8 MUST EAT NYC Tuna Melts Guide

I love a tuna sandwich, I could literally, and sort of do, eat one every single day, mercury poisoning be damned! But when you add that layer of cheese to it, and make it a tuna melt, there is almost nothing better! So I went on the hunt in NYC for the best of the best, simple to fancy, old school to new school, and everything in between…but if there is one I missed, definitely let me know in the comments! Every spot on the list has a sandwich description with price, and a google map attached with each location.

What to Eat

MEKELBURGS- Mekelburg's is one of my favorite markets in Williamsburg, you can probably find me there at least once a day, and I was psyched to see them add this gigantic tuna melt to the menu! On a toasted garlic brioche they pile on tuna, provolone, gruyere, pickles, potato sticks, iceberg lettuce, and dill. Hard to eat, but totally worth it! $22

GOLDEN DINER- Golden Diner is the restaurant I would open, if I could dream big enough, it’s classic diner food with an Asian twist! Everyone talks about their pancakes, but don't sleep on the Sam’s Tuna Melt which puts tuna, american cheese, and salt & vinegar kettle chips on griddled rye bread! $16

S&P LUNCH- S&P is a revamped take on a classic luncheonette, sticking very closely to the same menu they have served at that location since 1928. Their tuna melt is simple personified! Just the perfect balance of buttery crispy rye bread, with the most ooey gooey mix of tuna and american cheese! $17

B&H DAIRY- Even more old school is B and H dairy. The kosher luncheonette in the East Village has been serving Jewish staples since 1938! The big difference with their tuna melt is that it's served on their homemade challah bread, and then you can pick the cheese, but it's American that you want! $12

EDITH’s SANDWICH COUNTER- More of a modern day luncheonette I love everything on their menu, but the tuna melt is a dream! Dubbed “The Perfect Tuna Melt” takes their herby tuna and puts it on a butter and toasted seeded rye with both swiss and cooper sharp cheese! $15

K’FAR- Mike Solomonov’s casual all day Israeli restaurant downstairs at the Hoxton in Williamsburg has another tuna melt with cooper sharp cheese! Served on a sesame seed jerusalem bagel, it has tuna, shipka peppers, that cooper sharp, and shrettuce! $17

AGI’s COUNTER- Agi’s Counter is a michelin bib gourmand recognized Hungarian Jewish diner in Crown Heights, and maybe the fanciest tuna melt on the list? Theirs is a confit tuna melt which comes on a homemade griddled potato pullman bread with alpine cheddar, loads of dill, and on the side is cabbage slaw and mustard. $18

BIRDEE BAKERY- Just recently opened is Birdee Bakery in Williamsburg, which has endless amazing pastries, but what I had my eyes on was their croissant tuna melt with a tomato! As of writing they are only a few weeks old, and I think the execution needs a little bit of work, but I can't deny their inventiveness and flavors in this beauty! $15