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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Central Ward, Newark

Lunch and sandwich spots

A sandwich is the only logical choice for lunch, provided it is made with the right ingredients and care.

Based on 801 Opinions
+798
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Updated May 2026
01
Brick City Market image 1
Brick City Market image 2
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Cozy cafe with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and clean, beautiful design hosts a lively, friendly crowd. Known for healthy, tasty food and excellent sandwiches, it handles large orders smoothly. The environment feels inviting and bustling, making it a top spot for breakfast and lunch.

Frequent visits highlight this spot as a reliable go-to lunch spot with consistent appeal. It serves as a great lunch location for regular midday meals.

Premium sandwiches like the chicken club, Reuben, and eggplant sandwich stand out for their great taste and consistent quality. Sandwiches get prepared quickly and offer a variety including falafel and wraps.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great and always cooked fresh."

"This lunch spot's food is great, especially the sandwiches."

"The eggplant sandwich is the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Brick City Market offers a diverse menu with salads, pressed juices, wraps, and hot dishes.

2

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and welcoming atmosphere.

3

There are many vegan options available on the menu.

02
Cafe Airlie image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop offers spacious seating and a cozy, homey atmosphere where people interact freely. It serves large portions with a variety of sandwich options, known for great bread-to-meat balance. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, making it a popular spot for a quick bite downtown.

Quick and easy lunches draw a crowd, making the spot busy at midday. The menu includes a hot pastrami sandwich that satisfies specific cravings and offers delivery for convenience.

Sandwiches come in grand size and are appropriately priced. Options like the Teriyaki Style and chicken parm sandwiches stand out for their taste and freshness.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches were fresh and delicious."

"It felt like eating breakfast with family, everyone was so friendly."

"This lunch spot's sandwiches are fresh, delicious, and plentiful."

Good to know

1

Cafe Airlie opens at 7 AM but often runs out of key ingredients by 7:30 AM.

2

Expect to wait 15 minutes or more if you don't order ahead.

3

Parking is hard to find; consider calling in advance to place an order.

03
Deluxe Diner image 1

Small space with cozy, classic American decor creates a warm and quiet atmosphere. Comfortable seating invites relaxed meals, often enjoyed during breakfast or lunch. Known for varied menu options and fast service, it offers a casual, intimate dining experience.

Offers a great selection of breakfast and lunch dishes with fluffy pancakes standing out. Serves as a reliable spot for a quick lunch break between classes or during a holiday.

Small but filling pastrami sandwiches stand out alongside the Chicken Avo Club, noted for its rich flavor. The Philly cheesesteak sandwiches also deliver solid taste and satisfy well.

People are saying

"The pancakes at this diner are fluffy and fantastic."

"I loved the great selection of lunch dishes here."

"I thought the Philly cheesesteak sandwich was very good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended due to limited seating.

2

Parking can be complicated; consider arriving early to find a spot.

3

Expect a 20-30 minute wait during peak brunch hours on weekends.

04
La Cocina image 1
Cuban restaurant

Casual Cuban restaurant with a cozy, lived-in atmosphere and buffet-style dining similar to Chipotle. Small but comfortable seating includes an outdoor rooftop patio. The place fills quickly around lunch, drawing a steady crowd for its flavorful pork and empanadas.

Lunch features Latin American dishes served hot and fresh around midday. Vegetarian options exist, making it a solid choice for a downtown meal on a warm day.

Bistec and Cuban sandwiches feature crispy pressed bread and juicy, flavorful meat. The Cuban sandwich varies in quality, sometimes meeting expectations and sometimes falling short.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has fresh, delicious food that always arrives hot."

"I'm obsessed with the guava and cheese empanadas."

"I thought the Cuban sandwich was the best Iโ€™ve had."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during lunch hours, especially before noon.

2

Limited indoor seating may lead to crowded conditions.

3

Street parking is very limited near the restaurant.

05
Halsey Deli image 1

Corner building houses a mom and pop deli with old school prices and top quality food. Energy stays good with a variety of snack picks and consistently excellent sandwiches. The place serves as a valued community spot with a quick lunch vibe.

