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    Blue Sky Deli

    4.4 (135 reviews)
    InexpensiveDelis, Grocery, Sandwiches
    Open Open 24 hours

    Order Blue Sky Deli Takeout or Delivery

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    BLUE SKY DELI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Casual

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    Recommended Reviews - Blue Sky Deli

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    Woooo!
    Leland S.

    THE birthplace of the Chopped Cheese. Here was my experience. AMBIANCE: Parking: You're in NY - Harlem, so street parking is generally tough. You're better off with public transportation. Seating: Not really it's just a grab and go spot. Vibes: Hello Harlem, East Harlem to be exact or aka the Barrio. It's a gritty and soulful neighborhood with a lot of Latin and Black influence. I had to take a subway and a bus to get here but didn't take too long. The place itself seems normal but certainly noticable as they do take pride of being home of the chopped cheese. You're casually welcomed by the cashier and some Mexican music. Inside it's your usual bodega with a mix of food and house supplies. Great for a grab and go FOOD: Chopped Cheese (Recommend) It's the birthplace, why not!?!? Let's begin with the hero (how NY calls a long sandwich roll), soft inside but crunchy. Beef patty is chopped and a good portion of cheese, chopped/griddled onions. Then finally mixed with classic elements of lettuce, tomato, mayo, and ketchup. Overall satisfying, and comforting especially that hero. It can last two meals but it was so good, I finished it in one sitting. CUSTOMER SERVICE: Awesome! Friendly and quick with the service TL; DR OVERALL: 5 Stars. Excellent! Good choices, reasonable prices, and a delicious chopped cheese! Thank goodness to this place for inventing the chopped cheese! I've heard of the ramen burger, cronut, but kind of surprise I never heard of it till now. Props to ma and spots and our immigrants for these brilliant and delicious/accessible inventions! #RepresentASIAN TIPS: * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gu0v2ITeYU * Between The Ocky Way or OG... I feel you can't compare

    Rudy M.

    This place is a diamond in the rough. You walk in and it's a convenience store with a deli. The door creaks so much, you think that you might actually break the door. It's a small place but they put out the best sandwiches I've had in New York to date. I've never had a pastrami sandwich with lettuce tomato or even melted cheese. It was surprisingly good. The bread choice was phenomenal. Perfectly crunchy French bread and it was a decent sized sandwich. My fiancée had her second roast beef sandwich of our visit and hers came on a a more flat bread. I will definitely give hers a shot next time I come back to Harlem.

    Chopped cheese sandwich, ready to eat
    William M.

    Another visit to a legendary New York food stop! Before coming here, I had watched the video online and tried to make chopped cheese at home and I'll say it did turn out pretty good but if you want it done right you have to come to the people that invented it. The first thing I discovered was that I was not using the fresh crispy hero roll that is used here that holds everything together. The first glance the sandwich may look a little small, but don't be deceived...there is plenty to eat inside the two rolls. Hamburger is expertly chopped from pre-shaped patties and when ready the cheese is added, and you can get onions in there too if you want, but I decided not to then the ketchup and mayo goes on either side of the grilled rolls it is filled in with lettuce and tomato Olive oil vinegar, black pepper, and securely wrapped in wax paper and then in a regular sandwich wrapper At this point, all the ingredients have pretty much blended together meeting. You don't have to go searching around the sandwich to get a bite of every ingredient because it's already there and the tomato and lettuce are still fairly in their original state despite being mixed up with the cheese and meat just make sure you eat it right away. Yes, it is a little bit out-of-the-way from most places in New York, but it will be glad you gave it a try. The deli itself has amazing the large and diverse selection of soft drinks as well as all sorts of chips and other salty snacks. I didn't look to see if there was beer and wine there I suppose there probably was, but I wasn't looking for it. Anyway, it's certainly worth a visit and I guess these places become legends on YouTube for a reason.

    Nina U.

