The Nobadeer

On this Thanksgiving Eve, we compare two Thanksgiving-style sandwiches for our latest round of This vs. That. Let’s just begin by saying that these sandwiches are probably the two best sandwiches in D.C., and we are thankful that they can be ordered year-round. Both of them are made with cranberry sauce, stuffing, turkey, and a bit of mayo. For a long time, Washingtonians got their Thanksgiving sandwich fix at one of Jetties’ four locations, but there’s a new kid in town since Capriotti’s opened last week. There can only be one winner, so let’s see how these two turkey sandwiches stack up:

1. Price & Size: +1 Bobbie, Capriotti’s

The Bobbie at Capriotti’s comes in three sizes, and the smallest one – a 9-inch Bobbie – is only $7.49 plus tax, and it is physically larger than the Nobadeer, which is $8.95 plus tax.

2. Ease of eating: +1 Bobbie

An unfortunate side effect of the Nobadeer’s bread is that the cranberry seeps though pretty quickly (it’s even doing it in the photo, above) causing a soggy bread situation. Stuff also falls out of the back if you’re not careful. The Bobbie, on the other hand, is on a sub roll which has a layer of crust, keeping hands dry and contents trapped inside.

The Bobbie

3. The bread taste: +1 Nobadeer, Jetties

The folks at Jetties kick in one more layer of flavor by making the Nobadeer on sourdough bread, which actually adds a lot to the overall sandwich. The Bobbie uses standard white bread, which is fine, but not as tasty as sourdough.

4. Atmosphere: +1 Nobadeer

The original Jetties in Foxhall is a fun place to eat. It’s a cozy little Tudor-style shop with park benches outside and friendly Georgetown-y clientele. Though Capriotti’s attracted the Vice President on opening day, it feels like every other fast casual restaurant inside, with a standard layout and typical decor. And, Capriotti’s is located across the street from a strip club.

5. Locality: +1 Nobadeer

Jetties is a D.C.-born sandwich shop with other sister restaurants and establishments, including Surfside, Something Sweet and Smith Point. Capriotti’s is a Delaware-based company with locations in 14 states. We love local spots, so Jetties gets this point.

6. The Turkey: Tie

The turkey on the Nobadeer is always carved and juicy, and the Bobbie likewise has delicious turkey, though theirs is shredded (big shreds). There’s really no telling which sandwich has the better turkey meat, and both sandwiches have the turkey really loaded on there.

Winner: The Nobadeer at Jetties. In the end, the Nobadeer wins, thanks to its local roots, sourdough bread, and better atmosphere. Perhaps if you’re looking to carryout and keep your fingers clean, you’ll prefer the Bobbie. Come back every Wednesday for more comparisons on InTheCapital’s This vs. That series.

Images via Jetties, Author