You gotta take a look at the north Jersey Sloppy Joe wars. The sloppy joe with the coleslaw and pastrami… My dad was nuts about those. i like the turkey version.
the NJ sloppy joe has no resemblance at all to the tomato/meat style. It is a regular deli sandwich with coleslaw on it. The North Jersey delis all lay claim to them. My take on them is fresh sliced roast turkey on rye with swiss, russian dressing, and lots of coleslaw. my o my
Jim S
THE SKINNY ON THE JOE AS TOLD BY JAMES F:
You probably know the background of the NJ Sloppy Joe and how it differs from what the rest of the country calls the sandwich of the same name. The NJ version is not ground beef in a sauce on a bun. It’s a double decker on rye with a combination of deli meats, cole slaw, Russian dressing and, sometimes, cheese. It’s always cut into multiple sections, not just into 2 halves. Usually you see them on a big platter at parties, carved into squares about 3″ X 3″ X 3″ with a toothpick holding each section together.
The Millburn Deli makes a gourmet version of the sandwich. The 3 slices of rye are thinly sliced fresh to order, meats are of super high quality (fresh turkey, rare and lean roast beef), there is one slice of Swiss cheese, and the homemade slaw and Russian are kind of sweet and thick, gluing the sandwich together. The sandwich could be described as creamy. You order the sandwich by the (single) type of meat you want, for examples, a Turkey Joe or a Roast Beef Joe. The ham Joe, which I believe is the most popular version, is simply called the Sloppy Joe. One unique feature of the Millburn Deli Joe is that it is sliced into 3! sections – picture an oval rye slice divided this way with 2 opposing D shaped sections surrounding the center Wedge. Just as people have various ways they might approach eating an Oreo cookie, there are different schools of thought on whether to eat from L to R or R to L, start with the Wedge, or save the Wedge for last. (There is no toothpick, as the sandwich is only about 1.5 ” tall.) The sandwich has remained essentially the same since I first had one around 1970, even though the ownership of the deli has changed. They used to butter each slice of bread – now, that’s only done on request (by some old timers).
Here is their website, which doesn’t give too much info and provides no pictures.
You should order one (or some) and see what you think.
The MD SJ was recently featured in a NY Times Article:
I’ll try to remember to take a picture next time I eat one.
Millburn is an upscale suburban NJ town whose poshest area is called Short Hills.
JAF
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Town Hall Deli in South Orange, NJ. Incredible sloppy joe. http://www.seriouseats.com/required_eating/2007/08/serious-sandwich-sloppy-joe-to.html
Possibly the originators of the sandwich. Their style of sandwich in general is very cool.
I grew up in Summit and Chatham Township NJ and occasionally crave a “real” sloppy joe sandwich. Been living in California for twenty years and unless you’re from a relativly small area in NJ, you do think a sloppy joe is of the meat and sauce variety.
Found this blog since we are hosting a small party in a couple of weeks and am thinking of serving sloppy joes, the real kind. Thanks for the wonderful and delicious reminder!
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I grew up in (then tiny) Chatham Township NJ also, and will bet I knew the Pamela from above – (last name “S”? It was a very small town!) Sloppy Joes were a mainstay and it wasn’t until we grew up and all moved away that we found out the rest of the world thought we were ordering Hamburger Helper. Thirty years later, there are whole Facebook threads devoted to ‘The Joe’, the top four contenders are Chatham Deli, Hickory Tree Deli (CT), Millburn Deli and Short Hills Deli. Town Hall Deli (SO) and Towne Deli (Summit) runners up. Recipe/idea supposedly brought back in the ’30’s from Havana by then Mayor of Maplewood. Still reigns as Iconic Food of The Century (I vote Turkey but would never turn down Ham!)
Come visit our restaurant in beautiful Orleans, Mass and you can enjoy a NJ Sloppy Joe. It is amazing what a conversation starter it is for our visitors from the South Orange area. And it’s tasty!
What’s the name of your restaurant?
I grew up in New Providence and just went to NJ on business. Being now from Virginia, no one knows about this marvelous taste treat. I had to stop by the Avenue Deli and pick some up to bring back to my family in VA. They traveled well in platic wrap on ice.
