Sandwiches are often thought of for their simplicity—stick a few slices of meat between two pieces of bread, lather on some mustard or mayo (or both) and go. They’re perfect for school lunches, beach days and quick breakfasts. But some Long Island sandwich shops are building better ones. The meat is juicier, the housemade bread fresher and the secret sauces more creative. What’s more, the shops will still have you in and out in a Long Island minute. Though mom’s bologna sandwiches (cut in triangles, of course) will always have your heart, these Long Island sandwiches are about to steal your stomach.
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Better on a Bagel, Miller Place
When Pulse asked Facebook followers to name their favorite spot for a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich, no shop earned more votes than Better on a Bagel. The bacon, egg and cheese is made with two eggs and a generous amount of crispy bacon. The sandwich comes on a roll or a bagel, which is known to be softer than many Long Island delis. Phone: 631-473-3030 | Address: 275 NY-25A #21 Click to eat
Se-Port Delicatessen, Setauket
When Se-Port newbies first see the shop’s legendary colossal sandwiches, they often think of sharing with a friend. One bite changes that. The most popular offering, The Gasm, is known to create long lines that seemingly go halfway to Danford’s two miles away. The meat-and-cheese lovers’ dream sandwich includes 3/4 of a pound of fried chicken cutlet strips, melted mozzarella, bacon, coleslaw and a sweet-and-sour Russian dressing. It’s all sandwiched between a garlic hero but guests rarely want a mint after finishing—they love to let the taste linger as long as possible. Phone: 631-751-2432 | Address: 301 Main St. Click to eat
AJ’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese Shop, Bay Shore
The classic grilled cheese sandwich gets a Super Bowl inspired update at AJ’s Grilled Cheese, which opened in Bay Shore in 2016. To make the Buffalo or BBQ Style Chicken sandwich, the staff takes crispy chicken and smothers it in BBQ or buffalo sauce for a smoky or spicy kick and throws it on a sourdough bun. Next comes mozzarella, American or pepper jack cheese. Then it all goes in the oven for a gooey creation made for snow days and game days alike. Phone: 631-647-9292 | Address: 182 West Main St. Click to eat
Relish, Kings Park
Putting creative twists on classics is all the rage these days, but Relish keeps its BLT basic. And people basically crave another as soon as they’re done. The recipe calls for nearly two handfuls of bacon, which get an assist from crisp locally-sourced lettuce and juicy North Fork tomatoes. It’s super-sized and straightforward but for guests looking to have a little more fun, the staff can add an egg to it. Phone: 631-292-2740 | Address: 2 Pulaski Rd. Click to eat
Louisiana Joe’s Sandwich Shop, Oceanside
Joe LoSchiavo debuted this cajun-inspired Long Island sandwich shop in 2015 and people have been flocking to it for a taste of southern comfort ever since. Each sandwich starts with bread baked just for him and delivered from a local bakery. The Mardis Gras wrap can make an hour lunch break feel like a holiday. There’s pulled pork, rice, beans, cheddar jack, lettuce and tomatoes. It’s cheesy, smoky and indulgent. Phone: 516-422-9838 | Address: 488 Merrick Rd. Click to eat