I Hit The Backroads Of New York To Try 14 Local Delis And Found 6 With Old-School Charm
On a recent adventure through New York’s backroads, I discovered local delis that feel like stepping into a different era.
From small towns to tucked-away streets, these spots serve sandwiches piled high, house-made sides, and memories of simpler times.
The friendly chatter, vintage décor, and irresistible aromas make every visit memorable.
Six of these delis still carry that old-school charm, drawing locals and travelers alike to savor flavors that never go out of style.
1. Katz’s Delicatessen – New York, New York (old-school charm)
Walking into Katz’s on East Houston Street feels like entering a time machine set to 1888.
The ticket system, the sawdust on the floor, and the hand-carved pastrami piled high on rye bread all scream authenticity.
This Lower East Side legend has been slinging sandwiches for over a century, and they haven’t changed much since your great-grandparents might have eaten here.
The famous “Send a Salami to Your Boy in the Army” slogan still hangs proudly on the walls.
Sure, tourists flock here because of that iconic movie scene, but locals know the real deal is the melt-in-your-mouth pastrami that’s been perfected over generations.
Every bite tastes like history, and the bustling atmosphere makes you feel part of something bigger than just lunch.
2. 2nd Ave Deli – New York, New York (old-school charm)
Abe Lebewohl opened the original 2nd Ave Deli back in 1954, and though it moved from its first location, the soul of the place remains intact.
Now situated on East 33rd Street, this kosher gem continues to serve up matzo ball soup that could cure whatever ails you.
The walls are covered with photos of celebrities and regular folks alike, all united by their love of a proper corned beef sandwich.
What sets this spot apart is the commitment to doing things the traditional way, no shortcuts or modern twists.
Their knishes are legendary, crispy on the outside and stuffed with potato goodness that reminds you why simple food done right never goes out of style. Old-school charm rating? Absolutely yes.
3. Pastrami Queen – New York, New York
Originally called Pastrami King when it opened in Williamsburg decades ago, this Upper East Side spot on Lexington Avenue changed its name but kept the royal treatment of smoked meat.
The pastrami here is steamed to perfection, tender enough to fall apart but still packed with flavor.
What makes Pastrami Queen special is the family recipes passed down through generations, with smoking and curing techniques that haven’t been messed with.
The owners understand that when you’ve got a good thing going, you don’t fix what isn’t broken.
Their hot dogs are secretly amazing, snappy and juicy in a way that reminds you of Coney Island summers.
Does it have old-school charm?
With those vintage recipes and straightforward approach, absolutely.
4. Sarge’s Delicatessen & Diner – New York, New York (old-school charm)
Open twenty-four hours a day on Third Avenue, Sarge’s has been feeding night owls and early birds since 1964.
The retro diner vibe mixed with classic deli fare makes this spot feel like a movie set, except the food is actually good.
Named after a Korean War veteran, Sarge’s keeps military memorabilia on display alongside photos of Frank Sinatra and other legends who’ve stopped by.
The menu is massive, offering everything from blintzes to brisket, all served with that no-nonsense New York attitude.
What earns Sarge’s its old-school stripes is the commitment to staying open when everyone else closes, serving up comfort food to generations of insomniacs and shift workers.
The pastrami reuben here is criminally underrated.
5. Sal, Kris & Charlie’s Deli – Astoria, New York
Tucked away on 33rd Street in Astoria, this Italian-American deli has been a neighborhood staple since 1975.
The three friends who started it wanted to bring authentic Italian sandwiches to Queens, and boy, did they succeed.
Walking in, you’re greeted by the smell of fresh mozzarella, imported prosciutto, and bread baked daily.
The guys behind the counter know their regulars by name and sandwich order, which is the ultimate sign of a true neighborhood joint.
Their chicken parm hero is stuffed so full you’ll need both hands and maybe a nap afterward.
While it doesn’t have the same vibe as the Jewish delis downtown, the old-school neighborhood feel and commitment to quality earn it a spot on the charm list.
6. Defonte’s Sandwich Shop – Brooklyn, New York (old-school charm)
Since 1922, Defonte’s has been making sandwiches in Red Hook at 379 Columbia Street, and they’ve perfected the art.
This place is so old-school that the original wooden shelves and vintage scale are still in use.
The sandwich-making process here is like watching a master painter at work, layering meats and cheeses with precision and care.
They pile on the capicola, soppressata, and fresh mozzarella until the bread can barely contain it all.
What really sets Defonte’s apart is that nothing feels staged or trying too hard to be retro.
It just is what it’s always been, a family-run shop that happens to make some of the best Italian sandwiches in the entire city. Old-school charm? In spades.
7. Frankel’s Delicatessen & Appetizing – Brooklyn, New York
Located in Greenpoint on Manhattan Avenue, Frankel’s opened in 2016, making it the new kid on the block.
While they nail the classic Jewish deli menu with excellent lox, bagels, and whitefish salad, the space feels more hipster Brooklyn than old New York.
The owners clearly respect tradition, sourcing quality ingredients and preparing everything the right way.
Their babka is phenomenal, and the smoked fish platter could convert anyone into a believer.