A solid lunch go-to with reliable options. Serves both breakfast and lunch meals.

Sandwiches come out quick and fresh with solid flavors. Breakfast sandwiches look good and taste pretty good.

People are saying

"The food here tastes great and is top quality."

"The people at this Deli are great and really care about service."

"I found this to be a very good lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Street parking at Halsey Deli is limited.

2

The total cost for a meal is around $11, cheaper than fast food.

3

Halsey Deli offers a variety of food options beyond just breakfast items.

06
Hannas Deli image 1

Deli offers huge food selection with affordable prices and quick service. It opens early at 6am and closes on weekends, attracting morning crowds seeking great breakfast options like veggie omelets and pastrami sandwiches. Location near a hotel makes it a convenient spot for filling meals under $10.

Offers filling lunches for $5, making it a rare affordable option. Serves both breakfast and lunch, popular for quick meals before heading to the park.

Freshly made pastrami sandwiches stand out here, alongside options like breakfast sandwiches and omelettes. The breakfast sandwich is fairly priced but not very tasty.

People are saying

"The staff here for breakfast were super friendly."

"I found the sandwich here to be delicious."

"This lunch spot is affordable and a great value."

Good to know

1

Hannas Deli opens at 6am and is closed on weekends.

2

Expect a filling lunch for $5 at Hannas Deli.

3

Prices at Hannas Deli are fair, with meals around $10.

07
Mulberry Street Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pizza restaurant offers New York style pizza with thin crust and fresh ingredients. Atmosphere feels welcoming and safe, attracting local workers. Menu includes a full Italian American selection with reasonable prices and generous portions.

Massive chicken penne vodka lunch special costs $11.95. Pizza works well for groups and pairs with a beer during lunch.

Vodka chicken parm sandwich stands out with its rich flavor. Sandwiches come with specials and sometimes require a wait, but the taste often justifies it.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was fantastic and the crust was really crunchy."

"The pizza at this Lunch Spot is great."

"I found the vodka chicken parm sandwich delicious."

Good to know

1

The prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

2

Portion sizes are generous, making it a good value.

3

The large pizza typically arrives in about 15 minutes.

08
Brick City Delicatessen image 1

Sandwich shop offers a clean, bright space with a quiet, friendly atmosphere suitable for casual meals. The vibe stays cool and relaxed, attracting those seeking a quick bite with quality ingredients like Boars Head meat. Seating encourages conversation without loud distractions.

Lunch here features efficient service and a solid deli menu that offers a good alternative to typical chains. Frequent visits show it works well as a reliable lunch spot during busy workdays.

Fresh ingredients stand out in the hot and cold sandwiches offered here. Options include breakfast sandwiches, vegetarian choices, and unique desi-style sandwiches.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwich was amazing and delicious."

"It was quiet enough to sit and eat comfortably."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is great and the sandwiches are great."

Good to know

1

Limited street parking is available near the establishment.

2

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

3

They offer a breakfast menu in addition to lunch options.

09
fresh&co image 1
Restaurant

Bright, fresh salads and grain bowls create a healthy, clean vibe with flavorful avocado toast and hot egg platters. Communal seating down the hall supports a casual, quick dining experience without indoor seating. Music livens the connecting passageway, adding energetic atmosphere to the space.

Fresh and tasty options stand out for lunch here. Grain bowls offer a healthy, fresh choice for a quick meal.

Premade sandwiches feature ingredients like sundried tomato pesto and artichokes. The Crispy Chicken Sandwich costs $12.75 but comes off as basic and underwhelming. Other sandwiches pair well with coffee and salads.

People are saying

"I found the salads here to be fresh and delicious."

"This is a great lunch spot for fresh, tasty food."

"I found the sandwich to be delicious."

Good to know

1

There is no seating inside the store; communal seating is available down the hall.

2

The cold brew is self-serve, allowing for quick access.

3

The sandwich costs $12.75, which may feel overpriced for some.

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Central Ward, Newark

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