Take my American Club ($7.95). I added some bacon and Russian dressing to the Turkey, Roast Beef, lettuce, and tomato and after suggesting the griddle for all of the melting and bacon cooking, I was very pleased with the results. Read on to see the final product.

I’ve only had a sandwich at Belly Delly Deli twice but after making sure the counter guys cooked the sandwich the way I wanted, I could nearly ensure my satisfaction. I wouldn’t have put the lettuce, tomato and the bacon below the meat, but hey, beggars can’t be choosers. It turned out pretty damn-near perfect otherwise and for $7.95 it challenges Lenny’s as the best option for Midtown sandwiches, you just need to have some time and patience.

I can’t attest to the reliability of this procedure during the lunchtime rush because I’ve only had these sandwiches for dinner. I also can’t vouch for the freshness of the bread, which was crisp on the outsideduring both of my Belly Delly Deli experiences. These aren’t the best sandwiches you’re ever going to have but their value and quality in regard to their Times Square location make them diamonds in the rough.

Belly Delly Deli

Next time I’ll pass on the garlic hero (merely butter and garlic powder) but this sandwich, made fresh to order, was delicious. And if that’s not enough, this place is 24 hours (delivery ends at 7pm) and the other hot sandwiches sound awesome too. Located on Broadway between 49th and 50th, Belly Delly Deli is the first “we have it all” deli to actually impress me. But is it better than NYC sandwich juggernaut Lenny’s?

Read on to find out which sandwich shop takes the Midtown crown…

The $8 Belly Delly Deli hero is smaller than Lenny’s but I can’t really complain, Belly Delly offers Boar’s Head meats, which are hard to turn down. The sandwich survived the walk from deli to office perfectly, appearing hot and melty fresh as you can see. Lenny’s hot sandwiches have had mixed results on a similar walk. At Belly Delly there’s a flat griddle, a deep fryer, and a open-flamed grill all at the sandwich maker’s disposal. I’m fairly sure Lenny’s just has the flat griddle. I’m looking forward to getting back to Belly Delly to try more.

Here’s the entire Belly Delly hot sandwiches menu from Menu Pages, each one priced at $6.99. You should specify hero, roll, or wrap…

1. Ultimate Club – Turkey, ham, Swiss, bacon, tomato
2. Buffalo Style Chicken Breast – Grilled Boar’s Head Sliced Buffalo Chicken, melted cheddar, bacon, romaine lettuce, with bleu cheese dressing
3. American Club – Grilled Roast Beef and Turkey, melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato
4. Grilled Chicken Club – Grilled Chicken Breast, melted Swiss, bacon, lettuce, tomato, honey mustard
5. Turkey Club – Grilled Turkey, melted Swiss, bacon, lettuce, tomato
6. Chicken Cutlet Parm
7. San Francisco - Grilled Chicken Breast, avocado, roasted red pepper, romaine lettuce, tomato, ranch dressing
8. Mediterranee – Lemon Grilled Chicken Breast, romaine lettuce, roasted red pepper, and feta cheese
9. Crazy Turkey – Grilled turkey, Swiss, fried onion, tomato, Russian dressing, garlic hero
10. Chicken Cordon Blue - Chicken Cutlet, melted Swiss, sliced ham, lettuce, tomato, Russian dressing
11. California Wrap – Grilled Chicken breast, avocado, romaine lettuce, tomato, roasted red pepper, Russian dressing
12. Sicilano Sub - Prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, and balsamic vinegar
13. Triple Decker - Tuna salad, chicken salad, egg salad, bacon, and lettuce

There are also some cold sandwiches and other options from the Charcoal Grill including burgers, Reubens, and Philly Cheesesteaks and although delivery ends at 7pm, everything is available 24 hours a day.

So what’s better Belly Delly or Lenny’s?

Let’s be serious here, NYC Food Guy has made some bold statements, but Belly Delly could never match the range, variety, and consistency with which Lenny’s churns out their sandwiches. Lenny’s has never disappointed and it’s not fair to give Belly Delly the edge, especially after just one try.

In the end, Lenny’s prevails and reigns as the Midtown Sandwich King.

Belly Delly Deli

Lenny’s (1 of 10)