Sometimes you need a control group. Every scientific experiment needs a baseline, and for sandwich reviews, that baseline is Subway.

Why Even Review This?

Look, I'm not here to dunk on Subway. It serves a purpose – it's cheap, fast, and everywhere. But in a city with sandwich options as good as New York's, you deserve better.

The Sandwich

The B.M.T. (Biggest, Meatiest, Tastiest – yes, really) comes with pepperoni, salami, and ham on your choice of bread. I went with Italian herbs & cheese.

The Reality

Everything here is... fine. The bread is soft but lacks any real character. The meats are processed and taste like it. The vegetables are fresh-ish. It's assembled with the enthusiasm of someone who's made 10,000 of these.

To Be Fair

• It's $7 for a footlong
• It's consistent – you know exactly what you'll get
• It's open late
• They put it in a toaster if you ask

The Point

I include this review not to be mean, but to provide context. When I rate something a 9 or 10, it's in comparison to this – the ubiquitous, adequate, utterly forgettable sandwich experience.

The verdict: If you're at an airport or a highway rest stop? Sure. In Manhattan with countless better options within walking distance? Never.