11 Newark Restaurants Where Sandwiches Could Impress With Size
Newark’s food scene hides some truly massive sandwiches that might leave you wondering if you should eat them or frame them.
These monster creations aren’t just big they’re packed with flavors that match their impressive dimensions. Whether you’re super hungry or looking for a meal that’ll last for days, these local spots serve sandwiches so large they practically need their own zip code.
1. Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop Newark’s Bobbie Behemoth
Thanksgiving dinner between two slices of bread? That’s exactly what you’ll get with Capriotti’s famous Bobbie sandwich. The shop piles turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mayo to heights that might require you to unhinge your jaw like a snake.
Founded in 1976, Capriotti’s still roasts whole turkeys overnight, giving their sandwiches that homemade quality. Their large size option easily feeds two hungry people.
If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, try the Capastrami, which towers with hot pastrami, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing and homemade coleslaw. Many customers leave with half their sandwich wrapped for tomorrow’s lunch!
2. Jersey Mike’s Subs The Giant-Sized Jersey Shore Favorite
When hunger strikes hard, Jersey Mike’s Giant size sub rises to the challenge. Measuring a whopping 14-15 inches, these hefty creations easily feed a small gathering or one extremely determined eater.
Their #13 Original Italian showcases layers of provolone, ham, prosciuttini, cappacuolo, salami and pepperoni that create a towering masterpiece. The bread, baked fresh daily, somehow maintains its integrity despite the mountain of meat and toppings.
Don’t miss their signature “Mike’s Way” preparation with onions, lettuce, tomatoes, vinegar, oil and spices that adds even more volume to these already substantial sandwiches. Many locals swear by the #43 Chipotle Cheese Steak for pure indulgent satisfaction.
3. Tony & Luigi’s Deli The Godfather of Massive Sandwiches
Hidden in plain sight, Tony & Luigi’s crafts sandwiches so enormous they’ve earned a cult following among Newark’s hungriest residents. Their signature “Godfather” could feed a small family gathering with its mountain of mortadella, capicola, salami, provolone, and homemade vinaigrette.
Family-owned for three generations, this deli doesn’t skimp on quality despite the overwhelming quantity. Fresh bread delivered daily somehow contains the avalanche of premium ingredients.
Regulars know to arrive early on weekends when lines form out the door. The “Soprano Special” with hot sopressata, fresh mozzarella and roasted peppers requires both hands and plenty of napkins a delicious mess worth every bite!
4. Buona Pizza & Subs The Submarine That Needs Its Own Harbor
Buona’s subs deserve their nautical name these sandwiches are practically boat-sized! Their signature Italian combo stretches a full 24 inches and weighs in at nearly three pounds of deliciousness.
What makes these monsters special isn’t just size but quality. The bread has that perfect crust-to-softness ratio that somehow doesn’t collapse under the weight of generous toppings. Their hot subs, especially the chicken parm, barely fit in their takeout containers.
Locals challenge friends to finish the “Buona Beast” a 24-inch cheesesteak loaded with extra meat, peppers, onions, mushrooms and a double helping of cheese. Nobody has managed to earn a spot on their wall of fame by finishing one solo yet!
5. Rutt’s Hut Home Of The Ripper That Requires Two Hands
Though famous for hot dogs, Rutt’s Hut’s secret weapon might be their mammoth sandwiches that challenge the laws of structural integrity. Their overstuffed roast beef creation drips with juices and practically requires engineering skills to eat without wearing half of it.
Established in 1928, this no-frills joint serves sandwiches on thick-cut bread that barely contains the generous fillings. The turkey club stacks three layers high with crispy bacon and fresh turkey that makes most others look like appetizers.
Many regulars pair these giants with their famous crinkle-cut fries for a meal that might require a post-lunch nap. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, the double-decker BLT with six strips of bacon per layer has become something of a local legend!
6. Leo’s Deli The Skyscraper Sandwich Experience
Leo’s doesn’t just make sandwiches they build edible architecture. Their signature “Skyscraper” stands nearly six inches tall, requiring customers to strategize how to fit it in their mouths without dismantling the entire creation.
