The Original Joe Sandwich, often called the New Jersey Sloppy Joe, is a legendary deli sandwich created in the 1930s at Town Hall Deli. Unlike the ground-beef sloppy joe popular in many parts of the United States, this iconic version is a cold triple-decker sandwich layered with deli meats, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing between slices of rye bread.
The sandwich has become a regional specialty of northern New Jersey and is known for its distinctive construction, balanced flavors, and generous size. The combination of creamy dressing, tangy slaw, savory meats, and nutty rye bread creates a unique deli classic that has remained popular for nearly a century.
Below is a detailed homemade recipe (about 1000 words) that recreates the traditional Joe Sandwich experience in your own kitchen.
The Original Joe Sandwich (Town Hall Deli Style)
Servings
4 large sandwiches
Preparation Time
30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Sandwich
- 12 thin slices rye bread (preferably Pullman rye)
- 8 slices roast beef
- 8 slices turkey breast (or ham)
- 4–6 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 cups coleslaw (preferably dry slaw)
- 4 tablespoons softened butter
For the Russian Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Additions
- Thin slices of beef tongue (traditional version)
- Pickles on the side
- Potato chips or deli pickles for serving
Traditional versions sometimes include ham and beef tongue with Swiss cheese, layered with coleslaw and dressing on rye bread.
Step 1: Prepare the Russian Dressing
Russian dressing is essential to the Joe sandwich because it provides creamy richness and tangy flavor.
- In a medium bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish.
- Add lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce.
- Sprinkle in paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes so the flavors blend.
The dressing should be thick enough to spread easily but not runny. If it seems too thick, add a teaspoon of water or lemon juice.
Step 2: Prepare the Coleslaw
Authentic deli-style Joe sandwiches use a relatively dry coleslaw rather than heavily dressed slaw.
Quick Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 cups shredded cabbage
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Combine cabbage, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Toss until evenly coated.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes.
The slaw should remain crunchy and not overly wet. In many delis the cabbage is lightly brined for days to enhance flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread
The bread is a key feature of this sandwich.
Authentic Joe sandwiches use three slices of thin rye bread, stacked club-style.
- Lay out three slices of rye bread for each sandwich.
- Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice.
Butter acts as a moisture barrier, preventing the dressing and slaw from making the bread soggy.
Step 4: Assemble the First Layer
- Place the first slice of buttered rye bread on a cutting board.
- Spread 1–2 tablespoons of Russian dressing.
- Add a layer of turkey or roast beef.
- Top with Swiss cheese.
- Add a small handful of coleslaw.
The combination of meat, cheese, and slaw creates the base flavor of the sandwich.
Step 5: Add the Middle Layer
- Place the second slice of rye bread on top.
- Spread another tablespoon of Russian dressing.
- Add the second type of meat (roast beef or ham).
- Add more coleslaw.
This second layer is what makes the sandwich a true triple-decker deli classic.
Step 6: Finish the Sandwich
- Place the third slice of rye bread on top.
- Press gently to compact the sandwich.
- Trim the crusts off all sides.
Many delis remove the crusts to create a neat rectangular presentation.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Traditionally the Joe sandwich is cut into triangles or small squares.
Because it is very large, one sandwich can often feed two or three people.
Serve with:
- Pickles
- Potato chips
- Coleslaw
- Dill spears
The sandwich can also be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for a few hours before serving. Some people believe the flavors improve slightly after resting.
Flavor Profile
The Joe sandwich is famous because of its balanced flavors:
Savory: roast beef or ham
Creamy: Russian dressing
Crunchy: cabbage slaw
Nutty: rye bread
Rich: Swiss cheese
Together they create a satisfying deli sandwich that is both hearty and refreshing.
Tips for the Perfect Joe Sandwich
1. Use Thin Rye Bread
Traditional Joe sandwiches use thin Pullman rye slices. Thick bread can overpower the fillings.
2. Choose Quality Deli Meat
Freshly sliced deli meat will dramatically improve the flavor.
Good combinations include:
- Turkey + roast beef
- Turkey + corned beef
- Ham + tongue (classic version)
3. Keep the Slaw Dry
Too much dressing in the coleslaw can make the sandwich soggy.
4. Chill Before Cutting
Wrapping the sandwich and chilling it for 30 minutes helps the layers hold together.
5. Slice Small Portions
Delis often cut the sandwich into multiple pieces for sharing.
History of the Joe Sandwich
The Joe sandwich originated in the 1930s when the owner of a New Jersey deli attempted to recreate a sandwich he had tasted at a bar in Havana called Sloppy Joe’s.
The resulting creation became a local sensation and remains one of the most famous deli sandwiches in the region.
Key characteristics include:
- Triple-decker structure
- Cold deli meats
- Swiss cheese
- Coleslaw
- Russian dressing
- Rye bread
Despite sharing the same name, this sandwich is completely different from the tomato-sauced ground beef sloppy joe commonly served in American diners.
Variations
Many delis offer their own versions.
Popular combinations include:
The Favorite Joe
- Roast beef
- Turkey
- Swiss cheese
Kosher Joe
- Turkey
- Corned beef
- Roast beef
- No cheese
Pastrami Joe
- Pastrami
- Turkey
- Swiss
Each variation keeps the same structure but changes the meat combination.
Final Thoughts
The Original Joe Sandwich is more than just a sandwich—it is a piece of American deli history. With its towering layers, bold flavors, and nostalgic appeal, it remains one of the most iconic regional sandwiches in the United States.
Making it at home allows you to experience the magic of a classic deli creation: crispy rye bread, creamy dressing, crunchy slaw, and savory meats stacked into a sandwich that is both indulgent and unforgettable.
Once you try it, you may understand why this nearly century-old sandwich still has a loyal following.