In anticipation of a potential all-Gotham World Series, local delis in New York and beyond are creating sandwich specials in honor of the city’s two baseball teams. Benateri’s Italian deli in College Point, near Citi Field and popular among Mets players, is offering a special sandwich called the OMG, filled with chicken cutlets, vodka sauce, fresh mozzarella, bacon, and red pepper flakes on semolina bread. Similarly, Taliercio’s in Middletown, NJ, introduced the Bronx Bomber, featuring potato knish, cheddar cheese, corned beef, pastrami, mustard, and Russian dressing.
Rocky’s NY Deli in Savannah, Ga., is joining in on the sandwich special trend with the Polar Bear, inspired by Mets player Pete Alonso. This hearty sandwich includes roast beef, provolone cheese, onion rings, and horseradish cream sauce. Owner Bill Vissicchio, originally from Long Island, has seen great success with the Polar Bear sandwich, attributing the popularity to its resemblance to both the player and the name of the sandwich. Vissicchio shared that 60% of his customers are New York natives, showing the deep connections New Yorkers have with their local sports teams.
Spring Lake, NJ’s Joe’s Deli is celebrating Aaron Judge by adding a hero sandwich to their menu, consisting of proscuittini, capicola, salami, soppressata, pepperoni, mozzarella, and peppers. Owner Joey Valentino’s family has had a long history with the deli, and the new #99 sandwich honors both Judge’s number and the deli’s strong allegiance to the Yankees. Park Wood Deli in Midland Park, NJ, has introduced the Grand Lindor grinder, named after Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor following his grand slam in a recent game. The sandwich features roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, plantains, pickles, and mustard on Italian bread.
Hobby’s Deli in Newark, NJ, took a playful jab at the Phillies with their Plucked Philly Phanatic Poutine, topping french fries with pastrami and cheddar cheese curds. The dish is served with “Francisco sauce,” which is turkey gravy. During the Phillies series, Hobby’s Deli changed the name of their Philly cheesesteaks to “LFGM Flushing Queens Cheesesteaks” and served them with Polar Bear sauce, made from horseradish. The deli even invited the Mets’ “Rally Pimp” Max Weiner to their establishment and humorously renamed their bathrooms “the Phillies Seating Section.”
Each deli is seeing success with these baseball-themed sandwiches, attracting both local patrons and out-of-state fans. Whether catering to Mets or Yankees fans, these delis are creating unique and flavorful sandwiches inspired by players and iconic moments from the baseball season. The popularity of these sandwich specials reflects the deep-rooted connection between sports, food, and community in New York and beyond. As fans gear up for the possibility of a Subway Series, these delis are bringing excitement and delicious creations to the table for all baseball enthusiasts to enjoy.