Ita a poor man’s reuben you bunch of shmendriks
No, it’s not a reuben, you mouth breather. There is no sauerkraut and it isn’t cooked/heated in any way.
I loved the old Chatham Deli sloppy joes. They had the most amazing cole slaw. I believe the deli was sold 15 years ago or longer and while there is still a deli in this location, the cole slaw and best sloppy joes disappeared. Does anyone have any idea how the original Chatham Deli made the cole slaw?
I grew up in Summit and as a “tween” walked to the New Providence deli from Clearwater almost every summer day to get a delicious sloppy joe. Haven’t lived in NJ for many years but would love to have a REAL NJ sloppy joe again!
Swam at Clearwater and loved the joe,jr at the town deli a d hill city deli in Summit back in the 60’s. Live in Biloxi MS now!
Growing up in Madison (50’s-60’s) the best Sloppy Joe was at Scharmanns Deli on Main Street. Lowell Tyler made the best, toothpicks behind each ear and sweat poring off his forehead. Later it was CJ’s then MainStreet Subs. I always stop and pick some up on the way back to CT.
YOU GOT IT RIGHT, LT WAS MY GRANDFATHER AND NO DOUBT MADE THE BEST SANDWICHES AROUND!
Are you Tommy Tyler’s son?? I went to MHS with him in the 1960s, and was in touch with him several years ago but lost the thread. I would love to reconnect. BTW, your grandfather not only made the best sloppy joes ever, but the best potato salad too! He was a great guy. Everyone loved him.
Bill Reinhart
Agreed. My first SJ experience was by Lowell Tyler at Schwarman’s Deli in Madison. You could enter from the back parking lot and walk through the amazing little kitchen and see the great things being prepped. My recollection is that LT’s sandwiches did not include coleslaw as n ingredient. Am I suffering memory lapse?
My dad used cole slaw
Tom Tyler
I am a Jersey Girl. I have lived in Jersey for 46yrs and have moved out to the midwest. Nobody out here knows what a real sloppy joe is. I can’t wait to get back to Jersey to have a real one again! YUM!
I grew up making these at a fancy deli in Bernardsville, NJ. The above picture does not do this sandwich justice.
While I agree the deli meat ingrediants may vary to the customers’ taste, one thing for sure, it has to be very tall ! At best it needs to be cut in fours becasue otherwize it is too big to bite without falling apart. It must have the larger size of frilly toothpicks holding it together. ( The average size one would be swallowed by the sandwich. ) Slightly drain the coleslaw so that the bread doesn’t get too soggy too quickly. Use a wooden handled sandwich spreader to apply coleslaw to the entire slice of bread. It should leave a mess on your prep board.
Double wrap in sandwich paper if to go, or line platter with 2-3 doillies due to coleslaw juice .
This is best eaten 1/2 hour to two hours after being made.
Here in San Diego, sadly this could not compete with fish tacos.
I am from South Orange, NJ where the Sloppy-Joe sandwich was born, back in the 1950’s. I owned the Chicken Nest, originally from South Orange and sold thousands of the Sloppy-Joes over our several years in operation. People ask me all the time where they can get a good sloppy-joe in the South Florida area. Does anybody make an original, delicious NJ Sloppy-Joe in South Florida. Maybe I should!!!!
I am from South Orange and worked for Jimmy at the Chicken Nest and proudly assembled thousands upon thousands of the famous Sloppy Joe sandwich. No one can do it like we did it, its definitely a Jersey thing. Jimmy insisted on the finestest top round store cooked roast beef and turkey off the frame, fresh made russian dressing and cole slaw and real corned beef brisket pickled the correct way. Hey Jimmy lets do it!
how did they make teh thin rye ?
Jimmy, I know this post is 4 years old, but I just found it. My name is Alicia Ruddy and I just wanted to tell you that our family loved the Chicken Nest! Best fried chicken ever! Side too! I feel like we had Chicken Nest at least once a week after school or for dinner. I wish I had your Chicken Nest while I was raising my own 3 boys! Thanks for the memories!
