Is the viral French Dip from Salt Hank’s worth it?

2026-1

Jul 9

Opened in 2025 in the West Village by Henry Laporte (Salt Hank is apparently his nickname), Salt Hank’s has been all over social media for its French Dip that some say is the best in New York. So, I had to give it a try. As I was off on July 3rd, I decided to go there, thinking that people would either be away for the Holiday or be working. Good plan except for the weather as it was a very hot day and waiting 30 minutes in the sun for the restaurant to open, as a line started to form in front of the restaurant, was not my best idea. Jodi’s text literally said: “I cannot believe you are sweating for a sandwich”. I was and was pleasantly surprised to see the restaurant bringing glasses of ice water to everyone outside. Nice gesture! Fortunately, it paid off, I had the first spot in line and was first to order. I gave the ticket they handed over while waiting and asked for the French dip with matchstick fries, and got a housemade limeade as a $42 bundle. Pricey for sure, so I was really hoping it would be worth it. I barely had time to sit as they called my name quickly and brought me a tray with the sandwich and fries. At first glance, it looked delicious, the meat being juicy, topped with caramelized onions and provolone cheese, squeezed between bread. I decided to have a first bite without a dip and I admit that It was divine: the toasted bread was crispy on the outside, and then I got the sweetness of the onions, and some hints of horseradish aioli, followed by the fantastic flavor of the dry-aged prime rib that was generously layered. The meat was so tender, it melted in my mouth. Dipping in the jus was even better as it added a nice savory taste to what was already a great steak sandwich and I even tried to add some of the fries in few bites, to add even more texture. I was in heaven!