    Chopped cheese on a hero with everything is what we ordered. 3 to be exact!! This place was recommended by a colleague at work and they did not disappoint. The right amount of ketchup and mayo without making a mess. The right combination of hamburger meat, cheese, lettuce and tomato to make one fantastic creation. Chefs kiss!! Place your order at the counter near the door you enter/exit! It'll take about 10-15 minutes to prepare. Loved it!

    Chopped cheese
    Adeline M.

    Got a chop cheese hero with everything. I came here because of a food critic that said it's "the best chop cheese". It is DEFINITELY NOT, not even close. It barely had seasoning and small amount of meat. You taste more of the lettuce and tomato, than meat. Save yourself the money and go to another deli for a chopped cheese.

    Chopped
    Cristopher R.

    Apparently this is the place where the famous chopped cheese was made and it did not disappoint. Fantastic sandwich.

    chopped cheese
    Kristina I.

    This was my first chopped cheese and I think it will spoil all the other ones (it's the OG, right?). Seriously, I fantasize about this chopped cheese. That's how good it was. I've told all my friends in California about it. The flavors just meld together so perfectly and the ketchup really makes it with the umami acidity. You MUST TRY!

    Chopped Cheese
    Love K.

    Hubs and I came for the infamous chopped cheese and my oh my was it worth it. It's essentially a chopped up cheeseburger inside a sandwich roll, pressed and slightly toasted. The chopped ingredients muddle well together creating a creamy texture which just works with the fresh crunchy lettuce. Typing this makes me want one right now. It's roughly $7, takes around 15 minutes to make upon getting the order, and there is no seating indoor or outdoor which is a slight bummer.

    Chop Cheese

    Frankie Frank The Legend! Chop Cheese I went to 25 food stops in five days the chop cheese was tied for number 1! This is Dave from Los Angeles, CA Go Folks Go!!!

    Chopped Cheese sandwich.  It tasted like a creamy Wendy's cheeseburger.  I will not be returning here.
    Gail B.

    I am a first-time trier of the NYC rapper-hyped Chopped Cheese sandwich and did not like the one made here, where it was created many years ago by a now-deceased chef. The sandwich is made with American cheese, and the quality of the ground beef is low grade. No wonder it only cost $7.50. I had the sandwich on a hero with everything on it, including lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, mayonnaise and ketchup. It tasted like a creamy Wendy's cheeseburger. I have had better "creamy cheeseburgers" in pubs, taverns, diners and bars, just several miles away in Lower Manhattan. The chefs in those burger joints are likely using higher quality ground beef. I do not recommend Chopped Cheese for cheeseburger lovers who prefer prime grade beef or for those like myself who are too Bougie for a bodega-made creamy cheeseburger. I would rather go to Wendy's, where I can sit down and eat.

    Andy N.

    The home of the Chopped Cheese. The famous Haiji's where it was created. Seen this place so many times in videos. And finally got to try it out myself. I've had chopped cheese sandwiches before but the original is just too good. Made on a sesame bread roll. filled with ground beef, cheese, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, ketchup, and mayo. Pressed like a panini to give it that crisp crunch. Located inside of the deli where you can pick up bottles of soft drinks and other convenience store items. This is a great sandwich and glad that it's getting the love it deserves. Comfort food at it's finest Recommendation: The original chopped cheese sandwich

    Chopped Cheese Hero

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    8 months ago

    Fresh bread, juicy beef, melty cheese and crunchy veggies with "everything" = Best chopped cheese I've had. Blue Sky smackz

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    4 months ago

    Was visiting NY and wanted to try my first chopped cheese so had to come to the og spot. Straight fire 10/10

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    Blue Sky Deli Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Blue Sky Deli

    Do they have a vegan version of the chopped cheese?

    Do they deliver? How do I order?

    No. Delivery with Postmates or Ubereats only.

    Is the chopped cheese served 24 hours as well?

    Yes and no. They should, but it depends on who is working the grill.