I grew up in Livingston and loved The Chicken Nest. You used have a pasta salad made with angel hair and rice wine vinegar was part of the dressing. Can you share that recipe or remind me of what the other Ingredients were would love to be able to make it as it is the perfect summer time side.
Thanks
Yes, Jimmy, you absolutely should. Does the Chicken Nest still exist. Love the name. Did you name it?
Snack
I grew up in New Providence NJ, the avenue deli
has the best sloppy Joe, (reg joe) every summer when I visit, I go to the Avenue Deli for my Joe, Chatham Deli at one time had the best, but they changed the cole slaw and it is just not the same anymore
I love coleslaw since I was a kid. Anything with coleslaw, I just love it. Now I’m craving for sloppy joe… it’s so yummy!
Fill-a-Belly Deli in morristown had really great joes…
Thank you. I will put Fill-a-Belly on the directory right now!
Years ago there was, maybe still is, a deli in New Milford, NJ that made a Sloppy Joe that had to be ordered at least 24 hours in advance, usually reserved for special occasions.
A ten inch round loaf of rye was sliced very thin, top two or three slices discarded. Roast beef, turkey, ham, corned beef, swiss cheese, cole slaw and russian dressing were generously ‘dealt’ between the layers. It was a good 7 to 8 inches tall, cut into 6 wedges, secured with long frill topped skewers, wrapped in colored cellophane. Its very presence announced – Celebration!
Main St. Subs in Madison, NJ is the #1 Joe. Called “Ralphs” for those in the know 😉
I make the second best though!!!
SINCE YOU KNOW MADISON.. DO YOU REMEMBER IN THE 70’S A VERY SMALL SUB SHOP OFFA MAIN STREET. i THINK IT WAS CALLED MIKE’S. HE AND HIS WIFE RAN IT AND WHEN THE HAD A KID THE KID GREW UP IN THE FRONT WINDOW OF THE STORE. THE beeeest TUNA
FOR A TUNA SUB EVERRRR! i’M 58 AND NEVER HAVE FOUND THAT TASTE ANYWHERE.
DOES THAT RING A BELL TO ANYONE?
Do you still live in NJ? Or Madison? I moved to AZ 14 years ago. I don’t miss the snow and cold weather but I do miss all the great food! Mostly Mexican food here, just not into it. An Italian restaurant opened here, they had great food! It closed, people around here do not understand GREAT ITALIAN FOOD. I think the owners were from NJ. Pictures of Frank Sanatra and other famous people from NJ. They even had the red and white checkered table cloths. Was sorry to see them go, ate there often. Miss the real Sloppy Joe and Italian food! Gregg. Born and raised in NJ!
I remember Mike’s very well. Was on Central Avenue. Had a crock pot of meatballs for the meatball subs. Freshly sliced all the meats.
Just went back to NJ for Thanksgiving — and the best part was going to Hickory Tree Deli in Chatham for Sloppy Joes! Living in Midwest now — nobody knows what I am talking about. I ask for a Sloppy Joe in a deli, and I always handed a some kind of chili sandwich. Nothing like a NJ Joe.
The Sloppy Joe was invented at Town Hall Deli in S. Orange back in the 30’s, they still make a decent one….but my favorite is still Millburn Deli. I get mine extra sloppy! Can’t live without ’em!
Stacey
Some of my fondest memories of Millburn/Short Hills is going to the Millburn Deli on Sundays after church with my parents and getting a Sloppy Joe and their Ice Tea for lunch. I have tried to duplicate the sandwich over the years but nothing that i have done comes close to theirs….eating one is pure heaven on earth!
I have friends that frequently stop at the Millburn Deli on their way from Washington to Boston to pick these up for their unfortunate friends in Boston that have never experienced one of these sandwiches.
O.M.G.!!! When I first walked into the Milburn Deli a few months ago, and saw all the signage for various sloppy joes, I thought I was in the wrong place, as I can’t stand those tomato sauce and ground meat versions I’ve loathed since my schooldays.
Then I saw them being made, and was very much relieved!! Now THAT is what a sandwich should be! I ordered a roast beef joe, scurried back to Starbucks with my smuggled treat and spent the next half hour in sandwich nirvana with a side of coleslaw heaven!!!
