Our State magazine proclaims it’s the one sandwich every North Carolinian must try.

The restaurant where it’s served owns the distinction of being the only local restaurant mentioned during The Andy Griffith Show, the now-legendary television program that stars one of North Carolina’s all-time most famous residents.

Those are pretty stellar credentials for the Pork Chop Sandwich at Snappy Lunch in Mount Airy, N.C., a.k.a. Mayberry.  And every bit of that praise is deserved.

Located a few miles off Interstate 77 near the Virginia border, Mount Airy flows a genuine small-town charm to its visitors through a variety of Andy Griffith Show-themed shops and restaurants. That warm and familiar hospitality extends to guests of Snappy Lunch, which will celebrate its 100th birthday in just a few years.

Snappy is a local kind of place, where you can walk in, seat yourself, expect friendly table service and order your “usual” off the menu, whether you’re a common patron or not. Molly and I had never been to Mount Airy before, but on our recent first visit I already felt like I had a usual favorite after hearing all the talk about the Pork Chop Sandwich, so that’s what I got. And…

“Mmm mmm,” that’s mighty good eatin’. (Say that in your best Andy Taylor voice.)

The pork chop is plump and juicy with a thick, crunchy fried crust to boot. I could taste the sweet milk batter I’ve heard they’re bathed in. And that flavorful meat balances with a fireworks show of toppings, including cool coleslaw, mustard, chili, onion and fresh tomato, all on a simple bun.

You’ll need to pull plenty of napkins from the tabletop dispenser. (And if you’re fussy about your meal being neat and tidy, you might want to just go ahead and let the rest of us eat your sandwich for you. Only serious foodies need apply for the job of tackling this masterpiece sandwich!) I also suggest you have a good drink to wash it down with. And if you’ve let lunch slide to about 1 o’clock in the afternoon, I suggest you consider ordering two sandwiches. They’re mighty good.

Now, Molly spotted a breaded hamburger on the menu. I could tell it roused her curiosity. So she tried it, and she loved it. The soft breaded meat sandwiched between a fresh bun, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise tickled her fancy quite nicely, and she said it even reminded her a bit of the Bready Burgers her great-grandmother used to make. (We’ll have to share more on those another day.)

The food at Snappy Lunch was excellent, but just how “snappy” was it?

Five minutes flat. Not a second more, from the time we sat down and ordered to the time we were eating lunch.

That’s pretty snappy, and it’s also pretty affordable! Molly and I had two filling sandwiches, two bags of chips, two small drinks (but with plenty of refills before they ever ran dry) and included a nice tip for $13. For lunch for two people, you won’t beat that too many places.

We suggest you head off to Mount Airy as soon as you can and try this legendary Pork Chop Sandwich (or whatever menu item catches your eye). And make it Snappy.

Snappy Lunch, 125 North Main St., Mount Airy, N.C.