Review: Bailey’s bests other sandwiches in Utah County
The French Dip is available at Bailey's Sandwich shop in Orem on Monday, June 12, 2017.
Macaroni salad is available at Bailey's Sandwich shop in Orem on Monday, June 12, 2017.
The Baileys Best is available at Bailey's Sandwich shop in Orem on Monday, June 12, 2017.
Pickled eggs are available at Bailey's Sandwich shop in Orem on Monday, June 12, 2017.
The Bailey's Best is available at Bailey's Sandwich shop in Orem on Monday, June 12, 2017.
The Pizza Sub is available at Bailey's Sandwich shop in Orem on Monday, June 12, 2017.
The French Dip is available at Bailey's Sandwich shop in Orem on Monday, June 12, 2017.
It was suggested to me that Bailey’s Best is the only sandwich in Utah Valley I needed to know about — or eat.
With such a lofty recommendation, I had to try Bailey’s Restaurant, tucked away on State Street in Orem. I’ve wondered why, for so many years, I’ve never caught wind or mention of Bailey’s. It has pretty stellar reviews on Yelp. It’s been around for quite some time. Is it just one of those local gems no one speaks of because they don’t want the masses to know? (If so, I’m slightly sorry I’m about to give away the secret.) Or, perhaps it’s the business hours which are limited to during the work week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
I learned that despite whether it’s your first trip or not, you’re treated like an instant regular. The husband-and-wife team of John and Irene run the sandwich operation that shares a shop with Juice ‘n Java. When making your order at the register, you’ll likely notice boxes and boxes of order receipts. This is where the instant regular status comes into play, because John records and keeps track of your order — for essentially forever.
There are 13 different sandwiches on the menu, along with a couple of homemade sides and rice pudding.
Bailey’s Best is made with three different kinds of ham, two of which are prosciutto and capicola, along with provolone and your choice of toppings — wrapped up in (recommended) locally made Italian bread. All sandwiches can be ordered as a regular 6-inch, Big Bite 6-inch or giant 12-inch. I’d stick with the Big Bite, as it ensures you get enough meat.
The soft bread was delicious and the combination of meat on Bailey’s Best transformed what most chain sub places offer as a simple ham sandwich, into a much more satisfying sandwich of varying flavors and textures. Topping options include the usual, some of which are: lettuce, banana peppers, jalapenos, olives, pickles, mustard and mayo. Oil and vinegar sit on the tables for personal application.
While our lunch consisted mostly of Bailey’s Best sandwiches, we did manage to order a couple others. And while they did not come with as lofty praise as Bailey’s Best, I thought they were just as delicious. A quick bout of chilly summer weather made the French Dip appetizing, as well as the Pizza Sub.
The French Dip came to the table with steam rising from the cup of au jus — which was noted to me by my friends as always coming with the exact amount needed to eat the sandwich. Bailey’s has it down to that level of perfection.
The Pizza Sub is also served hot and was a surprise hit, as well as the macaroni salad. The macaroni salad was addictive. Topped with paprika and tasty when also paired with hot sauce, it is worth much more than the $1.59 it costs. Rather than get a snack bag of regular chips, stick with the macaroni salad. You won’t be disappointed.
A case filled with hundreds of homemade pickled eggs sits to the right of the register, and your visit to Bailey’s would not be complete without at least trying one. We ordered a couple of the spicy ones (which were really not that spicy). Our friends showed us how to properly eat the pickled eggs: Pour a dab of oil on top, place the banana pepper, and top it off with a pretzel. Then, eat. While I personally don’t eat many pickled (or boiled) eggs, it was fun to try and not something I’ve experienced at any other sandwich shop or deli in Utah.
Sadly, the day we visited, Bailey’s was out of rice pudding so I didn’t get to try that. I’ll have to have John add it to my order next time.
With Utah growing rapidly, it can be difficult to still find establishments in Orem and Provo that have such personal customer service that one thinks of when visiting hometowns. Their friendliness and care might not be an item listed on the menu, but in my opinion it’s Bailey’s not-so-secret specialty offering and you can’t find it at that level in many other places in Utah County.
Bailey’s Restaurant
Where: 535 State St, Orem
Hours: Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: $1.59-$11.99