The roast beef joe is now firmly on my list of guilty pleasures, right alongside the Godiva Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake at the Cheesecake factory!
I’ve tried making them myself at home, but it’s hard finding the right roast beef and coleslaw, hard to find ’em as good as at the Milburn Deli!
I also grew up in Chatham Twp. My first “Joe” was from CJs in Madison, and they still make one of the best. These days I usually go to Hickory tree for my fixes. I recently turned a co worker onto the joys of the sandwich, and he is now addicted to this almost pornographic feat of the sandwich art. He grew up in Boonton, and had never even heard of them. They are a highly regional delight to be sure. Probably the only reason to be glad to be living in Jersey these days.
I love living in NEW Jersey. You are probably a far right malcontent…do yourself a favor and move if you don’t like it (I didn’t inject politics into this thread – you did).
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Does anyone remember the Short Hills Deli on Millburn Ave near the High School? Not some fake-o Short Hills Deli in Cherry Hill — I mean, get your own deli South Jersey! Go watch the Eagles game and throw batteries at Santa!
When I was in growing up in the 80s (Millburn High ’88) I went there all the time. The Millburn Deli wasn’t considered that good back then, before the remodel and before the Short Hills Deli closed. It was a tiny place, just a counter. They had the best sloppy joe around, and the triangle piece in the middle was the perfect sandwich bite.
Since I was a kid I have been on a mission to try sloppy joes at every deli I visited in NJ (since this is the only place they are made). I have something of a passion/addiction to NJ sloppy joes. Let’s just say I have been to a LOT of delis in north and central NJ over the past 25ish years, and here is my ranking:
C&Js (Madison) – I have never found a better joe. This deli puts the “sloppy” in sloppy joe. Russian dressing is oozing from every corner, and you can’t help but get messy while eating it. The dressing and coleslaw are great. One of the few places that cuts sloppys in 2 halves instead of 3 pieces, but as far as I know there is no rule about how many times the sandwich is sliced.
Hickory Tree (Chatham Twp) – Runner up for sure. Sometimes could use a bit more Russian/coleslaw, but that is just my preference. The slaw and dressing are very good. Tasty joe.
Mendham Deli (Mendham) – Not sure if that is the name of the place, it is the deli in the Kings shopping center. Good meats and dressing, very tasty sandwich cut into 4 pieces. Only drawback is that it too small and you may still be hungry after finishing it.
Honorable mention:
Genes II (Morris Plains) – this deli was made famous recently for selling a big time winning lottery ticket. Small place you wouldn’t otherwise notice. Decent joe, and they make a wrap variant which I liked a lot.
ShopRite – Not many supermarkets make a good joe (Kings, you shouldn’t even try, let alone charge $8 for them) but ShopRite delivers.
Caveat – I have not (yet) been to Town Hall Deli which is widely regarded as the home of the joe. When I do get there I will be ordering the tongue joe, sounds intruiging.
Thumbs down:
Kings – Hey Kings, you need to put some slaw and dressing on a sloppy joe, mm k?
Millburn Deli – Now it has been a while (many years) since I was there, but back in the 80’s I was not impressed. Something about the dressing turned me off.
Summit (not sure which deli) – Again this was years ago but whatever deli it was didn’t make a very tasty joe. But since there are probably a dozen delis in Summit this doesn’t mean much.
One last note – in one of north NJ’s nicest towns, Morristown, I was never able to find a really good sloppy joe. Even at the great Longfellows. Surprising given how many nice eateries Morristown has. Oh, and Fill-A-Belly deli has been gone for years (thankfully). I used to live a block from that place and it was dirty, the meats were bad and everything looked like it had been sitting out for days. Now there is a Quick Mart there, and they make an average sloppy joe.
Quick update – I tried the Avenue Deli (New Providence) sloppy joe yesterday. It was decent – not great but decent. Certainly no match for C&J’s or Hickory Tree.
I am from Millburn and just had my fill,
Another good SJ we used to get in the ’70’s was from a Florham Park Liquor store a few blocks off Rt 24 by going strait instead of taking the left bend under the Railroad Tracks up to Drew U.
