Top 5 New York Sandwiches?

[tenedor]

Hi all,

I'm putting together a culinary school project in which I'm trying to demonstrate to classmates the utility and impact of the Chowhound boards. You could help me by answering the following:

If you could only have five more sandwiches in New York for the rest of your life, what would they be?

Please try to limit them to sandwiches that we could all purchase (i.e. not something that your grandmother makes once a year). Otherwise, you can be fairly liberal in what you decide to count as a sandwich - burger, taco... perhaps even a pork bun if you really feel strongly about it.

Feel free to give a bit of justification for your choices where appropriate.

Thanks in advance!

[crsin]

I'll add the Mongolian Tofu at No. 7 and the Croque Madame at Buvette. Other than these two, the rest of my list would be pretty repetitive with the rest of the thread (Shake Shack, Parm's Turkey, etc.).

Looking forward to spending the next few years working my way through everyone else's lists. Damn these sound good.

[knucklesandwich]

Chicken Salad with Bacon on rye at William Poll Gourmet Foods.

[kyph0515]

I don't have five in mind...and if I did I'm sure most of them have been covered. What i don't see, however, is Korzo Haus's "burgers" - juicy beef patties housed in deep-fried langos bread. Some of the most unique and tastiest "sandwiches" I've ever had.

[sgordon]

They are kind of awesome, true. I'll second that.

[alepenazzi]

My 2 cents...

Salumè (Soho) - any sandwich, they are all the best sandwich I could ask for..
Ba'al (Soho) - Falafel sandwich
Caracas Arepas Bar (East Village) - Any arepa, I always found the specials to be delicious..
Cafe Habana (Soho) - Cuban Sandwich

[foodwhisperer]

Ba'al I agree is really good. I haven't been to any of the other places. But every time I go to Luke's or Porchetta I am very tempted to try the nearby Caracas Arepas,, based on Alepenazzi's rec I will do that soon.

[alepenazzi]

If you have never been to any of them and you like real italian style sandwiches try Salume' first...

Caracas Arepas can be really good and sometime just ok... A couple of weeks ago they had a special, the La de Lalo Arepa, which was great.. I hope it's still there..

[rruben1]

The Super Heebster from Russ & Daughters
Pastrami from Katz' Deli
Shawarama with the works from Azuri Cafe
Turkey dressed from 2nd Avenue Deli
Falafel, with the works, Soomsoom

[eatingbeets]

A little late to the party but here's one specific to Williamsburg:

Graham ave deli and meats - The Godfather. This sandwich is insane.
Commodore - "Medium Breast" chicken sandwich (spicy is inedibly hot)
5 Leaves - Burger. Maybe the best in NYC.
Taco Santana - The taco santana with spicy pork, con todos
Patrizia's - Chicken Parm

[UWSHomeCook]

I recently had the Spicy Pork Cemita and it was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. SO good! This place is very out of the way but worth the trip!

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Cafe Ollin
339 E 108th St, New York, NY 10029

[secondbecky]

Oh I like this thread. Must have missed it first time around! I'm going to place one vote for the falafel at Azuri Cafe. Ezra, the owner, is actually a really sweet guy once you get to be a regular! He's no "falafel nazi" as he's been called before. Even if he was, the falafel is so out of this world, I make regular trips to Hells Kitchen from Brooklyn just for it!

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Azuri Cafe
465 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019

[jerico]

+1 on on Cafe Ollin cemita!

I'm also quite a fan of pretty much anything on a hero from Ottomanelli on 88th/Park
Whitefish bagel from Ess-a-Bagel (either one)
Savory crepe from Bar Suzette in Chelsea Market
Grilled chicken hero from Fat Sal's on UES (low 80s on 2nd)

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Ess-a-Bagel
359 1st Ave, New York, NY 10010

Ess-a-Bagel
831 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022

Fat Sal's Pizza
1603 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

Cafe Ollin
339 E 108th St, New York, NY 10029

Bar Suzette
425 W 15th St, New York, NY 10014

[ashleylau]

Katz Deli

Pastrami & Corned Beef combo
with the fat on Rye Bread

[Motosport]

My all time favorite!!! Actually, I order pastrami and she orders corned beef. (fatty of course) We switch halves and get the full flavor of both.

