If you’ve lived in Westchester County for more than five minutes, you know the drill. Everyone has "their" deli. But mention Frank and Joe's Pleasantville NY in a room full of locals, and the debate usually just stops. It's the gold standard.
Located at 76 Wheeler Avenue, right in the heart of the village, Frank & Joe’s is one of those increasingly rare spots that manages to feel like 1961 and 2026 all at the same time. It’s a neighborhood Italian deli that doesn’t just lean on nostalgia; they actually do the work. We're talking fresh mozzarella made daily and Bronx-baked bread delivered every single morning.
Honestly, in a world of pre-packaged "artisan" sandwiches at chain cafes, this place is a reality check.
The Arthur Avenue of Pleasantville
One of the owners, Robert Spitalieri, once described the shop as the "Arthur Avenue of Pleasantville." That's a bold claim. If you’ve ever walked through the real Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, you know the bar is set high. But Frank & Joe’s earns it by sticking to the butcher-shoppe roots.
They don't just buy cold cuts; they are actual butchers. They trim and tie their own roast beefs and roast them in-house daily. You can taste the difference immediately. Most delis use a wet-pack roast beef that feels like plastic. Here, it’s tender, seasoned, and actually tastes like beef.
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Why the Freshness Matters
The deli is currently run by Chris and Mal, who took over and kept the momentum going. In 2010, they were even named Business Persons of the Year by the Pleasantville Chamber of Commerce. Why? Because they stayed consistent.
- The Bread: It comes from a Bronx bakery every morning. If you’ve ever had a hero on subpar bread that shreds the roof of your mouth, you’ll appreciate the soft-yet-crusty perfection they use here.
- The Mozzarella: They make it in-house. It’s creamy, slightly warm if you time it right, and ruined every grocery store "mozzarella" for me forever.
- The Sausage: Also made on the premises.
What to Actually Order at Frank and Joe's Pleasantville NY
If it’s your first time, don't overthink it. But also, don't just get a ham and cheese. You're in a specialized Italian landmark.
The Famous Bird Hero
This is the one people talk about. It’s a chicken cutlet with bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. It sounds simple, but the quality of that cutlet is the key. It’s breaded and fried to a golden crisp without being greasy. It’s a massive sandwich. Most people end up taking half of it home, though I’ve seen some locals polish the whole thing off in the parking lot.
The Hot Hero Specialties
They use "Mama Rosa" recipes for their sauces. The Chicken Parm and Eggplant Parm are the heavy hitters here. The eggplant is sliced thin—the way it should be—and isn't bogged down by a gallon of watery sauce.
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If you're feeling like a bit of a local, ask about their "Crazy Combos." They have a numbering system for their sandwiches, and while the menu changes slightly over the years, the quality of the Italian Combination remains a constant. It’s loaded with Genoa salami, pepperoni, ham, and provolone.
Breakfast is a Different Beast
People forget this is a 6:00 AM shop. Most days, they open the doors while the rest of the village is still hitting the snooze button. Their bacon, egg, and cheese on a roll is a Westchester rite of passage. They also do a "Breakfast Deluxe" for catering that basically feeds a small army with scrambled eggs, home fries, and mountains of bacon.
Beyond the Sandwich: The Italian Specialty Side
Frank and Joe's isn't just a place to grab a quick lunch. It’s a pantry for people who actually like to cook. They carry:
- Imported Italian cheeses (the real stuff, like Reggiano Parmigiana).
- Dried sausage and Soppressata (sweet and hot).
- Chef’s vodka, marinara, and meat sauces for take-home.
- Gluten-free macaroni and fresh pasta.
They even have a seasonal produce section. It’s basically a micro-grocery store that happens to make world-class sandwiches.
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Real Talk: The Logistics
Let’s be real—Pleasantville parking can be a nightmare. Wheeler Avenue is a busy stretch, and finding a spot right in front of the deli during the lunch rush is like winning the lottery.
"It gets hectic during lunch time, but honestly it doesn't matter. To be that busy, they must be doing something right." — This is a common sentiment among regulars.
If you can't find parking, they do offer delivery throughout Westchester. They’ve even been known to deliver to offices in White Plains because the fans there refuse to eat anything else.
Store Hours
- Monday - Saturday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM (though some sources suggest they stay open later, it's best to call ahead if it's after 5).
- Sunday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
- Closed: Christmas Day.
The Verdict on Frank and Joe's Pleasantville NY
Is it the cheapest deli in town? No. Brian Epstein, a reviewer who gave them an 11/10, noted that while the prices are on the higher end, it’s worth every penny for the quality of the ingredients. You aren't paying for a "sandwich"; you're paying for a butcher-cut, Bronx-breaded, house-made experience.
Whether you're grabbing a ball of fresh mozzarella for dinner or a "Bird Hero" for a Saturday afternoon, Frank and Joe's remains a pillar of the community. It’s a place where the staff remembers your name and the food tastes like someone’s grandmother is in the back making sure everything is perfect.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit:
If you want the peak experience, head to Frank and Joe's Pleasantville NY on a weekday morning before the 12:00 PM rush. Order the Chicken Cutlet with Fresh Mozzarella and Roasted Peppers on a hero. While they’re wrapping it, grab a container of their house-made vodka sauce from the fridge to take home for dinner. It saves you from cooking later and gives you a taste of why this place has survived for over 60 years.