Summer is a great time to eat sandwiches. Whether you’re having a picnic, or lounging on a boat, or picking up one to eat in a nice quiet space only you know about, there’s something very liberating about unwrapping a freshly made meat and veggie combo only to destroy it minutes later. And since take out is having a moment, we thought we’d round up five NYC sandwiches. Also, we’re defining a sandwich as any meat or veggie placed between two pieces of bread. So burgers count, but avocado toast is out. Unless you put another piece of bread on top. Tacos deserve a separate list.

Hanoi House’s Bahn Mai

Bahn mi’s are delicious, but finding a truly exceptional one in New York is hard. Seriously, we’ve tried. They’re either not spicy enough or they go heavy on the sriracha but not the pate. And don’t get us started on the bread. It either falls apart immediately or its so crunchy you crack a tooth when trying to devour a carrot slice. It’s really disheartening. But there is at least one place we know of that CRUSHES the bahn mi game in NYC. Hanoi House in the East Village is it’s name. Its classic bahn mi uses Vietnamese ham, pork terrine, and chicken liver pate for a flavor packed, crunchy bite that is ideal for an easy summer evening. We endorse this sandwich fully and if the courts recognize a legal union between sandwich and human, we’d gladly fill out that paperwork. If you recognize this love, order one on Caviar.

Bar Sardine Burger

Bar Sardine has one of the most delicious burgers in downtown Manhattan. We know this because before COVID-19 we would often walk into here late night, devour a burger, and go to sleep knowing we might have just tasted a dish from heaven. Now, you can experience this amazing West Village delight in the comfort of your home. Just dim the lights and Zoom with a beloved friend, and you’ll get the full experience. To order, keep an eye on Jeffrey’s Grocery online availability here.

Also, if you’re craving a lobster roll, The Corner at Bar Sardine is now open Wednesday through Sunday and has one on the menu in the event someone is quarantining in what was supposed to be your Montauk house. Other people we don’t know said it was “the best” but we’ll let you decide whether it’s a worthy sandwich or not.

Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop’s BEC

You know what kind of sandwich stands the test of time. Anything from a place opened since 1929. We’re talking tuna melts, reubens, and chicken salad sandwiches. Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop is that place where comfort through food was established, and they’re doing a hell of a job spreading that old school love with donations to NYC’s essential workers. If you want, donate, but you must order a BEC if you want to retain your NYC street credit. How else would you want to start your day?

Mama Too’s Chicken Cutlet Sandwich

An Italian inspired sandwich sounds great until you realize how people fail miserably at delivering what should be an no brainer. But Mama Too’s is a place that has “the touch.” You know, the one where everything they make, from pizza to salads to sandwiches, just hits on every level. Our good friend Mike Chau reports they’ve got a new chicken sandwich that’s super tasty and worth eating, but listen this place sells out all the time so get over here ASAP.

Michael’s of Brooklyn meatball parm

Warm cheese covered rolls slathered in sauce may not sound like something you’d want to heat on a hot day, but you’re supposed to be self-isolating anyway so who cares if you go heavy. Michael’s brand new parm to go counter provides classic italian sandwiches like chicken, eggplant, veal, and meatball, which we’re recommending. for anyone in need of a red sauce rush.