There are at least three hard-to-find American sandwiches in Shanghai: the patty melt, the French dip, and the monte cristo. While the new Al's Diner on Xinle Lu doesn't have a French dip (your best bet is NYC Deli for that), they do make a killer patty melt and a fine Monte Cristo. In the post-Dixie Grill era, this is the new spot for high–calorie abandon and all-day breakfast in this neighborhood.