It’s no secret that Gold Coast cafe culture has leaned heavily into aesthetics in recent years. If the setting is styled to pop on the ‘gram, chances are they’re booked and busy.
And rightly so. Coffee with a side of content is a ripper combo.
Lately, however, there’s been a noticeable shift in focus. Like any pendulum, there’s only so far it can swing one way before it is pulled in the opposite direction. We’re slowly witnessing a resurgence of stripped-back basics and humble hospitality. A return to straightforward eats without the frills. Done really, really well.
One player at the forefront of this shift is MC Sandwich House, located along West Burleigh Road.
This jazzy joint stepped on the scene four months ago and has already grown a hefty reputation for peddling top-notch sandos and clubhouse-style service. Petition to change the name, perhaps?
The energy and personalised treatment from the team make you feel like a lifelong regular, even on your first visit. The aroma of freshly brewed Supreme coffee is soundtracked by the sizzle of whatever’s grilling out back blended with the ‘lax grooves of Biggie overhead. Way to set the mood.
Their clean classic design is timeless and yet holds a personality that oozes effortless cool. Nothing too hectic, just big open windows letting in a flood of natural light that bounces playfully off the NYC deli-inspired tiled walls.
Their intentionally limited menu props up the staples we know and love, but of course, plays them a little different.
Only offering up seven options allows each pick to be made to order using the freshest ingredients. The team also shies away from changes or extras, as each offering is created with so much intent that one ingredient in or out would throw the flavour combo; and we wouldn't want that.
From six am, or until sold out, they’re slinging their two top-tier brekky muffins housing folded scrambled egg, American cheddar and dijon, with the option to add a housemade sausage patty if you’re that way inclined.
Once nine o’clock hits settle in with one of their signature sandwiches, all on their own style of bread raised locally.
The iconic Rueben receives a Korean kiss with the addition of Kimchi, along with housemade pastrami, Russian dressing and swiss cheese toasted together on two slices of rye bread.
If you’re chasing a classic, their Rare Roast Beef comes on a long hoagie roll with layers of melt-in-your-mouth roast beef, horseradish mayo, pickled radish and a dipping cup of AU Jus - aka liquid gold - made from the drippings of the roast. Insane.
If you walk on the spicy side of life, you must dive into their Hot Chicken number. With jalapeño breaded fried chicken, house slaw, cheddar, and jalapeño honey nestled on a pillow-soft brioche bun, although not technically a sandwich, we’ll happily take this MC’s spin on a classic chicky burg.
For the vegan kings and queens, you have to tear yourself between the Mushroom Poh Boy, a Louisiana-style sandwich on a long hoagie roll packed with panko crumbed mushrooms, MC’s spice mix, cos lettuce and spicy vegan mayo, or the Chickpea Salad; a mix of nori, chickpeas, onion, celery, apple, dill, cos lettuce and vegan mayo also on a hoagie roll.
Constantly offering a rotation of specials, from chicken wings, cheeseburgers, grilled cheese and potato salad, keep a keen eye on their Instagram for what’s in vogue each week at MC’s.
Guaranteed to carve a spot in your lunch spot roster, MC Sandwich House is the spot to hit if you’re after a no-frills feed. Just straight-up simple, classic-style sandos with superb service.