    Is the chopped cheese sandwich cash only?

    I believe they take debit/credit if you're buying $10 or more.

    View All 6 Questions

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    All'Antico Vinaio - La Dante

    All'Antico Vinaio

    4.4(608 reviews)
    3.4 miTheater District, Midtown West, Hell's Kitchen
    $$
    Casual dining
    Kid friendly

    After our Italy trip I was craving a nice focaccia sandwich they are so good out there so why not…read moretry & find something reasonable out here? Enter this place! First time around we came in, got 2 Pinot Grecio for drinks, not bad wine goes well w the sandwiches. Sandwiches we tried, La Schiacciata del boss , soo good love the truffle cream next the La Goloza , such a great combo w the mortadella & pesto. Next time around we had La Toscana , another great sandwich w the salami, pecorino & truffle honey. & La paradiso very good as well with the mortadella, Stracciatella & pistachio cream. You gotta love the fresh ingredients & freshly baked focaccia it comes out pipping hot, that alone is mouth watering. Restaurant is small & can feel a bit cramped either while u wait or if u get lucky & get a seat. There's limited seating, quick service, price wise on the high side but the sandwiches are delicious , definitely worth a try this was a great find. This places scratches the focaccia sandwich itch perfectly.

    Never a complaint when I take my lunch break at All'Antico Vinaio. Had the La Summer one of their…read moresimpler options, but it hits right: bright, a little salty, a little sweet, super fresh overall. Pro move is adding arugula and balsamic glaze I think brings it all together Easy win every time

    Photos
    All'Antico Vinaio - Interior

    Interior

    All'Antico Vinaio - La Schiacciata di Manolo

    La Schiacciata di Manolo

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    The New Yorker

    Brooklyn Delicatessen Times Square - Pastrami

    Brooklyn Delicatessen Times Square

    4.0(66 reviews)
    3.5 miTheater District, Midtown West

    Last day in New York back the end of March, found us looking for a place to get warm and grab some…read morefood while doing our last exploring dash through Times Square. We ducked here to grab some nourishment before I became to hangry. Ordering takes place at the counter then grab a table. I had a 1/2 bowl of their "famous chicken soup" and 1/2 pastrami sandwich. Had good flavor and was enough to warm me up on this brisk morning. My niece did a bagel, and after trying all week she finally got one exactly how she wanted it made. We ate and chilled for a bit, no plans for the day other than making it to the airport to go home. Was able to people watch and catch up without feeling rushed to leave. Saw locals come through, so you know it is a place worth stopping. The staff were nice and even apologized for not being able to give me the soup I wanted in a half order. Though things can often get overlooked and passed by in the hustle and bustle of the city...stop in and relax while you grab a bite to eat.

    Date of visit: April 14, 2026…read more Our friend wanted to go to a real New York deli during her first trip to the city and this is the one in the vicinity of Times Square and our evening show that was the highest rated according to my fellow Yelpers, but I am not quite sure why based on our experience. Things did start out great, with Boudjema being very friendly and helpful as we placed our order. And once we got seated, we were able to fully appreciate the vibe, both in the primarily 70s playlist, but also the mirror and brass touches across the restaurant. Food-wise, however, there were some definite opportunities. My Roasted Turkey sandwich did come on quite possibly the best rye bread I have ever had, warm and flavorful. But while the gravy was also good, the turkey was cold. This odd temperature mismatch made it hard to appreciate the generous portion of meat on the sandwich. We also ordered some tater tots and those were quite good. While it definitely could have been worse--and I've had worse in New York City--this also could have been so much better.

    Photos
    Brooklyn Delicatessen Times Square
    Brooklyn Delicatessen Times Square - Hot Pastrami Sandwich

    Hot Pastrami Sandwich

    Brooklyn Delicatessen Times Square - Chef Salad

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    Chef Salad

    Blue Sky Deli - delis - Updated May 2026

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