There is no shortage of great sandwich shops in Essex County, but we’ve decided to round up a list of the best places to go when craving something great between two slices of bread. Whether it’s a classic Italian sub, a roast beef dip, or a veggie wrap, this list of sandwich shops will be sure to satisfy. Keep reading for a list of must-try sandwich shops in Montclair and the Essex County area.
Montclair
Belgiovine’s Italian Deli | 714 Bloomfield Avenue
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A community favorite deli in the Montclair area, Belgiovine’s is the perfect place to stop for an affordable and authentic meal. Here, you can order sandwiches like the meatball parm sandwich with house-made meatballs; the MKA special with chicken cutlet, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, shredded lettuce, and balsamic vinegar; the Belgiovine’s Special with prosciutto, soppressata, genoa salami, and fresh mozzarella; and many more.
Read More: The Best Delis in Essex County, New Jersey
CARS: Sandwiches + Shakes | 150 Valley Road
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If wanting a “fat sandwich” (overstuffed with ingredients that will make you happy — you know, those masterpieces that you craved in college), then CARS is exactly what you’re looking for. This late-night spot serves up delicious sandwiches like the Fat Mo (chicken fingers, mac ‘n cheese bites, onion rings, fries, and sriracha mayo); the Fat Hawk (cheesesteak, chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, french fries, and honey mustard); the Fat Tony (chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, french fries, and marinara sauce); and many more. There is also a second location in Ramsey at 114 East Main Street.
Dutch’s Sandwich Shop | 16 Church Street
Amir Kamal opened Dutch’s Sandwich Shop in 2023, named after his Olde English Bulldog, Dutch. Chicken sandwich options here include The Claremont (chicken cutlet, marinated tomatoes, + burrata with balsamic glaze on a hero), and the Concrete Jungle (chicken cutlet, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, salt + pepper, ketchup, + mayo). Beef and pork lovers should try the Rick + Mortadella (mortadella, burrata, tomato, + pesto on a ciabatta); The Pastrami Umami (hot pastrami steamed with umami broth, melted Swiss cheese, + yellow mustard on rye bread); or The Rhaenyra (prosciutto, pepperoni, hot ham capicola, arugula, hot Italian pepper spread, tomatoes, pepper Jack cheese, balsamic glaze, + Italian seasoning on a hero).
Jackie’s Grillette | 614 Valley Road
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In business for over a decade, Jackie’s Grillette is a staple of the community. It is a shop that has a little of everything, and that means the menu has almost every sandwich known to exist. From lamb gyros and veggie pita sandwiches to tuna melts and hot pastrami sandwiches, Jackie’s has something for everyone. There is also a second storefront in Little Falls, located at 55 East Main Street.
Mercado | 605 Valley Road
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This restaurant opened up in 2021 and is owned by the same owners as the former Sandwich Theory. After 10 years, the owners decided they needed a larger location and wanted to update the concept behind the sandwich shop’s menu and space. Mercado pays homage to traditional Portuguese marketplaces — and the sandwich choices here include a Mercado Cubano, a BLTA (bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, aioli, + sourdough), a chicken panini, and more.
Mikki + Al’s Noshery | 179 Glenridge Avenue
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This Jewish-style deli strives to make the best pastrami sandwich around. Named in tribute to the owner’s in-laws Mikki and Al, the Noshery brings some nostalgia to the sandwich business striving to bring some childhood and family favorites to its customers.
Millburn Deli | 256 Park Street
A well-loved spot for sandwiches, the Millburn Deli is a great location for lunch. With two locations in Essex County (Montclair and Millburn), as well as locations in Morristown and Westfield, this deli is a crowd-pleaser. With time-tested menu favorites like the Sloppy Joe, the Jay Ray, and the Gobbler, the Montclair location has been carrying on the tradition of these tasty sandwiches.
Nicolo’s Italian Bakery + Deli | 6 Baldwin Street
Nicolo’s was established by its namesake, Nicolo Zecchino in 1967 and is still family-owned and operated to this day. The family has kept the same baking principles that were first implemented in the business back in the ‘60s, and the loyalty proves that the owners are still staying true to these skills. The spot specializes in traditional Italian and Semolina bread that is hearth-baked and made fresh daily. Some of the sandwiches you can order here include parmigiana sandwiches, chicken cutlet and broccoli rabe, Italian heroes, and more.
Rosario’s Butcher Shop + Italian Specialities | 252 Park Street
As the name suggests, Rosario’s is all about Italian food and goods, and that includes sandwiches. This family-run deli piles on its meats, cheeses, and toppings available on a sub or a roll. Some of the house-made ingredients include sausages, soups, and sauces. Sandwich options include the Classico (ham, salami, + provolone or fresh mozzarella); the Spicy Calabrese (hot ham, soppressata, hot capicola provolone, and hot peppers); the Montclair Special (Black Forest ham, swiss, lettuce, tomato, + honey mustard); and veal, chicken, or eggplant parmigiana hot heroes; among other menu items.