Hickory Tree Deli used to be the Old Hickory in the 60’s and early 70’s and was bought by someone in late 70’s–they had fantastic joes and the new owner carried them on. Last I had one from them was in late 80s and was still great, but if they have changed the slaw recipe since then that is too bad, because that is what made theirs stand out (that and the fact they made them early in the morning and they had a couple hours to “set up” in the cold case for lunch).
CJ’s came close, but their slaw was not as fine a shred as Hickory’s and was a bit too vinegary to my taste. Town Hall and Milburn also pretty good. Was a good one in Denville, and another in Hibernia/Lake Telemark area of all places, for a while as well (since sold).
I finally found a decent one in Dallas (Addison, actually)! Place called Jersey Joes. Yes, the owner’s name is Joe and he runs the counter, and yes, he is from Jersey. He loves it when someone orders a joe, but he calls it a Jersey Joe to get around the problem with folks thinking it is a loose meat sandwich. He’s more of a Jersey Shore Italian style sandwich deli, but his joe is more than good enough to bring back great memories.
Everyone is making my mouth water. I grew up in Fanwood/Scotch Plains and I got my first Sloppy Joe at the Hershey’s deli in Scotch Plains. I worked in Livingston for a while so I frequented the Chatham Deli (not sure if this is the same place as the Hickory Tree Deli I see mentioned here). This is my personal favorite but I now regret not trying all the other delis that rank higher on everyone’s list.
I live in Lancaster PA now and nobody knows what a true Jersey Sloppy Joe is. I had a deli make one for me a couple of times but they stopped because it took too much time. Word of caution: if you’re ever in this area, DO NOT stop at an Isaac’s and expect a Jersey style deli, they only make sandwiches that are listed on the menu.
Every now and then I will buy all the ingredients to make a SJ myself but nothing beats walking into a NJ deli and ordering one. My personal favorite was Roast Beef, Turkey and Swiss. I still complain that there are no true delis in this area of PA. My other lament is that I can’t walk into an Italian deli and order a “Number 4”. If anyone knows what I mean we may have to start another thread.
My opinion… Towne Deli across from New Providence Train Station (not Murray Hill). They have, for years, been the measuring stick for my “Joe” experience. They used to pre-package Ham Joes, Turkey Joes, and Roast Beef Joes in the morning due to demand. I don’t know if this is still practice, but to me, a fresh Joe is the way to go. Whatever you do, it would be a disservice to get anything but a freshly, homemade Iced Tea when you order one. It’s the perfect lunch (and usually snack later on for piece #3).
Side note: I have had Millburn Deli’s Joe, but I wasn’t overly impressed. They also make their own iced tea, but it’s too sweet. I’ll tell you what though, it’s a solid deli with wonderful selections. Overall, the Millburn Deli is one of the best I’ve ever been to.
I’m amazed that no one mentioned the Hill City Deli in Summit as The Source for the best Joe ….. they’re the ones that use beef tongue instead of roast beef (hey … it’s an acquired and upscale taste), the best seeded Jewish Rye, as well as extraordinary ham and primo swiss ….. and their slaw and dressing are without peer. (Oh, you poor uninformed latter-day implants).
It’s always a trip coming back to Summit from Harrisburg, PA., but it’s on my schedule.
I’m not sure if I have had a Joe from Hill City deli, but I’m quite certain that I am not a poor uninformed implant. Born and raised in northern New Jersey, and as stated above I’ve made it a mission to try Joes from every deli I visit. I doubt Hill City would leave Hickory Tree, C&Js or some other delis mentioned in the dust. But I will try to sample it if I find myself in Summit.
Daniel, I didn’t intend to leave an insult …..it’s just that Jersey Joes get me so carried away ….. and I am sure there are a million permutations around North NJ that are extraordinary …. my apologies again for sounding too intense.
Met my first husband getting a Sloppy Joe at Chippy’s in Madison, NJ. Now that I’m in South Jersey, I still crave them. One deli on Long Beach Island makes a turkey joe, but it’s not half as good. They looked at me like I was crazy asking for a ham joe.