[Anthony A]

Here are my picks, but this is a Manhattan List. I do not get the opportunity to visit the boroughs, so I am sure some of my perspectives would change a bit.

Hot Roast Beef- DeFonte's

Porchetta- Eataly

Turkey Sandwich-Torrisi

Carnitas Torta- El Rey Del Sabor

Prime Rib- Eataly

Honorable Mention:

Ricotta Special - DeFonte's

Roast Beef- Salumeria Biellese

Roast Turkey- Salumeria Biellese

Pig's Head Cuban- Cannibal

Shackburger- Shake Shack

Pork Buns- Momofuku
Patacon (Asado Negro)- El Cocotero

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Salumeria Biellese
376 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001

Momofuku Noodle Bar
171 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003

El Cocotero
228 W 18th St, New York, NY 10011

El Rey del Sabor
E 60th St and 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022

Defonte's Sandwich Shop
261 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010

Torrisi Italian Specialties
250 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012

Shake Shack
154 East 86th Street, New York, NY 10028

Eataly
200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010

The Cannibal
113 E 29th St, New York, NY 10016

[foodwhisperer]

Wow great lists.
1) juicy pastrami at katz's
2) Coconut shrimp sandwich at Nam Peng
3) Madrid Burger ( olives, capers, sundried tomatoes, feta) at Big Nick's
4) Vietnamese pork sandwich at Nicky's
5) Meatball sliders at the Meatball Shop
5 b) kalbi slider at Jung Sik

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Katz's Delicatessen
205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Big Nick's
2175 Broadway, New York, NY 10024

Num Pang Sandwich Shop
21 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003

The Meatball Shop
84 Stanton St, New York, NY 10002

Jung Sik
2 Harrison St, New York, NY 10013

Nicky's Vietnamese Sandwiches
99 Nassau St, New York, NY 10038

[rruben1]

I had a pastrami on rye with mustard and cole slaw from Katz' Deli on Sunday that was simply perfect. It was supernaturally delicious.

A few doors down, the Super Heebster from Russ & Daughter is just fantastic. It's a party in your mouth.

The Falafel with your choice of salads on it at SoomSoom is wonderful, and the Shawarma @ Azuri Cafe.

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Russ & Daughters
179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Katz's Delicatessen
205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Azuri Cafe
465 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019

Soom Soom
166 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023

[save1]

WOW only one with the Prime Rib samich from Eataly perhaps the best sandy on this list!!

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Eataly
200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010

[Anthony A]

I have a new Top 5 Entry. Add the " Romeo" on Sfilatino with Caponata and bump the Canitas Torta at El Rey Del Sabor to honorable mention status.

The Romeo is quite possibly the best cold cut sandwich I have ever had. The ingredients and quality are impeccable.

[LeahBaila]

The Byggybeef, Byggyz
Carnitas cemita, Cafe Ollin
Katz's pastrami

That's all I've got.

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Katz's Delicatessen
205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Cafe Ollin
339 E 108th St, New York, NY 10029

Byggyz
New York, New York, NY 10013

[Motosport]

Looks like Katz's Pastrami sammich has been mentioned most often.

[stuartlafonda]

In addition to all the great sandwiches already mentioned:

1. carne mechado plaintain sandwich -Patacon Pisao (truck or restaurant)

2. pastrami reuben- Untitled at the Whitney

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El Dugout Patacon Pisao
431 W 202nd St, New York, NY 10034

Untitled
945 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021

[Motosport]

Wow!! What a great thread!! I love sammiches and have to get to some of these places.
My two choices:
Katz's Delicatessan pastrami on rye with a little creamy cole slaw and lots of mustard.
Defonte's Sandwich shop Hot roast beef, fresh mozzarella, fried eggplant and juice.

