ZipPicks Awards
Best Sandwiches in Lower East Side
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Lower East Side
Master Critic Review
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.