This spot in Astoria has been open since 1940! So yea, they know their way around a deli sandwich. These sky-high, foot-long sandwiches are feats of engineering, with a pretty quintessential Italian deli approach: Some mix of cold cuts or deli meats, with the option to add sweet peppers, hot peppers, provolone or American, oil and vinegar, lettuce and tomato. They’re known for a sandwich called “The Bomb,” which combines the ingredients of two sandwiches on the menu and is therefore twice as tall as your average sandwich—it has more types of meat than I can count (or personally need). Obviously TikTok loves it, but I prefer the classic Italian or to build my own with turkey. Bring cash and a friend (or two) to share. There’s no seating, so these are best picked up on your way to the Astoria waterfront—though I have just eaten my order standing outside on the sidewalk, and I wouldn’t blame you for doing the same.
174 5th Ave, Flatiron
Court Street Grocers team took over this longstanding delicatessen and the sandwiches came out on top. I love hustling into S&P for a workday lunch meeting: Just stand in line by the hostess stand, even if you’re still waiting for your dining companion to arrive, and when it’s your turn you’ll be whisked to the counter or a table where you can enjoy a perfect tuna melt, turkey club, or the Mel Brooks, which balances the healthy choice of roast turkey with a single slice of tender corned beef, plus mustard, slaw, and Russian dressing. There are also breakfast sandwiches that make use of the likes of pastrami and lox, plus a dairy section (hello melon with cottage cheese!), and great sides. Fountain sodas round out the retro experience, so go on and get an egg cream to wash it all down.
260 Bleecker St, West Village
