Past Subway: 5 New York Fast-Food Sandwiches That Disappoint And 5 Worth Every Bite
When it comes to grabbing a quick bite in the Big Apple, sandwiches rule the streets.
I’ve munched my way through countless New York delis, food carts, and hole-in-the-wall joints searching for the perfect handheld meal.
Some sandwiches left me wishing I’d saved my money, while others were so good I still dream about them weeks later.
Let me take you on a tasty tour of NYC’s sandwich scene – the good, the bad, and the downright disappointing.
1. Dry Meatball Subs That Leave You Thirsty
Last month, I ordered a meatball sub from a place near Times Square that looked promising but delivered disappointment between two pieces of bread. The meatballs resembled golf balls in both size and texture – tough, chewy, and practically moisture-free.
The sauce, which should have been the saving grace, was barely there – just a thin, watery smear that disappeared into the bread. Speaking of the bread, it crumbled into dust with each bite, creating a mess that required multiple napkins.
What’s truly unforgivable was the cheese – a pitiful sprinkle that hadn’t even melted properly. For $12, this sad excuse for a sandwich left me both hungry and annoyed. Save your money and appetite for something worthwhile!
2. Soggy Chicken Parm Heroes That Break Your Heart
I had high hopes when I spotted this chicken parm hero at a corner bodega in Brooklyn. The counter guy assured me it was “the best in the neighborhood,” but boy, was that a stretch! The bread had clearly been sitting with the sauce for hours, creating a mushy, soggy mess that fell apart in my hands.
The chicken cutlet, which should have been crispy, had surrendered all texture to the excessive sauce. It was like eating chicken-flavored pudding between bread. Even worse was the cheese – a rubbery, congealed layer that had long ago lost its melty appeal.
For something called a “hero,” this sandwich was more villain than savior to my lunch break. The $13 price tag felt like highway robbery for what amounted to a sad, soggy disappointment.
3. Bland Tuna Rolls That Make You Question Your Choices
Ever had a sandwich so boring it made you question why you even eat lunch? That’s exactly how I felt biting into this tuna roll from a deli near Central Park. The tuna salad – and I use that term loosely – was mostly mayonnaise with occasional flecks of fish thrown in for appearance.
Zero seasoning. Not a hint of salt, pepper, or anything resembling flavor. The roll itself was stale around the edges yet somehow simultaneously gummy in the middle – a texture paradox I’m still trying to understand.
The lettuce (the only other ingredient) was brown and wilted, adding an unpleasant bitterness. At $9, this sad excuse for a sandwich made me wish I’d just grabbed a hot dog from a street vendor instead. Some things are better left untried!
4. Greasy Bacon Egg Sandwiches That Ruin Your Morning
Morning commutes in NYC are tough enough without a disappointing breakfast! This bacon egg sandwich from a food cart near Penn Station seemed like a good idea until I unwrapped it. Grease had soaked through the paper, foreshadowing the oil slick waiting inside.
The bacon was both burnt and somehow still flabby – a culinary achievement I didn’t think possible. The egg had been cooked to rubber, with a strange gray tinge around the yolk that made me question its freshness. The cheese wasn’t fully melted, just sweaty and cold in patches.
To top it all off, the roll was so hard I nearly chipped a tooth on the first bite! For $5, I expected basic breakfast competence, not this morning disaster that left my stomach gurgling angrily through my morning meeting.
5. Wilted Veggie Wraps That Make Healthy Eating Punishment
Trying to eat healthy in the city shouldn’t feel like punishment, but this veggie wrap from a “fresh and organic” place in Chelsea certainly did. The vegetables inside weren’t just wilted – they were practically liquefied, creating a soggy mess that leaked through the flimsy tortilla.
The hummus, which should have been creamy and flavorful, had dried out along the edges while remaining watery in the center. Strange black specks throughout weren’t herbs as I initially hoped, but rather signs the sprouts had seen better days – possibly last week.
The wrap itself had the texture of wet paper and tore apart with the structural integrity of tissue. At $14 for this sad attempt at lunch, I felt doubly robbed – of both money and nutrition. Some health foods just aren’t worth the sacrifice!
