This Queens deli was just voted the best of its kind in the borough

Queens is officially a sandwich city and Sunnyside just claimed the crown. After weeks of borough-wide carb-fueled democracy, Empire Shop NYC has been voted the best deli in Queens, topping a lineup of 18 contenders in the inaugural Queens’ Best Deli Competition run by the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

If you’ve ever grabbed a toasty chicken pesto sandwich from Empire on your way to the 7 train or cooled down with one of their fresh juices on a sweltering July afternoon, you already understand the hype. The family-run spot on 39th Place has only been around since 2022, but it’s quickly become a neighborhood staple thanks to a menu that spans classic deli fare, glossy burgers, acai bowls and salads that don’t feel like punishment. Think bodega convenience with café aspirations, plus a staff that remembers regulars’ orders and offers genuine warmth instead of deli-counter gruff.

The Chamber’s competition opened nominations on September 29 before putting the vote to the people from October 13 to 22. Residents showed up with opinions as stacked as a pastrami hero and, on October 29, Empire beat everyone else.

“Congratulations to Empire Shop NYC for rising to the top and being named Queens’ Best Deli,” said Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, in an official statement. “This competition was a celebration of the incredible talent and diversity in our borough’s deli scene and the quality, creativity and dedication of the owners and staff at Empire Shop NYC clearly resonated with voters.”

Empire’s team didn’t hide how much the win meant. “This recognition means the world to our family and our team, because behind every sandwich, every smoothie and every smile, there’s hard work, sacrifice and passion,” said Katerine Rodriguez, owner of Empire Shop NYC, in an official statement. “Queens is more than just where we work—it’s our home and we’re proud to serve the people who make this borough so special.”

Second place went to Corona icon Leo’s Latticini, home to the legendary Mama’s sandwich, while Alba’s Deli in Kew Gardens snagged third. Other nominees included fan favorites like Sal, Kris & Charlie’s in Astoria, Cherry Valley Deli & Grill in Whitestone and Brothers Ravioli in Howard Beach. Queens doesn’t mess around when it comes to cold cuts, clearly.

The Chamber has been pitting local legends against each other for years, previously tackling pizza, empanadas, bagels, tacos and halal. A deli bracket almost feels overdue in a borough where sandwich loyalty runs deeper than subway lines and every neighborhood swears its corner shop is the only correct answer.

For Empire Shop NYC, the victory comes with bragging rights, a plaque and a complimentary Chamber membership. For the rest of us, it’s an incentive to get to Sunnyside hungry.