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Katz's Delicatessen
205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Defonte's Sandwich Shop
261 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010

[morisaur]

Porchetta at Porchetta
Smoked meat sandwich at Mile End
Carnitas taco at Pinche Taqueria
Unda chicken roll at Kati Roll
Pork bun at Momofuku Ssam Bar

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Momofuku Ssam Bar
207 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Kati Roll Co.
99 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

Pinche Taqueria
227 Mott St, New York, NY 10012

Porchetta
110 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009

[windycity]

Lobster Roll @ Luke's Lobster
The ricotta special @ Defonte's
Turkey sandwich @ Torrisi
Smoked lox and green onion cream cheese on a bagel from Russ and Daughters
hot pastrami at 2nd Ave Deli

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Russ & Daughters
179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Second Avenue Deli
162 E 33rd St, New York, NY 10016

Defonte's Sandwich Shop
261 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010

Luke's Lobster
93 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009

Torrisi Italian Specialties
250 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012

[jon]

here are my 5 favorite:

tuna nicoise at bouchon bakery (my favorite sandwich in the city)
the firehouse at defonte's
chicken parm at torrisi's
pastrami on rye at katz's
navarrico at despana

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Katz's Delicatessen
205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Despana
408 Broome St, New York, NY 10013

Bouchon Bakery
10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019

Defonte's Sandwich Shop
261 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010

Torrisi Italian Specialties
250 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012

[MsAlyp]

http://newyork.seriouseats.com/2010/1...

Here is Serious Eats Sandwich Picks

[e0023]

I have to add another sandwich that most of you probably haven't tried but you really need to.

The roast beef sandwich on a hero at Garden of Eden on 23rd. You have to get "Sugar" to make it at the deli. I get pesto, mustard, sauerkraut and sometimes avocado on it but you can make your own. It's huge and the roastbeef is rare and amazing. Try it!

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Garden of Eden
162 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011

[sugartoof]

The roast beef, and the turkey sandwiches at Garden of Eden are real sleepers.
I'm partial to the brie and turkey with honey mustard.

[angelo04]

Not my list of 5 but a couple worth mentioning.

Big Fan of the Arepas at the CARACAS AREPA BAR on East 7th. , website http://www.caracasarepabar.com My favorites would be La Surenia - Grilled Chieken and Chorizio and La da Pernil - Roast Pork Shoulder

Also the Chubby Chinese Girl at Cer Te but not sure if they serve it anymore. It was awesome. Grilled baguette, hoisin sauce, soy and citrus marinated Duck Breast, pickled cucumber and radish, lettuce and cilantro, and srilacha

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Caracas Arepa Bar
93 1/2 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009

Cer Te
20 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019

[RCC]

I've 4 that I keep coming back for every chance I get:

Duck Sandwich at Momofuku Ssam
Katz Pastrami at Katz Deli
Double Shack Burger at Shake Shack MSP
Pork Bun at Momofuku Ssam

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Katz's Delicatessen
205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Momofuku Ssam Bar
207 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Shake Shack
Madison Ave and E 23rd St, New York, NY 10010

[abe2009]

Cheeseburger with melted Bleu Cheese at Harry's Cafe & Steak
Burger at The Spotted Pig
Cuban Sandwich at Cafe Habana
Carnitas Burrito at Dos Toros
Murrays Cheese Melt at Murray's Cheese

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Murray's Cheese
254 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014

Cafe Habana
229 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012

Spotted Pig
314 W 11th St, New York, NY 10014

Harry's
1 Hanover Sq, New York, NY 10004

Dos Toros
137 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003

Dos Toros
11 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014

[ml77]

Just had a Murrays Melt today! As good as ever.

[LehighDave]

The Italian Combo (with spice) @ Torrisi Italian Specialties

Pastrami on Rye @ Katz's

Proscuitto, Raclette, Potato Crepe @ Vive La Crepe

Falafel Sandwich @ Taim or Maoz

Cheeseburger @ JG Melon

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Taim
222 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10014

J.G. Melon
1291 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021

Maoz
38 Union Sq E, New York, NY 10003

Torrisi Italian Specialties
250 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012

Vive La Crepe
114 University Pl, New York, NY 10003

[MWinston]

How can you possibly recommend Taim and Maoz interchangeably??

