A Visit to Beast From The East Sandwichery
Cruzrs Saloon on Highland Drive is a friendly, well worn biker bar festooned with pool tables, darts, arcade machines and a lot of motorcycle paraphernalia. It’s a great place for a cold brew or cocktail and there is also a hidden surprise at Cruzrs: Beast From The East Sandwichery.

Why is this sandwich shop within Cruzrs called Beast From The East Sandwichery? Well, owner/chef Kris Davis hails from South New Jersey – an area I’ve spent a fair amount of time in through the years. Specifically, his hometown of Collingswood is located in the Pine Barrens of South Jersey. And there is a legend regarding a Jersey Devil that lurked there.
The most prevalent Jersey Devil tale dates back to 1735, when a woman named Deborah Leeds, overwhelmed by the prospect of her 13th child, allegedly cursed the unborn baby, saying, “Let this one be a devil!” Upon birth, the child transformed into a grotesque creature with bat-like wings, hooves, a forked tail, and a horse-like head. It screeched loudly and flew up the chimney, disappearing into the Pine Barrens.

The creature is often described as a bipedal, kangaroo-like being with leathery bat wings, a horse or goat-like head, horns, small arms with clawed hands, legs with cloven hooves, and a forked or pointed tail. Not pleasant. Over the years, numerous sightings and reports have fueled the legend, making the Jersey Devil a significant part of New Jersey’s cultural identity. The creature even inspired the name of the state’s National Hockey League team, the New Jersey Devils. So, when Kris Davis opened his sandwich shop, he called it “Beast From The East ,” in homage to the legendary New Jersey Devil roaming the Pine Barrens around his hometown.

It’s a bit of a shame that – since it’s located within Cruzrs – you’ll need to be 21 or over to enjoy Beast From The East sandwiches. They are so good that kids of every age should be able to enjoy them. The good news is that Kris Davis may be opening a brick and mortar sandwich shop in the future. Fingers crossed and stay tuned.

Kris Davis
I’ve had my fair share of South Jersey hoagies, subs, and grinders, as well as a boatload of Philly cheesesteaks, roast pork sandwiches, etc. And I am here to testify: Kris’s sandwiches and sides are legit. He says that his Italian grandmother – of which there are many in South Jersey – was his “culinary mentor, passing down generations of old recipes and instilling in him a deep love for traditional cooking.” Well, mission accomplished. Beast From The East captures the East Coast flavors Kris is aiming at with bullseye precision.

JD Philly Cheesesteak
Of particular interest to me were the cheesesteaks which, like all Beast From The East sandwiches, come in two sizes: Full (10”) or Half (5”). I can barely get through a half-size sandwich from the Beast since they are stuffed to the gills. The JD Philly Cheesesteak ($16/$10) is as good as any cheesesteak I’ve had in Utah and better than some I’ve eaten in Philadelphia. It’s a perfect submarine roll stuffed with thinly shaved beef steak, grilled onions, and a choice of cheese: Whiz, American or Provolone. I opted for provolone and ordered a combo with fries for an additional $2.50. There is also a chicken cheesesteak on the menu called the Turnpike Torch ($15/$9) with thin sliced chicken breast, house Buffalo sauce, onions and American cheese, as well as a Philly Roast Beef on a kaiser roll ($13.50).
Other meaty temptations include the Camden Chopped Cheese ($15.50/$9.25) with seared ground beef; the South Street Slaughterhouse ($16.50/$10.25) with roast beef, broccoli rabe, fire roasted peppers, sharp provolone, horseradish may and dipping jus; and a cold sub called The Godfather ($16/$10) with Genoa salami, ham, capicola, pepperoni, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, seasoning, vinegar & olive oil. Kris also features excellent Gerome’s Market sausages in a couple of his sandwiches.

Subway Screamer
My wife absolutely loved her cold sub called the Subway Screamer ($15.50/$9.50) which was piled a foot high with roasted turkey breast, thin sliced red onion, iceberg lettuce, American cheese, pickles, cherry pepper mayo, and fresh cilantro. I agreed with my wife when she said, “Kris should bottle and sell his cherry pepper mayo!” She also loved the Sports Fries that came with her combo: crispy fries that are dusted with Old Bay Seasoning. Beast From The East also offers burgers, wings, and sides like cheesesteak fries ($6.25), sauteed broccoli rabe ($3.50), garlic-parmesan fries ($6.25), and more.

The Legend
Hailing from South Jersey, I had a hunch that Kris Davis would know how to make a respectable chicken parmesan sandwich, and I suspect his nonna is partly responsible for his recipe. It’s a sensational sandwich that he justifiably calls The Legend ($16/$10): parmesan-crusted chicken breast with mozzarella and delicious house marinara. Simple, but superb.

There’s a really cool mural on the outside wall facing Cruzrs’ patio, painted by local artist Geri Cordova. However, if you’re not a smoker you probably will want to enjoy your Beast From The East sandwich indoors. Cigarette smoke permeates the patio, where smoking is allowed, and the air is much fresher inside Cruzrs. Wherever you choose to dine – at home with takeout, on the patio, or inside Cruzrs Saloon, you’d be hard-pressed to find better East Coast style subs, cheesesteaks and other sandwiches that are tastier than those at Beast From The East Sandwichery.
Photos by Ted Scheffler
Culinary quote of the week: “Enjoy every sandwich.” Warren Zevon