20 Popular NYC Sandwiches That Never Fail To Impress

New York City is a haven for food lovers, especially when it comes to sandwiches. From classic delis to modern eateries, the city offers an endless array of mouth-watering options that never fail to impress. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these iconic sandwiches are a must-try, each offering a unique taste of NYC’s diverse culinary scene.

1. Pastrami on Rye – Katz’s Delicatessen (Lower East Side)

Katz’s Delicatessen, an NYC icon, elevates the simple sandwich to an art form. The pastrami on rye is a sublime experience, with smoky, hand-carved meats piled generously atop fresh rye. A touch of mustard adds just the right zing, balancing flavors perfectly.

This legendary sandwich, with its roots deep in Jewish delis, captures the essence of New York’s culinary history. The thick slices of pastrami are tender and juicy, each bite a testament to tradition. It’s not just a sandwich; it’s a rite of passage for any food lover visiting the city.

2. Chopped Cheese – Hajji’s aka Blue Sky Deli (Harlem)

Harlem’s Blue Sky Deli introduces the chopped cheese, a sandwich with street cred. Ground beef mingles with melted cheese, creating a juicy, savory mix that’s comfortingly familiar yet uniquely NYC. The addition of lettuce and tomato adds a fresh crunch.

Wrapped in deli paper, this sandwich is a favorite among locals. With its roots in the bodegas of New York, the chopped cheese is more than just a meal—it’s a cultural icon, reflecting the city’s gritty charm and diverse culinary scene.

3. Italian Combo – Faicco’s Italian Specialties (West Village)

At Faicco’s in the West Village, tradition is served in the form of an Italian Combo hero. This sandwich is a symphony of flavors, featuring prosciutto, soppressata, provolone, and spicy hot peppers. Each bite is bold, a celebration of Italian-American cuisine.

The sandwich’s hearty composition reflects the rich heritage of Italian immigrants in NYC. Faicco’s has been a staple for over a century, and its Italian Combo is a testament to the enduring appeal of quality meats and cheeses, lovingly crafted.

4. Roast Pork & Broccoli Rabe – Defonte’s (Red Hook)

Defonte’s in Red Hook serves up a roast pork sandwich that’s as messy as it is delicious. Juicy pork pairs beautifully with garlicky broccoli rabe, while melted mozzarella binds it all on crusty Italian bread. This creation is savory and satisfying.

Originating from Italian neighborhoods, this sandwich brings a taste of home-cooked goodness to the heart of Brooklyn. Each bite is a delightful mess, rich in flavors and tradition, embodying the essence of NYC’s diverse food culture.

5. Fried Chicken Sandwich – Fuku (Multiple Locations)

David Chang’s Fuku redefines the fried chicken sandwich, making it a must-try in NYC. The crispy chicken, seasoned to perfection, is spicy yet tender, offering a flavorful punch with each bite. A slick of mayo on a potato bun enhances the texture.

Emerging from the world of gourmet fast food, this sandwich delights with its simplicity and bold flavors. As a modern take on a classic, it reflects NYC’s dynamic food scene, where innovation and tradition coexist deliciously.

6. Bagel with Lox and Schmear – Russ & Daughters (Lower East Side)

Russ & Daughters offers a quintessential New York experience with their bagel topped with lox and schmear. Silky smoked salmon pairs gracefully with creamy cheese, while capers and red onions add a delightful zing to each bite.

This iconic breakfast staple is steeped in tradition, representing the rich Jewish heritage of the Lower East Side. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a piece of NYC’s culinary history, celebrated by locals and visitors alike for its timeless appeal.

7. Meatball Parm Hero – Parm (Nolita)

In Nolita, Parm crafts a meatball parm hero that’s the epitome of comfort. Tender meatballs bathe in rich tomato sauce, topped with gooey melted mozzarella on fresh Italian bread, making each bite a nostalgic journey into classic Italian-American flavors.

This sandwich is a tribute to the old-school Italian eateries that dot NYC, where recipes have been passed down through generations. At Parm, tradition meets taste in a heartwarming embrace, creating a culinary staple beloved by many.

8. Roast Beef Sandwich – Brennan & Carr (Brooklyn)

Brennan & Carr in Brooklyn brings a taste of nostalgia with their roast beef sandwich. Hot roast beef is drenched in savory jus, served on a soft roll, providing a warm, comforting bite that’s deeply satisfying.

This classic sandwich, a staple since 1938, captures the essence of hearty, straightforward comfort food. At Brennan & Carr, the focus is on quality and tradition, offering a slice of Brooklyn history in every delicious mouthful.

9. Turkey Club – Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop (Flatiron)

Step back in time at Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop with their traditional turkey club. Crisp bacon and juicy turkey form the heart of this sandwich, while lettuce, tomato, and mayo add freshness and flavor. It’s all stacked perfectly on toasted white bread.

Since 1929, Eisenberg’s has been a beloved fixture in NYC, offering simple, satisfying meals. Their turkey club is a testament to timeless flavors, embodying the retro charm and enduring appeal of a classic deli experience.

10. Tuna Melt – Court Street Grocers (Brooklyn)

Court Street Grocers in Brooklyn serves a tuna melt that defies expectations. Their house-made tuna salad, tangy and rich, is harmoniously layered with melted cheese on thick-cut bread. This sandwich is savory delight in every bite.

