NYC is a haven for sandwich enthusiasts. From classic delis and sub shops to torta-slinging Mexican cafes and cutting-edge American luncheonettes slinging torta, or the newfangled luncheonettes with Chopped Cheese options at avant-garde grocery stores – NYC provides endless sandwich possibilities!
Katz’s Deli offers up traditional smoked meat sandwiches. Or ask for extra Senegalese hot sauce on your chicken Parmesan at Defonte’s.
1. Crif Dogs
Crif Dogs, featured on Anthony Bourdain/David Chang’s episode “Please Don’t Tell” (accessible through a phone booth), offers creative grilled hotdogs and sandwiches such as fried cauliflower with kimchi and Spam grilled cheese sandwiches. In addition, there’s a decent selection of beer on tap, along with an at-the-counter service spot offering beverages, snacks, and pantry essentials.
Greenwich Village deli Defonte’s is an example of old-world Italian, offering authentic sandwiches like the Italian Combo featuring prosciutto, cappy ham, and soppressata with delicious fresh mozzarella, adding a creamy touch. One of NYC’s best sandwiches! Defonte’s chicken Parmesan sandwich should not be missed either, as its reputation makes it worth making the trip from Greenwich to Brooklyn.
2. Earl’s Grilled Cheese
Court Street Grocers provides an unconventional twist on classic sandwiches with their juicy, flavorful sandwiches available with various meats and cheeses – or for something truly memorable, try their hot Nashville fried chicken sandwich on a soft potato bun!
Earl’s Beer and Cheese off Park Avenue feels like walking into a Catskills hunting lodge: its back dining area features an overstuffed deer head as its centerpiece, with walls decorated with vintage illuminated rural scenes from decades past.
Though relatively small, this dairy-centric spot is always packed to capacity. To maximize your dining experience and enjoy some delectable sandwiches such as NY State cheddar melted over braised pork belly, kimchi, and runny fried eggs served up on griddle-toasted sourdough, complete your hearty meal with a beer or soda and some potato chips on the side!
3. Tulcingo del Valle
At this Queens bodega, you can order Poblano-style sandwiches featuring spicy pork, potato chips, and cheese and their innovative take on classic grilled cheese sandwiches.
Katz’s on the Lower East Side offers delicious pastrami sandwiches made of pickled and smoked meat that has been pickled for three weeks before being piled high on rye bread, served alongside coleslaw, full-sour pickles, and Cel-Ray soda for an unforgettable experience.
Parisi Bakery in Little Italy puts a modern spin on classic Italian dishes. Their Dennis Sandwich is an absolute must, featuring fried chicken cutlet, prosciutto, mozzarella, tomatoes, and balsamic dressing – a culinary experience worthy of family traditions for generations! A visit here feels like being part of something grand.
4. Emilia by Nai
No matter your taste in dining, New York has something for you – from old-school delis and pita spots, torta-slinging Mexican joints, to chic American luncheonettes. Amongst its vast array of NYC-style sandwiches, several certainly warrant exploring further. Here are just a few that deserve consideration:
Blue Sky Deli in Spanish Harlem is known for creating the iconic chopped cheese sandwich, so when visiting New York, it should be top of your list of must-try restaurants. Faicco’s in the West Village offers delicious sausages and mouthwatering sandwiches such as the Milano Supremo with prosciutto, ham, and soppressata on ciabatta bread – an exceptional Italian special! Emilia by Nai’s unique Spanish restaurant in East Village serves an incredible mushroom katsu sandwich featuring breaded and fried shiitake mushrooms alongside flavor-exploding curried onions and garlic aioli that are out-of-this-world!
5. Smoking Fox at Foxface
New York City may be known for its food scene, but that doesn’t mean all its best sandwiches must be packed with exotic toppings. Some of New York City’s tastiest sandwich shops are more traditional. Floridita in Washington Heights serves up classic luncheonettes such as their Everything Dog with thick-cut bacon and hummus for an enjoyable dining experience accompanied by crunchy tater tots sprinkled with herbs and truffle oil – make this stop a must!
Ori Kushnir and Sivan Lahat operate a small sandwich within William Barnacle Tavern at Theatre 80 St. Marks in East Village. Their open kitchen boasts a narrow window so guests can watch as ingredients are prepared. Their chopped cheese sandwich might not be as fancy, but its taste makes up for any shortcomings of traditional corner bodega sandwiches.
