An Italian deli that has been a staple of Jersey City’s West Side has moved a bit further south into a new space at Salumeria Ercolano and has re-launched its business at an iconic former diner space.
Opened in September 2010, Salumeria Ercolano was formerly located on 1072 West Side Avenue. The property that housed the deli will soon be home to the second phase of the West Side Square development, which aims to integrate the industrial property that Salumeria Ercolano called home into an expanded mixed-use complex.
As a result, the deli has now relocated and reopened at 322 West Side Avenue. Their new digs carry a bit of history, as they are now located in the former Miss America Diner space.
The restaurant was built in nearby Elizabeth in the 1940s and is locally known for its “Streamline” Art Deco exterior. The property originally opened as the Joe Cherico Diner in 1942 before Miss America’s long run.
Now that Salumeria Ercolano has taken over the space, guests can find all the deli sandwiches, paninis, and more that have earned them their stripes. The deli is a true local affair; all their sandwiches are named after Jersey City streets like Sip, Bergen, Montgomery, and Grove.
Salumeria Ercolano also features wraps, salads, and daily-rotating hot food specials. The mozzarella at the deli is made on the premises daily, while their bread is sourced from Calandra’s, along with their cheesecake, carrot cake, and other desserts.
The deli still features significant indoor seating, a staple of its former space and a unique tradition that continues. They are closed on Sundays, but otherwise open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily, with an early 5 p.m. close on Saturdays.
Salumeria Ercolano can be followed on Instagram at the handle @salumeria_ercolano.
