Best Sandwiches in Manhattan

Katz's Delicatessen

The Lower East Side kosher-style deli at Houston and Ludlow open since 1888 — hand-cut pastrami on rye, the famous ticket-and-cutter system, neon walls, and the most photographed sandwich in the United States.

Because Katz's pastrami is the Manhattan sandwich every other deli in the country measures itself against — the brisket cure runs thirty days, the steam pulls the bark apart in your hand, and the slicer is the only one of its kind on the LES.

Order Hand-cut pastrami on rye with mustard, side of pickles, and a Dr. Brown's Cel-Ray.

Tip the cutter a dollar at the counter and you will get a free sample slice while he builds the sandwich — this is the unwritten Katz's rule that guarantees the best portion.

Faicco's Italian Specialties

A Bleecker Street Italian salumeria operating since 1900 — house-made sausage, fresh mozzarella, and an Italian-hero counter that locals have ordered the same combo from for three generations.

Because Faicco's presses the prosciutto-mortadella-soppressata-provolone hero on a real semolina bread roll with broccoli rabe — that combination is the Manhattan benchmark that Italian-deli sandwiches everywhere else are graded against.

Order The Italian Combo hero with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone.

Order it for pickup ahead and ask them to leave the dressing on the side — the bread holds up better at room temperature for the walk to a Hudson River Park bench.

All'Antico Vinaio