Shrimp po' boy, pastrami on rye, and tuna salad club: North Jersey's best sandwich shops
The sandwich is so simple. Two pieces of bread with whatever you fancy in-between.
But don't let that simplicity fool you. A standout sandwich is a work of genius: it takes creativity, skill and serious contemplation.
Fortunately, there are a number of sandwich shops in North Jersey where talented culinary brainiacs toil to create first-rate, mind-blowing, deluxe sandwiches. The following 19 are among them.
Sparo's Deli, Montclair, Ramsey and Newark
When asked why Sparo's Deli, a popular Italian-style sandwich shop in Montclair, recently opened a second location in Ramsey, co-owner and chef Mike Sparacino answered: "We had to give our food to Bergen County."
The world is in for a treat.
Love chicken cutlets? Try Sparo's Belle, crisp cutlets adorned with American cheese, crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes and a slathering of mayo. Then again, there's the Mama Cici (named after co-owner/chef Adam Rose's mom) that showcases those crisp cutlets, this time lined with nutty broccoli rabe, roasted red peppers and silky mozzarella.
Don't eat meat? We implore you to get the Mama Ree, Sparacino's mom's own concoction of fried eggplant cutlets topped by fresh mozzarella, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers and arugula. Or, heck, get them all —and share them with the people in your world.
And, should you find yourself at the airport in Newark, grab a sandwich for your flight — or home; the sandwiches are available in Terminal A.
Go: 94 E. Main St., Ramsey; 197 B Bellevue Ave., Montclair; Garden State Market, Terminal A, between Gates 20 and 24, Garden State Market; 973-509-0807, sparosdeli.com/
Bogie's Hoagies, Hawthorne
We North Jersey sandwich fans were near inconsolable when fine-dine chef Paul Beaugard sold his casual sandwich shop to four former customers. But, phew, the new team hasn't fussed with Beaugard's sublime sandwiches; they're still terrific. Our favorite? The truly oversized hoagie (Bogie's motto, after all, is "where size matters") made with fried or grilled fresh chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, home-made dressing, and cheese, if you'd like. Simple? Sure. Delicious? Don't even ask.
Go: 421 Lafayette Ave., Hawthorne; 973-423-2221, bogieshoagies.com.
Ike's Big Mouth, Waldwick
We have so many favorites here: the Drunken Chicken (chicken cutlet, melted mozzarella and homemade pink vodka sauce); the El Jefe (a loaded nacho sub); Ike's Hot Roast Beef Special (with homemade gravy and melted pepperjack cheese) and Lisa's Spicy Italian (ham, salami, pepperoni and provolone). But, especially if you're new to Ike's, the must-have is the bestselling Gladiator, which tosses chicken cutlet, pepperjack cheese, bacon and lettuce into a sub dripping with house made chipotle sauce and ranch dressing. Be prepared to feel happy — and very full.
Go: 24 W. Prospect St., Waldwick; 201-670-4415, ikesbigmouth.com.
Casa del Sole, Woodcliff Lake
Call it a hero, call it a sub, call it a hoagie. Who cares? Just make sure to get your mitts around a Ventura Grande, an oversized sandwich consisting of prosciutto, Sopressata, Italian coppa and homemade mozzarella that's made by family-owned, 50-year-old Casa del Sole. You can gild it with your choice of dressings and toppings, including hot peppers, mustard and mayonnaise.
But perhaps you shouldn't play favorites here. "Every sandwich is dynamite," said manager Pete Bruno, who if you're lucky, may send you home with a sample of the housemade mozzarella. It's dynamite, like the sandwiches.
Go: 115 Broadway, Woodcliff Lake; 201-391-5671, casadelsole.biz.
Tim's Po Boys & Wings, Hawthorne
Cajun food? Hell yes. Jambalya. Etoufee. Gumbo. And — hallelujah— po' boy, that simple fried meat or seafood sandwich on a special baguette-like bun that's crisp outside and fluffy inside. And Tim's, a hole-in-the-wall spot, just may make the best in North Jersey. Certainly can't grumble about Tim's shrimp po boy, deep-fried shrimp that have been marinated in buttermilk. Except, perhaps, that live zydeco isn't playing nearby.
Go: 409 Lafayette Ave., Hawthorne; ; 973-949-3347, timspoboysandwings.com.
Ted's North, Paramus
Why wait for Thanksgiving to stuff yourself silly? The Gobbler is Ted's North Thanksgiving feast on a roll. No family feuds to boot. Just a delicious house-roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and hot gravy on a squishy round roll. And, please, do not pass the deli's famous seasoned French fries. They may just be Bergen's best. Tip: get the small size; the large will feed a family of four.
Go: 314 Spring Valley Road, Paramus; 201-261-9599, tedsnorth.com.
A&C Pork Store, Paterson
Business partners Aldo Iacovo and Antonio DeGennaro are masters at the art of making sausages — Sopressata, dry capicollo, medium-ground salami, pancetta — and mozzarella (try their braided mutz) and sandwiches. Arguably their two best (certainly their bestselling) are the Michelangelo, crusty Italian bread stuffed with supremely juicy chicken cutlet, thick slices of mozzarella and a hefty amount of sauteed broccoli rabe; and The Godfather, same bread packed with slightly sweet ham, heavenly prosciutto di Parma, wonderfully seasoned capicollo and milky mozzarella.
Go: 446 Chamberlain, Paterson; 973 942-8282, acporkstore.com.