I read all these reviews and my mouth is watering. I lived in Livingston, NJ and went to Millburn Deli for sloppy joes. I am now in Tucson, AZ and everyone thinks a sloppy joe is chopped meat in barbi sauce. (ugh). I think at my next party I will try to serve these..
I have read all of these and tried most of these places having grown up in Madison in the 70’s. Hickory tree was always great until 2008 or 2009 when two owners Anthony and Lou had some sort of falling out. So Anthony and his brother Gino (also from Hickory) open Pascarella Brother’s Deli on the “Summit side” of Chatham near Dreyer’s lumber yard and holy cow- they knocked it out of the park!! The bread is always fresh and the russian dressing and homemade coleslaw is sooo good it reminds me of the old days…hands down winner! A Visit to Pascarella’s is a MUST! Thankfully I now live thirty minutes away or I would eat one daily. Millburn deli and CJ’s deli were always good..but growing up it was Park Avenue Market in Madison. In the 70’s and 80’s there was no place better. Their joes were so huge and delicious you couldn’t stop licking your fingers! Also very convenient when cutting English class! Thanks for taking me back in time.
new jersey sloppy joes i found this place in south florida prob the closest around they will make em for you http://www.laspadashoagies.com
We were buying these sloppy joes since 1957 or 1958 at Chippy’s in Madison NJ (on Main Street).
The milburn deli is great, but the original and best IS Townhall Deli in South Orange….period. There can be no other opinion about the subject. It just is what it is.
Not sure if you heard, but your opinion is just that – your opinion. It is not a fact.
I’m from NJ. I now live in AZ.I made NJ Sloppy Joes for them.They loved them but still don’t make them right.They want to put dumb things on them that ruin the best sandwich ever invented.They still ask me to make them.I give them a list of things to buy and they get something different.I GIVE UP!
I am from NJ I want a real SLOPPY JOE! Not warm dog food on a burger roll!
I used to work in Berkeley Hts year ago. We always got the Joes at avenue deli. Ohh man! Savor every delicious bite! I never had them anywhere else but if people are saying the AD’s are only “decent”, Id love to try one at the other places mentioned.
THE BEST! I am from NJ. Made them for friends in AZ. They loved them!
THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My favorite Sloppy Joes were from New Famous Restaurant in South Orange (closed many years ago), Chicken Nest a close 2nd and Town Hall 3rd. You must get an 8-cut!!!! In Union Larchmont Bakery & Deli made a great THIN Sloppy Joe (not an 8-cut). Millburn Deli makes a great Joe too, but you use to have to ask for NO BUTTER, or they would automatically add it. I was told they stopped doing that, but I don’t know.
New Jersey Sloppy Joe. Ham,3 slices of rye bread. coleslaw and thousand island dressing. From New Providence NJ. I make them for my friends and they love them. They just can’t make them right. I live in AZ now.
So, you use Thousand Island rather than Russian Dressing? The Washington Post just published a recipe for the Joe. I haven’t tried their version yet, but plan to. It uses Russian dressing. Here’s a link:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/pb/recipes/new-jersey-sloppy-joes/14457/
I miss NJ food! We walked to the store and got SUBS an Birch Beer.
I ate food from there often. Sure miss it!
Tom
Growing up in Madison NJ and being the son of Lowell Tyler ((Scharman’s , CJ’s)this has brought back so many memories of my dad. He made the best and was the best. I remember taking orders from my friends whenever we had an activity (marching band, musicals, etc.) and my dad would make their lunches or dinner for them. I also remember my dad giving reduced prices to any of the kids who worked in Main Street stores after school. My Dad died in 1973 and I still think of him every day. To Rick: you nailed it about my dad – the sweat, the tooth pick. The only thing that you missed was the non filtered Chesterfield hanging from his mouth with a four inch ash.
Grew up in Short Hills in the “50s” and the only place to buy an authentic Sloppy Joe was The Millburn Deli! Left the state over 40 years ago, but never go back that that’s the first thing I look for, that and Taylor Ham.
I am from New Providence NJ. SloppyJoe was not some dog food from a can. I live in AZ and made the real thing for them for people here, they loved them and now make them at home. They eat tacos and burritos wrapped in soft cardboard here. PS I sure want REAL PIZZA. Also miss real bagels with cream cheese and Lox.
