By: Sarah McGovern
If you call yourself a true Westchester native, then it is assumed that you eat regularly at all four of these delis. Neighborhood delis are a staple in New York culture. The word deli came from the German word "delikatessen," meaning "delicacy, fine food," this word was first recorded in American English in 1889 and later shortened to "deli." Throughout the early 20th Century, the deli was a place where many Jewish immigrants went to socialize because prevailing of anti-Semitic attitudes. There were two types of delis, kosher and non-kosher, these are still present today. As Americans began to diversify, so did the deli's menus. The deli's evolution began to reflect an understanding of what helps a business succeed in a busy city such as New York.
1. Giannoni's Deli
At the number one spot is Giannoni's Deli, located on Garth Road in Scarsdale, New York. Commonly referred to as Nonni's. This deli is a hot spot for people of all ages, but you most definitely will see Edgemont and Scarsdale high school students here during lunch as well as after school.
The outside of Giannoni's
If you are going to Nonni's during a lunch rush or right after school, you should be prepared not to get a table to sit at; otherwise, if you are going during any other time, then you will probably get a seat at one of the seven tables.
Their menu is extensive and varied. They offer breakfast, stuffed pitas, burgers, chicken heroes, and more. Some sandwiches are not featured on their online menu but are shown next to the standard menu when you are inside the deli. The "Mason" sandwich is one of those specialty menu items. This sandwich is one of their most popular, featuring breaded chicken cutlet, melted cheddar cheese, curly fries, finished with hot sauce on a french baguette.
The Mason Sandwich. Photo from Instagram
Once a month on a Saturday night, Nonni's hosts a "Late Night Nonni's." On these days they serve sandwiches from 8 pm to 2 am. These late nights are announced on their Instagram and are extremely popular for high school students.
First: their post announcing late night. Second & Third: Photos taken during late night. All photos from Instagram.
2. Rocky's Millwood Deli
Coming in at number two is Rocky's Millwood Deli, located on Saw Mill River Rd in Millwood, New York. This deli is one of the more well-known delis across all of Westchester county. People of all ages come here to grab a bite to eat. This year they are celebrating their 60th year of being open, so it is safe to say this place is a family loved spot.
The outside of Rocky's Deli
It is essential to know that this deli is cash only, they do have an ATM located inside the store that you can use if you forget.
The deli is open 24/7 and is always cooking up some of the best sandwiches you will ever taste. There is no seating here so you will always have to take it to go, or even eat it in the car on the way home.
Their classic menu is big and offers many traditional deli foods such as breakfast, grilled cheese, salads, meatball sandwiches, and more. They do provide more than just the basic deli, they are known for their specialty sandwich menu. This menu is so good that they had to trademark the ingredients as well as their names. The most popular sandwich they sell is called the Hashtag. Featuring chicken cutlet, bacon, egg, cheese, and hashbrowns. Another famous sandwich is their Balboa featuring grilled roast beef with swiss or provolone and fried onions on garlic bread. All of their mouthwatering sandwiches can be made on a roll or a wedge, depending on what you prefer.
The Hashtag Sandwich. How YUMMY! Photo from: Instagram
3. Buon Amici Deli
Coming in at number three is Buon Amici Deli, located on Scarsdale Avenue Scarsdale, New York. Buon Amici is commonly referred to as just "Buon." Buon Amici is a family-owned business with over 20 years of experience providing quality products and exceptional customer service to their valued clients.
The outside of Buon Amici Deli
This deli is tiny inside and does not have any seating for their customers. Along the walls of the store, they sell authentic Italian snacks and homemade dry pasta and chips and soda. In addition to these snacks, they sell homemade pastries such as cannolis and cupcakes. They also serve hot foods made daily. They offer pasta, vegetables, chicken cutlet, and others. These off the menu items vary from day to day, depending on what they have fresh.
Now for their menu. Buon offers many different types of breakfast items, wraps, salads, and sandwiches. Despite those delicious items, they are most well known for their grilled paninis. Their 007 is their most popular. This sandwich features chicken cutlet, mozzarella, bacon, BBQ, and hot sauce. A to die for combo. They are also well known for their Crazy panini. Featuring chicken cutlet, bacon, pastrami, mozzarella, pesto, hot sauce, and chipotle mayo. You can not go wrong with ordering either of these sandwiches or any sandwich for that matter.
The 007 sandwich
The Crazy sandwich
4. Metro Deli & Catering
Coming in at number four is Metro Deli & Catering, located on Palmer Ave in Scarsdale, New York. Metro is a low-key eatery serving Jewish deli classics, plus Greek specialties, beer & wine. This deli definitely has a classic diner feel.
The outside of Metro Deli
Metro is an ideal family spot although, people of all ages can be found dining here. This place is enormous, with tons of seating. Metro is excellent at seating large groups of people, so it becomes a go-to place for large friend groups. But if dining in isn't your thing, you can order at the counter and take your food to go.
Their menu is vast. You can easily order anything you could ever want. They are known for how delicious their Reuben sandwich is. Customers choose from pastrami, corned beef, or fresh turkey. Then the sandwich is served with potato salad and a homemade pickle. They are also known for their California Cobb Salad. Featuring grilled chicken strips, avocado, tomato, cucumbers, hard-boiled egg, mushrooms, and gorgonzola cheese over a bed of mixed greens.
Corned Beef on Rye Bread. Photo from Instagram
Whether you disagree with my ranking or not, one thing I know for sure is that all Westchester Natives will agree that these delis are some of the best spots to grub down. Supporting a local deli comes naturally to any New Yorker as delis are a huge part of the culture.