Alas, Louie & Johnnie’s Cheese Steaks & Clam Bar, we hardly knew ye. In its place, across from Eastchester Town Hall, is Chubby’s. Having tried neither cheesesteak nor clams at Louie’s, I was determined to give Chubby’s a look-see, not expecting any such colorful pairing. But there it was, at the bottom of the menu:
Chubby Special: Bacon Cheeseburger on a Glazed Donut
In some circles, this is called a Luther Burger, allegedly named after Luther Vandross. Owner “Chubby” Luciano (who operated a previous Chubby’s Deli in town years ago) was inspired by the Luther Burger at Rocky’s Millwood Deli, the 2013 Best of Westchester Best Deli readers’ pick. But Luciano adds bacon and nudges you toward Sriracha in place of ketchup—and if you’ve got the guts to try a bacon cheeseburger on a donut in the first place, what’s a little Sriracha?
So how was it? The burger is juicy. The bacon is thick and crisp, and, well, bacon. The revelation here (if you’re losing your Luther Burger virginity) is that donuts are more like hamburger buns than you think: almost indistinguishable in profile and similarly flour-born, just awfully, awfully sweet. And that Sriracha is fantastic on a burger—almost good enough to make you forget you’ve turned into Paula Deen.
Should you happen into Chubby’s and not want this conglomeration? Their most popular sandwich is first on the menu: The Chubber, which comprises chicken cutlet, bacon, and cheese. And if you’re still missing Louie’s, there’s even a cheesesteak.
Chubby’s
33 Mill Rd
Eastchester
(914) 793-3663
