What Is a Club Sandwich? A Short History of the Triple-Decker

A club sandwich is a stacked sandwich of toasted bread layered with sliced chicken or turkey, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. It is usually a triple-decker made with three slices of bread, cut into four triangles and held together with toothpicks. It dates back to American gentlemen's clubs in the late 1800s.

Today, it is a staple of every Montreal deli, and at Dunn's we serve several of our own versions. Here is the story behind this classic.

What Is in a Classic Club Sandwich?

The classic club sandwich ingredients are simple, but the layering is what makes it special:

• Toasted bread: Usually three slices of white bread.

• Chicken or turkey: Sliced roast poultry is the heart of the sandwich.

• Bacon: Crispy strips add smoky crunch.

• Lettuce and tomato: For freshness and colour.

• Mayonnaise: Spread on the toast to hold it all together.

The sandwich is then cut into four triangles, each pinned with a toothpick so the tall layers stay in place. For example, a typical diner club arrives as four neat quarters standing upright on the plate, often with fries on the side.

Why Is It Called a Club Sandwich?

The most popular story traces the club sandwich to the Saratoga Club House, an exclusive gambling club in Saratoga Springs, New York, around 1894. Its kitchen is said to have created the sandwich as a late-night snack for members, and the name followed. Some printed mentions appear even earlier, so the exact date is still debated.

Another theory links it to the "club cars" on passenger trains, where a compact stacked sandwich was easy to serve.

You may also hear that "club" stands for "Chicken and Lettuce Under Bacon." It is a fun idea, but food historians consider it a myth invented long after the sandwich existed. Merriam-Webster simply defines it as a sandwich of three slices of bread with two layers of filling.

How the Club Sandwich Became a Triple-Decker

The first club sandwiches were not as tall as today's. Early recipes, including one printed in a 1903 cookbook, describe just two slices of toast with poultry, lettuce, and mayonnaise.

The extra middle slice came later and became the restaurant standard in the early 1900s. It turned the club into the triple-decker sandwich we know today, and it does more than add height. The middle slice separates the fillings into two layers, so the sandwich holds together better and every bite gets a bit of everything. For example, bacon and tomato often sit on one layer, with chicken and lettuce on the other.

Club Sandwich vs BLT vs Clubhouse: What's the Difference?

These three are often confused, but each has its own build:

• Club sandwich: Chicken or turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo, usually on three slices of toast.

• BLT: Bacon, lettuce and tomato with mayo, usually on two slices, with no poultry.

• Clubhouse sandwich: The name many Canadians use for the club sandwich itself, with the same classic fillings.

In short, a club is like a BLT with chicken or turkey and an extra slice of bread. If you see "clubhouse" on a Canadian menu, you are getting a club sandwich.

The Club Sandwich at a Montreal Deli: Dunn's Versions

A Montreal deli puts its own spin on the classic, and Dunn's offers four deli sandwich takes on the club:

• Smoked Meat Club: A bold triple-decker with our signature smoked meat, Swiss cheese, crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomato.

• Classic Chicken Club: Tender chicken, crispy bacon, lettuce and tomato on toasted bread.

• Grilled Chicken Club: Grilled chicken with avocado, red onions and Swiss cheese.

• Club Roll: a trifecta of grilled smoked meat, all-beef salami and stuffed chicken on a savoury onion roll.

For example, if you love the classic but want Montreal flavour, the Smoked Meat Club swaps poultry for peppery smoked meat. Explore every option in our guide to the Dunn's sandwich menu.

Final Thoughts: A Classic Worth Stacking

From a late-night snack at a 19th-century club to a diner and deli favourite, the club sandwich has earned its place as a true classic. Its triple-decker layers of poultry, bacon and fresh vegetables are simple, satisfying and easy to make your own.

Ready to try one with a Montreal twist? Visit Dunn's, the best deli in Montreal, to taste a club made with smoked meat, and pick your favourite from our menu. Find your nearest Dunn's location. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. How do you cut a club sandwich?

Pin each quarter with a toothpick first, then cut the sandwich diagonally from corner to corner in both directions. This gives four neat triangles that hold their layers.

Q2. Why do club sandwiches have toothpicks?

A triple-decker is tall and packed with fillings, so toothpicks keep the layers from sliding apart once the sandwich is cut into quarters. Remember to remove them before eating.

Q3. What is the difference between a turkey club and a chicken club?

The only real difference is the poultry. A turkey club uses sliced turkey for a milder flavour, while a chicken club uses roasted or grilled chicken. The bacon, lettuce, and tomato stay the same.

Q4. What sides go with a club sandwich?

Fries are the most popular side, especially in Quebec. Coleslaw, a dill pickle, or a simple salad also pair well, adding crunch and freshness to the rich layers.

Q5. Is a club sandwich served hot or cold?

A club sandwich is served warm rather than hot. The bread is freshly toasted, and the bacon is crisp, while the chicken or turkey, lettuce, and tomato are usually served cool.