It goes by many names: The Gobbler, Uncle Tony’s, Thanksgiving on a Roll, or the Thursday Special. But no matter the name, they all have one — or rather three things in common: turkey, cranberries, and stuffing. It’s everything we love about Thanksgiving stuffed into one delectable Jersey sub. With the falling of the leaves, the return of the cool breezes, and Thanksgiving just a few days away, we’re craving a bite of that quintessential November sandwich. Slices of roast turkey slathered with thick gravy, a tart cranberry sauce, and savory stuffing, cocooned in a delicious homemade rye bread? Yes, please. As far as we’re concerned, it’s the only way to eat your Thanksgiving leftovers. We called up all our favorite delis in the area to see who had a Thanksgiving sandwich on their menu to satisfy our pre- and post-holiday cravings. Read on to discover which delis are serving up New Jersey’s famous Thanksgiving sandwich.
Egan + Sons | 116 Walnut Street, Montclair
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The Irish are playing along with this New Jersey tradition and it couldn’t be more heart-warming/belly-filling/mouth-watering to see the neighborhood pub drizzle on the gravy over its own take of the Gobbler. Egan + Sons is inviting guests to “Gobble Gobble” up its Thanksgiving sandwich featuring fresh-from-the-oven turkey, cranberry sauce made with whole cranberries, and piping hot stuffing all drenched in that tantalizing gravy and garnished with fresh herbs.
Read More: The Best Delis in Essex County, New Jersey
Eppes Essen Deli + Restaurant | 105 East Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston
Eppes Essen Deli + Restaurant is consistently rated as one of the best delis in New Jersey by, well, just about everyone, and one of the many reasons for that title is its fresh, roasted turkey sliced right off the breast. Maybe that is what makes Eppes Essen’s Thanksgiving Wrap so irresistible. The turkey is free of preservatives and packed with flavor and is placed inside the sandwich along with fresh cranberry sauce, fresh stuffing, and fresh greens. And while we love Eppes Essen’s Gobbler burger (turkey burger with Swiss cheese and sauteed mushrooms), it’s the Thanksgiving Wrap that has us in a tailspin. Trust us on this. One last thing, when you do go in for that Thanksgiving Wrap, tell Josh (the owner) that The Montclair Girl sent you.
Lakeside Deli | 542 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
Lakeside Deli confirmed to The Montclair Girl that it will be creating a leftover sandwich the week of Thanksgiving only. This makes sense since that is when it will have all the Thanksgiving ingredients on hand through its sister company, Eight Hills Catering, which is currently selling pre-orders for its Thanksgiving menu. We aren’t sure what will be in this Thanksgiving leftover sandwich other than the usual suspects, but if we know Lakeside Deli, it will be worth waiting for.
The Little Grocery | 1212 Washington Street, Hoboken
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The Little Grocery in Hoboken doesn’t play around with its Thanksgiving on a Roll. This sandwich is professional layers of sliced turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and lettuce with a generous helping of mayo all warmed up and cozy in a Balthazar Hero Roll. Order it with a side of pickles and waste no time tucking into this beauty of a sandwich.
Mikki + Al’s Noshery | 179 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
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Many think that the best reason to go to Mikki + Al’s Noshery is the pastrami, corned beef, and turkey Gemisht, and they’re not wrong. However, every year, Mikki and Al like to throw us another proverbial bone by rolling out its famous Thanksgiving sandwich, and the day has finally arrived. It’s toasted bread soaked in gravy and stuffed with cranberry sauce, stuffing, and so much turkey it feels like Thanksgiving Day all over again.
Millburn Deli | Montclair, Millburn, Morristown, + Westfield
Probably the most popular version of this seasonal creation, the Millburn Deli’s Gobbler is the king of all Thanksgiving sandwiches. It might even be a right of passage for anyone who wants to call New Jersey home. With roast turkey and a homemade stuffing almost better than Mom’s (sorry Mom!) making up the heart of the sandwich, topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, cranberries, and mayo in between two pieces of fluffy, rye bread, it’s no wonder The Gobbler is a year-round bestseller. Bonus, every time a Gobbler is ordered, the entire staff sings out “Gobbler!” Needless to say, there will be many choruses of this as you wait for your order.
