12 Deli Sandwiches In New York That Keep Locals Competing For First Place
New York City’s deli scene is legendary, and some sandwiches rise above the rest, sparking friendly debates among locals over which is the ultimate bite.
From towering pastrami stacks and perfectly cured corned beef to inventive creations that push flavor boundaries, these delis keep customers coming back for more.
Every sandwich tells a story of tradition, skill, and passion, making each visit a delicious experience where taste buds compete for first place.
1. Pastrami Queen’s Royal Treatment
Locals whisper that this Upper East Side spot might actually outdo the more famous Katz’s.
The tender, perfectly seasoned pastrami comes piled high between slices of soft rye bread with just enough fat to keep things juicy.
Founded in Queens before relocating to Manhattan, this neighborhood institution has been serving exceptional kosher-style deli meats for over 60 years.
A schmear of mustard is all that’s needed to complete this sandwich masterpiece.
2. Sarge’s Legendary Reuben
Hot corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss, and Russian dressing create sandwich perfection at this 24-hour Murray Hill institution.
Every component works in harmony – the meat tender, the cheese gooey, the bread perfectly griddled. Family-owned since 1964, Sarge’s survived a devastating fire in 2012 to return stronger than ever.
Their commitment to quality shows in every bite of this classic Jewish deli sandwich that satisfies cravings at any hour.
3. Blue Sky Deli’s Chopped Cheese
Forget fancy ingredients – this bodega creation from East Harlem (also known as Hajji’s) has become a New York icon.
Ground beef chopped with onions on the grill, topped with melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and condiments on a hero roll. The chopped cheese represents the beautiful cultural fusion that defines NYC cuisine.
What started as a humble bodega offering has become a citywide phenomenon, with Blue Sky’s version considered by many to be the definitive original.
4. Defonte’s Nicky Special
Brooklyn sandwich royalty awaits at this Red Hook institution.
The Nicky Special combines fried eggplant, thinly sliced ham, provolone, and salami topped with house-made mozzarella and marinated mushrooms on crusty Italian bread.
Family-owned since 1922, Defonte’s serves sandwiches so massive they could feed you twice.
The perfect balance of meats, cheese, and that crispy eggplant creates a textural wonderland that keeps construction workers and office employees alike coming back daily.
5. Pastrami on Rye at Katz’s Delicatessen
Hand-carved mountains of peppery, smoky meat make this Lower East Side legend the gold standard of New York sandwiches.
Steamed to perfection and sliced to order, the pastrami melts in your mouth with each bite.
Since 1888, Katz’s has maintained its traditional preparation methods, curing the meat for weeks before smoking. The simple combo of mustard and rye bread lets the star protein shine without distraction.
6. The Bomb from Sal, Kris, & Charlie’s
Aptly named, this Astoria heavyweight combines every Italian meat and cheese imaginable into a nuclear explosion of flavor.
Ham, prosciuttini, cappicola, salami, pepperoni, mortadella, and cheese get enhanced with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and roasted peppers.
The sheer audacity of this creation has made it a Queens landmark.
Despite its imposing size, the balance of flavors works mysteriously well, with the vinegar and oil dressing cutting through the richness for a surprisingly harmonious experience.
7. Parisi Bakery’s Dennis Special
Chicken cutlet paradise exists at this Little Italy institution. The Dennis Special layers crispy chicken cutlets with fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, and roasted red peppers on semolina bread that’s baked in-house daily.
Since 1903, Parisi has been perfecting their bread recipes, creating the perfect canvas for this masterpiece.
The contrast between the warm, crunchy chicken and the cool, creamy cheese creates an irresistible texture that’s enhanced by the sweet peppers and salty prosciutto.
8. Russ & Daughters’ Classic Bagel & Lox
Smoked salmon royalty resides at this 109-year-old Lower East Side appetizing store.
Hand-sliced Nova lox, cream cheese, tomato, onion, and capers on a fresh bagel create the quintessential New York breakfast experience.
The Russ family has been perfecting their fish-smoking techniques for four generations.
Their attention to detail shows in the perfect thickness of each salmon slice and the ideal ratio of ingredients that makes this seemingly simple creation a masterclass in balance.
9. Barney Greengrass’s Sturgeon & Nova on a Bialy
The “Sturgeon King” of the Upper West Side creates sandwich magic with this double-smoked fish delight.
Buttery sturgeon and silky Nova salmon share space on a toasted bialy with cream cheese for a luxurious breakfast experience.
Operating since 1908, this Jewish deli maintains old-world traditions in both decor and preparation.
The contrast between the two smoked fish varieties creates complex flavor layers that have made this sandwich a favorite among celebrities, politicians, and everyday New Yorkers alike.
10. Liebman’s Kosher Deli Pastrami
Bronx pastrami perfection has been served at this Riverdale institution since 1953.
Liebman’s remains one of the few traditional kosher delis in the borough, serving hand-carved pastrami that rivals its more famous Manhattan counterparts.
The meat is cured in-house using a decades-old recipe that produces a distinctive peppery crust.
Served on soft rye with mustard, this sandwich represents an increasingly rare authentic kosher deli experience that continues to thrive in its tight-knit community.
11. David’s Brisket House Double Delight
Muslim-owned with a Jewish deli menu, this Bedford-Stuyvesant spot represents Brooklyn’s beautiful cultural fusion.
Their pastrami and brisket combo sandwich offers the best of both worlds – smoky, peppery pastrami alongside tender, juicy brisket.
Originally Jewish-owned before being purchased by Yemeni immigrants, David’s has maintained traditional preparation methods while adding subtle Middle Eastern touches.
The massive portions and affordable prices make this sandwich a true neighborhood treasure that bridges cultural divides.
12. Faicco’s Italian Special
West Village sandwich perfection happens at this century-old Italian specialty shop.
Their Italian Special piles mortadella, capicola, sopressata, ham, and provolone with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, hot peppers, oil, and vinegar on a crusty hero roll.
Founded in 1900, Faicco’s still makes their own sausages and imports the finest Italian products.
The sandwich represents four generations of Italian-American culinary tradition, with each ingredient selected for quality and authentic flavor that transports you straight to the old country.