The story
Sal, Kris & Charlie’s is the kind of Queens institution that feels frozen in time—and that’s the point. Open since 1940, this old-school Italian deli in Astoria has earned a 4.8-star reputation for no-frills, no-reservations takeout that draws locals and pilgrims alike. It’s a testament to the enduring power of a classic corner deli.
The sandwich that put this spot on the map is The Bomb, and as Jack’s Dining Room notes, it’s a “massive, affordable” creation loaded with seven meats and two cheeses—a “special-occasion feast.” That combination of heft, value, and tradition keeps lines forming at the counter. If you want a taste of old New York, this is where you go.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2024.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 1 dish mentions say about the food
Reviewers rave about the colossal, overstuffed "The Bomb" sandwich, calling it a legendary, messy masterpiece. The overall vibe is that of a no-frills, beloved New York institution serving outrageously good, classic Italian deli fare.
“This is the biggest sandwich I've ever seen in my life. It has seven different types of meat and two cheeses, plus cherry peppers and onions on top. For only $19.99, I feel like they could charge $50 for this — it could feed a family of 10 people. As predicted, if you throw seven meats and two cheeses on a sandwich, it's going to taste great. It's a great Italian sandwich, but how is one human supposed to even finish half? This is a special occasion sandwich — you do this once in a blue moon, unless your name is Shaquille O'Neal.”
What creators say
1 creator has covered Sal, Kris & Charlie's. Most active: Jack's Dining Room
- Jack's Dining RoomLoved
Trying what people say is the best Italian sandwich in NYC 📍Sal, Kris & Charlie’s #sandwich #nyc · @ 0:00
A legendary old-school Italian deli in Queens that has been around since 1940, serving massive, affordable sandwiches like The Bomb with seven meats and two cheeses — a special-occasion feast.
Dishes mentioned
The Bomb
This is the biggest sandwich I've ever seen in my life. It has seven different types of meat and two cheeses, plus cherry peppers and onions on top. For only $19.99, I feel like they could charge $50 for this — it could feed a family of 10 people. As predicted, if you throw seven meats and two cheeses on a sandwich, it's going to taste great. It's a great Italian sandwich, but how is one human supposed to even finish half? This is a special occasion sandwich — you do this once in a blue moon, unless your name is Shaquille O'Neal.