Sparo’s Deli | 197 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair
Photo Credit: Sparo’s Deli
Anyone who has dined at Sparo’s has tasted a master class in sandwich creating. The Uncle Tony might deserve a full-time spot on the menu, but it’s only here through the month of November. It consists of turkey with brown gravy, a creamy, cranberry mayo, topped off with Mama Cici’s famous pork stuffing and it’s a feast Uncle Tony would be proud of.
Ted’s North | 314 Spring Valley Road, Paramus
Ted’s North is all about giving the people what they want. Its Gobbler is a smorgasbord of all the usual suspects: store-cooked turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy plus a few extra secret sauces. It comes served on a soft Kaiser roll, but that can easily be substituted for a hero or wrap for a small charge. Either way you sandwich it, Ted’s Gobbler is on this list for a reason. It’s only available during the Thanksgiving season though, so don’t sleep on this one.
Tony Boy’s Sandwich House | Livingston, Madison, + Montville
Tony Boy’s Sandwich House has a Thursday special you are going to want every day of the week. First, Tony Boy stuffs the sliced turkey with sausage and bakes it all together to carve a feast from the table of the Thanksgiving gods. Then it’s layered special stuffing on bread slathered with cranberry sauce. Finally, it’s dressed with a tangy gravy, ensuring the citizens of Essex County continue to give thanks that this Thursday special is a year-round holiday. Tony Boy’s is also gearing up to open a fourth location in Montclair.
Town Hall Deli | 74 First Street, South Orange
Many may know it as the birthplace of the Sloppy Joe, but Town Hall Deli can pretty much deliver on any sandwich, its famous Town Hall Gobbler being no exception. Known Essex-wide for roasting its turkey in-house, the masters behind the counter take its always-moist-and-we-don’t-know-how-they-do-it turkey and layer it with all of our regular holiday favorites to give us a Gobbler we write home about. Literally.
See More: Your Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Planning in Hoboken + Jersey City
Wawa | Multiple Locations
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A Wawa Hot Turkey Gobbler is always a satisfying on-the-go treat. Besides the typical sandwich between bread, patrons can also have a similar experience in a bowl with a mac and cheese base. Visit Wawa’s website for all of the Hot Turkey Season variations.
A Day Trip Guide to Bloomfield, New Jersey
Bloomfield is a town rich in history, nestled in Essex County amongst Montclair, Glen Ridge, Belleville, East Orange, Nutley, and Newark. Over almost six square miles, with about 54,000 residents, Bloomfield prides itself on community and diversity. The town welcomes visitors with beautiful parks, multiple cuisines, historical sites, and unique activities for all to enjoy. Read on for a guide to spending the day in Bloomfield, New Jersey.
History
In 1666, Dutch and English Settlers bought land from the Yantecaw Indians, which they named Newark, New Jersey. Wardsesson, a ward of Newark, was renamed Bloomfield in 1796 in honor of Joseph Bloomfield, a significant general during the Revolutionary War who later served two terms as governor of New Jersey. Throughout the Revolutionary War, the town of Bloomfield acted as a supply source and meeting location for the Patriots fighting against The British army. In the 1830’s, Bloomfield grew to be one of the largest producers of paper, wool, and copper mills. The cotton mills provided all the cloth for soldier’s uniforms during The Civil War.
The Bloomfield Green Historic District is home to Sanctuary On The Green. It was originally used as a training field for the military and houses Bloomfield Presbyterian Church On The Green, named after Joseph Bloomfield. In 1978, Sanctuary On The Green was placed on The National Register of Historic Places.
Read More: How to Spend A $50 Day in Bloomfield: Watessing Park Area Edition
Bloomfield Steak + Seafood House, built in 1676, is the oldest home in Essex County. The structure began as a farmhouse and served as a hospital, church, and meeting space for generals, including George Washington. There are tunnels in the basement that were used to help women and children escape during The Revolutionary War. These tunnels later became part of The Freedom Route for The Underground Railroad.
