Believe the Hype: Bill’s Sandwich Palace Has the Best Sandwiches in Nashville

“I can’t believe we’re finally doing this,” I told my husband as we sat in an Inglewood parking lot. In my hands was a plain brown paper bag. We both gazed at it in silence for a few seconds before I took a deep breath and opened it. Two objects rested inside, both wrapped in white paper. I pulled out the first, which was enigmatically marked ‘OFS.’

“This one’s yours,” I said, handing it to Dennis. “And this one’s mine,” I smiled, reaching down into the bag again. Impatiently, I unwrapped the mystery package to reveal this…

 

I had stared with longing at this very sandwich dozens of times on Instagram — Called the KFC, it consists of Korean fried chicken thigh, gojuchang, kimchi cucumbers, and scallion & roasted garlic mayo on a Japanese milk-bread bun. I took a deep breath and bit in. It was…. exquisite. The chicken was well-seasoned and perfectly crispy outside, moist and tender within. The flavors and textures of the condiments combined to create a symphony of flavors that blended together in sweet, sweet harmony. And the bun… Don’t get me started on that bun. ‘This is too good to be called a sandwich,’ I murmured before taking a second bite. “The word ‘sandwich’ doesn’t do this justice.”

Beside me, Dennis was having his own moment.

 

You are witnessing the O’Fish sandwich — a crispy cod filet, kimchi slaw, pimento cheese, kimchi slaw, roasted garlic & lemon mayo on a Japanese milk-bread bun. “Thihffith ahhmahthing,” he said. We traded sandwiches for a moment and I took a bite. He was right. Everything about this sandwich was absolutely wonderful.

Bill’s Sandwich Palace had officially lived up to the hype.

Getting your hands on one of these sandwiches isn’t easy. Bill’s Sandwich Palace is a weekend pop-up inside the TKO restaurant, and if you want to pick up sandwiches on Saturday or Sunday afternoon, you have to order them Friday afternoon after 10pm. You also have to be fast — I placed my order at 10:55pm and one of the six sandwiches available that weekend had already sold out.

Once you’ve chosen a pick-up time and paid online, you can head over to TKO at the appointed time and your meal will be waiting for you right inside the door.

 

Grab it and go — You can take it home if you’d like, but if you want to savor your sandwich in the parking lot while it’s hot, be sure to bring napkins and drinks with you. You’ll need them!

Bill’s Sandwich Palace is the brainchild of chef friends Ryan Bernhardt (TKO), Aaron Distler (Mr. Aaron’s Goods), and Aaron Clemins (Kuchnia & Keller). Only a few sandwiches and sides are offered each weekend and all are made with local bread and house-made ingredients, from the condiments to the pickled fresh vegetables. The best way to keep up with what’s offered each weekend is by following Bill’s on Instagram — Watching as they reveal what they’re working on for the weekend builds anticipation and excitement, and trying to remember to order after ten pm on Friday night only adds to the fun. Check out a few of these sandwich descriptions… I can’t wait to try more.

RB’s Beef n’ Chedd: Layers of sliced seasoned roast beef piled high, with cheddar cheese, crispy fried onions, mayo and R.B.’s special sauce…all on a garlic butter toasted roll.

BWC’s: Crispy battered and fried cauliflower drizzled in hot sauce with a crunch of celery-scallion slaw, dressed with goddess ranch and garlic-toasty bun.

Philly Phanatic: Shaved roasted pork loin, chile braised greens, BSP Signature cheese WIZ on a garlic butter toasted Bolillo roll.

The Evansville Special: A strong layer of Pepperoni, sliced meatball, spicy sausage ragu, fresh cheesy mozz, and the best walnut pesto, on a garlic buttery toasted Bolillo roll.

Getting hungry? Wait ’til you see their pictures on Instagram. They put mine to shame.

Wondering who Bill is? Bill is everyone! It’s an inside joke that began with a server at City House who started calling everyone Bill, from the customers to the servers and staff. The joke spread and now has a namesake. You can thank Bill for your sandwich at pick-up — and don’t be surprised if you’re called Bill right back. I’m thinking we should all make this a thing — It would definitely take away the awkwardness of forgetting someone’s name.

IN SUMMARY, as a travel writer, I have gotten to try a lot of sandwiches from across the country. Until now, I would have said the best sandwiches in the country could be found at Neon Pig in Tupelo and Saw’s BBQ in Birmingham. Today, I’ve got to tell you — Bill’s beats them all. Check them out for yourself and see if you don’t agree with me.

 

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