New York City does a lot of things big—but nothing hits quite like a great sandwich. It’s the city of hustle, flavor, and layers stacked so high they need two hands and a few napkins.
Whether you’re grabbing one from a tiny bodega or sitting down at a 100-year-old deli, the bite is always worth it.
These are the sandwiches that keep locals loyal and visitors talking long after the last crumb is gone.
1. Katz’s Delicatessen – Pastrami On Rye
Hand-carved hot pastrami, piled thick and steaming, with tangy mustard and rye that barely holds it all together. It’s smoky, salty, peppery perfection—every bite a tribute to NYC deli history.
The countermen bark orders and slice meat like a performance, while the sandwich brings serious flavor drama. Touristy or not, this one’s a rite of passage.
2. Russ & Daughters – Lox And Cream Cheese On A Bagel
Delicate, buttery lox melts into whipped cream cheese, cushioned by a chewy bagel with the right snap. Add red onion, tomato, and capers, and it sings with balance and tradition.
This smoked salmon classic has been fueling New Yorkers since 1914, and it still tastes like Sunday morning on the Lower East Side.
3. Defonte’s – Hot Roast Beef With Mozzarella And Fried Eggplant
Thin-sliced roast beef gets drenched in jus, then tucked beside creamy mozzarella and crispy eggplant slices. It’s saucy, tender, and full of Italian-American soul.
Brooklyn-born and Bronx-approved, this sandwich drips with flavor and history, the kind you need to lean over to eat properly.
4. Faicco’s – Italian Hero
Salami, prosciuttini, capicola, provolone, and all the fixings stack between a crusty roll that crackles with every bite. It’s big, bold, and balanced with oil, vinegar, lettuce, tomato, and sliced onion.
A West Village institution, Faicco’s hero is classic Italian deli magic that’ll leave you blissfully full.
5. Parm – Chicken Parm Sandwich
Crispy chicken cutlets smothered in sweet marinara and melty mozzarella get tucked into a soft sesame roll. Each bite hits with crunch, tang, and gooey goodness.
Parm doesn’t mess around—this sandwich is pure comfort, upgraded with fresh ingredients and old-school charm.
6. Carnegie Deli (Legacy) – Corned Beef On Rye
The sandwich may be gone from Midtown, but its legend lives on in hearts—and pop-ups. Brined, buttery corned beef layered thick between rye slices was the star of every table.
It was ridiculous in the best way, a skyscraper of meat, pickles on the side, and enough nostalgia to last for decades.
7. Alidoro – Il Sole (Prosciutto, Hot Peppers, And Truffle Cream)
Silky prosciutto gets a spicy jolt from pickled hot peppers, mellowed by rich truffle cream on a crusty hero. It’s elegant, fiery, and deeply satisfying.
Tucked in a narrow sandwich shop with endless options, Il Sole stands out with flavors that feel both luxe and street-savvy.
8. Leo’s Bagels – Bacon, Egg & Cheese on an Everything Bagel
Runny egg, smoky bacon, and melted American cheese, all hugged by a warm everything bagel that’s crisp outside and chewy inside. It’s salty, savory, and the stuff of weekday dreams.
This downtown staple nails the BEC game with consistency and serious bagel chops—no floppy factory bread here.
9. Xi’an Famous Foods – Spicy Lamb Noodle Sandwich
Chili-slicked lamb gets packed into a housemade flatbread with bold cumin, garlic, and heat that builds with every bite. It’s messy, chewy, and addictive in the best way.
This Chinese-style sandwich rewrites the rules with flavor that punches harder than anything between sliced white.
10. B&H Dairy – Tuna Melt
Griddled just right, this diner-style melt pairs creamy tuna with melty cheese on toasted rye. Simple, golden-edged comfort served at a counter that feels like a hug.
B&H keeps it kosher and classic—no frills, just warmth and satisfaction by the plateful.
11. Court Street Grocers – Turkey + The Wolf
Don’t let the name fool you—this turkey sandwich packs unexpected hits like potato chips, spicy mayo, and tangy slaw. Every bite crunches, zings, and surprises.
With inventive twists and quality ingredients, this Brooklyn deli keeps your taste buds on their toes and your hands happily full.
12. Lioni Italian Heroes – The Sinatra
Named for Ol’ Blue Eyes himself, this sandwich brings the charm: rich soppressata, silky mozzarella, roasted peppers, and oil and vinegar drizzle. It’s like a crooner in sandwich form.
Lioni’s does deli art with pride, and this hero hits all the right notes—bold, smooth, and unforgettable.
13. Sarge’s Deli – Reuben Sandwich
This is the classic: hot corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing grilled between rye slices. Melty, juicy, tangy—every bite feels like the Upper East Side.
Sarge’s holds onto that old-school deli feel, and their Reuben is the kind of meal that slows down time in the best way.
14. Harlem Shake – Classic Patty Melt
A juicy beef patty, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese griddled on buttery rye. Crispy, messy, and gloriously rich, it hits that sweet spot between diner fare and burger bliss.
Harlem Shake brings retro vibes and local pride to every sandwich, and this one’s as comforting as it is crave-worthy.
15. White House Sub Shop (NYC Pop-Ups) – Italian Sub
Overflowing with deli meats, provolone, lettuce, tomato, and house dressing, this sandwich is a classic New Jersey transplant worth tracking down. It’s crunchy, cold, meaty, and bold.
When White House shows up in NYC, locals line up—and for good reason. This is hero sandwich royalty.
16. Saiguette – Bánh Mì With Grilled Pork
Crisp baguette, marinated pork, pickled carrots, fresh cilantro, and chili mayo create a sandwich that crackles with every bite. It’s tangy, spicy, and totally transportive.
Saiguette’s take on this Vietnamese favorite is fresh, fiery, and stuffed to perfection. An uptown gem with downtown flavor.