Local Vibes

Local Vibes

Local Vibes

The best sandwiches on or near the Jersey Shore according to the legions of New Jersey sandwich lovers are on this list.

Last year, I came across a list from the website, Best Of NJ, ranking the best sandwich shops across the state of New Jersey divided by region.

According to the site, all these places have their own specialty sandwich or sub. It includes places that are well known for constructing belly busting creations jam packed with a variety of items, like chicken cutlets, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, and house made pesto.

Food Network Magazine’s Guide To Making A Good Italian Sub

A lot of these places may be on your radar, so you may already be in the know, especially if you’re a super Jersey foodie.

What the article doesn’t tell you, is the criteria they use to create these rankings. Could it be the author’s opinion? Maybe like me, the author relies on word of mouth.

It could even be a list compiled by the collective opinions of people she comes across online. Whatever the list is based on, I must agree that the list is good.

Everyone Has A Favorite Sandwich

Most people can tell you what their favorite sandwich or sub is. If it’s not made at home, they all have a mental list of their favorite places to grab a hearty sandwich on the Jersey Shore.

If you follow my food articles, you know that most of my lists are compiled based on the opinions of the foodies on social media and messages boards here in the Garden State.

I have my favorites for sure, but I can be swayed by the opinions of New Jersey folks who share their favorites with me

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For instance, Taliercio’s in Middletown has always been a favorite of the foodie community on the websites and message boards I frequent.

I’ve been to Taliercio’s a couple of times and have enjoyed some massive sandwiches. When the line is long they send someone to those waiting and hand out their famous fried ravioli. Of course you wind up buying some while ordering your massive sandwich, which by the way can feed 3 people.

I did more detective work online to find out what the masses believe are the best sandwiches on the Jersey Shore for 2024.

  • Richard's Deli - 155 Brighton Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740

    Nick Petitti and Tim Canavan purchased Richard’s Deli in 2020. Being longtime neighbors and friends of Vinnie DeGennaro it seemed only natural that they would take over the deli when the time came. I’ve been to Richard’s several times since I moved to the Shore in 96. My first experience included a delicious bowl of matzo ball soup and a hot corned beef sandwich.

  • Mr. J's South - 495 NJ-72, Stafford Township, NJ 08050

    Mr J’s makes the Jersey Sloppy Joe sandwich with pastrami topped with homemade coleslaw. The folks on the boards rate it one of their favorite sandwiches at Mr. J’s. Corrine says it’s her favorite deli for breakfast and lunch sandwiches. The soups are homemade and the staff is friendly.

  • Josie's Good Eats - 314 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720

    The nicest friendliest man runs this place. Joe knows how to feed a hungry community. Back in 2021, he fed the WRAT staff with a sampler of some of his finest sandwiches. Now, everyone knows about Josie’s Good Eats.

    Everything Josie makes is 100% from his heart and soul. Everything from a classic turkey sandwich to a homemade fried eggplant parm sub, this man does it right.  Soups, salads, wings, and vegan things can be found at Josie’s. Tell Joe that Robyn sent you.

     

     

  • Mugsy’s - 629 Arnold Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742

    Mugsy’s opened in the Fall of 2022 and has fast become the local’s destination for great handcrafted sandwiches and more created by  Chef Meg LaManna.  The turkey sandwich got the most love from the online community. Also mentioned were the incredible lobster bisque, steakhouse melt, and the turkey burgers. This hidden gem can be found in the heart of Point Pleasant Beach.

  • Claudio's Gourmet Sandwich Shop - 634 Mantoloking Rd, Brick Township, NJ 08723

    Claudio’s Gourmet Sandwich Shop was created in 2020 by Claudio Semilia. After being in business as Fortunato’s for 18 years Claudio recognized business changing and wanted to make things easier for his customers. He decided to take all the best from Fortunatos and expand it into a faster more expedited experience. We now offer Fortunato’s famous subs, brick oven pizza, a variety of soups and salads, and prepared foods.

    From Italian classics to Italian and gourmet specialty sandwiches, you can count on Claudio’s. They were shown lots of love from the locals who claim that the bread Claudio’s uses is the perfect canvas for a fresh homemade sub or loaf.

