
The direct translation of jambon beurre, the classic French sandwich, is “ham-butter.” Traditionally, the sandwich consists of salted butter and paper-thin slices of jambon de Paris layered on a crusty baguette. The simplicity makes quality ingredients shine. But, there are variations that include cornichons, dijon mustard, Comté, or Gruyère.
Here are some tried-and-true spots serving the humble French sandwich worth checking out:
Boston, Massachusetts
Verveine Cafe & Bakery in Cambridge has one of the best jambons beurres in New England. Their all-day menu features a gluten-free version with prosciutto cotto, a mild Italian cured pork, and cornichons for a punch of crunch.
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Charleston, South Carolina
In Charleston, babas, with locations on both Cannon Street and Meeting Street, offers traditional ham and butter sandwiches: “a great baguette with great ham and great butter.” Enjoy with their cheese plate featuring fromage from Goat.sheep.cow.
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Chicago, Illinois
Publican Quality Bread puts a twist on the classic jambon beurre with rosemary ham, Comté PDO, and seeded dijon mustard on a demi baguette—and of course, butter. Publican’s bread can be found at various markets around Chicago.
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Dallas, Texas
The Jambon et Fromage at Village Baking Co. is a demi baguette slathered with salted butter and filled with smoked ham and provolone. The bakery has four locations around the city.
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Los Angeles, California
Maison Matho’s jambon beurre tastes just as good as it looks. The bread is a crusty and slightly chewy baguette topped with cultured butter, Jambon de Paris, sliced cornichons, and flecks of cracked black pepper.
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New York City
New York City is a jambon beurre hotspot in the U.S. L’Ami Pierre is a staple, featuring the Le Pierre—a classic baguette with French butter and local organic ham. There’s also an option to add Gruyère for 50¢.
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Ham & Butter Baguette at Mighty Bread Co. features chive butter, ham, and cornichons for a unique twist. Enjoy with a cornichon-topped Bloody Mary!
San Francisco, California
The menu at Arsicault Bakery at Civic Center features the Parisian sandwich, known to be the best in San Francisco. It’s made with a traditional French baguette, ham, sea salt, and loads of butter, with an option to add aged Comté.
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Washington, D.C.
Bread Furst serves a jambon beurre with classic French ham, Gruyère, softened butter, and a touch of dijon mustard. Owner Mark Furstenberg likes to keep things simple. “Just very good ham, very good butter, and a very good baguette,” he says of his outpost’s offering.