We usually associate New York City with skyscrapers and a fast-paced lifestyle. But what most of us don’t know is that the food scene in this part of the country is at the next level. And when it comes to sandwiches, the city is practically a hub with an amazing range of varieties. NYC has an inventive take on international classics and delivers flavor and history in every bite.
These sandwiches are about to rock your taste buds.
Pastrami on Rye at Katz's Deli
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
This sandwich has been a New York experience since 1888. The pastrami on rye is a hefty sandwich loaded with tender pastrami, mustard, and rye bread—simple but perfect. The line might be long, but it’s worth the wait. No one does pastrami like Katz’s.
The Italian Special at Faicco’s Italian Specialties
Credit: Reddit
A West Village favorite, Faicco’s Italian Special is a sandwich packed with prosciutto, capicola, soppressata, mozzarella, and a rainbow of veggies.
Bagel and Lox at Russ & Daughters
Credit: Yelp
If you haven’t had a bagel with lox from Russ & Daughters, did you even visit NYC? This cream cheese-and-lox masterpiece is topped with capers, tomatoes, and onions. It’s a bite of New York’s Jewish deli heritage wrapped in a bagel.
The Pho 1 at Sunny and Annie’s
Credit: Yelp
Sunny and Annie's is a 24-hour East Village bodega that serves a fusion delight: the Pho 1 sandwich. Roast beef, avocado, bean sprouts, basil, and hoisin sauce combine to create a perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and crunchy textures.
The FDNY at Anthony & Son Panini Shoppe
Credit: Instagram
This one’s a comfort food dream come true. Over in Brooklyn, Anthony & Son’s Panini Shoppe serves up a sandwich that’s both crispy and indulgent. The FDNY’s comes with a crispy chicken cutlet, fresh mozzarella, and rich vodka sauce on garlic bread.
Chorizo, Egg, and Cheese at C&B
Credit: Yelp
This breakfast sandwich is the ultimate morning fuel, guaranteed to make your taste buds do a happy dance. If you’re craving a twist on the classic breakfast sandwich, C&B’s chorizo, egg, and cheese is the answer. With spicy chorizo, fluffy eggs, and a perfectly toasted roll, this sandwich is a neighborhood favorite in the East Village.
The Pistachio at Casa Della Mozzarella
Credit: Yelp
This Bronx sandwich spot is known for The Pistachio, a mouthwatering creation featuring mortadella, stracciatella cheese, and pistachio oil. The Italian-inspired sandwich, served on fresh bread, offers a unique combination of rich and nutty flavors.
Pastrami at Pastrami Queen
Credit: Instagram
Can’t make it to Katz’s? No problem. Pastrami Queen in the Upper East Side brings the same mouthwatering pastrami goodness. Piled high on rye, with just the right amount of mustard, it’s a sandwich that even Anthony Bourdain swore by.
Chopped Cheese at Blue Sky Deli (Hajji’s)
Credit: Yelp
Harlem’s Blue Sky Deli is credited with creating the infamous chopped cheese sandwich. It’s ground beef, melted cheese, and veggies on a roll. It's a Harlem classic that may be simple but is loaded with flavor, often paired with mayo and ketchup for a perfect finish.
The Hot Breast at The Commodore
Credit: Instagram
Fried chicken lovers, this one’s for you. The Commodore in Brooklyn serves up The Hot Breast: crispy fried chicken, tangy pickles, and creamy coleslaw on a soft bun. It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and basically, everything you’ve ever wanted in a sandwich.
The Cubano at Cafe Habana
Credit: Reddit
This SoHo institution serves one of the best Cuban sandwiches in the city. With citrus-marinated roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and chipotle mayo on a crispy roll, Cafe Habana's Cubano is a flavorful delight that's sure to satisfy.
Milanesa de Pollo Torta at Tortaria
Credit: Instagram
Tortaria in Union Square brings a delicious taste of Mexico with their Milanesa de Pollo Torta. The fried chicken cutlet pairs beautifully with spicy black beans, avocado, and melted Oaxaca cheese, all stuffed in soft semolina bread.
Cheesesteak at Federoff’s Roast Pork
Credit: Instagram
If you need to enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak without stepping out of the city, try Federoff’s in Brooklyn. Juicy beef, gooey cheese, and caramelized onions—this cheesesteak brings the taste of Philly right to New York.
The Special Banh Mi at Banh Mi Co Ut
Credit: Instagram
This Chinatown gem serves one of the best banh mi sandwiches you’ll ever eat. It's made with crispy baguette, savory pork belly, pâté, and crunchy veggies, all with a kick of heat. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and light enough to make you feel like you can eat just one more bite.
