This Hole-In-The-Wall Joint Has Best Sandwich In NJ, Says New Ranking

In New Jersey, flashy diners and ostentatious restaurants aren’t the only places to find exceptional food. According to a recent ranking, their opposites are actually a better option.

In its ranking of the 50 Best Hole-In-The-Wall Sandwich Shops In Each State, the foodie website Chowhound chose Cosmo's Italian Salumeria in Hackensack for this year.

A "salumeria" is a shop focusing on cured and prepared meats like salami, ham, capicola, and prosciutto — and Cosmo's serves them up on sandwiches all day long, among other sliced delicacies.

"Cosmo's Italian Salumeria in Hackensack is definitely legit," wrote the foodie website. "The longtime spot prides itself on its fresh mozzarella, which you'll find on sandwiches like the ham and salami and the prosciutto and mozzarella."

Owner Cosmo DePinto answered the phone just before the 4 p.m. closing time on Wednesday and said he was honored to be cited.

"I appreciate seeing all these good things that people talk about," he said. "We've been here 30 years."

He said many of his patrons prefer the Number One sandwich, with its Italian meats — like salami, ham, soppressata, and capicola — along with mozzarella, lettuce, and sweet peppers.

They also enjoy chicken cutlets with fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, and roasted peppers.

Chowhound, an online food community and forum dedicated to finding “undiscovered” gems in a region’s food scene, said the 50 sandwich shops on the list are places “where tradition and simple care yield unforgettable flavors.”

Cosmo's Italian Salumeria is located at 705 Main St., Hackensack.

Read more about it and the other shops selected here.