A national food site has made its pick for the best sandwich in New Jersey—and it comes from a Newark landmark. Gourmandize recently rolled out its list of the top sandwiches in America, and for the Garden State, the honor went to Hobby’s Delicatessen & Restaurant.
For locals, the choice isn’t all that surprising. Hobby’s has been part of Newark’s food scene since 1962, run by the same family for more than six decades. Known for its authentic Jewish deli menu and welcoming atmosphere, the spot has become a go-to for corned beef and pastrami on rye, hearty matzo ball soup, knishes, potato pancakes, and onion rings.
The deli’s reputation reaches well beyond New Jersey. Food & Wine Magazine named it one of the Top Ten Delicatessens in America. Farandwide.com declared its pastrami the best in the country. Even the New York Times has called Hobby’s outstanding. A big part of that legacy comes from their old-school methods—they still cure corned beef in massive stainless steel vats on site.
With national recognition stacking up, the big question remains: is Hobby’s truly home to the best sandwich in New Jersey? For fans who have been lining up for decades, the answer is already yes.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.