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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Club sandwich

A club sandwich is a layered sandwich typically made with toasted bread, sliced poultry, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A club sandwich is a layered sandwich typically made with toasted bread, sliced poultry, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. It is usually cut into quarters or halves and secured with toothpicks or cocktail sticks. The sandwich is commonly associated with American club and hotel dining, though its exact origin remains debated. In Canada, the club sandwich is a common menu item in diners, hotels, and pubs, familiar as a standard North American sandwich style.

Description

The club sandwich is a stacked sandwich usually built from three slices of toasted bread. Its classic fillings include sliced poultry, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, though variations are common.

History

Most accounts place the club sandwich in late-19th-century American private clubs or clubhouses, with claims often linked to Saratoga Springs and New York City. Its precise origin is uncertain, and early printed references appear in the early 1900s.

Common variations

While the classic version uses turkey or chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, many restaurants adapt the sandwich with ham, cheese, different breads, or other condiments. Presentation also varies, but the triple-decker structure is a defining feature.

Cultural significance

The club sandwich became a familiar item on hotel, diner, and deli menus in North America. It is widely recognized as a classic comfort-food sandwich and remains popular in many regions.

Key facts

  • A club sandwich is traditionally a three-layer sandwich made with toasted bread, poultry, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
  • It is often cut diagonally and held together with cocktail sticks or toothpicks.
  • The sandwich is also known as a clubhouse sandwich.
  • Most accounts trace its origin to late-19th-century American clubs, especially in New York State.
  • The exact origin is disputed, and several clubs have claimed to have introduced it.
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Canadian context

The club sandwich is common on Canadian diner, hotel, and pub menus and is familiar to Canadian readers as a standard North American sandwich style.

Frequently asked questions

What is a club sandwich?
A club sandwich is a layered sandwich made most commonly with toasted bread, poultry, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
Why is it called a club sandwich?
The name is generally associated with the clubs or clubhouses where it was first served, not with the acronym “Chicken Lettuce Under Bacon.”
What meat is in a club sandwich?
The traditional meat is sliced poultry, usually chicken or turkey, though some versions also include ham.
Where did the club sandwich originate?
It is usually traced to late-19th-century American clubs in New York, but the exact origin is disputed.
How is a club sandwich usually served?
It is usually cut into halves or quarters and held together with toothpicks or cocktail sticks.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Club_sandwich
    Supports: Basic definition, typical ingredients, three-slice structure, and common serving style.
  2. What's Cooking America — https://whatscookingamerica.net/history/sandwiches/clubsandwich.htm
    Supports: Traditional ingredients and historical overview.
  3. Town & Country — https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/dining/a70637656/club-sandwich-history-significance/
    Supports: Historical origin discussion and the club-house association.
  4. Allrecipes — https://www.allrecipes.com/what-is-a-club-sandwich-8640719
    Supports: Modern structure, common ingredient variations, and popularity on menus.