Cosmo's Italian Salumeria, Hackensack
Is there anything more divine than high-quality deli meat, house-made mozzarella, a shower of fresh, shredded lettuce and fruity oil and tangy vinegar on a firm, crusty loaf of bread? We — and the hordes of sandwich lovers who flock to Cosmo's Italian Salumeria regularly — think not.
Most everything here is made from scratch. And while you can't go wrong with any sandwich, the No. 1 is our No. 1: piles upon piles of ham, salami, Soppressata, capicola, mozzarella, sharp provolone and peppers (hot or sweet, your choice). No matter what sandwich you end up getting, take our advice and get there early. We're hardly the deli's only fans.
Go: 705 Main St., Hackensack; 201-342-8076 (no web).
Don's Sandwich Shop, Boonton
The husband and wife team behind Don's Sandwich Shop have been stacking sandwiches to the sky for over 40 years. Their "Belly Buster" Italian hero weighs approximately two pounds (and that's the half order), their Tuna Salad Club is a hefty double decker and their Sloppy Joe is about the size of a beagle. Size aside, however, it's hard not to finish a Don's sandwich — they're just that good.
Go: 606 Main St., Boonton; 973-263-3189; facebook.com/donssandwichshop.
Pascarella Brothers, Chatham
Taylor ham, egg and cheese or pork roll, egg and cheese? Whatever you call that famous Jersey sandwich, Pascarella Brothers in Chatham makes one of the tastiest around. With four thick slabs of meat, multiple layers of melty cheese and double the eggs, it's no wonder social media users have named it the best in the state.
Go: 34 Watchung Ave, Chatham; 973-635-3354;.pascarellabros.com
Sergio & Co., Denville
Sergio & Co. is a Morris County staple known for whipping up high-end Italian specialty sandwiches at affordable prices. With fresh breads — like semolina, tomato focaccia and ciabatta — and artisan meats and cheeses, this European-inspired shop combines quality and freshness to create the ultimate mid-day meal.
Go: 28 Broadway, Denville; 973-627-1043; sergioandco.com.
Crossroads Deli, Bergenfield
If you're looking for some of the most famous sandwiches in Jersey, look no further than Crossroads Deli. The Bergenfield favorite, which is known for its unique recipes, is home to two of them. The first, "The Fat Bubba," features chicken cutlets, crispy bacon, mac and cheese, and BBQ sauce, while our favorite, "The Lipsmacker," comes with buffalo chicken, melted cheddar, bacon and more.
Go: 101 Hickory Ave, Bergenfield; 201-439-0466; crossroadsdeliandcatering.com.
Mike's Pasta & Sandwich Shoppe, Nutley
The owners of Mike's Pasta & Sandwich Shoppe in Nutley are classically trained chefs with an eye — and a taste — for the refined. It makes sense, therefore, that their sandwiches are top-notch. Order the "Spicy Grilled Cheese" with caciocavallo and provolone, or the "Fried Eggplant" with ricotta and tomato jam, and you'll note skill and intelligence as much as bread, sauce and cheese.
Go: 95 Harrison St, Nutley; 973-542-8822; mikespastasandwichshoppe.com.
Saigon Subs & Café, Morristown
We love ourselves a good bánh mì, but we love them even more when they come from Morristown's Saigon Subs & Café. A fun foodie find, the local hole-in-the-wall offers 10 delicious versions of the French-Vietnamese sandwich.
Go: 98 Elm St, Morristown; 973-267-9888; saigonsubscafe.com
Mikki and Al's Noshery, Montclair
We all know the famous "Pastrami on Rye" from Katz's Deli, but Mikki and Al's Jersey version is giving the When Harry Met Sally staple a run for its money. With thick, juicy pastrami on soft, fresh bread, the Montclair take on the iconic sandwich is sure to have you wanting "what she's having."
Go: 179 Glenridge Ave, Montclair; 973-744-7100; mikkiandals.com
Millburn Deli, Millburn
A cult classic, Millburn Deli is known for its messy Sloppy Joes, delicious breads and generous portions. Our go-to sandwich on the menu? The "Griller #8," which features sliced grilled chicken, mozzarella, pesto aioli and tomato on rosemary focaccia bread.
Go: 328 Millburn Ave, Millburn; 973-379-5800; millburndeli.com.
Abby's Deli, Irvington
Abby's Deli in Irvington is not your typical Jersey sandwich joint. Whereas most Garden State delis are turning out cold Italian hoagies, this small-town hotspot is serving multi-meat cheesesteaks, beef and salmon burgers and warm and saucy triple stackers. If you haven't been yet, we recommend ordering the hot turkey and pastrami "Fat Boi."
Go: 290 Orange Ave, Irvington; 973-900-9445; abbyssandwiches.com.
B J Sandwich Shop, Budd Lake
Have you ever been to a deli where the atmosphere is as cozy as the food is delicious? B J Sandwich Shop in Budd Lake is exactly that. Housed in a small, cottage-reminiscent store, this local favorite has been serving sandwiches in Morris County for over 20 years. When we go, we like to grab an Italian hero (with fresh mozzarella) and eat it on the banks of the lake across the street.
Go: 329 Route 46, Budd Lake; 973-448-0303.
Town Hall Deli, South Orange
Town Hall Deli is more than a New Jersey staple — it's a Garden State landmark. Since 1927, Essex County residents have been lining up for the spot's famous sandwiches. In the 1930s, the team launched the original Sloppy Joe. People argued then, and they still argue now, that the shop's iconic Sloppy is the best sandwich in the state.
Go: 74 1st St, South Orange; 973-762-4900; townhalldeli.com.
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This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Best sandwich shops in North Jersey