6. Classic Katz’s Pastrami On Rye: A Religious Experience
Holy sandwich heaven! My first bite of Katz’s legendary pastrami on rye nearly brought tears to my eyes. The meat is hand-carved into thick, juicy slices that practically melt on your tongue – none of that paper-thin deli counter nonsense you get elsewhere.
The rye bread strikes that perfect balance between sturdy and soft, managing to hold everything together without being tough. A schmear of spicy brown mustard cuts through the richness of the meat, creating flavor harmony that feels like a symphony in your mouth.
Yes, waiting in line with tourists can be annoying, and yes, $24.95 is steep for a sandwich. But this isn’t just any sandwich – it’s a New York institution that’s been perfecting this recipe since 1888. Worth every penny and every minute in line!
7. Chicken Cutlet Sandwich From Faicco’s: Italian Grandma Approved
Faicco’s Italian Specialties in the West Village makes a chicken cutlet sandwich that would make any nonna weep with pride. The chicken is pounded thin, breaded with Italian seasoning, and fried to golden perfection – crispy outside, juicy inside, never greasy.
Fresh mozzarella melts ever so slightly against the warm cutlet, while roasted red peppers add a sweet tang that balances the richness. The hero roll is crusty yet yielding, with just enough bite to stand up to the fillings without shredding your mouth.
What makes this sandwich magical is the balance – no single ingredient overwhelms the others. At $12, it’s a steal considering the quality and portion size. I’ve literally dragged friends from Brooklyn just to try this sandwich, and not one has been disappointed!
8. Roast Beef Sandwich From Roll-N-Roaster: Brooklyn’s Best Kept Secret
Brooklyn locals have been keeping Roll-N-Roaster’s roast beef sandwich a secret from Manhattan folks for decades – and for good reason! This Sheepshead Bay institution serves beef that’s so tender it practically dissolves on your tongue, sliced thin and piled generously on a soft, slightly sweet roll.
The real magic happens when you get it with their famous “cheez” (yes, with a z) – a molten, almost sauce-like American cheese that they’ll add to literally anything. Ask for it “rare and juicy” with extra gravy on the side for dipping perfection.
The retro 1970s atmosphere adds to the charm, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine. At under $10, this sandwich delivers more satisfaction than places charging triple the price. Worth the trek on the B or Q train, I promise!
9. Italian Combo From Defonte’s: Sandwich Architecture Perfected
The Italian combo from Defonte’s in Red Hook is less a sandwich and more an engineering marvel that happens to be edible. Seriously, this thing should be studied in physics classes for how it manages to contain so many ingredients without structural failure!
Layers of mortadella, salami, ham, provolone, and capicola are stacked with scientific precision. The fresh mozzarella adds creaminess while the hot salad (peppers, pickled vegetables) provides acidic crunch to cut through the richness of the meats and cheeses.
The bread – oh, the bread! – is a crusty Italian loaf with a perfect chew that somehow remains intact despite being packed with juicy ingredients. At $13.50 for a sandwich that could easily feed two people, it’s not just delicious – it’s economical. I’ve driven 45 minutes just for this sandwich, and I’d do it again tomorrow!
10. BEC (Bacon Egg Cheese) From Sadelle’s: Breakfast Sandwich Royalty
Forget everything you think you know about bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches until you’ve tried the BEC from Sadelle’s in SoHo. This isn’t your average bodega breakfast – it’s breakfast sandwich aristocracy!
The bacon is thick-cut and wood-smoked, with the perfect balance of crispy and chewy. The eggs are scrambled to creamy perfection with just a touch of chives folded in. The cheese is aged white cheddar that melts into every crevice, creating pockets of gooey goodness throughout.
Instead of a boring roll, they serve it on a house-made everything bagel that’s smaller and denser than typical NYC bagels, providing the ideal bread-to-filling ratio. At $16, it’s pricey for breakfast, but the quality ingredients and expert preparation make it worth the splurge for a weekend treat!