New York is a foodie town, but it’s not all about Michelin stars and restaurants with long waiting lists. If you are traveling to New York to enjoy the fabulous food culture, then check out our list of the best sandwiches in NYC. You’ll find great-tasting food without all the fuss.
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Blue Sky Deli
Blue Sky is a small deli located in the Spanish Harlem neighborhood. Originally called Hajis, this is the birthplace of New York’s famous chopped cheese sandwich.
Blue Sky’s original chopped cheese sandwich comes with your choice of cheese, ground beef, lettuce, and tomatoes on a hero roll. Don’t come to NYC without getting a chopped cheese sandwich from Blue Sky Deli!
Milano Market
Milano Market is a gourmet market selling imported food items as well as an Italian specialty sandwich shop.
You can’t go wrong with any of the sandwiches. For a taste of Italy on ciabatta bead, try the Milano Supremo with its soppressata, crispy prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, tomato, and fresh basil.
Cheeky Sandwiches
Cheeky’s is the eclectic place to go when you need some southern comfort food. The specialty here is the New Orleans po’boy, one of the best sandwiches on the Lower East Side.
Try the fried chicken sandwich. It comes on a yummy buttermilk biscuit topped with coleslaw on southern gravy. Delicious!
Crif Dogs
Why would a hot dog place be featured on a list of best sandwiches NYC? It’s simple. The hot dog is a sandwich, and it’s a part of the New York food culture.
Crif Dogs is where foodies go to indulge. Hot dogs are available with toppings like thick-cut bacon, hummus, pickled vegetables, pepperoncini, and fried eggs.
Try the Everything Dog, and for the best side you’ve ever tasted, have the crispy fried tater tots sprinkled with truffle oil and herbs.
Hot Chicken Takeover
Crispy fried chicken made from scratch using only fresh chicken. This is fried chicken done right.
Try the chicken sandwich with cole slaw and pickles on top. You choose your level of spice based on a four-tiered heat scale. For a side dish, indulge in the deep-fried waffle wedges. Follow that up with Miss B’s banana pudding.
Mission Sandwich
This place is foodie heaven. Granted, there are no white linen table clothes and crystal wine glasses that your typical Michelin-starred restaurant has. Still, this place has got style and flavor!
If you are looking for a sandwich with great flavor, then try Mission’s Steven Byrne sandwich. It’s layered with Korean BBQ beef short rib, kimchi, sesame rice wine, french fries, fresh mozzarella, ranch, vinaigrette, scallions, lettuce, and gochugaru. All of that on a big fluffy hero roll that’s crispy outside and soft on the inside.
Factory Tamal
The featured star at Factory Tamal is the handmade tamales. These are not just any tamales, though. They are made with flavor-filled ingredients like molé poblano, bacon, red onion, and vegetarian portabello or zucchini.
The tamales are not the only great food coming out of the Factory’s kitchen. They also offer a variety of great sandwiches and paninis.
Try the pastrami panini with melted Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and spicy chipotle dressing.
Eastern District NY Sandwich Shop
Eastern District is an artisanal cheese shop with a great selection of craft beers and amazing sandwiches.
If you like spicy Italian meats, then try the spicy soppressata, with sharp provolone cheese, roasted red peppers, and oregano vinaigrette. Served on a freshly baked baguette. While you are there, pick up a baguette and some cheese to take home and enjoy tomorrow!
Cafe Habana
All great trips to New York should include a Cuban sandwich. For the best Cuban sandwich in New York, go to Cafe Habana.
Their citrus-marinated pork is slow-cooked and tender. Top that with ham, Swiss cheese, chipotle mayo, and pickle on a toasted roll. While you are there, grab the grilled corn served Mexican style. Smothered in cotija cheese with a sprinkle of chili powder and lime.
Another great side dish is the sweet plantains served with crumbled vegan feta cheese, black beans, salsa verde & pickled onions.
Pastrami Queen
A kosher pastrami sandwich is the quintessential symbol of New York. The Pastrami Queen has been making incredible sandwiches since 1956.
The pastrami sandwiches are served hot and overstuffed, just like they should be. Piled high on soft rye bread with spicy mustard. Don’t leave New York without having a Pastrami Queen sandwich.
New York Sandwich Tour
Don’t leave your New York foodie experience up to chance. Join us for a walking food tour in New York’s East Village. You’ll explore areas that you will not find in a typical tourist guidebook.
We’ll stop at three different sandwich places and discuss the history of the mighty sandwich along the way. You’ll hear stories about the sandwich shops we visit and the people who make our food.
Go online or call us today to book your next great tour!