You've seen the videos. You know the catchphrase. "Sure, sure!" followed by a heavy dose of "Don't forget the bev!" Rahim Mohamed, the man the internet knows as Ocky, turned a standard corner store routine into a global phenomenon. But if you’re actually hungry and trying to figure out where is the Ocky Way deli, you aren't looking for a digital meme. You’re looking for a specific street corner in Brooklyn.
It’s easy to get lost in the sea of imitators. Since Ocky went viral on TikTok and Instagram, "Ocky Way" has become a brand, a style of cooking, and a bit of a localized franchise. However, the original spot—the place where the chopped cheese meets a glazed donut or a pancake wrap—is tucked away in a very specific pocket of New York City.
The Physical Map: Pinpointing the Original Store
The official home of the Ocky Way is Red Apple Deli. It’s located at 603 Clinton St, Brooklyn, NY 11231.
If you’re plugging that into your GPS, you’ll find it right at the intersection of Clinton Street and Centre Street. This isn't the glitzy, high-rise part of Brooklyn. It’s Red Hook, a neighborhood that still feels a bit gritty, industrial, and deeply residential all at once. For years, this was just a neighborhood bodega where locals grabbed coffee or a roll before work. Now, it’s a destination. People fly in from Europe and California just to stand on that specific sidewalk.
Getting there isn't always the easiest trek if you’re relying on the subway. Red Hook is famously a "transportation desert." You’ll likely take the F or G train to Smith-Ninth Streets and then have to walk a good bit or catch a bus. It’s a trek. Honestly, most people just Uber there once they realize the walk from the subway involves crossing under the Gowanus Expressway.
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Why People Get Confused About the Location
It’s worth mentioning that "Ocky" has expanded. Success does that.
Because of the massive demand, Rahim Mohamed opened a second, more "official" looking location called The Ocky Way over at 102 Court St in the Brooklyn Heights/Downtown Brooklyn area. This confuses people constantly. If you want the shiny sign that actually says "The Ocky Way" in big letters, go to Court Street. It’s cleaner, it’s more geared toward tourists, and it’s much easier to reach by train.
But if you want the soul of the movement—the cramped aisles, the specific grill where the first viral videos were filmed—you have to go to Red Apple Deli on Clinton Street. That’s the "real" answer to where is the Ocky Way deli for the purists.
The Logistics of Eating the Ocky Way
Don't just show up at 3:00 PM on a Saturday and expect to walk right up to the counter. It doesn’t work like that anymore.
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Since the shop became a viral sensation, the lines can be unpredictable. Sometimes you’ll wait ten minutes; other times, you’re standing outside for an hour. And here’s a tip: Ocky isn’t always there. He’s a busy man now, running a brand, doing appearances, and managing multiple locations. The staff at Red Apple Deli are trained in the "Ocky Way" style—meaning they’ll chop up just about anything you bring them—but if you’re looking for the man himself, it’s a roll of the dice.
- Payment: It’s a bodega. While they’ve modernized a bit, always keep cash on you.
- The Menu: There isn't really a "menu" in the traditional sense for the wild stuff. You basically ask for a sandwich "the Ocky Way."
- The Bev: Never, ever forget the bev. If you don't pick a drink, the experience is incomplete. It's usually a tropical soda or a specific juice blend.
What Does "Ocky Way" Actually Mean?
To understand the location, you have to understand the food. "Ocky" is derived from Akhi, which is Arabic for "my brother." It’s a term of respect and kinship common in New York’s Yemeni-run bodegas.
The "Way" is the technique. It’s a heavy-handed, chaotic, but strangely delicious style of fusion. We’re talking about taking a standard chopped cheese—ground beef, onions, melted cheese—and putting it on a toasted honey bun. Or stuffing mozzarella sticks, fries, and jalapeño poppers into a wrap. It shouldn't work. On paper, it’s a cardiac event waiting to happen. But in the context of New York street food, it’s genius.
Navigating Red Hook Like a Local
If you make the trip to Clinton Street, don’t just eat a sandwich and leave. Red Hook is one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city because it hasn't been completely sterilized by glass towers yet.
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Walk down toward the water. You can see the Statue of Liberty from the pier behind the Fairway Market (now ShopRite). Go to Sunny’s Bar, which is one of the oldest and most legendary spots in the borough. If you’re still hungry after the Ocky Way sandwich—which, frankly, is unlikely—Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies is right around the corner.
Misconceptions and the "Fake" Ocky Spots
Because "Ocky" became a slang term, you’ll see "Ocky Way" signs all over the Bronx, Harlem, and Queens. These aren't necessarily scams; many bodega owners are friends or just hopping on a trend. But they aren't the original. If the guy behind the counter doesn't recognize the specific "Sure, sure!" rhythm, you’re just at a regular deli. Nothing wrong with that—NYC delis are the backbone of the city—but it’s not the destination you saw on your phone.
The original Red Apple Deli remains the Mecca for this specific subculture of food.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you are planning to visit the Ocky Way deli today or later this week, follow these specific steps to ensure you actually get the food you're looking for without the headache.
- Check Social Media First: Rahim often posts on his Instagram or TikTok (@general_ock) where he is physically located for the day. If he's at the Court Street shop, and you want to meet him, don't go to Red Hook.
- Aim for Off-Peak Hours: Avoid the 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM lunch rush. Try going around 10:30 AM or late in the afternoon (3:30 PM - 5:00 PM) to avoid the longest lines.
- Map the Route: If using public transit, take the F/G train to Smith-9th St Station. From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk. Alternatively, the B57 or B61 bus will get you much closer to the 603 Clinton St address.
- Know Your Order: Don't hold up the line. If you want the viral experience, just say "Can I get a [Sandwich Name] the Ocky Way?" A chopped cheese or a chicken cutlet are the standard bases.
- Respect the Neighborhood: Red Hook is a tight-knit community. Be mindful of the residents living around the deli; don't block the sidewalks or leave trash outside the store.
The Ocky Way isn't just a sandwich; it's a piece of New York City's evolving culinary history. While the hype might eventually settle, the Red Apple Deli at 603 Clinton Street has secured its spot as a landmark in the world of viral food culture.