The sandwich is hardly a new concept. Ancient Romans probably slapped meat between slabs of bread while debating chariot races. This evolved into deli counters and corner shops…which brings us to today, when we gather in Astoria to debate the merits of pastrami versus porchetta while scrolling for the next great bite.
Astoria Deli Grocery NY, Corp
$ | (929) 208-0098 | WEBSITE
Astoria Deli Grocery NY, Corp is in Astoria, a.k.a. that wonderful neighborhood where you’re kind of in Queens but with a distinct European vibe all its own. This makes it perfect for a weekend lunch if you’re craving something authentic and satisfying. This place is part classic deli, part Croatian culinary gem, and you’ll love it if you’re willing to embrace the no-frills, genuine experience.
A delicious B&M Burger with gluten-free options is pretty much mandatory, and the authentic Croatian dishes like grilled fresh fish and chocolate hazelnut crepes are fantastic across the board. For the ultimate Astoria food crawl one-two punch, head to their lovely outdoor patio afterwards for coffee and a BEC, though be warned—the coffee and BEC were disappointing on my visit, so maybe stick to the stellar sandwiches and Croatian specialties instead.
Krave It Pizza & Sandwich Joint
$ | (917) 207-4555 | WEBSITE
When you want your casual lunch to feel like a flavor adventure, Krave It Pizza & Sandwich Joint is the place to go. If you’re craving something beyond the ordinary, get there around noon, because you’ll want to try as many of their stacked slices as possible before they run out. Then, grab a couple of their unique pies like the General Tso chicken or chicken Tikka marsala, maybe a Philly Bomber sandwich with extra toppings, and enjoy it all in their clean, pleasant space.
It’s everything you’d ever want in a pizza break, without the boring pepperoni, predictable service, and average taste you find at other spots.
Niforos Corner
$ | (718) 545-5971 | WEBSITE
My cousin just moved into a new apartment in Astoria, and he insisted we meet for breakfast on his side of the neighborhood. Fortunately, Niforos Corner is absolutely worth a morning trip to Queens. It’s tucked away in a cozy corner spot, but the warm, clean atmosphere pairs perfectly with consistently fresh breakfast sandwiches, Greek omelettes, grilled chicken wraps, and hot coffee.
The Queens locals among you will find one more reason to love this breakfast spot, and my cousin can rest easy knowing that his trip to the ATM for cash wasn’t the most exciting part of his morning. Everyone leaves satisfied.
Crescent Gourmet
$ | (718) 721-0805 | WEBSITE
So, you’re wandering Astoria in your sharpest weekend gear, looking like you’ve got big plans, but what you really crave is a killer sandwich or a juicy burger. We don’t think that’s too much to ask. Crescent Gourmet is a solid sandwich shop that dishes out reliable comfort food like their standout chicken salad and satisfying burgers.
Sure, you could be somewhere fancier in those stiff new sneakers, but you’ll still get to dig into a perfectly crafted sandwich with a side of their fresh-squeezed juice, all served with a genuine smile.
Create
$ | (718) 204-0333 | WEBSITE
Create is ideal when you’re craving a satisfying sandwich that feels like you actually put thought into your meal. They offer a wide variety of options, the steak sandwich and buffalo fries are fantastic with their fresh ingredients, and the staff provides great service. You really can’t go wrong with that delicious combination of flavors.
Halal Sandwich Shop
$ | (718) 726-9262 | WEBSITE
Sometimes, you need a hefty gyro and nothing’s going to stand in your way. Not even if the place is mostly grab-and-go. Luckily, Halal Sandwich Shop, a neighborhood spot in Astoria, understands this (and they do serve gyros). The shop doesn’t take reservations, serves very affordable lamb stew and couscous, and it’s just bright enough from the recent renovations to feel clean but it’s cozy enough so that you can still enjoy a quick, satisfying meal.
COMPTON’S
$ | (917) 745-0573 | WEBSITE
Maybe you’re craving a sandwich, and you take your sandwich selection very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that your kitchen is covered in menus and notes tacked to the fridge connected by lines of tape like a culinary investigation. When the time comes to actually satisfy that craving, do it at Compton’s. It’s a terrific sandwich spot with awesome ingredients and delicious high-quality options.
Spend some time in here for lunch, and then head to the counter for another order, where you can have some tater tots and a bacon egg and cheese with a unique twist.
