Ask anyone in North Jersey what to call that salty, griddled breakfast meat, and you will get a firm answer: Taylor ham. Pile it with a fried egg and melted American cheese on a hard roll or bagel, and you have the unofficial state breakfast.
Plenty of places sell one, but only some make the version people line up for before work. These eight delis, from Bergen County down to Union County, are the spots where regulars keep coming back for the real deal.
1. The Tailored Ham, New Milford, NJ
With a name like that, the shop pretty much had to nail its signature sandwich. The Tailored Ham sits at 366 River Rd in New Milford, and the pun on the sign tells you exactly where its priorities are.
The go-to order is Taylor ham, egg, and cheddar on a bagel. The cheddar is a nice twist on the usual American cheese, and fresh, hot coffee rounds out the morning.
The menu stretches further than you might expect. Alongside bagels and deli lunch sandwiches, you will find espresso drinks, lattes, refreshers, boba, milk tea, smoothies, and lemonade.
Prices land in the $1 to $10 range per person, which makes it an easy weekday habit. Hours run 6:30 AM to 4 PM Monday through Thursday, until 2 PM on Friday, and 7 AM to 1 PM on weekends, so weekend sleepers should not linger too long.
A free parking lot keeps the stop quick.
2. Ted’s North Delicatessen, Paramus, NJ
Every weekday morning on Spring Valley Road, neighbors line up for the same thing and wait for their names to be called. Ted’s North Delicatessen is that kind of place.
The family-owned deli is takeout only, with no dine-in seating and no restroom. What it does have is a fast-moving staff that remembers regulars and their orders.
The Taylor ham, egg, and cheese on a hard roll is the morning classic here, and the plain Taylor ham and cheese has its own fans. Specialty breakfast sandwiches fill out the early menu.
Come back at lunch for hot heroes like Hot Roast Pork with Gravy or the Pesto Smoked Turkey. The seasoned fries are a house signature, and they happen to be vegan.
Lunch gets busy, so ordering ahead helps. Ted’s runs 6:30 AM to 4 PM on weekdays and 7 AM to 2:30 PM on Saturday, closed Sunday, with a large free lot out front.
3. Plaza Bagels & Deli, Clifton, NJ
Bagel people, this one is for you. Plaza Bagels & Deli on Van Houten Avenue in Clifton turns the Taylor ham, egg, and cheese into a choose-your-own-bagel situation.
Everything bagels are a popular base, but poppy seed, whole wheat everything, and black German bagels all get their turn. The classic finish of salt, pepper, and ketchup is the local way to order it.
Portions are hearty, and the counter moves fast. Weekend breakfasts also bring creations like grilled cheese loaded with bacon, ham, egg, and tomato.
Saturday and Sunday mornings are the busiest stretches. If you want a calmer visit, Wednesday afternoon tends to be the quietest.
Plaza is open every day from 6 AM to 4 PM, with a free parking lot. There is no restroom and no delivery, so plan for a grab-and-go stop.
4. Pascarella Brothers Delicatessen, Chatham, NJ
Some fans call it one of the best Taylor ham, egg, and cheese sandwiches in the whole tri-state area. That is a bold claim, and Pascarella Brothers in Chatham keeps earning it.
The family-run Italian deli lists the Taylor Ham Egg & Cheese right among its highlights. Expect a big sandwich with plenty of creamy, gooey cheese.
Gluten-free bread is available too, which is a welcome option for anyone who usually skips breakfast sandwiches. Italian-style subs, chicken cutlets, and steak and cheese cover the lunch crowd.
Unlike many grab-and-go delis, this one has plenty of room inside, plus a restroom and free Wi-Fi. Dine-in, takeout, and delivery are all on the table.
Hours are 6:30 AM to 5 PM Tuesday through Saturday, with shorter 8 AM to 2 PM hours on Sunday and Monday. You will find it at 34 Watchung Ave, with a free lot and free street parking.
5. Mimi’s Too Bagels & Deli, Whippany, NJ
Bring an appetite, or maybe a friend. The sandwiches at Mimi’s Too Bagels & Deli in Whippany are known for being big and heavy in the best way.
The Taylor ham, egg, and cheese comes with thick, well-cooked slices, a generous layer of egg, and lots of cheese. A kaiser roll is the classic choice, though the bagel version has a loyal following.
It has been priced around $7, which feels fair for the size. Bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel is another solid order.
Mimi’s is family-owned and sits at 27 Reynolds Ave in Hanover Township. It opens at 6 AM every day and closes at 3 PM, so it suits early risers and commuters alike.
Mornings stay busy most days, while Monday afternoon is usually the calmest. A free lot and delivery make it simple either way.
6. A J’s Lunch Box, West Caldwell, NJ
Corner luncheonettes like this one are a North Jersey tradition worth protecting. A J’s Lunch Box on Central Avenue in West Caldwell keeps that small-business spirit alive.
Breakfast centers on a freshly made Taylor ham, egg, and cheese, and it pairs naturally with a cup of coffee. Grilled cheese and signature lunch sandwiches take over later in the day.
Hot food is displayed right as you walk in, which makes it tempting to order more than you planned. Prices stay reasonable for the area.
The friendly owner is part of the appeal, and the whole operation runs on that neighborhood feel. Service is takeout and delivery only.
Hours are 6:30 AM to 4 PM on weekdays and 7:30 AM to 3 PM on Saturday. It is closed Sunday, so plan your weekend craving accordingly.
7. Oscar’s Deli & Restaurant, Millburn, NJ
Four slices of Taylor ham and two eggs. That is the kind of build that makes Oscar’s Deli & Restaurant in Millburn a serious contender.
The sandwich comes on fresh, soft bread, and everything is made to order. It is a straightforward, done-right version of the North Jersey classic.
Oscar’s also works as a sit-down breakfast spot. French toast and omelettes share the spotlight, which helps when your group cannot agree on one thing.
The family-run deli has dine-in seating and a restroom, plus takeout and delivery. It sits at 305 Millburn Ave, with free and paid street parking nearby.
Doors open at 6 AM Monday through Saturday and 8 AM on Sunday. Sunday is also the quietest day, which makes it a nice pick for a slower breakfast.
8. Sam’s Delicatessen Summit, Summit, NJ
Union County has plenty of opinions about breakfast, and Sam’s Delicatessen in Summit lands high on many local shortlists. Its Taylor ham, egg, and cheese is the reason.
The family-owned deli on Springfield Avenue keeps the focus on hearty sandwiches and breakfast favorites. It is a classic setup, done with care.
Sam’s is also one of the more flexible stops on this list. You can dine in, grab takeout, use in-store pickup, or get delivery, and there is free Wi-Fi plus a gender-neutral restroom.
Summit can be tricky for parking, but this spot has several options nearby, including free lots and street spaces. Tuesday and Saturday mornings tend to be busiest.
Hours run 6:30 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday and 7 AM to 3 PM on Sunday. That gives you a full day to work a Taylor ham sandwich into the plan.
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