The 20 Best Sandwich Shops in NYC

"A quick-stop, counter-service shop with locations in the East Village and Midtown, Rowdy Rooster is an Indian-inspired fried chicken joint with five spice levels ranging from a relatively mild garam masala to a tongue-twisting scorpion chili rub. Finished off with some scallion yogurt, red onions, and mint-cilantro chutney, these are among the city’s best fried chicken sandwiches. For you vegetarians—Rowdy also does one of the better versions of vada pao, topped with super spicy thecha, between buttered rolls. The Order: The fried chicken sandwich comes into two sizes—a Big Rowdy on a potato bun, or the smaller Lil’ Rowdy on a buttered pao roll. Nothing wrong with the potato bun, but we like to get one each of the Lil’ Rowdy and vada pao." - will hartman, willa moore, neha talreja, bryan kim, sonal shah, molly fitzpatrick