To learn more about Bloomfield’s vast history, visit the Museum of The Historical Society at 90 Broad Street, Wednesday and Saturday, 11AM-2PM, or by appointment.
Things To Do + Where to Eat in the Bloomfield Historic District
The Bloomfield Historic District is 100 acres and is located in the center of Bloomfield. Here, you can visit Sanctuary On The Green and Bloomfield Presbyterian Church On The Green, located at 30 Park Place.
Amazing Escape Room | 281 Liberty Street
The Amazing Escape Room has five different, immersive escape rooms. It is fun for all ages, and the Shipwreck Room is a blast.
BGR Bloomfield | 56 Broad Street
BGR Bloomfield raises the bar for superior burgers and unique recipes. The pretzel and bacon cheeseburger is a Bloomfield favorite, and the teriyaki tuna burger with grilled pineapple is a must. There are also gluten-free buns, lettuce wraps, and vegetarian options.
Bloomfield College of Montclair State University | 467 Franklin Street
Bloomfield College is home to buildings and houses that date back to the late eighteenth century. In 1810, the first private school opened in New Jersey, The Bloomfield Academy. It grew to become a seminary and eventually provided a four-year degree after World War I. There are lovely grounds to promenade, as well as buildings, monuments, and churches to explore.
Bloomfield Skatepark | John F. Kennedy Drive North
Bloomfield Skatepark, located in Foley Field on John F. Kennedy Drive North, has ramps and rails for skateboarding, scooters, and bikes. On any given day, kids and adults can enjoy this facility.
Bloomfield Steak + Seafood House | 409 Franklin Street
Bloomfield Steak + Seafood House is within walking distance of the college. Visitors can enjoy a drink at the bar while soaking in the history or eat lunch and dinner in the stately rooms or outdoor igloo dining.
Brandon’s Coffee Shop | 32 Broad Street
Brandon’s Coffee Shop is a favorite among college students and locals alike. The Taylor ham, egg, and cheese sandwich is a New Jersey staple and one of The Montclair Girl’s preferred breakfast sandwiches. Stop in for coffee and breakfast before exploring Bloomfield’s historic sights.
Bury The Hatchet | 672 Bloomfield Avenue
Bury the Hatchet Axe Throwing is an exciting and guaranteed fun time with friends that may encourage the release of your inner warrior.
Manouche + Co | 176 Broad Street
Manouche + Co serves Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine. The atmosphere is inviting and family-friendly. We suggest the family meals for four or six people, which include a choice of two appetizers, one hot appetizer, one salad, and nine skewers of chicken, beef, and kafta served with rice. This is a great menu to be enjoyed with friends or family.
Where to Eat in the Bloomfield Business District
The Bloomfield Business District is located on Broad Street, the main street that runs from the northern to the southern side of town. It includes restaurants, small stores, and services.
Gencarelli’s Bakery | 446 Broad Street
Gencarelli’s Bakery was established in 1975 and has been a staple for generations in New Jersey. The cannolis are known far and wide and should not be missed when visiting Bloomfield.
Momoya Ramen | 336 Broad Street
Momoya Ramen is a family-owned business that has earned a reputation in the foodie world. The restaurant is known for its superior ramen, pork buns, and Karage Japanese Fried Chicken. There is a small in-house dining area, or guests can take their food to go and have a picnic at Sanctuary On The Green.
Wabi Sabi | 407 Broad Street
For a modern take on sushi, go to Wabi Sabi. This BYOB Japanese restaurant serves creative twists on sushi and entrees. MG recommends the Pink Lady Roll and The Roasted Duck confit.
Things to Do + Where to Eat in the Brookdale, Broad Street Section of Bloomfield
Brookdale Park is 121.41 acres and is located across Bloomfield and Montclair. It was originally a meeting space for the Lenni Lenape Indians and became a county park in 1931. The grounds now provide a soccer field, multiple baseball fields, tennis and pickleball courts, a track, a playground, trails, a dog park, and a rose garden. There are also concerts in the park during the summer months. Just a short walk from the park is the Brookdale Section of Broad Street, which features a selection of restaurants, bars, and food specialty shops.
