Sandwiches for the Sand

Where to pick up gourmet sustenance on your way to the beach.

At Joe Leone’s in Point Pleasant Beach, a counterman builds an Italian combo.
Photo by Marc Steiner/Agency New Jersey.

Brennan’s Delicatessen, Rumson
Neighbors catch up on local gossip while waiting for their sandwiches. The place fills up, so call ahead or get there early. We recommend the No. 6—Black Forest ham, brie and honey mustard on a hard roll. 44 W. River Road, 732-530-0302

Sickles Market, Little Silver
The sandwich board at this legendary market boasts 18 mouthwatering examples of gourmet-quality wraps, subs and sandwiches. But we’ve never been able to get past the No. 1—a triple-decker of turkey, corned beef and Swiss cheese with Russian dressing and cole slaw on caraway rye. Glorious! But this summer, we vow to move on to a No. 2 (turkey, goat cheese and homemade cranberry relish on a seven-grain roll) or a No. 3 (chicken, blue cheese, avocado, bacon, mayo with mesclun on a hard roll). Or a… 1 Harrison Avenue, 732-741-9563

Richard’s Deli, Long Branch
Locals swear this is the best Jewish-style deli outside New York. And like a good New York deli, there is an overwhelming assortment of cold cuts, sandwich selections and, on certain crowded days, New York attitude. So be prepared when it’s your turn to order and announce boldly, “Pastrami on rye!” Or if you’re feeling brave, order a No. 21, which is corned beef and chopped liver. You will definitely earn some respect. 155 Brighton Avenue, 732-870-9133

Frank’s Deli, Asbury Park
The diner-like décor is offset by the colorful crowd of locals and the occasional celeb (Stone Pony musicians often stop at Frank’s for post-show breakfast). There are really only two classic sandwiches to consider here: hot pastrami on rye or corned beef on rye. 1406 Main Street, 732-775-6682

Tom Bailey’s Market, Spring Lake
Cute store, cute street, cute town. But don’t let the cuteness fool you: The deli produces more than two-dozen serious sandwiches and wraps. Top pick, the Cuban—roast pork, ham, Swiss, pickles and mustard vinaigrette on a Cuban roll. 1323 Third Avenue, 732-282-0920

Joe Leone’s, Sea Girt & Point Pleasant Beach
What started out in Point Pleasant Beach as a bakery has now grown to two bulgingly stocked Italian specialty shops that offer catering, takeout and gourmet products, including hand-made mozzarella. We highly recommend the Italian combo—salami, ham, soppressata and provolone. 527 Washington Boulevard, 732-681-1036 (Sea Girt); 400 Route 35 South, 732-701-0001 (Point Pleasant Beach)

Pearl Street Market, Beach Haven
Offering what are arguably the best wraps and deli sandwiches on LBI, Pearl Street also earns an A for customer service. We always return to the Old Smokey wrap—smoked turkey breast, aged smoked Gouda, roasted red bell peppers and baby spinach with honey mustard in a spinach wrap. 229 Pearl Street, 609-492-3910

White House Sub Shop, Atlantic City
Patrons consider it the home of the ultimate Jersey Italian sub. Tell them you don’t plan on eating it for several hours and they will package it dry for the trip. While you’re waiting to order, check out the photos of celebs on the walls (Sinatra, naturally). Unless you’re ordering for two, stick with the half sub. 2301 Arctic Avenue (at Mississippi), 609-345-1564

A & LP Foods
, North Wildwood
This classic Italian deli resides within a simple brick storefront that recalls its South Philadelphia roots. We suggest the Old Style—prosciutto, capicolla, salami, provolone, tomato, lettuce, onion and olive oil. 15th and New Jersey avenues, 609-522-3576

The Depot Market Café
, Cape May
A squat brown hole in the wall but a favorite of locals and visitors alike, the Depot is perhaps best known for a truly amazing (and Amazonian) BLT that boasts a mound of bacon and the freshest Jersey tomatoes, on multi-grain bread. Second choice? Any sandwich with turkey, which they roast on-site. 409 Elmira Street, 609-884-8030

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