CLEVELAND — It's the native sandwich of Cleveland: The Polish Boy.
Its kielbasa roots run deep in Northeast Ohio, and Banter in Cleveland's Gordon Square neighborhood is elevating this local classic to the national level.
Recently, the Food Network included Banter's Polish Boy sandwich on the list of best sandwiches to try in the country.
While it's turning heads nationally, Banter is no secret to locals. The shop, which prides itself on its "bottles, sausage and poutine," is all Cleveland all the time. They serve up a variety of Cleveland go-to's including, their Banter dog, fried chicken and pierogis.
But it's their Polish Boy sandwich that reigns supreme. It features locally raised kielbasa sausage on a toasted challah bun, smothered with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, piled with hand-cut fries and a homemade vinegar-based coleslaw.
"At its core, I think Cleveland cuisine is all about comfort food," said part-owner, Tom Owen." We just try to take that and add a new element to it."
Banter has two locations. You'll find them in Gordon Square and Shaker Heights.
They have also been featured on Travel Channel's Food Paradise and Cooking Channel's The Best Thing I Ever Ate.