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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in New York

Rye bread spots

A sandwich built on rye bread that actually tastes like rye, instead of just being dyed brown.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Veselka image 1
Veselka image 2
Veselka image 3
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Ukrainian restaurant

Old school restaurant with tall ceilings and bright open windows creates a cozy yet noisy, crowded atmosphere. Large outdoor dining area with heat lamps offers lively street views. Known for freshly made Ukrainian classics and an energetic vibe that defines the neighborhood.

Schnitzel sandwich stands out with its crispy breading and pickles. Chicken salad and Madame Alexander sandwiches also appear alongside hearty soups and sides.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and plentiful."

"I found the borscht hearty, delicious, and cozy."

"I feel like this place takes good care of its neighbors."

Good to know

1

During restaurant week, you can sample pierogies and stuffed cabbage for about 30 dollars.

2

Come early if you don't want to wait in line; expect a 30-minute wait.

3

Veselka does not seat customers after 10:20 PM.

02
La Cabra Bakery image 1
Coffee shop

Small space with limited seating fills quickly, creating a cozy but crowded vibe. Bright, minimalistic design with open pastry kitchen showcases skilled baristas and fresh baked goods. Heated outdoor patio offers a calm spot, contrasting the lively indoor energy.

Sandwiches feature fresh bread and a bread and cheese option that stands out. The pastrami sandwich is a popular choice despite the limited selection.

People are saying

"The coffee here is excellent and well balanced."

"The pastries here are delicious, especially the cardamom bun."

"I thought this bakery was the best in the city."

Good to know

1

Seats are very limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

You have to go on time because the products run out fast.

3

There is no bathroom available for customers.

03
Smør Bakery image 1

Small bakery offers huge breakfast sandwiches with flavorful sauces like avocado spread. Danish rye bread is moist with a crunchy edge, pairing well with cardamom buns. Cozy indoor and outdoor seating creates a chill neighborhood vibe filled with fresh cinnamon aroma.

Breakfast sandwiches stand out with huge portions and flavorful sauces including avocado spread. The salmon sandwich features fresh salmon on chewy sourdough and offers good value compared to high-end bagel spots.

Moist and soft with a crunchy edge, the Danish rye bread stands out for its texture. It pairs well with cardamom buns for a distinctive flavor combo.

People are saying

"I loved the coffee here; it was great."

"The breakfast sandwich here is huge and delicious."

"The cardamom bun's sugar-coated outside added an extra texture."

Good to know

1

It is recommended to visit earlier to avoid limited selection.

2

Most meals are priced between $10-$15, with drinks at $4-$5.

3

Expect slow coffee service during peak hours.

04
Smør image 1
Restaurant

Small indoor space offers cozy, modern vibe with minimalist European style and varied seating options. Outdoor seating is spacious but exposed to cold and car fumes. Place fills quickly, making reservations recommended for brunch.

Hangover sandwich stands out as a popular choice, paired well with various open sandwiches. Soups and salads complement the club sandwich nicely, making the sandwich options solid and flavorful.

Rye bread here stands out for its great quality and works well as the base for smorrebrod. It has a solid texture and flavor that complements the toppings nicely.

People are saying

"The brunch food here is delicious and fresh."

"This lunch spot's open-face sandwiches are a must-try."

"I found the Hangover Sandwich delicious."

Good to know

1

For brunch, you should reserve in advance because the place is small.

2

Outdoor seating is probably the only option on the weekend if you didn't make a reservation.

3

They close at 5pm and discreetly try to point you out for staying too late.

05
Breads Bakery - Union Square image 1

Bakery offers fresh bread aroma and a lively morning atmosphere with many locals. Seating includes covered outdoor dining and a compact industrial interior near the kitchen. Pastries like almond croissants and babka stand out as exceptional.

Sandwiches feature scrambled egg and roasted cauliflower options with a vegan choice available. Breads come artisan-style, pairing well with the delectable fillings.

People are saying

"I found the bread and pastries here to be delicious and fresh."

"The chocolate Babka is rich, gooey, and incredibly chocolatey."

"The Tunisian Sandwich has a sophisticated heat from the spicy harissa."