-----
Taim
222 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10014

[tryptophan]

• italian special - sal, kris & charlies
• nicky - defonte's @ redhook before 2p
• sausage, egg and cheese on a roll - from a cart, not a truck or a deli
• double cheeseburger - shake shake @ madison park in light rain
• corned beef/rye - david's brisket house

[NYCHOUND]

Manganaro's Special @ Manganaro's Grosseria

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Manganaro's Grosseria Italiana
488 9th Ave, New York, NY 10018

[kalinerj]

Chicken Tikka roll from Kati Roll (No justification needed, this is the best sandwhich. Since I switched offices I have had dreams about this delicious Indian burrito)
Crispy Basil Pork wrap from Rhong Tiam
The Matthew on Foccocia from Alidoro
Lamb burger from Breslin
Cheese burger Shake Shack

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Shake Shack
Madison Ave and E 23rd St, New York, NY 10010

Alidoro
105 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012

Kati Roll Co.
99 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

Kati Roll Co.
49 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018

The Breslin
20 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001

Rhong-Tiam Express
31 E 21st St, New York, NY 10010

[eatingbeets]

I realize this post is nearly a year old but, in case you work in midtown now and haven't heard, they just opened up a Kati Roll on 53rd b/t 2nd and 3rd. I like the Shrimp Masala... check it out sometime.

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Kati Roll Co.
229 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022

[cutthroat49]

Pastrami @ Katz's
Heebie @ Russ & Daughters
Any sandwich from Leos in Carona
Pho @ Saigon Vietnaneese
Cuban @ Casa Habana

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Russ & Daughters
179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

[H Manning]

Great list but how can pho be considered a sandwich?

[MWinston]

I had the same question... unless it's like the Pho Real Sandwich: http://newyork.seriouseats.com/2010/0...

[Dave Feldman]

I'll make it all-Manhattan:

Pan-fried skate sandwich at Pearl Oyster Bar (it was even better with grouper)

Shack Burger at Steak Shack (ordered rare)

Herring Sandwich with Everything at Russ & Daughters (whole herring only)

Turkey Shwarma on Homemade Falaffel with extra hot sauce and hold the hummus (Ali Baba on 78th and Amsterdam)

Pastrami & Rye at Katz's

*****

If it were still available, I'd add the lamb sandwich, originally featured at Gramercy Tavern's Tavern and later at Colicchio & Sons -- I assume it shall return again.

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Russ & Daughters
179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Katz's Delicatessen
205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Pearl Oyster Bar
18 Cornelia St, New York, NY 10014

Gramercy Tavern
42 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003

Ali Baba
515 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024

Shake Shack
366 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024

Colicchio & Sons
85 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011

[Dave Feldman]

Aggh, At Ali Baba, it should read: "Turkey Shwarma on Homemade Laffa Bread with extra hot sauce and hold the hummus)..."

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Ali Baba
515 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024

[jaba]

why "hold the hummus"?
is it not good?

[Dave Feldman]

Just a personal preference, and they always look at me like I'm crazy when I ask them to hold it. The hummus isn't great, but perfectly fine as a condiment for the sandwich, if that's your preference.

[franknyc11]

Lobster Roll @ Pearl Oyster Bar
Shack Burger @ Shake Shack
Scuttlebutt @ Saltie
Banh Mi @ Nicky's Vietnamese
Pastrami on rye @ Katz's

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Katz's Delicatessen
205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Pearl Oyster Bar
18 Cornelia St, New York, NY 10014

Shake Shack
691 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036

Nicky's Vietnamese Sandwiches
99 Nassau St, New York, NY 10038

[MWinston]

Cubano at Margon
Sabich at Taim
Porchetta at Di Palo
Lamb Burger at Xi'an Famous Foods
Chicken Banh Mi at Banh Mi Saigon

.... I could go on and on.

Honorable Mention:

Spicy Redneck at Crif Dog
Challah Tuna Melt at B&H Dairy
Peppercorn Catfish at Num Pang
Peking Duck Sesame Pancake at Vanessa's Dumplings
Soul Burger at Paul's Da Burger Joint
Mellawach at Hoosmoos Asli
Cecina Torta at Tehuitzingo
Cheesesteak (whiz and onions) at Philly's
Super Heebster at Russ & Daughters

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Russ & Daughters
179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Tehuitzingo
695 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036

Di Palo's Fine Foods
200 Grand St, New York, NY 10013

Taim
222 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10014

Margon
136 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036

Banh Mi Saigon
198 Grand St, New York, NY 10013

Hoomoos Asli
100 Kenmare St, New York, NY 10012

B&H
127 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Vanessa's Dumplings
220 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003

Crif Dogs
113 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009

Paul's
131 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Philly's Original Cheese Steak
191 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Num Pang Sandwich Shop
21 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003

Xi'an Famous Foods
88 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002

[wew]

Enter "best sandwiches" in Manhattan search for lots of required reading

[rifkind81]

The Eggplant Parm at Parisi Bakery on Mott is just amazing.