  • Driftwood Deli & Sub Shop - 932 Fischer Blvd, Toms River, NJ 08753

    It feels like this place gets mentioned a million time a day. They are that good and Toms River and the surrounding areas know it. Generous portions at reasonable prices.

  • Big Belly Bagel - 325 Drum Point Rd, Brick Township, NJ 08723

    One of the best breakfast sandwiches in Brick can be found here. During the week, Eric, the owner offers a $7.00 sandwich special. One week it could be a gyro wrap, another week it could be a grilled hot pastrami with Swiss Cheese. The hand rolled, kettle boiled bagels are excellent too.

    Big Belly Bagel

    Great bagel shop! This place does not skimp out on anything when it comes to food. They have a great selection for food, drinks, cream cheese etc. Even have eggs and to-go foods (salad, yogurt etc.). Staff is very friendly and accommodating

     

     

  • Harry's Smokin' BBQ - 240 Dover Rd, Toms River, NJ 08757

    Harry’s pastrami melt will cure what ails you. In fact, all the sandwiches made by Harry are delectable creations that have built Harry’s Smokin’ BBQ quite a fan base.

    He’s got a sandwich menu that includes Cuban Melts, Pulled chicken and pulled pork, Nashville hot chicken and ribeye sandwiches. Whatever this guy pulls off his smoker can be made into a satisfying sandwich. Harry has built this business from the ground up without the benefit of a rich daddy or a cash windfall. The man came from nothing and continues to feed hungry working folks while giving back to the community. Ask the locals, police, firefighters, and EMT’s. They all love Harry’s food and his kind heart.

     

  • Sub Doctors - 167 NJ-37 A, Toms River, NJ 08755

    Jenn from Toms River constantly posts her sandwiches from here. Plus, they get daily mentions on social media and the people in my neighborhood. You definitely get your money’s worth here. Voted one of the top 5 Sub shops on the Jersey Shore. They also have a menu of the Fat Sandwiches made famous by the grease trucks near Rutger’s. Get the FAT Davey…so good!!

     

     

     

     

     

    Hot subs, cold subs, wraps and more. There’s also a convenient drive thru-pick-up window.

  • Hoagitos - 807 Belmar Plaza, Belmar, NJ 07719

    All I hear is how crispy the chicken sandwiches are!  On occasion they have a vodka parm sandwich special that will knock you out. They serve fried chicken sandwiches, sliders, and more. Hoagitos is the latest restaurant to develop out of the flourishing trend of mixing fast food convenience with high quality fare.

  • Neil's Kitchen - 126 West End Court, Long Branch

    Awarded Top 33 Best Delis in NJ back in 2021, and listed as one of the Top 50 Shore Restaurants you must visit in 2022 from NJ.com. Cold subs, hot subs, specialty subs, Neil’s has the goods. Neil’s stole my heart with  the slow roasted bbq pork with sauteed onions, bacon, pepper jack cheese, and a nice helping of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce. Neil’s also heats you up with their delicious hearty soups!

  • Berg's Smoked Meat & Poutine - 1405 Main St, Belmar, NJ 07719

    I have several friends and acquaintances who eat at Berg’s on the regular. They’re within walking distance of the WRAT studio. Let’s mention the star of Berg’s, The Montreal smoked meat!  It’s beef brisket, dry cured with 12 different spices for 14 days, smoked over oak wood for 8 hours, steamed for 3 hours, & finally hand slice to order. Everything is made from scratch! No frozen crap here.

  • Taliercios Ultimate Gourmet - #500, Route 35, Red Bank, NJ 07701

    I see more rave reviews on this place than any other Monmouth County deli. Actually calling it a deli might be an insult, because Taliercios  is so much more than sandwiches. Their sandwiches are the items people write home about. Overstuffed creations that only the mad scientists behind the counter could dream up. You gotta try them at least once in your life.

  • Angelo's Italian Market - 68 Oceanport Ave, Little Silver, NJ 07739

    When you look up “proper sub” in the dictionary, this place will be at the first thing you see. If you have high standards when it comes to Italian delis, this place will meet your expectations. Again, another place that is more than sandwiches! Most everything they make hits 5 out of 5 stars. The arancini will take you back to Nonna’s kitchen.

