From sides to stuffing, Thanksgiving feasts are a bountiful affair. Of course, the turkey takes center stage, but it isn’t limited to one Thursday.
While Hamptons delis don’t serve whole, centerpiece-worthy birds, they have turkey sandwiches to be thankful for. These sandwiches make perfect fare when heading over the river and through the woods (or sitting in traffic on Montauk Highway) to a family feast on the day before Thanksgiving. They also pair perfectly with beach days and leisurely afternoons by the pool when the frost goes into hibernation.
If you know anything about Long Island, you know it’s full of delis, and the Hamptons is no exception. Where can you find the best turkey sandwiches on the South Fork? A little birdy told us all about these Hamptons delis.
L&W Market, 2493 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton, 631-537-1123
This relaxed farm-to-pantry market is owned by Jason Weiner and Eric Lemonides, the same folks serving stellar French-inspired, locavore comfort food at Almond. While Almond leans into a bustling French bistro atmosphere, L&W Market has a more intimate, neighborhood-general-store vibe, ideal for simply walking into at your leisure.
The striped awning, airy interior and outdoor seating on warm days make a trip here feel like a trip home. But the smoked turkey sandwich rivals anything you’d whip up at home and cut into a pair of triangles for lunch. The savory meat gets a touch of sweetness from apples and is elevated by creamy brie.
Hampton Eats, 74 North Main St., East Hampton, 631-604-6600
This locavore-forward food court opened in late summer of 2023 and houses numerous Hamptons favorites under one roof: Villa Italian Specialties, Montauk Bake Shoppe, Beach Bakery & Grand Cafe, Stuart’s Seafood and Paul’s Pizza (in Southampton Village). The turkey avocado sandwiches come courtesy of East Hampton’s Villa Italian Specialties. Sink your teeth into a bright, savory mix of sliced avocado, mozzarella, fresh roasted turkey, baby arugula and fresh tomato sandwiched between warm, sliced ciabatta bread.
The Goldberg’s Original Famous Bagels, Multiple locations
The Goldberg’s Original Famous Bagels offers a double-whammy of fast-casual breakfast and lunch classics. Now with locations across Eastern Suffolk, the shop traces its roots to Southampton, where Marc Goldberg, who began making bagels at 14, opened the brand’s first brick-and-mortar shop in the early aughts. Numerous sandwiches named after East End locations include turkey. The East Hampton combines turkey and grilled pastrami with coleslaw on rye bread, while the Westhampton’s grilled turkey with sautéed apples, bacon and tomato boasts the same classic-with-a-twist feel as the town itself.
Harbor Market & Kitchen, 184 Division St., Sag Harbor, 631-725-4433
Set in historic Sag Harbor, this rustic spot serving straightforward Mediterranean fare to-go is perfect for travelers and those exploring the area. Chef Paul Del Favero leans into classic recipes when crafting a menu, giving diners a taste of home whether they call the Hamptons home, are on their way home or are visiting from afar. An uncomplicated but creative turkey sandwich with avocado, caramelized onions and bacon is served on a fresh-baked baguette. It’s fresh, creamy, a touch sweet and salty, waking up every tastebud and providing fuel for wherever the tides take you.
Carissa’s the Bakery, Multiple Locations
Carissa’s fresh-baked artisanal breads made the bakery an instant classic when Carissa Waechter opened the first of three East End locations in 2017. Though the breads taste fantastic as a standalone food, Carissa’s makes sandwiches that stand out. The smoked turkey sandwich gets a spicy-sweet kick courtesy of kohlrabi slaw and smoked tomato aioli. Green tomatoes add a juicy, colorful twist, and the baguette will have tastebuds feel like they’ve jetted off to France without leaving the Hamptons.
The Eccentric Bagel, 25 West Neck Road, Shelter Island, 631-749-5363
This gem of a Shelter Island shop known for its off-beat bagel offerings, from chocolate chip to sun-dried tomato and Italian herb, is worth returning to for lunch. (Though breakfast and lunch sandwiches are served all day, double-dipping for each meal is proof you indeed can have it all.) The savory turkey sandwich includes cheddar, bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato and mayo will easily hold you over until the next morning’s rosemary and salt bagel. Speaking of which, the sandwich, the most popular lunch offrering on the menu, can be served on a rosemary and salt (or any) bagel, wrap, roll or gluten-free option.
