Fast Food Gourmand: The Sweet Taste of Victory Sandwich Bar + Emporium

By Alex · On July 1, 2013

The Lowdown
Restaurant Name: Victory Sandwich Bar + Emporium
Cuisine: Sandwiches + Drinks
Average Price per Person: $4 USD – $12 USD
Location: Atlanta, Georgia (please refer to the map below for details)
Recommendations: Mile High Club Sandwich + Side of Chips
Ratings (out of 5)
Taste: 5
Creativity/Authenticity: 5
Atmosphere: 4.5
Service: 4
Bang for Buck: 4
Crayscale !!!

Victory, Victory, Medusa head on me like I’m ‘luminati.

Victory was mine. All mine. Since living in Hong Kong and then relocating back to Atlanta in the last month or two, I’ve come out of my shell as far as foodie spots go. I’m intentionally trying to hit up new spots. While Victory Sandwich Bar + Emporium doesn’t necessarily fall within the “Fast Food” category, it is extremely good, priced within the same range as traditional fast food and just simply needed to be highlighted.

Victory is situated within the Inman Park neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia (there is also a Decatur, Georgia location). Aside from boasting upstanding Yelp reviews, Victory is great because its menu is amazing and it also has great hours of operation. It doubles as the perfect lunchtime sandwich shop, while also staying open late night and carrying a hefty reverse menu of unique and offbeat cocktails and beverages.

The interior build-out is sufficiently hipster. Rustic, unfinished concrete floors cover the entire dining area while solitary cinderblocks comprise the wallspace. Low hanging, vintage light fixtures bring a level of intimacy to the space that is otherwise stark when filled with its decidedly finished particle board tables and iron chairs. Rotating wall space is left open for various art pieces and canvases that the management or staff may see fit to hang up and offer for sale.

$4. Four Dollars. Cuatro dolares.

Victory is known for its sandwiches, albeit, each of the only $4 USD sandwiches are smaller in size. But, then again, at $4, you can’t knock it. It’s actually better in that the smaller portions, lend themselves to double ordering in which you’re able to try two or more boutique sandwich options for a reasonable $8 USD. Situated in between a slightly sauced panini, eclectic Victory vibes continue throughout the menu as monikers such as the “Mile High Club,” the “Castro,” and the “Mulligan” (among others) are used to brand the various sandwiches.

And despite the smaller portion, attention is paid to the trapping and finishing touches of each sandwich with choice ingredients and toppings added to each before being topped off with a side of kettle-cooked and seasoned potato chips.

Perhaps what Victory is also best known for comes through in its “Emporium” moniker. The owner’s creative juices continue to flow as a reverse menu option showcases a wide range of custom-made cocktails and unique liquor drinks. Being in Atlanta, I couldn’t ignore the “Victory Libre” that is comprised of a Mexican Cane Sugar Coca-Cola served in the contoured bottle and completed with rum and lime and served at the perfect chilled temperature.

Elsewhere on the menu, the Jack + Coke Slushie is a must try. As one would assume, the mixed drink taste just like a traditional Jack Daniels + Coca-Cola but with the added twist of being served frozen and presented in a nostalgic mason jar. A single or double is available depending on how adventurous you’re feeling (or how far home you have to drive after the fact).

While Atlanta may not be known for its elaborate night life or it may not even be the foremost U.S city for foodie destinations, I have to say that there are more than plenty of hidden spots and gems in the Southeast capital. Victory Sandwich Bar + Emporium is one of them.