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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in the LES

Authentic sandwiches

You are looking for a sandwich that is made with a commitment to traditional methods.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated May 2026
01
Zaad - Broome St image 1
Zaad - Broome St image 2
Zaad - Broome St image 3
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Mediterranean restaurant

Small, clean space with freshly sourced ingredients and authentic Middle Eastern and Egyptian halal food. Atmosphere feels like a local neighborhood spot with affordable prices and amazing vegan options. Known for best falafel and tasty chicken rice in the area.

Small unassuming shop serves authentic Middle Eastern and Egyptian halal food. Falafel wraps stand out as great, cheap, and authentic.

Chicken shawarma and falafel sandwiches stand out with rich tahini and fresh pita. Options include vegan falafel pita and cauliflower with foul madamas, all served with generous toppings like onions and cabbage.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here, especially the shawarma, is delicious with spicy meat and great sauces."

"I had the best falafel sandwich, it was delicious and affordable."

"The staff here are so nice."

Good to know

1

Zaad offers a variety of ingredients in the bowl, loading it up compared to some kebab places.

2

The prices are very affordable.

3

Zaad provides discounts to teachers that work in the neighborhood.

02
Casa Colven image 1
Latin American restaurant

Latin American restaurant offers authentic Colombian and Venezuelan flavors in a beautifully decorated and cozy atmosphere. Music complements the vibe, and unique features like a swing add a playful touch. The bar serves notable cocktails that enhance the overall experience.

Cuisine features authentic Colombian and Venezuelan flavors with a well-balanced taste and fresh ingredients. The fusion dishes blend both traditions into a delicious, genuine experience.

Chicken sandwich features a crispy golden crust and juicy interior with perfect seasoning. Don Patacรณn sandwich uses fried green plantains as bread, offering a unique twist.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and warm."

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

"This chicken sandwich is perfectly seasoned and juicy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

The restaurant offers a mix of authentic Colombian and Venezuelan cuisine.

3

Prices are reasonable, making it a budget-friendly dining option.

03
Katz's Delicatessen image 1

Rustic deli with tight seating and a nostalgic 70s decor creates a crowded, lively atmosphere. Meat carvers serve as a focal point, offering tastings that engage diners. Walls display celebrity portraits, adding to the historic vibe.

Pastrami sandwiches deliver authentic deli flavor with a classic New York City vibe. The meat is rich and satisfying, capturing the essence of traditional deli fare.

Pastrami sandwich stands out as a defining feature, setting a high standard for flavor and quality. Corned beef and roast beef sandwiches also feature prominently, making it a go-to spot for classic deli sandwiches.

People are saying

"The pastrami sandwich here is piled high and melt-in-your-mouth tender."

"You have to try the pastrami sandwich at least once."

"It felt like a true piece of New York history."

Good to know

1

The wait for the Katz Pastrami Sandwich can be an hour long.

2

You can only pay with cash at the front of the restaurant.

3

Do not lose your tickets even if you haven't used them to order anything.

04
Trapizzino image 1
Italian restaurant

Small space with counter seating and outdoor dining offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere with authentic Italian vibes. Music selection adds to the relaxed energy, attracting those seeking casual yet classy dining. Known for quality suppli and trapizzini, it provides a taste reminiscent of Rome.

Authentic Roman food shines through with authentic flavors and well-priced Italian dishes. The trapizzino stands out as both authentic and delicious.

Braised oxtail stands out with rich, flavorful meat. Small handheld options like the Cacciatora Trapazzini offer unique tastes. Eggplant and chicken sandwiches also deliver solid, satisfying flavors.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta and trapizzino, is delicious."

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

"The oxtail sandwich here is incredibly flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

A meal for two can cost between $80 to $130 depending on choices.

3

Most food items on the menu are under $15.

05
Kotti Berliner Dรถner Kebab image 1

Kebab shop offers authentic Berlin-style dรถner with generous portions and fresh toppings included in wraps, tacos, or bowls. Atmosphere is casual with seating upstairs and downstairs for resting or quick meals. Prices are on the higher side, reflecting the quality and preparation time.

The Dรถner here is very authentic and closely resembles what you'd find in Berlin. Sandwiches come big and packed with care to keep the traditional taste.

Sandwiches come in large, taco-sized portions with lots of toppings. Meat tends to be bulky and wet, not like traditional doner. Prices vary, sometimes higher than expected for the size.

People are saying

"I found the dรถner kebab to be authentic and delicious."

"The salad here is packed with flavor and really tasty."

"I found the Dรถner to be very authentic, reminiscent of Berlin."

Good to know

1

All toppings are included in any choice between taco, wrap, or bowl.

2

The price is $16 per wrap and $6 for a taco.

3

Seating is available both downstairs and upstairs.

06
Russ & Daughters image 1

Narrow, small shop with no indoor seating and often crowded atmosphere. The vibe is old school, evoking a sense of history and tradition with a calm, unhurried pace despite the crowd. Outdoor benches offer brief respite while enjoying classic bagel and lox combinations.

Authentic New York lox and bagels create a genuine Jewish breakfast experience. The atmosphere matches the food's traditional vibe.

Bagel sandwiches feature high-quality smoked salmon and a variety of salmon options. The classic lox and goat cream cheese sandwich stands out for its well-crafted, delicious flavor and iconic experience.

People are saying

"I thought the salmon bagel was the best I ever had."

"The salmon sandwich was so fresh and flavorful."

"The smoked fish here is exceptionally fresh and generously sliced."

Good to know

1

You must take a number when you first enter to be served.

2

There is no dine-in option; it's takeout only.

3

Expect long wait times, often over an hour, especially after 10am.

