NJShore Guide

Best Delis

Classic Jersey subs, fresh Italian hoagies, and deli favorites at the shore

50+Delis
25+Beach Towns
1950sSince
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11
Delis
2
Italian Delis
3
Breakfast Spots

Jersey Shore Deli Culture

There's nothing like a real Jersey sub—fresh Italian bread, quality imported meats, and that classic oil and vinegar dressing. Shore delis have been serving beach-goers for generations, from the legendary White House in Atlantic City to neighborhood spots in every town. Whether you want a pork roll egg and cheese for breakfast or a massive Italian hoagie for the beach, these delis deliver authentic Jersey flavor.

Home to the legendary White House Sub Shop

#1 Pick

White House Sub Shop

Atlantic CityArctic Avenue
$

Legendary Atlantic City sub shop serving massive Italian subs since 1946. A must-visit.

🥪 Try: White House Special
Since 1946Celebrity photosMassive subsAC institution
#2 Pick

Sack O' Subs

MargateVentnor Avenue
$

Local favorite for classic subs and cheese fries, popular with beach-goers.

🥪 Try: Italian Sub & Cheese Fries
Beach favoriteCheese friesClassic subsQuick service

Family-friendly delis in America's Greatest Family Resort

#1 Pick

Voltaco's

Ocean CityDowntown OC
$

Family-run Italian deli serving authentic subs with imported meats for over 30 years.

🥪 Try: Italian Hoagie
Imported meatsFresh breadFamily-runBeach packing
#2 Pick

Prep's Deli

Ocean CityAsbury Avenue
$

Classic shore deli with massive portions and all the Jersey favorites.

🥪 Try: Cheesesteak Hoagie
Huge portionsClassic styleAffordableQuick service

Classic and artisan delis at the southern shore

#1 Pick

George's Place

Cape MayDowntown Cape May
$

Cape May institution serving enormous breakfast sandwiches and classic deli fare since 1970.

🥪 Try: Pork Roll Egg & Cheese
Famous breakfastHuge portionsLocal favoriteCash only
#2 Pick

Primal

WildwoodWildwood
$$

Modern deli with house-made charcuterie and artisanal sandwiches near the boardwalk.

🥪 Try: House Pastrami
House-made meatsArtisan breadCreative sandwichesNear boardwalk

Island favorites and breakfast legends

#1 Pick

Shore Good Eats

Beach HavenBeach Haven
$

Popular LBI deli known for breakfast sandwiches and creative lunch specials.

🥪 Try: Beach Breakfast Sandwich
Breakfast favoritesDaily specialsLocal favoriteFresh ingredients
#2 Pick

The Chicken or the Egg

Beach HavenBeach Haven
$

Iconic LBI breakfast spot with legendary breakfast sandwiches and all-day deli offerings.

🥪 Try: CHEGG Sandwich
LBI iconLegendary breakfastLines out the doorWorth the wait

Including the original Jersey Mike's

#1 Pick

Frank's Deli

Asbury ParkMain Street
$

Old-school Italian deli in Asbury Park with classic subs and imported Italian goods.

🥪 Try: Italian Sub
Old-school charmImported goodsClassic subsLocal institution
#2 Pick

Playa Bowls & Deli

BelmarNear Beach
$

Modern deli with both classic subs and healthy options near Belmar beaches.

🥪 Try: Italian Sub
Near beachHealthy optionsClassic subsQuick service
#3 Pick

Jersey Mike's (Original)

$

The original Jersey Mike's location where the franchise began in 1956.

🥪 Try: #13 The Original Italian
Original locationJersey Mike's birthplaceFamous subsHistoric

Deli Tips

Go Early for Beach

Pick up subs before 10 AM to beat lines and get to the beach with fresh food.

Order Oil & Vinegar

A true Jersey sub comes with oil, vinegar, oregano, and salt—not mayo. Ask for "the works."

Get the Half

Shore deli portions are huge. A half sub is often plenty for one person.

Call Ahead

Popular delis have long lines in summer. Call ahead for pickup and skip the wait.

FAQ

What is the difference between a sub and a hoagie?

In New Jersey, "sub" is more common, while "hoagie" is the Philadelphia term. They're the same thing—a long sandwich on Italian bread with meats, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and oil & vinegar.

What makes Jersey Shore delis special?

Shore delis use quality Italian meats (capicola, prosciutto, sopressata), fresh bread baked daily, and the classic oil & vinegar dressing. Many have served beach-goers for decades.

Do delis make good beach food?

Absolutely! Subs travel well to the beach, don't need heating, and are filling. Many delis offer beach-ready packaging with sides and drinks.

What is a Taylor ham (pork roll) sandwich?

A New Jersey specialty: grilled pork roll with egg and cheese on a roll or bagel. It's a Jersey breakfast icon. (Note: North Jersey says "Taylor ham," South Jersey says "pork roll.")

What should I order at a Jersey Shore deli?

Classic Italian subs (capicola, prosciutto, salami) are the signature. Also try meatball parm, cheesesteak, or a pork roll, egg & cheese for breakfast.

Are shore delis open early for breakfast?

Most open by 6-7 AM for breakfast sandwiches and coffee. They're perfect for grabbing food before an early beach day.

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