Old School Italian Deli Still Running Strong
In a city where new restaurants and coffee shops pop up constantly, it’s nice to know that long-running culinary spots are still thriving, like Salumeria Ercolano. Our friends at The Ethical Community Charter School (TECCS) on Broadway introduced us to this classic, family-run Italian Delicatessen, located on West Side Ave. and Broadway. TECCS staff and teachers are lunchtime regulars, alongside the firefighters, policemen, and other local workers who come each day for a lovely lunch of tasty, authentic Italian cuisine. You can take out but if you’re looking to linger, the seating is as ample as the extensive menu of subs, paninis, soups, sides and hot dishes. Everything is made fresh daily, including the delicious mozzarella. Rotating daily specials include mostly vegetarian soups (their Lentil soup, served with a crust of warm bread, is our favorite in town), a Filet of Sole Stuffed with Crabmeat, and Chicken Marsala. Among the many sandwiches, paninis, salads and hot dishes served daily, our favorite sandwiches are the Westside (grilled chicken, provolone, grilled zucchini and pesto) and the JFK (prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, arugula, roasted red peppers and balsamic vinaigrette).
There’s every classic Italian salad and pasta dish you can think of, such as Baked Ziti, Stuffed Shells, Pasta in Vodka Sauce and, of course, the ever-popular Chicken Parmigian. The staff is warm, friendly and on a first-name basis with most of their regulars. Note: they also run an extremely successful catering basis and the space is available to rent out for private parties. Old school JC at its finest!
1072 West Side Avenue 201-434-4604 salumeriaercolano.com