07
Russ & Daughters Cafe image 1
American restaurant

Interior mimics an old-school diner with retro vibe and classy servers in white lab coats. Atmosphere feels warm and homey yet somewhat sterile and quiet while ordering. Known for classic bagel and lox, it draws those seeking a historic Jewish deli experience.

The cafe offers an authentic New York style brunch with a focus on traditional appetizing. Decor and atmosphere create a feeling of stepping back in time with a strong sense of history and family generations.

Smoked salmon lox on a bagel forms the core of the sandwich, served unassembled on an old wooden plank. The presentation recalls a ploughman's lunch and pairs well with a Shrub drink.

People are saying

"The bagels here are awesome, especially with the smoked salmon."

"The brisket sandwich on a gluten-free bagel is a 10/10."

"It's an authentic taste of Jewish deli history and culture."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is necessary to avoid a wait of over an hour.

2

Expect to wait on busy weekend mornings; arrive early to get on the list.

3

No reservations are accepted, so expect long waits on weekends.

08
El Castillo De Jagua Restaurant image 1

Dominican restaurant with colorful decor and old school diner vibe offers a warm, lively atmosphere that feels like dining in the Caribbean. The space is cozy and intimate, suited for casual meals with friends or family. Music and community energy create a familiar, vibrant setting.

Offers authentic Dominican and Caribbean cuisine with fresh ingredients. Serves Puerto Rican and Spanish dishes in a welcoming, affordable setting.

Cuban sandwiches come properly pressed with tasty pork or chicken and often include a side of fries. Dominican sandwiches stand out with fillings like mofongo and are paired with perfect over easy eggs or salami for a rich flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of authentic Dominican flavor."

"The food here is so authentic and delicious."

"The Dominican sandwich was amazing, a delicious combination."

Good to know

1

The price for 3 large-sized entrรฉes, 2 sides, 4 drinks, and a dessert is 80 dollars, tax included.

2

Parking around this area in New York is difficult.

3

The restaurant closes at 9pm on Thursday nights.

09
Clinton St. Baking Company image 1
American restaurant

Small, busy restaurant with cramped seating and wrap-around windows offering city views. Atmosphere is warm and noisy, with fans instead of air conditioning and frequent interruptions. Popular spot known for best pancakes and a message-alert system for table readiness.

Hearty dishes and authentic pancakes define the breakfast here. The atmosphere feels friendly and true to classic American style.

Fried chicken sandwich stands out with its crispy texture, tasty bread, and coleslaw. The pancakes and biscuit sandwich also earns high marks for flavor.

People are saying

"These pancakes are fluffy, flavorful, and worth the price."

"I thought the fried chicken sandwich was delicious and juicy."

"I found the authentic American breakfast here to be unmissable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required on weekends and highly recommended during the week.

2

Expect wait times of up to an hour during peak hours.

3

Get there early to avoid long lines, especially for breakfast.

10
Omar's Kitchen and Rum Bar image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Small, colorful space captures Jamaican essence with cozy, intimate vibe and Caribbean grooves. DJ spins 80s and 90s hits plus dancehall, creating lively island atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating offer relaxed options.

Caribbean dishes deliver authentic Jamaican flavors with a fresh, tasty profile. The vibe reflects genuine Caribbean culture, featuring unique ingredients like soursop rarely found elsewhere.

Crispy and flavorful, the chicken sandwich stands out with a fried texture and a touch of scotch bonnet spice. The catfish sandwich also features prominently alongside other hearty options.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic, especially the jerk chicken."

"I loved the authentic Jamaican food and Caribbean vibes here."

"I found the chicken sandwich crispy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are only held for 10 minutes; arrive on time.

2

Expect a wait time of 25-40 minutes during peak hours.

3

The bottomless brunch offers unlimited drinks for 90 minutes with limited entree choices.

11
Cibao image 1
Nuevo Latino restaurant

Small, cramped space with a chill atmosphere and a jukebox playing Latin music. Offers affordable Dominican food with some dishes praised for flavor and others less consistent. Neighborhood noise and cleanliness issues contrast with the peaceful vibe inside.

Food offers authentic home cooking with a focus on Latin flavors. Dishes stay delicious and true to traditional recipes.

Breaded steak sandwich stands out as a popular choice. Cuban sandwiches come hot or cold and taste good, though one had a hair in the cheese. Adding lettuce to sandwiches costs extra.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really delicious and authentic."

"I thought the breaded steak sandwich was a must-have."

"I loved the authentic Latin food; it felt like home."

Good to know

1

The restaurant can be crowded and seating is limited.

2

Expect higher prices than what is listed on the menu.

3

The charge for adding lettuce to a sandwich is $4 for 1 leaf of lettuce.

12
Ankara #3 image 1
Turkish restaurant

Four large rotating spits of meat dominate the spacious dining area with tables for small groups. Bright lighting creates a clean but somewhat sterile atmosphere, balanced by friendly staff and a cozy vibe. A tea station and Mexican music add unique touches to the experience.

Dishes feature authentic Turkish flavors with fresh ingredients. The chicken gyro wrap and Yaprak Dรถner offer a genuine taste of traditional Turkish cuisine.

Chicken and lamb gyro sandwiches stand out with packed portions and flavorful bread. Falafel sandwich was also notable for its taste when available.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food's falafel is crispy, flavorful, and fresh."

"I miss the falafel sandwich that was so good."

"I found the Turkish doner here to be authentic and the best I've had in NYC."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open 24 hours for late-night dining.

2

Customers must buy their own drinks; no complimentary beverages are provided.

3

The restroom is only available to customers who make a purchase.

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Lower East Side, New York

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