Ask anyone in New Jersey what to call that salty, griddled breakfast meat, and you might start a friendly argument that lasts all morning. North Jersey says Taylor ham, South Jersey says pork roll, and everyone agrees it belongs on a roll with egg and cheese.
That sandwich is more than breakfast here. It is a small piece of state pride, and the best versions come from neighborhood delis that open early and fill up fast.
This list covers eight of those spots, stretching from Bergen County down to the Atlantic County pines. Some stack the meat high, some slice it to order, and some have been feeding the same towns for years.
A few stay open late, while others close by early afternoon. If you have ever wondered where Jersey folks actually go for their go-to pork roll, egg, and cheese, save this list and plan your next breakfast run.
1. Slater’s Deli & Caterers, Leonardo, NJ
Six slices. That is the pork roll count on the signature breakfast sandwich at Slater’s, and it explains a lot about why the parking lot stays busy on weekend mornings.
The family-owned deli sits right on Route 36 in Leonardo, an easy stop for Bayshore commuters and anyone headed toward Sandy Hook. The Pork Roll Egg and Cheese is the headliner, built with grilled pork roll, a fluffy egg, and melted cheese on a hearty roll.
Everything is cooked fresh to order.
The menu goes well beyond breakfast. A Ham, Salami and Provolone Sub covers the lunch crowd, and the chicken salad over a garden salad gives lighter eaters a solid option.
Doors open at 6 AM every day, and the deli stays open until 5 PM Wednesday through Friday. Other days wrap up at 3:45 PM.
Friday through Sunday mornings are the busiest stretch, so arrive early if you want a quick visit.
Free parking, free Wi-Fi, and a restroom make it easy to grab a seat or take your food to go. Delivery and catering are available too.
2. Pascarella Brothers Delicatessen, Chatham, NJ
Up in Morris County, nobody orders pork roll. They order Taylor ham, and Pascarella Brothers treats that name with plenty of respect.
The family-run deli on Watchung Avenue in Chatham is known for a Taylor Ham, Egg and Cheese with creamy, gooey cheese that pulls apart with every bite. The bread tastes fresh, and the team behind the counter works together smoothly even during the Friday rush.
Bigger appetites can go for the Taylor ham, egg, and potato version, which is a hefty sandwich. Italian-style subs, crispy chicken cutlets, and steak and cheese round out the lunch side, along with daily specials.
One detail I appreciate is gluten-free bread, which is not something every corner deli offers.
Hours run 6:30 AM to 5 PM Tuesday through Saturday, with shorter 8 AM to 2 PM hours on Sunday and Monday. Mondays tend to be the quietest.
Outdoor seating is available when the weather cooperates, and there is free street parking nearby.
3. Johnny’s Pork Roll and Coffee Too, Red Bank, NJ
When a shop puts pork roll right in its name, expectations run high. Johnny’s has built its whole identity around the Jersey staple, and the menu proves it.
The pork roll here is sliced right in front of you, then piled onto a fresh Kaiser roll with a gooey egg and melted cheese. Order it with salt, pepper, and ketchup, the classic SPK combo, for the full Jersey treatment.
The creativity is what sets this Red Bank counter apart. The menu includes a Pork Roll Truck Reuben, a Pork Roll Paisan Sandwich, and a simple Pork Roll and Cheese for purists.
Crispy tater tots make a strong side, and vegetarians can grab Johnny’s Grilled Cheese.
The second half of the name matters too, since fresh-roasted coffee is a highlight.
Johnny’s is open daily from 8 AM to 2 PM with counter service only, and reservations are not accepted. Downtown Red Bank usually has plenty of parking, which makes it a handy stop before browsing Broad Street shops.
4. Ted’s North Delicatessen, Paramus, NJ
Paramus is famous for malls, but this Bergen County deli is all about substance over shopping.
Ted’s North keeps things simple and low-key. There is no dine-in seating, so this is a grab-and-go operation built for workers and busy families.
The Taylor Ham, Egg and Cheese is a breakfast standout, and the Taylor Ham and Cheese on a hard roll hits a nice balance of meat and cheese.