Good to know

1

Breads Bakery offers sandwiches, salads, bakery items, and coffee.

2

The caraway rye bread is only available on weekends.

3

They sometimes have items on the menu only for that particular month, like the cheesecake babka in May.

06
Broad Nosh Bagels Deli & Catering image 1

Narrow shop buzzes with a chaotic atmosphere and limited seating. Bagel sandwiches shine with rich flavor and a messy, satisfying texture. Rye bread is crispy outside, soft inside, perfect with mustard and Swiss cheese.

Bagel sandwiches stand out with rich flavor and a messy, satisfying texture. Options like the turkey bacon egg and nova with cream cheese and vegetables offer variety and warmth.

Rye bread comes crispy on the outside and soft inside, grilled just right. It pairs well with mustard and Swiss cheese.

People are saying

"I thought the bagels were top tier and incredible."

"The pastrami sandwich was piled high and ridiculously flavorful."

"Robert, the owner, was so friendly during breakfast."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, especially during peak hours.

2

The ordering process is confusing, requiring customers to order at two different counters.

3

There is no bathroom available for customers at this bagel shop.

07
Fabrique Artisan Bakery image 1

Open kitchen with visible food preparation and exposed brick creates an industrial style bakery. The atmosphere blends a European vibe with scents of cardamom and strong coffee, offering a cozy and clean environment. Seating is ample despite the small space, inviting guests to watch fresh pastries being made.

Sandwiches come with normal bread that stands out in a city full of sweet options. The salami and cheese sandwiches offer solid choices, and the lunch deals make them a good pick.

People are saying

"I found the bread here to be delicious and of great artisanal quality."

"I enjoyed the very flavorful coffee."

"I ate the bread and miss it so much."

Good to know

1

Get there early because they run out of items.

2

Most items sell out by closing, and the best window is from morning to early afternoon.

3

You should not sit down before ordering, or you will be asked to get back in line.

08
ZAZA image 1
American restaurant

Modern diner with clean, open space and booth seating dominates the layout. Atmosphere feels upscale and friendly, enhanced by live music and tasteful decor including a mural homage. Offers a full bar with notable cocktails and a spectacular dessert assortment.

Large portions come with the Reuben, cheeseburger, and chicken caprese sandwiches. Each sandwich is perfectly cooked and delicious.

People are saying

"The breakfast portions here are generous and delicious."

"The diner service here is so friendly and responsive."

"I highly recommend the Chicken Unbelievable sandwich."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and public holidays.

2

An extensive breakfast for two costs around $50, including tip and tax.

3

A mandatory 20% tip is added to the bill without asking.

09
Times Square Diner & Grill image 1

Vintage diner space offers a tight seating arrangement with simple decorative design and unlimited coffee refills. Atmosphere feels like a family gathering with great music and a memorable vibe. The place balances a run-down charm with a lively, full-house energy.

Huge portions stand out, especially the Cuban and pulled pork sandwiches. Options range from a reasonably priced breakfast sandwich to a large club house sandwich, all with satisfying flavors.

People are saying

"This diner has great food, plentiful and delicious."

"The staff here is so friendly and attentive during breakfast."

"The staff here is super friendly and provides great service."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served all day at the diner.

2

The morning service is very busy, so you should get there early.

3

You need to have your Covid-19 Vax Card ready for entry.

10
Zabar's image 1
Gourmet grocery store

Gourmet grocery store with old-world charm and an edgy omni-deli ambiance filled with the aroma of specialty cheeses and coffee. Crowded with serious shoppers, the atmosphere can feel tense but remains a local institution known for its unique bakery and extensive gourmet cookwear upstairs.

Sandwiches feature fresh bread, melty cheese, and excellent meats like pastrami, prosciutto, and corned beef. The Reuben includes corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese on rye, and salmon slices are available to taste while waiting.

People are saying

"I thought the bagels here were the greatest ever."

"The grocery store has a huge variety of specialty items and fresh food."

"I enjoyed a really tasty prosciutto sandwich with fresh bread and excellent meat."

Good to know

1

Parking is abysmal, so plan accordingly.

2

There is no restroom available for customers.

3

The #1 subway stop is right next to Zabar's for easy access.

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