New Jersey takes its deli counters seriously, and nowhere is that clearer than in the sandwich itself. Around here, a sloppy joe is not a messy meat pile like the rest of the country thinks.
It is a triple-decker built on thin-sliced rye or seeded bread, layered with deli meats, cheese, coleslaw, and dressing. These seven spots have been stacking sandwiches this way for years, some for nearly a century.
If you want to understand why Jersey folks argue over which deli is best, this list is a great place to start.
1. Town Hall Deli, South Orange Village, NJ
If you want to know where the Jersey sloppy joe actually began, this is the address people point to. Town Hall Deli has been running since 1927 and is widely credited as the birthplace of the state’s triple-decker sloppy joe.
The signature sandwich is layered the classic way, and the deli hand-carves its corned beef and pastrami rather than relying on pre-sliced stacks. Soups, salads, and sweets round out the counter, so it works whether you want a quick lunch or a spread to bring somewhere.
Groups tend to order the big mixed sloppy joe platters, which is the move if you are feeding a crowd. Potato salad is a popular side to pair with them.
Prices run higher than many delis in the area, so plan on roughly 10 to 20 dollars per person before drinks and chips. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday from 9 AM to 1 PM.
Free and paid street parking are both available, and the place stays busy on weekday and Saturday afternoons.
2. Millburn Deli, Millburn, NJ
Ask around North Jersey about the best sloppy joe and Millburn Deli comes up almost immediately. Open since 1946, it has built a reputation strong enough to spread into additional locations in Morristown, Montclair, and Westfield.
The pastrami sloppy joe here is essentially a triple-decker sandwich, layered high on the deli’s own rolls with quality meats and cheeses. Beyond the joes, the menu runs deep with the Turkey Club, the Chicken Bruschetta, and vegetarian picks like The Perfect Ten and The Charlie Sandwich.
There is also a Turkey Sloppy Joe for anyone skipping red meat.
Corned beef on rye and the classic turkey, ham, and American on rye are both dependable orders. A salad area and a large drink and side selection keep things flexible.
Expect around 10 to 20 dollars per person. Hours are daily from 9 AM to 5:30 PM.
Reservations are not accepted and there is usually a wait, plus parking in downtown Millburn can be a little tight, so build in a few extra minutes.
3. Hickory Tree Delicatessen, Chatham Township, NJ
Generous is the word that keeps coming up at this Chatham Township counter, and it shows in the sandwiches. The meat portions are noticeably hearty, which matters a lot when you are building a proper triple-decker joe.
Sloppy joes are the headliner, and the deli holds its own against the well-known spots stretching from Summit to Morristown. Beyond the joes, the kitchen turns out homemade Italian dishes, soups, chicken pot pies, and quiche, so it is more than a one-note stop.
Service moves quickly and the space stays clean, which fits the grab-and-go rhythm of the place. Portions stay large without pushing prices up, landing around 10 to 20 dollars per person.
Worth noting before you go: there is no restroom, and it operates as a quick-visit deli. Hours are Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 6 PM, Saturday from 6 AM to 5 PM, and closed Sunday.
Parking is easy with both a free lot and free street spots, a nice change from tighter downtown delis.
4. Mr. J’s Deli, Cranford, NJ
Breakfast and sandwiches share equal billing at this family-owned Cranford spot, which makes it a bit different from the lunch-only crowd. Pancakes, waffles, and omelettes come out early, then the counter shifts into deli mode.
The sloppy joes are the calling card, built Jersey-style with layered deli meat, coleslaw, and dressing. Regulars point to the Commuter sandwich and the Turkey Joe as reliable orders, and the pickles that come alongside are famously oversized.
Sandwich lovers who like a chicken cutlet often go for the DiFabio, and there are plenty of subs, wraps, and salads to fill out an order for a group. The vibe is classic small-town deli with warm, quick service.
Hours vary by day, so check ahead: Monday 6 AM to 2 PM, Tuesday through Friday 6 AM to 4 PM, and weekends 7 AM to 2 PM. There is a restroom on site, plus free and paid street parking.
Curbside pickup and delivery are both options if you are running short on time.
5. Nana’s Deli & Restaurant, Livingston, NJ
Here is a deli that built its name on tuna salad, of all things, and then backed it up with everything else. Nana’s leans into a homey, vintage feel that matches its lunch-counter roots.
The signature tuna salad is the star, made fresh and generous enough that it has become the thing to order even for people who normally skip tuna. Jewish-style deli specialties fill out the menu, and the sloppy joes are a big draw too, often ordered in platters for events.
Sides and sandwiches trend large, with items like the chili and egg salad sandwich in the mix. Fresh ingredients and helpful staff keep the counter humming through the lunch rush.
Prices sit around 10 to 20 dollars per person, on the higher end for the quality. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 6:30 PM and weekends from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Reservations are not accepted, but parking is genuinely easy with a free lot and plenty of street spots, which is a relief in this part of Essex County.
6. Hobby’s Delicatessen & Restaurant, Newark, NJ
Downtown Newark keeps a genuine old-school Jewish deli at its center, and Hobby’s has held that spot since 1962. Pickles land on the table, and the pace fits a lunch crowd and pre-game diners heading to Prudential Center.
The #5 is the sandwich to know, stacking corned beef, pastrami, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on rye the classic triple-decker way. Lean pastrami sandwiches, matzoh ball soup, and knishes round out a menu that stays true to the tradition.
One detail that sets Hobby’s apart: it offers legitimate gluten-free options with a dedicated fryer and prep space to avoid cross-contamination, which is rare for a deli of this age.
Plan on roughly 20 to 30 dollars per person. Hours are limited, so time your visit: closed Monday and Sunday, Tuesday through Friday 8 AM to 2:30 PM, and Saturday 11 AM to 2:30 PM.
Friday and Saturday afternoons are the busiest windows. Free and paid street parking and a paid lot are all nearby.
7. Harold’s New York Deli, Edison, NJ
Portion size is basically the whole personality at this Edison institution, and it is not exaggerating. Harold’s is known statewide for monster sandwiches and big helpings of classic Jewish deli fare in a diner-style setting.
The corned beef and pastrami sandwiches arrive stacked the traditional deli way, served with extra fresh rye bread, coleslaw, mustard, and pickles from the pickle bar. Brisket and roast turkey join the lineup, and the onion rings are a standout side.
There is a bit of deli history here too. Harold’s was started by a former manager of the legendary Carnegie Deli in New York, which explains the New York style sensibility and the sheer scale of everything.
Menu highlights include the World’s Best Corned Beef, matzoh ball soup, potato knish, and oversized breakfast items like the chocolate chip single pancake. Expect around 20 to 40 dollars per person given the size.
Open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM, with plenty of parking including a free lot. Bring an appetite and probably a friend to share.
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