6. Cha Siu McRib at Bonnie’s
West Village staple C&H Sausage Company also excels at making mouthwatering sandwiches like the Uncle Jimmy (prosciutto, ham cappy, soppressata, fresh mozzarella, arugula, tomato and roasted peppers on stirato bread). We highly recommend their fragrant sausages!
Williamsburg Deli is an excellent option for sandwich spots near me in NYC. You’ll get your standard chopped salad, but there are so many other delicious offerings like their fried chicken cutlet sandwich, pesto sauce sandwich, and mozzarella sandwich to indulge in!
Since opening last year, this Cantonese American restaurant has taken the city by storm. Their cha siu McRib, inspired by McDonald’s signature meat-filled snack, has quickly become an instant fan favorite; so have the pan-fried rice noodles and fermented black bean-packed canned dace fish dishes. At this restaurant, food tastes as though it were created over centuries!
7. Chopped Cheese at Blue Sky Deli
Blue Sky Deli in Spanish Harlem offers the ideal chopped cheese sandwich experience. Their famous “The Bomb” hero boasts all your typical deli ingredients: Italian and American cold cuts, American and provolone cheese, onions, tomatoes, hot and sweet peppers, lettuce, and mayo — piled high onto an individual hero roll!
Sunny and Annie’s, a tiny corner bodega in the East Village, boasts an eclectic and creative menu, complete with hero rolls featuring innovative combinations like those offered by Jackie Chan: beef bulgogi with muenster cheese, cilantro, cucumber, and cantaloupe, or perhaps you prefer their Pho Short Rib Sandwich made up of pork ribs, shredded beef and egg on coco bread!
Katz’s is an iconic Lower East Side landmark known for their delicious pastramis dishes since 1880. Enjoy yours alongside coleslaw, whole sour pickles, and Cel-Ray soda.
8. Sunny and Annie’s
Sunny and Annie’s East Village Deli is your one-stop shop for carb-loading before an evening out or recovery afterward in East Village. Their round-the-clock counter offers up delicious specialty sandwiches such as Reuben with corned beef and Swiss on rye and Seoul Meets Bagel, which features bulgogi beef, kimchi, hoisin sauce, and sriracha on a toasted bagel – whatever takes your fancy!
The Milano Market sandwich is among the most beloved offerings here, featuring soppressata, mozzarella, roasted peppers, and tomato on ciabatta bread. Another fan-favorite is Cha Siu McRib – an inventive spin on McDonald’s classic with tender boneless pork ribs topped with coleslaw on a bun! Ultimately, each contemporary tri-state deli provides quality sandwiches worth braving its crowds and waiting in line – they never disappoint!
9. Faicco’s Italian Specialties
Faicco’s in Greenwich Village has offered authentic Italian cold cuts, bread, and cheeses since 1900 – its generous sandwiches can feed three people! Try the Milano Supremo: soppressata, crispy prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and balsamic herb spread on ciabatta!
Sunny and Annie’s of Crown Heights offers creative spins on classic deli sandwiches with ingredients like Senegalese hot sauce. Perfect for lunch or dinner, their sandwiches feature unique combinations like Senegalese hot sauce – great for lunch or dinner! If craft beers are your beverage of choice, their tap selection offers plenty of craft beers to pair perfectly with any sandwich ordered from Sunny and Annie’s 24 hours a day, and pick-up locations are close by, like Wave Hill Garden and Sara D. Roosevelt Park.
10. Anthony & Panini Shoppe
Anthony and Panini Shoppe offer some of the finest sandwiches in NYC, whether traditional Italian-style sandwiches or something more unique. Their modern take on tri-state deli features quality ingredients; try their Number One for something truly memorable: perfectly baked chicken cutlet with thick-cut bacon and white cheddar paired with their special sauce.
New York offers some of the finest sandwiches – from delis and pita-slinging Mexican restaurants to old-school American luncheonettes and newfangled veggie cafes – and creative vegan offerings. So grab some bread of your choosing, start assembling, and prepare to experience an unparalleled sandwich adventure in New York! You will never look back.