A modern twist on a classic, the tuna melt at Court Street Grocers combines artisanal ingredients with traditional flavors, offering a comforting yet elevated dining experience. It’s a testament to the creativity and quality that define Brooklyn’s culinary landscape.

11. BLT – Daily Provisions (Gramercy)

Daily Provisions elevates the traditional BLT with gourmet flair. Thick-cut bacon provides a hearty crunch, while fresh greens and heirloom tomatoes add vibrant flavors, all enveloped in airy house-made bread. It’s a luxurious take on a beloved classic.

Known for its artisanal approach, Daily Provisions infuses quality into every bite. The BLT here is not merely a sandwich but a celebration of fresh ingredients and creative culinary craftsmanship, perfect for those seeking simple yet sophisticated flavors.

12. Lamb Shawarma Sandwich – Mamouns (Greenwich Village)

Mamouns in Greenwich Village serves a lamb shawarma sandwich that’s bursting with flavor. Spiced lamb, creamy tahini, and pickled vegetables come together in a warm pita, offering a delightful medley of tastes and textures.

For over four decades, Mamouns has been a destination for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Their lamb shawarma is a testament to the rich, savory traditions of the region, brought to life in the heart of NYC, making every bite a flavorful journey.

13. Egg & Cheese on a Roll – Any Good Bodega

The egg & cheese on a roll is a quintessential NYC breakfast staple. Found at any good bodega, it features fluffy eggs and melty cheese on a soft roll, wrapped in foil for on-the-go convenience. It’s greasy, satisfying, and utterly essential.

This sandwich embodies New York’s fast-paced lifestyle and love for simple, hearty food. Mornings in the city wouldn’t be the same without this bodega classic, which is more than just breakfast; it’s a daily ritual for many New Yorkers.

14. Chicken Milanese Sandwich – Alidoro (SoHo)

Alidoro in SoHo offers a chicken Milanese sandwich that’s both crunchy and flavorful. Crispy breaded chicken pairs with peppery arugula and spicy mayo, all nestled in a ciabatta roll. It’s Italian-style comfort with a sophisticated twist.

This sandwich reflects Alidoro’s commitment to quality and tradition, bringing a taste of Italy to NYC. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor, making it a favorite for those seeking a perfect balance of taste and texture.

15. Porchetta Sandwich – Porchetta (East Village)

Porchetta in the East Village delivers a sandwich that’s as simple as it is delicious. Slow-roasted pork belly with crispy skin is layered onto ciabatta, creating a savory masterpiece that’s rich in flavor and texture.

The sandwich pays homage to Italian culinary tradition, where simplicity meets excellence. At Porchetta, each ingredient is celebrated, offering a taste experience that’s both rustic and refined, perfect for discerning palates seeking authentic flavors.

16. Philly Roast Pork – Federoff’s (Brooklyn)

Federoff’s brings a Philly classic to Brooklyn with their roast pork sandwich. Sharp provolone and sautéed broccoli rabe accompany flavorful roast pork, creating a harmonious blend of savory notes wrapped in a soft roll.

This sandwich is a nod to the storied culinary traditions of both Philadelphia and New York. At Federoff’s, the focus is on melding robust flavors with quality ingredients, offering a satisfying taste that celebrates cross-city culinary influences.

17. Vegetarian Banh Mi – Saigon Shack (Greenwich Village)

Saigon Shack presents a vegetarian banh mi that’s bursting with flavors and textures. Tofu, pickled carrots, jalapeños, and fresh herbs are encased in a crusty baguette, offering a refreshing and spicy bite that satisfies without meat.

This sandwich reflects the vibrant fusion of Vietnamese flavors and New York’s diverse food scene. At Saigon Shack, every bite is a celebration of fresh ingredients and innovative culinary techniques, making it a favorite among vegetarians and omnivores alike.

18. The Reuben – Sarge’s Deli (Murray Hill)

Sarge’s Deli in Murray Hill offers a Reuben that’s as classic as they come. Corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese are layered on grilled rye, with Russian dressing adding a creamy tang that completes this hearty sandwich.

The Reuben at Sarge’s is more than just a meal; it’s a nostalgic journey back to the heyday of New York delis. Each bite is a comforting embrace of tradition and flavor, capturing the essence of a true NYC culinary experience.

19. Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich – Jacob’s Pickles (Upper West Side)

Jacob’s Pickles on the Upper West Side serves a hot honey chicken sandwich that’s both sweet and spicy. Southern fried chicken sits on a biscuit, draped in house-made hot honey, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

This sandwich is a testament to the fusion of Southern comfort food and NYC flair. At Jacob’s Pickles, the focus is on hearty, satisfying dishes that warm the soul, making each bite an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist.

20. Cheesesteak – Shorty’s (Hell’s Kitchen)

Shorty’s in Hell’s Kitchen brings a taste of Philly to NYC with their classic cheesesteak. Shaved ribeye mingles with cheese whiz and onions on a hoagie roll, creating a savory, satisfying bite that’s hard to beat.

While Philly-inspired, this cheesesteak has found a home in New York’s diverse culinary landscape. At Shorty’s, the emphasis is on authenticity and flavor, offering a delicious homage to a beloved sandwich tradition that continues to captivate New Yorkers.