaborated with Lyon Bakery to create a flavorful and sturdy hoagie roll that can handle all the delicious fillings. Plus, each sandwich can be ordered as a half or whole, with the half portion being more than sufficient for an average appetite.
Try the popular Italian hoagie, which consisted of Genoa salami, sweet and hot capicola, arugula, Roma tomatoes, mayo, and Bub's vinaigrette. Pecorino romano and a hoagie relish of hot and sweet peppers, pickles, and onions added extra layers of flavor. Other great choice is The Rich Boy, featuring small, crunchy fried shrimp that paired perfectly with the soft bread. The sandwich was complemented with pickles and banana peppers to balance the carb-heavy dish.