However, the sleek modern design and Instagram-ready aesthetic means this spot doesn’t quite capture that worn-in, lived-in feeling of a true old-school deli.
It’s delicious and worth visiting, but the charm here is more contemporary cool than vintage authenticity. Still, the food speaks for itself.
8. Cardona’s Market – Albany, New York
Hidden in Albany’s Little Italy neighborhood on Lexington Avenue, Cardona’s has been serving the community since the 1950s.
This combination grocery store and deli makes sandwiches that locals line up for during lunch rush.
The market carries imported Italian goods you can’t find at regular supermarkets, and the deli counter uses many of these same ingredients.
Their meatball sub is messy in the best possible way, with sauce that drips down your arm if you’re not careful.
What’s interesting about Cardona’s is how it functions as both a neighborhood gathering spot and a sandwich destination.
People come for the food but stay to chat with whoever’s working that day.
Does it have old-school charm? Not quite enough to make the cut.
9. Pellegrino Importing Company – Rensselaer, New York
Just across the river from Albany in Rensselaer on Broadway, Pellegrino’s has been importing Italian goods and making sandwiches since 1921.
The building itself looks like it hasn’t changed much in a century, which is exactly the point.
You can buy everything from imported olive oil to fresh pasta here, but the real draw is the sandwiches made with meats they cure and prepare themselves.
The smell when you walk in is intoxicating, a mix of aged cheese, cured meats, and fresh bread.
The family that runs Pellegrino’s treats the business like a museum of Italian food culture, preserving recipes and techniques that might otherwise be lost.
This place absolutely radiates old-school charm with every creaky floorboard and hand-written price tag.
10. Rossi Rosticceria Deli – Poughkeepsie, New York (old-school charm)
On South Clover Street in Poughkeepsie, Rossi Rosticceria combines a traditional deli with Italian rotisserie specialties.
The rotating chickens in the window draw you in, but the sandwich selection keeps you coming back.
What makes Rossi’s unique is the focus on prepared foods alongside the standard deli fare.
You can grab a sandwich and a container of homemade lasagna or eggplant parm to take home for dinner.
The owners are friendly and clearly take pride in their work, but the space itself feels more functional than charming. It’s clean and efficient rather than worn and cozy.
The food quality is excellent, and it’s definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area, but it doesn’t quite capture that nostalgic old-school feeling.
11. Freehold Country Store – Freehold, New York (old-school charm)
Way up in the Catskills on Route 32, Freehold Country Store serves a different kind of community.
This isn’t your typical deli, it’s more of a general store that happens to make excellent sandwiches using local ingredients whenever possible.
The vibe here is rural New York rather than New York City, with hikers and locals mixing at the small counter.
Their sandwiches are simple but satisfying, made with care even if they’re not piled as high as their city cousins.
What Freehold lacks in deli tradition, it makes up for in country charm.
The old wooden floors and potbelly stove create atmosphere, just not the specific old-school deli atmosphere we’re tracking. It’s a great stop for a road trip, though.
12. Lombardi’s Imports – Syracuse, New York
Operating on North Salina Street in Syracuse since 1902, Lombardi’s is one of the oldest continuously running Italian importers in upstate New York.
The store layout hasn’t changed much over the decades, with narrow aisles packed with imported treasures from floor to ceiling.
Their sandwiches are built on fresh bread delivered daily, stuffed with meats they’ve been sourcing from the same suppliers for generations.
The prosciutto is sliced paper-thin, and they don’t skimp on portions.
Walking into Lombardi’s feels like visiting someone’s Italian grandmother’s pantry, overwhelming in the best way.
The creaky floors, vintage signage, and family photos on the walls all contribute to an atmosphere that screams authenticity. This spot definitely earns its old-school charm badge.
13. Munno’s Italian Deli – Pearl River, New York
In the Rockland County town of Pearl River on Franklin Avenue, Munno’s has been a local favorite since the 1980s.
This family-run spot specializes in Italian cold cuts and homemade specialties that keep customers coming back weekly.
The portions here are generous without being ridiculous, and everything tastes fresh because they make most items in-house daily.
Their chicken cutlet sandwich is a thing of beauty, crispy and hot with just the right amount of seasoning.
While Munno’s definitely has neighborhood charm and loyal customers, the space itself is fairly modern and updated.
It’s clean and well-organized rather than charmingly worn.
The food is absolutely worth seeking out, but it doesn’t quite transport you back in time the way the true old-school spots do.
14. Vinny’s Deli & Pasta – Pawling, New York
Located on Charles Colman Boulevard in Pawling, Vinny’s serves the eastern Dutchess County area with Italian sandwiches and fresh pasta.
This spot opened in the early 2000s, making it one of the newer establishments on this list.
What Vinny’s does well is combining deli sandwiches with a pasta shop, so you can grab lunch and pick up ingredients for dinner.
Their sausage and peppers sandwich is particularly good, with perfectly cooked peppers that aren’t too greasy.
The owners are friendly and clearly care about quality, but the space feels more contemporary deli than vintage treasure.
It’s well-lit, organized, and efficient, which is great for business but doesn’t create that nostalgic atmosphere. Still, if you’re in Pawling and craving Italian, this is your spot.