Family-owned since 1976, Leo’s specializes in old-school sandwich craftsmanship with modern portions. The pastrami on rye needs two toothpicks to keep it from toppling over before it reaches your table.
Hungry construction workers from nearby sites flock here for the “Foreman Special” a behemoth with three types of meat, two cheeses, and all the fixings. Many customers take photos beside their sandwiches for scale before attempting to conquer them. Even their “half” sandwiches outsize most delis’ full offerings!
7. Santillo’s Brick Oven Pizza The Sandwich That Thinks It’s A Pizza
While renowned for pizza, Santillo’s secret weapon might be their Italian bread sandwiches that rival their pies in both size and satisfaction. Using the same brick oven that dates back to 1918, they create sandwich rolls that become vessels for mountains of toppings.
Their meatball sandwich barely fits in two hands, with house-made meatballs the size of billiard balls swimming in rich tomato sauce. The bread somehow stays crisp despite the saucy fillings a minor miracle of sandwich engineering.
Regulars know to order the off-menu “Santillo Special” a massive creation featuring three kinds of Italian meats, roasted peppers, and fresh mozzarella that’s melted to perfection. You might need to unhinge your jaw like a snake to tackle this beauty!
8. Portobello’s Italian Deli Where Sandwiches Reach New Heights
Portobello’s doesn’t understand the concept of moderation when it comes to sandwich making. Their signature “Soprano” combines prosciutto, sopressata, mortadella, and sharp provolone in quantities that would make Tony himself blush.
Third-generation sandwich artisans layer each creation with precision despite the overwhelming portions. The bread, delivered fresh each morning from a local bakery, somehow contains the avalanche of premium ingredients without surrendering to sogginess.
Many customers split these monsters with friends or save half for dinner. Their chicken cutlet special features three full breaded cutlets stacked with broccoli rabe and fresh mozzarella a meal that might require a post-lunch nap. Don’t miss their house-made roasted peppers that add another dimension to these already complex creations!
9. Luigi’s Italian Deli The Colossal Cold Cut Champion
Luigi’s sandwiches aren’t just meals they’re endurance events. Their famous “Luigi Special” packs nearly a pound of imported Italian meats and cheeses between two halves of a freshly baked 12-inch roll.
Family recipes passed down through generations ensure these giants taste as good as they look. The bread, with its perfect balance of crust and softness, somehow maintains structural integrity despite the mountain of fillings.
Regulars know to arrive hungry or bring friends to share. The chicken cutlet parmesan sandwich features three hand-breaded cutlets and enough homemade sauce to require a small lake of napkins. First-timers often laugh in disbelief when their order arrives these sandwiches are serious business that frequently become tomorrow’s lunch too!
10. Palermo Italian Deli The Sandwich That Feeds A Crowd
Palermo’s takes the concept of a hero sandwich literally you’d need superhuman abilities to finish one of their creations in a single sitting. Their 3-foot party heroes have become legendary for feeding entire office gatherings.
Even their standard sandwiches push the boundaries of what bread can reasonably contain. The “Godmother” features layers of capicola, prosciutto, sopressata, and sharp provolone with roasted peppers that create a tower of flavor requiring serious jaw gymnastics.
Family-owned for over 40 years, they still use recipes brought over from Sicily. Many locals order their famous chicken cutlet sandwich with fresh mozzarella and roasted peppers that’s so substantial it’s served with a steak knife. You’ll definitely want to grab extra napkins for this beautiful mess!
11. Antonio’s Italian Deli Where Sandwiches Defy Gravity
Antonio’s doesn’t just make sandwiches they create edible monuments. Their signature “Antonio Special” stands over 4 inches tall with layers of imported meats, cheeses, and house-made toppings that require serious strategy to eat.
This family-run spot has been stuffing bread to improbable proportions since 1975. The chicken cutlet special features multiple hand-breaded cutlets stacked with broccoli rabe, roasted peppers, and sharp provolone that makes most sandwiches look like snacks by comparison.
Locals know these sandwiches often become two meals. The meatball parm barely fits in its wrapper, with baseball-sized meatballs threatening to escape with each bite. Many customers take photos of their sandwiches before attempting to conquer them these creations deserve documentation!