From Jonathan Mandell, childhood friend of JAF – Jersey Joe expert:
I have not lived in NJ since I was 17–a long time ago, and we’ll leave it at that, but a trip to NJ is not complete without a detour for a Joe. I have a hard time choosing between a Roast Beef Joe and a Turkey Joe, but both are “last meal on earth good”. The Town Hall Deli in South Orange claims to be the original home of the Sloppy Joe. I think that is accurate information as my first taste of the sandwich was a Town Hall Joe, years before there was a Millburn Deli–and introduced to me by my grandparents, who lived in South Orange at the time. I cannot say that the Town Hall Joe is superior to the Millburn Deli Joe, nor would I say that being first is an advantage (didn’t Dumont make the original televisions?) but I will say that the styles differ and a pilgrimage to Essex County, NJ is well worth the trip for any sandwich lover.
In any event, I’ve attached Town Hall’s website so that you may read a bit of Joe history which, apparently, can be traced to Batista’s Cuba. Who would’ve thunk?
http://www.townhalldeli.com
Just found this while looking for recipe for sloppy joe. Grew up in Basking Ridge and New Providence and had many a sloppy joe. Move to the mid-west years ago but sorely miss those sandwiches. Mostly had them from a deli in Summit. Hopefully will be able to replicate for myself. No one believes me when I tell them how great they taste.
Hi All. 2 questions.
1. Can someone send me an awesome picture of a platter of sloppy joes?
2. Does anyone know how they cut the bread so thin?
Hi Andy
Pop was the best! Contact me! Would love to hear from you.
Cathie has the info!
Uncle Tommy
Typical New Jersey folks. Treating everyone else in the world like they are stupid because their tiny little concieted part of the country are the ONLY ones know what “a real sloppy Joe is”. Most of us would know better that to complain about your food, but noooo, folks from New Jersey must have the last word about everything. North Carolina is ruined with people from New Jersey who move away from blue state taxation, only to insult us and our food cultures at every turn. I actually enjoy the NJ style sandwich,, just not the completely obnoxious people who insist that it is “the real Sloppy Joe”. they are almost as bad a Texans, who insist that everything is bigger and better there, too, and that is saying something.
Obviously, there are different names for different foods around the US and the world . For example, soda vs. pop, French Fries vs. chips, bangers vs. sausage, etc. etc. Growing up in New Jersey and the son of one of the best Sloppy Joe makers in food history, Lowell Tyler, we were brought up that a Sloppy Joe was a layered sandwich of several types of cold cuts, cheese, Russian Dressing and cole slaw. What you describe as a Sloppy Joe, we referred to as barbequed beef. This goes back at least sixty years when I was in grammar school. It was always listed that way on the school lunch menus in the cafeteria. I haven’t lived in New Jersey for thirty five years. In Brooklyn NY, most of my friends have no idea what a Sloppy Joe is – either kind. My nephew is a longtime North Carolinian and when he came up to visit, he introduced his sons to both Sloppy Joes and Taylor Ham/ Pork Roll.
Both of his kids loved the two items. This is not to put your culture down. Many New Jerseyans move to other areas of the country for different reasons. I think it’s totally unfair for you to categorize and criticize everyone into a group. Not everyone fits your description of people from New Jersey.
Typical judgmental southern doosh. I read a lot of “the New Jersey version of the sloppy joe,” didn’t see “we have the REAL sloppy joe.” Posters just differentiated between the ground meat version and the NJ version. Take your attitude and go screw.
P.S. North Carolina food culture can be summed up as: barbeque. That’s about it LOL.
According to the deli’s owner, a Maplewood politician, Thomas Sweeney, returned from a vacation in Cuba, where he spent time at a bar named Sloppy Joe’s. The bar’s owner laid out fixings for patrons, who put sandwiches together. Sweeney asked Town Hall to cater his poker games with the same sort of sandwiches, and they caught on. In the ‘, several Jewish delis in Newark and surroundings were also selling the sandwich, including Places like Tabatchnicks, Kartzman’s, Karpen’s Deli in Passaic, and Union Pantry in Union.