Fanny’s | 1109 Broad Street
Fanny’s, The Brookdale’s sister restaurant, serves a modern take on Italian classic dishes. The atmosphere is elegant, and the intimate bar is an inviting space to enjoy a drink before dinner.
Holsten’s | 1063 Broad Street
Holsten’s Ice Cream, Chocolate, + Restaurant was famously the backdrop of the final scene for The Sopranos. For residents of Essex County, it has always been a nod to tradition. Multiple generations have eaten here, ordered birthday ice cream cakes, and purchased homemade chocolates. Holsten’s has been open for 83 years and is still going strong. Visit this spot to take a step back in time while enjoying a meal.
Hot Bagels Abroad | 1129 Broad Street
On any given morning, there is a line out the door of Hot Bagels Abroad. Locals cannot get enough of the hand-rolled bagels and varieties of cream cheese flavors. The team also makes fresh sandwiches and paninis, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Ladyfingers Bakery + Bar | 1109 Broad Street
Not to be outdone, The Brookdale’s other sister restaurant, Ladyfingers Bakery + Bar, next to Fanny’s, provides a playful twist on dessert paired with fun cocktails. The restaurant is also open for breakfast and brunch.
Manhattan Juice Bar + Cafe | 1033 Broad Street
Manhattan Juice Bar + Cafe specializes in protein smoothies, fresh juice, and healthy dining choices. This cafe is ideal before tackling all of the sporting options in the park.
Mastriano’s Quality Market | 1058 Broad Street
Mastriano’s Quality Market is the quintessential deli and butcher that every town should have. The menu includes prepared foods, Italian specialties, fresh cuts of prime meats, and made-to-order sandwiches. This would be a great stop to pick up lunch before heading to Brookdale Park. MG recommends The Signor Roli Poli, which includes a chicken cutlet, prosciutto, broccoli rabe, and fresh mozzarella.
Popolari | 1047 Broad Street
Popolari uses the finest ingredients for its Neapolitan pies. The restaurant’s playful vibe is inviting and warm. The wine list complements the extensive Italian menu.
The Brookdale | 1099 Broad Street
The Brookdale is a lively restaurant open for lunch and dinner. It has a large bar with televisions to view sporting events, and the elevated American menu provides something for everyone’s palette. The spot is known for its one-pound mozzarella stick (pictured above).
What to Do + Where to Eat in South Bloomfield and Washington Street
To visit the south side of Bloomfield, the New Jersey Transit Train Montclair-Booton line stops at the Watsessing Avenue Train Station, which is within walking distance of Washington Street and the neighboring areas.
Anthony’s Cheesecakes | 71 Washington Street
Anthony’s Cheesecakes opened in 1996 on Broad Street. The spot moved to Washinton Street in 2010 to expand to a bigger space and has been going strong ever since. MG suggests ordering the Dark Chocolate Oreo Cookie Cheesecake. The restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner.
Casa De Flora Bar | 75 Washington Street
For coffee, pastries, and a shot of beauty, try the Casa De Flora, which serves lunch and brunch. The cafe is filled with flowers that enhance every bite of food and sip of coffee.
Dartsgood Social House | 293 Glenwood Avenue
Dartsgood Social House is a darts hall for first-timers and competitive teams. The space welcomes everyone and enjoys introducing throwing darts to all who are curious.
Hometown Arcade | 85 Washington Street
The new Hometown Arcade has video games for everyone. Children of all generations can come here and connect to a game from their childhood and share that experience with family and friends.
Six Points Pizza | 57 Washington Street
Six Points Pizza has made old-school pizza new again. MG recommends the White Mushroom Pie. Six Points Pizza also partners with Hometown Arcade to deliver delicious food to arcade patrons while they perfect their Pacman skills.
See More: A Trip to Readington Brewery + Hop Farm in Neshanic Station, NJ
Varitage Brew Works | 58 Washington Street
For locally brewed beer, head to Varitage Brew Works. This brewery collaborates with local businesses such as Holsten’s and Anthony’s Cheesecakes to host local events that are privy to Washington Street with other vendors.
