We've Got Your Delis

From traditional Italian cold cuts to kosher specialties and everything inbetween - there are a hots of good delis here in Essex County.

With summer arriving, you told us what Belleville delis you count on for the tastiest breads, meats and homemade salads.

In Belleville,  at 313 Union Ave. was your top choice. The Frank's Deli staff offers a wide variety of foods, including deli meats, bagels and donuts. It also sells prepackaged snacks like chips and pretzels, as well as sells beer and soft drinks and catering is available.

at 200 Franklin Ave. was your top in Nutley selection. Operating since 1990, A & S has a staff that offers a complete line of Italian food and specialties, offering a selection of grocery items as well pork and Latticini Products, and for summer there is also hot and cold catering for all occasions.

No surprise here: got the nod for best deli in Newark in this week's Readers' Choice poll. New Jersey's own version of landmark Carnegie Deli across the Hudson River, Hobby's is a typical Jewish deli serving up hot and cold favorites to businessmen, devoted patrons and residents who flock to the restaurant at lunchtime.

Montclair readers praised the —by the Watchung train station at 117 Watchung Avenue. It opened in 1926 and has become something of an institution.The popular Watchung Deli, owned by two couples—Gary and Maureen Kiffer and Robert and Jeanne Johannsen—is something of an old fashioned shop that didn't even accept credit cards until April 2011.

The deli serves sandwiches, including breakfast sandwiches, meats, salads, cheeses, desserts, and much more. Some sandwiches are named. A Murnick sandwich, for example, includes a chicken cutlet, buffalo chicken, melted alpine swiss cheese, and honey mustard—all piled onto a toasted Italian roll.

Maplewood has enough top-notch delis to satisfy most tastes, from classic to gourmet. Two that are located in the Village -- and -- are clear standouts, according to our poll. One voter wrote, "Maplewood Deli and Grille Rocks. Great place. Great food. Super owner."

In South Orange. that travel worldwide. has sandwiches named for the community, and cheese selections galore. No wonder the two are our local favorite delis!

Readers overwhelmingly chose the as their favorite deli in Millburn and Short Hills, but and garnered a lot of votes and have some die-hard fans as well

Nicco's, the Caldwell deli was the clear winner of this week's poll which asked readers, ?

And, if you have been by , you know there are a lot of signs in the Italian deli's window. One says they are open until 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday nights. Another reminds passersby that they serve hot breakfast daily, including eggs with Taylor ham and cheese, Italian sausage or sausage and peppers. Then there are the signs that indicate they serve up "famous soups" and point drivers to parking in the rear. Finally, the awning reads "Dinners to Go — We Deliver."

In Livingston, readers love to eat at Nana's Deli & Restaurant and Eppes Essen.

In Verona, our readers chose Frank Anthony’s, located at 667 Bloomfield Ave. in Verona, as the overwhelming choice by an almost 2-1 margin. Frank Anthony’s serves both hot and cold deli sandwiches, wraps, paninis and salads in addition to classic Italian fare with a menu including pizza and pasta, steaks, chops and fresh seafood.

In West Orange,  270 readers voted for Reuben's Glatt Spot, 659 Eagle Rock Ave., operating over 20 years. With four employees and the two owners, the all Jewish deli concentrates on their service and strive to make everything fresh so people will come back.  The deli has been well known being to provide personalized and friendly service for all events including brisim, bat/bar mitzvahs, weddings and corporate or home events. 

"We cook for the people needs and cater to them," Ruben, the owner, said. "It's all about service and customers will keep coming back."

At Bloomfield's , the double-barreled name says it all.  The home-like and cozy Broad Street café features deli selections that are fresh and plentiful, with a wide variety of meats, cheeses and subs.  It’s much more than a deli, however.  The Lunch Box serves all-day breakfast, hot homemade lunch and dinner entrees including pastas, chicken dishes and made-to-order Mexican wraps and quesadillas. Also on the menu is fresh made potato/macaroni salad and gourmet salads. Of course, there is an extensive array of desserts available, from homemade cheesecakes, brownies, pies and cookies, with everything made fresh on the premises.

No matter which deli you try, be sure and bring your appetite.