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Regina's Grocery
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Regina's Grocery
8.4
Regina’s Grocery is a family-rooted Italian-American sandwich shop where heroes are named after relatives and layered with high-quality meats, cheeses, and Calabrian chile spreads. The tiny Orchard Street space feels like a hybrid between a nonna’s kitchen and a neighborhood deli, with hefty, personality-filled sandwiches as the main draw.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uncle Jimmy, Uncle John, Grandma Lucy
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Italian-American heroes built around real family stories and generously layered fillings.
Who should go: Sandwich obsessives who love stacked Italian cold cuts.
When to visit: Lunch hours on weekdays or early weekend afternoons.
What to order: Uncle Jimmy, Uncle John, Grandma Lucy.
Insider tip: Grab your sandwich to go and eat on a nearby bench if indoor seats are taken; these travel surprisingly well.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only on Orchard Street; spots are limited and turnover is slow, especially weekends.
Dress code: Totally casual — come as you are; most people stop in during errands or neighborhood walks.
Noise level: Low to moderate; it's a tiny shop with steady foot traffic but still comfortable for a quick conversation.
Weekend wait: They close before dinner hours; late afternoons on weekends can see a 10–20 minute line.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minute wait during peak lunch; often no wait before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a few veggie heroes and the ability to customize fillings.
Vegan options: Limited — most sandwiches rely on meats and cheeses; you can build a vegetable-only hero but options are minimal.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free hero bread; gluten-free diners may need to skip the sandwiches or opt for a deconstructed plate.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure meetup than a formal first date. The space is tiny, so consider grabbing sandwiches to go and eating nearby if you want more room to talk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they don't take reservations. Seating is extremely limited, so assume takeout unless you arrive off-peak.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy hearty sandwiches; there are no high chairs or large tables, so it’s not ideal for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Deeply flavorful Italian-American heroes with personality, generous portions, and a homey, family-run feel you won’t get at larger sandwich shops.
Skip if: You need ample seating, gluten-free options, or a quieter sit-down experience — consider a larger deli or café instead.
Regina's Grocery
8.1
Regina's Grocery is a tiny Italian-American sandwich shop where stacked heroes named after family members come layered with cured meats, fresh mozzarella, and pickled peppers. With limited seating and daytime hours, it functions as both neighborhood lunch spot and destination for serious sandwich people.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uncle Chubby Sandwich, Regina Sandwich, Italian Combo Hero
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Daytime Italian heroes built on family recipes, served in a deli that feels like a scrapbook of Lower East Side stories.
Who should go: Sandwich obsessives willing to stand or grab-and-go for lunch.
When to visit: Late morning or early afternoon before the lunch rush peaks.
What to order: Uncle Chubby, Regina, or an Italian combo loaded with peppers.
Insider tip: Call in your order on busy weekends, then eat on a nearby bench to skip the tight, crowded interior.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; spots are limited and turnover is slow during lunch hours. Best luck on side streets before 11am.
Dress code: Completely casual — think neighborhood deli vibes. Come as you are.
Noise level: Low to moderate; mostly takeout traffic and quick counter conversations.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner; daytime only.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes depending on the rush; peak around 12–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several sandwiches can be made vegetarian, especially mozzarella- and veggie-forward builds.
Vegan options: Very limited — most sandwiches rely on cheese and cured meats; customization is minimal.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread or celiac-safe prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for a low-key, grab-and-go daytime vibe. Seating is limited and it’s more about the sandwich than the ambience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations, but indoor seating is extremely limited. Most people take their sandwiches to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick lunches; the small space means strollers may be tight, but the simple menu works well for older kids.
Best For
Better for: Massive, personality-filled Italian sandwiches with high-quality mozzarella and nostalgic deli energy.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, ample seating, gluten-free options, or a leisurely dining experience.