-----
Parisi Bakery
198 Mott St, New York, NY 10012

[nmprisons]

Pastrami @ Katz's
everything bagel, lox, cream cheese, onion, tomato @ Absolute Bagels
Beef@Cheeky's
$1 duck buns @ that window in queens (best dollar in new york)
black label burger @ minetta

-----
Katz's Delicatessen
205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Minetta Tavern
113 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

Absolute Bagels
2788 Broadway, New York, NY 10025

Cheeky Sandwiches
35 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002

[sgordon]

Five off the top of my head:
Italian Special @ Faicco's
Bagel w/ cream cheese & lox @ Russ & Daughters
Croque Madame @ Schiller's
Turkey Sandwich @ Torrissi
Sabich @ Taim

...and five more just as quick:
Burger @ Shake Shack
Snail Smorrebrod @ Vandaag
Lengua tacos @ Tehuitzingo
Cubano.@ Cibao
Fried Chicken & Scrambled Egg with Red-Eye Gravy on a biscuit @ Peel's

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Russ & Daughters
179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Faicco's
260 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014

Tehuitzingo
695 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036

Taim
222 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10014

Shake Shack
Madison Ave and E 23rd St, New York, NY 10010

Schiller's Liquor Bar
131 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002

Cibao
72 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002

Torrisi Italian Specialties
250 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012

Vandaag
103 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Peels
325 Bowery, New York, NY 10003

[tex.s.toast]

Had the pleasure of trying Best Pizza's much-lauded meatball sub at the serious eats all-star sandwich festival and it was just incredible. not manhattan proper, but totally worth the trip to williamsburg.

Defonte's pepper and egg hero (and, frankly, most of their other sandwiches) would be right up there

super heebster from russ and daughters (horseradish cream cheese, whitefish salad, and wasabi tobiko - my innovation was to buy the sandwich components together, get a bagel from somewhere closer to home/better and put the sandwich together myself with the addition of finely diced cukes) is maybe the best sandwich of all time.

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Russ & Daughters
179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Defonte's Sandwich Shop
261 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010

[iluvcookies]

Pastrami on Rye, Katz's

Al Pastor Burrito, Tribeca Taco Truck

Bacon and Swiss Cheeseburger, Jackson Hole

Minced pork Bahn Mi, Saigon Bahn Mi

Smoked Salmon with plain Ben's cream cheese on a sesame bagel, Russ and Daughters

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Katz's Delicatessen
205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Banh Mi Saigon
198 Grand St, New York, NY 10013

Jackson Hole
1611 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

Tribeca Taco Truck
New York, New York, NY 10012

[David11238]

Steamed Cotto with Fresh Muzz (dipped in salt water), Tomato & Mayo on both sides @ Caputo's Fine Foods

Pastrami & Corned Beef combo, with the fat on, Rye Bread @ Katz's

Lamb Shishkebob, rare in a Pita, Tomato, Babaganush & Tahini @ Mr. Falafel

The very rarely made Meatball Parmigiana @ DiFara

Nova & Butter w Tomato & Onion on an Everything Bagel @ Kosher Bagel Hole

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Katz's Delicatessen
205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

[small h]

LIst of the moment (subject to change)

El Quinto Pino: uni panini
Russ & Daughters: everything bagel with Gaspe smoked salmon, cream cheese, onion & tomato
Maoz: falafel with eggplant
Taqueria: fish taco
Banh Mi Saigon: vegetarian bahn mi

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Russ & Daughters
179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Banh Mi Saigon
198 Grand St, New York, NY 10013

El Quinto Pino
401 W 24th St, New York, NY 10011

Maoz
38 Union Sq E, New York, NY 10003

Taqueria Lower East Side
198 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002

[H Manning]

Here's my list:

- Black Label burger at Minetta Tavern

- Three terrine banh mi at Ma Peche

- Lamb burger at The Breslin

- Croque madame at Fairway Cafe (I believe it's deep fried with bechamel and gruyere)

- Carnitas quesadilla at Dos Toros

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Minetta Tavern
113 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

The Breslin
20 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001

Dos Toros
137 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003

Ma Peche
15 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019

Fairway Cafe
2127 Broadway, New York, NY 10023