We're all very familiar with the pork roll sandwich in New Jersey, served on a hard roll and topped with salt, pepper and ketchup. Also called taylor ham in some parts of the state, it is a local icon. But, it's not the only superstar sandwich in New Jersey.
This is a sloppy joe sandwich.
It consists of ground beef and seasonings including tomato sauce and onions.
This is a sloppy joe sandwich in New Jersey.
Most popular in northern New Jersey, it is a cold double decker deli sandwich consisting of meat (usually ham) Swiss cheese, coleslaw and Russian dressing.
The sandwich is said to have gotten its start at Town Hall Deli in South Orange.
In business since 1927, the sloppy joe came about in the 1930s after a visit to Cuba. A local politician fell in love with a sandwich there, at a restaurant called Sloppy Joe's. When he returned, he asked the proprietors of Town Hall Deli to recreate the sandwich - it was a huge hit.
Gaining a cult following, Town Hall Deli now ships throughout the continental US.
By the 1950s, the sandwich really caught on, particularly in the Jewish community. As the years passed, the sandwich became a Jersey staple. Now, not all New Jerseyans stay in the state forever, and we've had guests who are equally enamored with sandwich. To keep them satisfied, Town Hall ships through a service called goldbely. If you're still in the Garden State, visit at: 74 1st Street, South Orange.
Town Hall was the first, but is it the best?
Many say yes! Other favorites include Millburn Deli (328 Millburn Avenue, Millburn), Mr. J's Deli (15 Walnut Avenue, Cranford) and Lake Side Deli (542 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona).
Have you ever had the Jersey Joe before? What were your thoughts on the sandwich? For more quintessential New Jersey cuisine, check out these 12 Hot Dog Joints.
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