  • Mike’s Giant Subs – 700 8th Ave Belmar, N.J 07719

    This was one of the first places I visited when I moved to N.J. back in 96. The place still rocks the fresh meat and cheeses. Hearty portions and killer bread. A++++

  • The Speakeatery - 705 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

    Too many mentions to count. It’s one of my favorite places for a creative sandwich. A breakfast and lunch place that focuses on unique, appetizing sandwiches from a breakfast sandwich that includes fried shrimp, a sunny side up egg, with bacon, arugula with a dill shallot aioli, to a lunch sandwich they call “The General.” General Tso’s chicken with a variety of crisp vegetables, served on a rice bun.

  • Mid-Shore Meats - 801 Fischer Blvd, Toms River, NJ 08753

    Madon is a slang expression in Italian and is derived from “Madonna,” which means “Virgin Mary” in English. However, in slang, “Madon” is an exclamation of surprise or emphasis, similar to saying “Oh my God!” or “Wow!” in English.

    When you see a sub from Mid-Shore Meats, that’s the first word you will utter when you see how gorgeous it is.

     

  • CheeseSteak Louie's - 22 Boulevard, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751

    Consistently rated #1 cheesesteak in Ocean County by the locals on social media. My friend Tom has Louie’s in his top 2, and so do a boatload of other folks.  Cheesesteak Louie’s does more than cheesesteaks. Check out the hot turkey club on rye!

     

     

  • Lunch Box On 9 - 542 US-9, Waretown, NJ 08758

    A place that received a ton of praise for both their subs and their breakfast sandwiches!  They are also legendary for their subs and delicious homemade hearty soups.

    Plus, Harold and his crew are just awesome! Harold’s customers give Harold money in case a local person is in need of food. They pay for a meal upfront and Harold posts the guest tickets on the board for people in need.  The sign says: Free meal in Need !! If in need of a meal don’t be shy, come in, take a ticket ! This meal are paid for you !!

    Sub From Lunch Box On

  • Prime Food Market - 449 Herbertsville Rd, Brick Township, NJ 08724

    Another place the local folks give glowing reviews to for their incredible subs. Good folks and good service. Plus, their catering gets high marks from the community.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BV2MQrIjh5P/?hl=en

  • Lenny's Silverton Market - Lenny's Silverton Market & Lenny's Colonial Ranch Market - 3108 Bridge Ave, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742

    2 Of the best places in Ocean County for incredible, filling subs and sandwiches. Patti mentioned Colonial Ranch as a favorite for their eggplant rollatini and the grilled steak sub. 

  • Joe Leone's Italian Specialties - 510 NJ-35, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742

    Although Joe closed the Seagirt location at the end of February, you can still enjoy the Italian gourmet sandwiches and specialty items from the Point Pleasant & Manasquan locations. Joe Leone’s should make every list when it comes to handcrafted sandwiches, subs, soups and prepared meals. We all love Joe Leone’s.

  • Slater's Deli - 866 NJ-36, Leonardo, NJ 07737

    I almost got my butt kicked for not including Slater’s on a previous list. Mainly known for giving you stacks of pork roll on your breakfast sandwich, Slater’s also makes a bangin’ sub. Another incredible sandwich joint that packs on the meat like it’s going to be your last meal.

  • The Galley Pizza & Eatery - 1313 Memorial Dr, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

     The burgers, chicken sandwiches, pizza, and wings are big favorites. The Kicked Up Chicken sandwich is da bomb. Buttermilk brined and Cajun breaded Bell & Evans chicken thigh, with chili aioli, Mike’s Hot Honey, topped with dressed arugula.  The mac & cheese and the roasted Brussels sprout are some of my faves.  Ask Chris about the secret menu, and the Garlic Bread Chicken Vodka Sammy.

     

     

  • Breakin Bread - 1177 Fischer Blvd, Toms River, NJ 08753

    BB is family owned and they claim that your belly will be full, and your heart will be happy after enjoying a meal at this establishment.  They’re singing my song with a sandwich called, “The Sweet Piggy.” It’s  prosciutto, burrata, arugula with fig jam. Plus they have homemade soups, pasta dishes, and desserts. The locals can’t say enough about the sandwiches here at Breakin’ Bread. 

     

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