Then there are the fries. Ted’s North Seasoned Fries have a loyal following, and they pair well with nearly anything on the menu, including the Hot Roast Pork with Gravy Hot Hero and the Chicken Cutlet Parmesan Hot Hero.
Homemade soups are part of the lineup too.
Lunchtime gets busy, so ordering ahead is the smart move. A well-staffed counter keeps the line moving.
The deli opens at 6:30 AM on weekdays and 7 AM on Saturday, then closes Sunday. There is no restroom on site, so plan accordingly.
5. Lucky 7 Deli Lawrenceville, Lawrence Township, NJ
A 5 AM pork roll craving is real, and Lucky 7 is ready for it. The Lawrence Township deli opens at 5 in the morning and stays open until 11 at night, seven days a week.
Those hours alone make it a lifesaver for shift workers, early commuters, and late-night snackers in the Trenton and Princeton area. The pork roll, egg and cheese comes out hot and fresh, stacked high with meat.
Big portions are the theme here. The Turkey Bellybuster lives up to its name, and the lineup covers pastrami hoagies, a Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak, and a Steak Egg and Cheese.
Breakfast fans can also pick a French Toast Platter or add a hashbrown patty.
Prices stay friendly for the amount of food you get, which helps explain why the place stays busy nearly all day. Weeknights after dark are the calmest window.
Free parking, dine-in seating, and delivery are all available.
6. Lisa’s Deli & Restaurant, Flemington, NJ
Strip-mall delis rarely look impressive from the parking lot. Lisa’s proves that the outside tells you very little about what comes off the grill.
Located on Route 12 in Flemington, this basic neighborhood spot has earned a reputation for one of the best pork roll, egg and cheese sandwiches in Hunterdon County. Get it with salt, pepper, and ketchup for the classic version.
Lunch is just as strong. The sub rolls are a highlight, Boar’s Head meats fill the sandwiches, and the menu covers club sandwiches, hot subs, burgers, and fries.
The value is a big part of the appeal. It is the kind of place I would save for a cheap weekday breakfast before heading into town.
Hours run 7 AM to 3 PM on weekdays and 7 AM to 2 PM on Saturday, with Sundays closed. Monday morning tends to be the quietest time to stop in, while Tuesday through Friday mornings bring the biggest crowds.
7. Sugar Hill Sub & Deli, Mays Landing, NJ
South Jersey takes its hoagies seriously, so a sub shop needs serious bread to stand out. Sugar Hill uses fresh seeded rolls and stuffs them with plenty of quality meat.
The Mays Landing shop handles breakfast, lunch, and dinner, staying open from 7 AM to 9 PM every day. The Pork Roll Egg and Cheese is a morning favorite, and swapping in pepper jack adds a little kick.
Pair it with a coffee and you are set.
Later in the day, the menu leans into fat subs, a Corned Beef Special, a Turkey Club, and Philly-style hoagies. There is even a Chicken Cheese Steak Salad and a full vegetarian menu.
Families will find a kids’ menu, and outdoor seating offers a spot to eat on nice days. It is a convenient stop on the way to the shore.
Note that there is no restroom on site. Parking is usually plentiful, and the shop does not take reservations.
8. Chick’s Deli, Cherry Hill Township, NJ
Some delis win you over with flash. Chick’s wins with consistency, having served Cherry Hill for years as a longtime, no-frills fixture on Township Lane.
Buffalo Chicken Cheese Steak is the item that put this place on the map, but the breakfast menu earns its own loyal fans. The Pork Roll Egg and Cheese Sandwich comes on a fresh, soft roll, and it makes a great reason to show up early.
The owner is known for greeting regulars by name, which says a lot about the neighborhood feel. The counter stays clean, prices stay reasonable, and the atmosphere is relaxed.
Beyond breakfast, there is a Baked Ham and Cheese Club, a Chicken Salad Sandwich, and party platters for gatherings.
Chick’s opens at 7 AM daily, closing at 6 PM Monday through Saturday and 3 PM on Sunday. Weekday evenings are the quietest.
With on-site parking, dine-in seating, and delivery, it is an easy spot to make part of your routine.
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