Sparo’s Deli + Catering | 197 B Bellevue Avenue
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Known for the generous subs and the traditional Italian flavors, Sparo’s is the place to get a sandwich that can feed a crowd. The Sparo sandwich is piled high with Genoa salami, ham, soppressata, mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, onion, oil, and vinegar. The menu has all the classics and then some, including hot and cold sandwiches, plenty of chicken cutlet options, and everything ‘parm’ under the sun. There is also a location in Ramsey at 94 East Main Street.
Bloomfield
Mastriano’s Quality Market | 1058 Broad Street
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This family butcher + deli business sits diagonally across from Holsten’s. Mastriano’s breaks its business down into three categories: Butcher (for prime steaks, homemade sausages, and Bell + Evans Chicken); Deli (for Boar’s Head + homemade products, the best sandwiches, and quality prepared food); and Catering (for cold cut, veggie, + sandwich platters and homemade food). From the sandwich menu, try The Butchie Boy (roast beef, turkey, swiss, with coleslaw and Russian dressing). For veggie lovers, try The Sneaky Pete (fried eggplant, fresh mozzarella, and broccoli rabe).
Caldwell
Dave’s Delicious Deli | 275 Bloomfield Avenue
Dave’s is the place to get a chicken cutlet sandwich. From Buffalo chicken to a classic Chicken Parm sandwich, the team here knows how to bread and fry chicken and make it the star of a sandwich, no matter what toppings and sauces are paired with it. Since 2015, Dave has been perfecting this art of the sandwich, and Caldwell residents are the real winners.
Livingston
Eppes Essen Deli + Restaurant | 105 East Mount Pleasant Avenue
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Originally opening in 1956 in Newark, NJ, this “New York Jewish-style deli + restaurant” made its way to Orange, then finally found its current home in Livingston, NJ. Eppes Essen has an extensive menu consisting of sandwiches, platters, salads, frankfurters, omelets, desserts, and more. Diners should try the #6 (corned beef, pastrami, and coleslaw with Russian dressing or mustard), one of its three daily soups, or a triple-decker sloppy joe sandwich.
Tony Boy’s Sandwich House | 10 East Mount Pleasant Avenue
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Tony Boy’s Sandwich House has a large menu of both hot and cold sandwiches. From cold-cut classics to more adventurous combinations, Tony Boy’s Sandwich House has a menu that is sure to satisfy. Chicken and eggplant cutlets get their own section of the menu. There are other locations in Montville and Madison.
Nutley
Mike’s Pasta + Sandwich Shoppe | 95 Harrison Street
Mike’s Pasta and Sandwich Shoppe has been creating anything but average sandwiches and homemade pastas locally in Nutley since September 2019. Chef and owners Michael Carrino and Michael Cosenza have a unique take on Italian staples that is inventive and delicious. The sandwich choices here include The Nutley (chicken cutlet, prosciutto, roasted peppers, mozzarella, and balsamic), and Spicy Grilled Cheese (caciocavallo, provolone, tomato, and Calabrian peppers), among other options.
Newark
Hobby’s Delicatessen + Restaurant | 32 Brandford Place #2723
Hobby’s Deli is a top-rated Jewish deli located in downtown Newark near the Prudential Center. Aside from serving up hard-to-find and top-quality Eastern European delicacies like corned beef, chopped liver, potato pancakes, and homemade soups, this old-fashioned spot also has a selection of fresh salads, and other modern fare and daily specials like a Ceasar salmon wrap, an eggplant parmigiana wrap, and more. Hobby’s is best known for its mouthwatering corned beef, which is pickled in 50-gallon stainless steel vats in-house before being sandwiched between rye bread — but you can also get a variety of other sandwiches here.
Roseland
Fairchilds Marketplace | 171 Eagle Rock Avenue
Fairchilds Marketplace serves up all kinds of sandwiches, burgers, salads, bakery items, and more — and it is important to note that the sloppy joe here is top-notch. Other sandwiches you can get here include a Tuscan Chicken Sandwich, a French Dip, and classics like roast beef or roast turkey.
Marra’s | 172 Eagle Rock Avenue
Marra’s Italian Specialities has been a Roseland staple since 1985. Located at 172 Eagle Rock Avenue, Mara’s serves lunch and dinner, and provides catering — this spot is ready to satisfy cravings in-house or at home. Some sandwich options to try include the #10 (chicken cutlet, fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, + balsamic vinaigrette) or the Buffalo chicken sandwich.
See More: Where to Get Gluten-Free Sandwiches in Hoboken + Jersey City
Verona
Lakeside Deli | 542 Bloomfield Avenue
This deli has been an institution in Verona for several decades. The menu has all of the deli classics that are expected from the Jersey sandwich shop. The Sloppy Joe’s are a local favorite, along with a side of potato salad. There’s even an entire section of the menu dedicated to grilled cheese sandwiches.
